Furnas, São Miguel: The Famous Terra Nostra Garden Hotel

This is one of the most unique hotel experiences in the world. Azores Getaways offers access to the award-winning Terra Nostra Garden Hotel in Furnas, São Miguel - home to one of the Azores' most iconic thermal pools, set within a breathtaking 19th-century botanical garden. The package includes unlimited 24/7 access to the famous iron-rich thermal hot springs, including night swimming under the stars - an experience that simply cannot be replicated. 

The Azores Getaways Terra Nostra package includes round-trip flights, a rental car, 6 nights at the award-winning Terra Nostra Garden Hotel in Furnas, São Miguel, daily breakfast, a welcome cocktail, and unlimited 24/7 access to the famous thermal hot springs - including night swimming. It's a complete, stress-free Azores vacation experience curated by Azores Getaways for North American travelers.

The Terra Nostra hot springs are among the most famous thermal pools in the world - a vast, iron-rich thermal pool set within the lush 19th-century Terra Nostra Botanical Garden in Furnas, São Miguel. The water's characteristic amber color comes from its high iron content, which is known for its therapeutic and relaxing properties. With unlimited 24/7 access included, Azores Getaways guests can swim at dawn, dusk, or under the stars - a truly unforgettable experience.

Yes - a rental car is included in the package, making it easy to explore all of São Miguel at your own pace. The island is home to some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Atlantic - from the twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades to the volcanic Lagoa do Fogo and the vibrant capital Ponta Delgada. Azores Getaways can also arrange optional guided tours and experiences - contact our team when booking to tailor your São Miguel adventure.

The package includes a standard economy manual-transmission car. Upgrades to a larger vehicle or automatic transmission are available on request. The Terra Nostra Garden Hotel in Furnas is approximately 40 minutes from Ponta Delgada airport - the rental car is essential for reaching the hotel and exploring São Miguel's stunning landscapes. Contact Azores Getaways when booking to discuss your car options or for help reviewing fees and insurance coverage.

Yes, Azores Getaways can accommodate flight customizations, including extra checked luggage and cabin upgrades (premium economy or business class) as paid add-ons at booking, subject to availability. Contact our Azores Getaways team with your preferences, and we'll find the best options for your trip from the U.S. or Canada.

Daily breakfast is included throughout your stay at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel. Additional meals are not included in the package, giving you the freedom to explore local restaurants in and around Furnas village. The hotel also features its own restaurant serving traditional Azorean cuisine - including the famous Cozido das Furnas, a slow-cooked stew prepared using the volcanic geothermal heat of Furnas. 

São Miguel and the Terra Nostra hot springs can be enjoyed year-round. Summer (June–September) offers the warmest temperatures and best conditions for outdoor exploration. Spring and autumn are ideal for lush green landscapes, whale watching, and fewer crowds. Winter is mild and peaceful - and soaking in the thermal hot springs under a winter sky is one of the most magical experiences the Azores has to offer.

Yes - Portugal and the Azores are consistently ranked among the safest destinations in the world, regularly appearing in the top 10 of the Global Peace Index. São Miguel is a welcoming, low-crime island popular with North American travelers. No visa is required for U.S. or Canadian citizens - a valid passport with at least 6 months' validity is all you need.

Furnas is one of the most extraordinary villages in the Azores - a geothermal wonderland unlike anywhere else in the world. Beyond the famous Terra Nostra hot springs, highlights include the volcanic Furnas Lake with its bubbling fumaroles and calderas, the iconic Cozido das Furnas (a traditional stew slow-cooked underground by volcanic heat), the lush Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, and the charming village centre with local artisan shops. A short drive brings you to some of São Miguel's most dramatic viewpoints and landscapes. Azores Getaways can arrange optional guided tours of Furnas and beyond - contact the team when booking.

After booking, you'll receive our curated self-drive guide with insider tips from us, your local experts who live in the islands. This isn't generic tourist information; it's real, authentic recommendations for discovering both famous highlights like Sete Cidades and Furnas, plus hidden gems off the beaten path. The guide helps you make the most of your rental car freedom with personalized routes, local secrets, and practical advice for independent exploration.

Yes, a single supplement applies since pricing is based on double occupancy. It covers solo use of a hotel room throughout the stay and is shown transparently at checkout. Solo travel at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel is very popular - the relaxed, resort-style atmosphere and thermal hot springs make it an ideal retreat for independent travelers. To check the solo price, update the number of guests from 2 to 1 in the calendar first, then click "See Dates & Prices" and the solo price will update - or contact the Azores Getaways team and we'll make it effortless.

City taxes are not included in the package price and are paid directly to the hotel at check-out. Rates in São Miguel typically range from €2€ to 3€ per person, per night. Please note these rates are set by local governments and may change.

Yes - extra nights at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel or additional destinations in São Miguel can be arranged. To book, select "See Dates & Prices" on the Azores Getaways website and proceed securely online, or contact the team for personalized assistance. Our experts can help add optional tours, upgrade your rental car, or answer any questions about your Azores adventure. Outside office hours, an emergency contact number is provided in your trip documents for urgent matters while traveling through São Miguel.