Furnas, Volcanic parish in Povoação, Portugal.

Furnas is a civil parish in the municipality of Povoação on São Miguel island in the Azores, covering 34.43 km² with 1,439 residents in 2011. It lies within the caldera of the Furnas Volcano, a trachytic structure with two calderas, the older about 7 by 5.5 km wide and the younger 4.5 by 3.5 km, formed 35,000 years ago. The parish includes hot springs, mud pools, the Lagoa das Furnas crater lake, and the Terra Nostra botanical garden.

Furnas was first mentioned when trees from its valley were cut to rebuild Vila Franca do Campo after the 1522 earthquakes. In 1553 Manuel da Câmara ordered pines replanted after near-deforestation, and from 1577 cattle herding began. A 1630 volcanic eruption forced abandonment, but settlers returned; roads were improved in 1682–1683 with donations from the Baron of Larangeiras.

The valley is known for cozido à Furnas, a traditional stew that local cooks prepare in underground pits warmed by geothermal heat. This cooking method reflects how residents have adapted their daily practices to the volcanic landscape around them.

Visit during warmer months when pathways are most comfortable to walk and the thermal pools are pleasantly warm. Wear sturdy shoes and light clothing to safely navigate the volcanic ground and enjoy the geothermal areas.

The 1630 eruption in the valley killed about 200 people and led the hermits of Nossa Senhora da Consolação to abandon their convent; the valley emptied until settlers from Maia, Ponta Garça, Povoação and Vila Franca returned, some sheltering first in grottoes cut into the tuff.