Furnas on São Miguel is a magical place with the most beautiful surrounding scenery. [The highlights are the walk round the nearby crater lake and a visit to the superb Terra Nostra botanic garden - non-residents of the Terra Nostra Hotel are welcome at the garden (admission 4 Euros)]. The Forestry Post gardens should also be included in a spring visit to see the fish farm and the amazing pond full of loudly croaking frogs (fortunately not audible from the hotel!).

On finding that the Terra Nostra hotel was booked up, the two of us checked in at the Residencial Vista do Vale (Rua da Palha 9675 042 Furnas) for two nights in April 2005 at the excellent low season (possibly discounted) rate of 40 Euros per twin room per night, including breakfast. (No other meals are served.) The second floor room was spacious, with two comfortable chairs, a writing desk with stool and the usual built-in wardrobes and a faultless bathroom with very hot water. There was a balcony with table and... more