Furnas de Santo António

Furnas de Santo António is a natural bathing area on the northern coast of Pico Island, in the Santo António parish of São Roque do Pico, in the Azores. The site is part of Portugal's protected areas network (code PT0700019), and it also welcomes swimmers, divers and anyone curious about volcanic coastal geology.

What is this place?

The Furnas are natural pools set in open ocean, over a seafloor of basalt slabs. Lava that once flowed into the sea left a rugged, rocky shoreline with inlets where the water is calmer than on the open Atlantic. The parish council counts it among the most sought-after bathing spots on the island.

Can you swim here?

Yes. The bathing area has concrete walkways, sun decks and two saltwater pools, which makes getting into the water easier than on the wilder, rockier parts of the north coast. It is still the Atlantic, so conditions depend on swell and weather. Check the forecast and any signage on site before getting in.

Can you dive here?

Yes. A guide to Azorean dive sites describes it as easy and sheltered, with an average depth of about 12 m, a maximum of 17 m and weak current. Underwater highlights include a large rock arch roughly 8 m wide. These conditions suit less experienced divers too, ideally with a local dive centre.

What should you know about the geology?

The coast here belongs to a fossil cliff (arriba fóssil) that stretches for about 4.5 km. You will see high cliffs, small islets and partly submerged caves, a typical example of how the ocean shapes a volcanic island.

What is nearby?

Around Furnas de Santo António there is a campsite and the Jardim das Furnas park, which makes it a practical base for a long day by the water. Not far away is Furna do Frei Matias, one of the best-known lava caves in the Azores, so a swim can easily be combined with a look at volcanic formations.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Furnas de Santo António? On the northern coast of Pico Island, in the Santo António parish of São Roque do Pico.

Are there facilities? Yes: concrete walkways, sun decks and two saltwater pools. A campsite and a park are close by.

Is it suitable for diving? Yes. It is described as easy and sheltered, with weak current and depths of up to 17 m.

What else is there to see nearby? The lava cave Furna do Frei Matias and the fossil cliff that runs for about 4.5 km.

When is the best time to visit? Swimming and diving are most pleasant when the sea is calm. Summer is usually the warmest season in the Azores, but always check current conditions before entering the water.