Algar do Carvão - Furnas do Enxofre

This circuit crosses Terceira’s central plateau between Algar do Carvão and Furnas do Enxofre. The initial lapilli track passes a former geothermal borehole and enters laurel forest. Pico da Salsa, Pico do Tamujo and Sanguinhal frame wetlands and pockets of native vegetation, giving the walk a remote atmosphere despite its proximity to major geosites.

The landscape then opens into pasture and views of the geothermal production area. A spur reaches the fumarole field at Furnas do Enxofre before the circuit resumes through meadows and low hills. Pico Alpanaque provides perspectives over the Guilherme Moniz caldera when visibility is good. The return skirts Pico Sanguinhal and rejoins the initial track. By connecting forest, bogs, volcanic relief and signs of underground heat, the route reveals several dimensions of the island’s natural system together with areas undergoing ecological restoration.

Seeing a former borehole and the production area from the route adds a contemporary dimension to its volcanic story. The walk is not limited to natural manifestations: it also shows, from a safe distance, how underground heat has been studied and used on the plateau while neighbouring habitats remain the subject of restoration.

Begin on the lapilli track near the Algar do Carvão parking area and pass the former geothermal borehole. Cross forest and plateau between Pico da Salsa, Pico do Tamujo and Sanguinhal, then continue south through pasture. Use the marked spur of roughly 600 metres to Furnas do Enxofre and return to the circuit. Proceed through Pico Alpanaque, skirt Pico Sanguinhal and follow the road back to the start. After the Furnas spur, rejoin the same waymarks before crossing the meadows towards Pico Alpanaque.