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Along the rugged and densely treed promontories of this part of the island, the view-points of the Ponta da Madrugada and Ponta do Sossego offer panoramic vistas over the sea. They are equipped with tables and barbecues for picnicking. Serra da Tronqueira, a natural forest reserve, contains the greatest concentration of plant species of the Azores. It is the only known habitat of the Priolo - a species of bird only found in the Azores. Pico da Vara is the highest point of the island of S.
Miguel (1,105 m). From here you can enjoy glorious views of the surrounding
countryside.
About 20 KM from Moinho do Passal is the village of Furnas, set in a valley of extraordinary beauty, that because of continuing volcanic activity, is richly endowed with a thermal resort of 22 natural springs, one of the premiere thermal regions of Europe.
In the village you can stroll through the Parque Terra Nostra, a paradisiacal botanical garden dating from the 18th century teeming with a wide variety of plants, exotic flowers and centuries old trees in intoxicating abundance amongst reflecting pools. And right in the center is a warm, iron-rich spring-fed pool in which visitors may bathe, even in winter!
Close by the village is the Lagoa das Furnas - "Lake of the Springs"
- a huge crater lake, surrounded by a forest dense with shrubbery and
blue hydrangea, that contains a zone of steaming volcanic fissures often
used for cooking certain traditional Portuguese dishes.
Tennis enthusiasts can play on the tennis courts of the art-deco Hotel Terra Nostra, located in the verdant Parque Terra Nostra, or on those of the convenient camp grounds nearby .
The management of Moinho do Passal can arrange a wide range of activities for you, from sporting to recreation to unique dining experiences:
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