Azores Hot Springs

‘Where can I book Caldera Velha?’ – it’s question we’re often asked, and we’ve compiled a list of our favourite Azores Hot Springs…

Most of the Azores’ hot springs are located on the main island of Sao Miguel. Caldera Velha is on the northern side of the mountain pass which runs from Agua de Pau on the south coast, over Pico da Barrosa to Ribeira Grande on the north coast. Like its more famous sister pools in Furnas, Caldeira Velha’s waters are coloured deep orange from the high iron-oxide content; it’s drawn into the water as it rises from a deep thermal aquifer. What’s unique about Caldeira Velha is the 30˚C waterfall which falls out of the forest into the bathing pools below.

Due to its popularity, we recommend booking in advance via: https://parquesnaturais.azores.gov.pt/bilheteira/caldeiravelha An important note regarding all the hot springs on Sao Miguel: the iron-oxide can stain, so be sure to take dark-coloured costumes and towels.

The Termas das Caldieras Ribeira Grande are to the east, on the narrow pass which heads up to Monte Escuro. Also known as the Banhos da Coroa (Crown Baths), this is the oldest spa on the island, built in the early 1800s. A number of new features were added in 2016 and the water temperatures range from 32⁰C to 40⁰C. There’s also an interpretation centre, Casa das Caldeiras, where you can learn more about the geological processes at work under your feet.

The pools are open from 10am to 10pm (sometimes 11pm on special occasions) – you can’t prebook at the moment, but you can usually request a list of their treatments and prices by messaging via their Facebook page.

The Azores’ most famous geothermal pools are at the 200-year-old Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens in Furnas. A small pool was first constructed in 1780, before being expanded in 1935 into the large oval pool we see today. Two smaller pools were added a few years ago, which are geared more towards relaxation. If you’re staying at the Terra Nostra Hotel, the gardens are closed to the public between 16:30 and 10:30, and are floodlit at night for the exclusive use of guests. The hotel also provides dark-coloured towels and robes specifically for the pools. If you’re a day visitor, we can prebook tickets for you. Unfortunately, towel rental ended with COVID – it’s quite easy to purchase suitable towels in Ponta Delgada prior to your visit.

Also in Furnas, the naturally heated Ribeira dos Lameiros has been channelled into a series of infinity-style pools known as Poca Dona Beija. Constructed from local basalt, each of the five pool has its own unique design – there are also changing facilities and showers, and at time of writing Poca Dona Beija is the only hot spring which offers towels to rent. Tickets must be prebooked online at: https://pocadadonabeija.com/en/ Tickets are 8€ per person and the maximum stay is 90 minutes – towel rental (4€ + a deposit) and locker rental (2€ + a deposit) are paid for direct on the day, and we recommend taking along a supply of 1€ coins for the coin-operated showers.

Unlike the other inland pools, Ferraria is located down on the southeast coast of Sao Miguel, in the shadow of the Sete Cidades caldera. The main crater doesn’t have any active fumaroles or hot springs – instead, a hydrothermal fissure vents into the sea at Ferraria and naturally heats the water just offshore. Most visitors come to swim in the sea, which is free – the Piscina Natural da Sofia is usually the most-accessible point, but we do recommend caution: the area doesn’t have lifeguards, the rocky volcanic coastline can be sharp, and you should avoid getting in the sea if it’s at all rough.

You might prefer to visit the purpose-built spa, which has indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna and a Turkish bath – a list of spa treatments and prices is available by email: termasdaferraria@gmail.com. There’s also a large, free car park but the narrow, zig-zagging road down to the coast can be tricky – it’s often easier to park at the miradouro da Ilha Sabrina and walk down instead.

The small island of Graciosa also has its own coastal spa: the Termas do Carapacho. It’s located at the southern tip of the island, and like Ferraria, the hot water originates from the large Furna do Enxofre caldera next door. There’s been spa here in one form or another since 1750, and the water temperature is usually between 35⁰C and 40⁰C.  Unlike the springs on Sao Miguel, Carapacho’s water tends to be clearer as the iron content is much lower. There’s also a popular sea-water pool outside, with a view of the impressive 191m high Ponta do Carapacho cliffs and the Ilheu de Baixo – an island which was once attached to Graciosa. It’s now a protected maritime conservation area, home to a number of species of terns and shearwaters.

We specialise in personalised holidays to the Azores. 

Call our team 01768 721020 to begin planning your own personalised trip.