4 Awesome São Miguel Hot Springs to Soak in the Azores
São Miguel island is the largest in the archipelago of the Azores and is a paradise for nature lovers. The island is home to otherworldly landscapes, colorful lakes, waterfalls, and enough hiking trails to keep visitors busy for months.
Another unforgettable highlight is the numerous São Miguel hot springs that are found scattered throughout the island.
The most famous thermal pools of São Miguel are found in and around the cute town of Furnas. Additionally, there are a couple of thermal baths between the stunning crater lake of Lagoa do Fogo and the northern city of Ribeira Grande. Some natural pools can also be found along the west coast of São Miguel.
This quick São Miguel hot springs guide includes four of the most popular thermal pools, what to bring, and general information about visiting the different thermal pool facilities.
Here are some of my favorite Azores hot springs on São Miguel Island.
Table of Contents
- How to Visit the São Miguel Hot Springs
- The Best São Miguel Hot Springs
- What to Pack for the Azores Thermal Pools
- When is the Best Time to Soak in the Azores Hot Springs?
- Conclusion | Awesome Hot Springs on São Miguel Island in the Azores Portugal
How to Visit the São Miguel Hot Springs
The Azores Islands are composed of nine volcanic islands found in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. These diverse and unique islands are an autonomous region of Portugal. Each island is often described by color, with São Miguel being the “Green Island” for its fertile land that produces thick forests covered in ferns, moss, and flora.
The biggest city on São Miguel island is Ponta Delgada, which is also home to a large port, the airport, and numerous tourist agencies. Most visitors will stay in Ponta Delgada and then explore the island by renting a car. All of the main car rental agencies are at the airport or near the airport. Those that are not directly located in the airport have free shuttles for convenience.
There are no hot springs near Ponta Delgada, so you’ll need to rent a car, take the bus, or join a guided tour. Caldeira Velha is the only São Miguel hot spring in this post that is not accessible by bus.
The easiest way to visit the hot springs in São Miguel is by car. Be mindful that in places like Furnas, parking can be a hassle and inconvenient.
Additionally, Ponta Delgada also has two main bus stops for those travelers looking to explore the island via public transportation. I was able to easily navigate the bus system and will add tips for those looking to do the same.
4 Popular São Miguel Hot Springs
Below find some of the best hot springs on São Miguel Island of the Azores Portugal. The water is rich in nutrients and iron, so don’t expect crystal-clear water. It’s best to bring an older or dark swimsuit.
The temperature of the thermal pools depends on the facility, time of day, weather, etc. Typically the thermal pools on São Miguel range between 35 º C – 39 º C (95 º F – 102 º F).
Furnas Thermal Pools
With a name like Furnas, it’s hard not to expect hot springs. The Furnas Valley is a dormant volcano crater that last erupted in 1630.
Furnas is connected to Ponta Delgada via Public Buses
Make sure to pick up an updated bus schedule from the Ponta Delgada Tourist Information Center. I also verified live times with Google Maps and double-checked schedules with this São Miguel bus site. Buses can change at a moment’s notice and weekday and weekend schedules differ.
Public buses are large coach buses.
🚌 Buses Ponta Delgada – Furnas | Varela Bus (#318) | Buses depart from here in Ponta Delgada, sea side of the street | Average Fare: €4.65 | Duration: 1.5 Hours
1 | Terra Nostra Park
One of the most popular places to visit on São Miguel island is the Parque Terra Nostra. This natural park boasts walking paths that twist through botanical gardens and an iconic thermal pool.
Upon arrival pay admission and pick up a brochure. Admission includes access to the gardens, trails, and the thermal pool. The trails and different sections of the park are laid out. I especially enjoyed the grotto caves and the “Bubbling Lake.”
The main Terra Nostra thermal pool is large and sits right below the Old House. Find a large fountain in the center with other small fountains scattered around the sides. The toilets, showers, and changing rooms are included with the admission ticket.
It’s worth noting that there is construction on site to improve the facilities, so the small pools are closed and there are make-shift facilities.
There are no lockers, but plenty of places to leave items near the pool.
The thermal pool can be quite busy in the afternoon and it closes earlier than the nearby Poca de Dona Beija. It’s best to visit Terra Nostra in the morning to avoid the crowds. Terra Nostra also offers a hotel next door to the park, Terra Nostra Garden Hotel. Hotel guests have access to the thermal pools 24/7.
Parque Terra Nostra | Find it Here: Largo Marquês da Praia e Monfort, Furnas | General Admission: €10 | Hours: Daily: 10:30 – 16:30 | Official Website
Terra Nostra Park can be reached via public transportation. Two bus lines depart from Ponta Delgada to Furnas, but the bus company of Varela e Companhia is more direct.
2 Poça da Dona Beija
Poca de Dona Beija was my absolute favorite hot spring in Furnas. After trekking the Great Route of Santa Maria Island, I was eager to soak in these sizzling hot springs.
Poca de Dona Beija has 5 thermal pools that are all around the same temperature. The temperature of the pools typically runs around 39º C (102º F). Each pool offers a different kind of vibe, some have small fountains while others have little imitation waterfalls. A small stream cuts between the soaking pools.
The landscape design is beautiful. Soak in the springs while appreciating the local flora. The springs are equally impressive in the morning in the evening.
It is not possible to reserve a space at Poça da Dona Beija in advance. Tickets are on a first come first serve basis and there is a capacity limit. Entrance tickets are for 1 hour and 30 minutes. There is a free parking lot, but it is small and fills up fast.
The bathrooms have showers (hot water for a fee) and toilets. There are also separate changing rooms. The lockers are located right near the bathroom facilities. If you don’t want to rent a locker, grab a basket and keep your belongings with you.
Onsite is a small gift shop. At the gift shop, you can also leave a valuable item like a watch or phone for a deposit on the lockers. Lockers cost 2 Euros plus a 20€ deposit.
Poça da Dona Beija | Find it Here: Lomba Das Barracas 1, Furnas | General Admission: €8 | Hours: Daily: 8:30 – 23:00, with last entry sold at 22:00 | Duration: 1 Hour and 30 minutes | Official Website
Luxury Experience in Furnas
Those looking to treat themselves may opt to sleep at Octant Furnas, a luxury 4-star hotel with an impressive spa. The thermal circuit is included with the stay. The circuit consists of thermal springs, indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, Turkish baths, and more. Guests can enjoy the spa which is open 24 hours.
The hotel offers a spa menu, and restaurant, and some suites even include private pools. Prices skyrocket during the summer months but are more affordable during the off-season.
Furnas Tours
✔ This tour from Ponta Delgada includes a visit to Furnas Lake with an option to visit the hot springs.
✔ Experience this highly rated Full-Day Furnas Valley Tour with a traditional lunch
More Things to Do in Furnas
The Vale das Furnas offers a wide variety of things to do. Don’t miss the free Caldeiras Park. Here it’s possible to see the natural sulfur pools steaming and boiling up from the ground. These are not to swim in, only to observe the unique landscape.
Look for natural spring water fountains to drink the mineral water. This water is said to be good for digestion.
Lagoa das Furnas is a crater lake greenish in color which also showcases more caldeiras. These cost 3 Euros to visit. There’s also the notable Greta Wildlife Park which is home to a waterfall, hiking trails, and equipment rentals like kayaks.
Make sure to sample the local dish Cozido das Furnas. This hearty stew (heavy on different meats like chicken, sausage, etc) is prepared in a pot and then buried in the ground. It’s slow-cooked by the natural thermal heat.
One of the most famous places to enjoy Cozido das Furnas is Tony’s. Make sure to pair it with a glass of wine from Pico Island. Pico is the main island for wine production in the Azores and boasts a worthwhile vineyard hiking trail recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
If looking for a quiet experience on São Miguel Island, Furnas is a nice place to sleep. It is a popular day trip from Ponta Delgada, so in the evening and morning, the town is pretty peaceful. The valley boasts stunning miradors plus lovely parks and community gardens.
Near Ribeira Grande
While there are no hot springs in the northern city of Ribeira Grande, it makes a nice access point or stopping point after visiting Lagoa de Fogo.
Ribeira Grande is connected to Ponta Delgada via Public Buses
While it’s possible to reach Termas das Caldeiras via bus/walking or bus/taxi, Caldeira Velha requires a taxi, car, or tour.
CPR bus company runs frequent buses between Ribeira Grande and Ponta Delgada
🚌 Buses Ponta Delgada – Ribeira Grande | CPR Bus Company | Buses depart from here in Ponta Delgada, sea side of the street | Average Fare: €2.80 | Duration: 45 minutes
3 | Termas das Caldeiras
Termas das Caldeiras is one of the more local São Miguel hot springs. This simple facility has been used as a bathhouse since 1811, making it the oldest thermal pool in the Azores!
Termas das Caldeiras is located in the small village of Caldeiras of Ribeira Grande. The village consists of caldeiras, the thermal pool facility, and Restaurante – Bar Caldeiras. The local restaurant also serves up its very own Cozido stew. The underground cooking ovens are a short walk away.
Termas das Caldeiras has one main pool and sometimes opens another smaller pool. This is a more rustic thermal experience with simple pools, clean facilities, and a nice little garden.
The people at the desk will usually advise the current temperature of the pools. On the day of my visit, the pools were a little cooler around 35 º C (95 º F).
Soaking time is paid for by the hour.
Termas das Caldeiras | Find it Here: Caldeiras, Ribeira Grande, Portugal | General Admission: €3 / hour | Hours: Daily: 10:00 – 22:00 | Facebook Page
This hot spring is located on the hiking route of Salto do Cabrito, so it makes for a perfect place to stop for a soak and grab lunch across the street.
To reach Termas das Caldeiras from Ribeira Grande without a car, you’ll need to hire a taxi (around 10 Euros) or walk on a quiet road about 2.5 miles (around 1 hour).
4 | Caldeira Velha
Caldeira Velha is by far the most popular hot spring on São Miguel island. There are two separate tickets, one for visiting the natural monument and walking around the Interpretive Center and another one for using the thermal pools.
Caldeira Velha is a nice nature reserve surrounded by lush landscapes and built along the slopes of a volcanic mastiff. It is found along the road between Lagoa do Fogo and Ribeira Grande. As it focuses on conservation, there is a limit on the number of visitors that are allowed to use the thermal pools (max 100 guests).
Tickets for the thermal pools must be reserved in advance. The hot springs access ticket is valid for 1 hour and a half.
Centro de Interpretação Ambiental da Caldeira Velha | Find it Here: Estrada Regional da Lagoa do Fogo | Full Admission: €10 | Hours: Daily, opens at 9:00, but closes at different times depending on season | Reserve Your Spot Here
There is no public transportation on the road between Lagoa do Fogo and Ribeira Grande, so you must have a car or book a tour like this one.
If looking to just enjoy the Natural monument, tickets are €3
What to Pack for the Azores Thermal Pools
Don’t take anything too nice to the São Miguel hot springs!
The thermal pools of São Miguel Azores contain iron-rich sediments which turn the water copper and brown. Don’t bring a white bathing suit or one that you especially want to keep nice. The water residue can also stain towels, bed sheets, hair, and nails, and possibly discolor jewelry.
Besides a worn swimsuit or swim trunks, here’s what to take to the hot springs
✔ Packable Towel – Towels are usually available to rent, but why not save the money? I always pack everything ultralight.
✔ Reusable Water Bottle – Many of the thermal pools have fresh spring water fountains near the facilities. The hot water will make you thirsty, especially in the afternoon heat.
✔ Sandals – Sandals come in handy for walking around the facilities and bathrooms. I swear by my Chacos (which I also used while hiking in the Azores and for my upcoming Camino de Santiago route from Porto to Santiago)
✔ Small Euros – Locker rentals cost around 2 Euros and hot water in the shower can be coin-operated
✔ Small Day Pack – No need to carry much! Use a small day pack for valuables and a change of clothing. For backpackers, I love the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil travel day pack. Travelers who also hike will appreciate the Osprey Daylite Plus.
✔ Bag for wet clothing
➯ Hey… don’t forget your Travel Insurance! I love SafetyWing
❌ It is forbidden to bring in food and eat at all of the São Miguel hot springs or carry in beverages that are not water.
⁉️ Make sure to thoroughly rinse your hair and swimsuit so it doesn’t stain your clothing or hotel sheets and towels.
When is the Best Time to Soak in the Azores Hot Springs?
Many of the hot springs on São Miguel Island open around 9 a.m. It’s best to arrive early to avoid the crowds.
At night when the sun goes down is another awesome time to soak in the pools, but be mindful that the thermal pools can get a little busier at night. I had to wait in a small cue for Poça da Dona Beija in the evening.
Rainy days are excellent days to soak in the hot springs, but they will close if the weather becomes severe.
June, July, and August are extremely busy months for visiting the Azores. Expect bigger crowds and for hotels and car rentals to also skyrocket.
Conclusion | 4 Awesome Hot Springs on São Miguel Island in the Azores Portugal
In short, São Miguel offers a wide range of hot springs and thermal pools. Many are connected to botanical gardens, nature reserves, or found along hiking trails.
This quick guide showcases some of the best hot springs to soak in on São Miguel, how to reach the pools, and basic information and tips.
No trip to São Miguel is complete without relaxing in at least one of these lovely thermal pools!
Have you visited any of these São Miguel hot springs? Of course, the island offers so many activities, is there one you visited that I’m missing? Let me know in the comments below!
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