Uncover the Magic of Hot Springs in São Miguel Island , Azores

São Miguel Island offers a captivating selection of mineral hot springs that promise an extraordinary relaxation experience. Shaped by volcanic activity, the Azores are a true thermal haven, with warm, iron-rich pools nestled in lush green landscapes and exotic trees. You’ll even find a natural ocean pool warmed by volcanic vents and cooled by the gentle tides of the Atlantic.

As you approach Furnas village, you’ll encounter the distinctive “Furnas smell,” an earthy aroma that fills the air near the village entrance. This unique scent, most potent by the parish entrance, signals your proximity to Furnas’ renowned hot springs and geysers. Here, locals often boil corn cobs right in the geysers, using the geothermal heat to cook them—a sight worth stopping for as plumes of steam rise dramatically from the bubbling water.

Another intriguing local tradition involves cooking "Cozido das Furnas," a hearty stew made using volcanic heat. Pots packed with layers of meat and vegetables are lowered into underground pits, where they cook for hours, absorbing the rich, smoky flavors. Many Furnas restaurants serve this local specialty, so you can easily enjoy a bowl without cooking it yourself. And don’t miss trying other regional treats, like the fluffy “bolos lêvedos” and locally made cheese, both enhanced by Furnas’ mineral-rich water.

The magic of Furnas is not only in its steaming springs but in its vibrant traditions and distinctive flavors, making it an unforgettable experience in the Azores.

For those seeking a destination beyond typical sightseeing, the Azores are an ideal choice. While summer attracts the most visitors, the islands’ mild, year-round climate means there’s never really an “off-season.” Average temperatures range from a pleasant 13°C (55°F) in winter to 24°C (75°F) in summer, allowing you to experience the charm of the Azores in any season. Positioned in the Atlantic, these islands have wonderfully varied weather, making each visit unique, no matter the time of year.

In Furnas, you can experience the Azores’ unpredictable weather with a local saying that rings true: “all four seasons in one day.” But the beauty of Furnas’ thermal pools is that they’re perfect year-round, rain or shine. Tucked within a lush, green valley, Furnas village is a dream-like thermal haven, offering stunning volcanic scenery, bubbling caldeiras, and steaming fumaroles that enchant at every turn.

Furnas’ hot spring pools feel like an open-air, mineral-rich spa, offering natural beauty treatments and relaxation—no extra cost required! With high iron content, these thermal waters provide the benefits of a natural clay mask, leaving your skin glowing and refreshed. Small waterfalls cascade into the pools, offering soothing shoulder and back massages while birds from nearby Terra Nostra garden fill the air with song, creating a serene, five-star spa experience without the price tag.

Terra Nostra Park in Furnas village is a top highlight for Azores visitors, thanks to its remarkable thermal pools and lush botanical gardens. This historic garden, with its 12.5 hectares of meticulously maintained landscapes and exotic plants, offers beauty year-round, with flowers blooming across all seasons. Terra Nostra’s winding pathways, scenic ponds, and stone crossings add to its charm, making each visit an enchanting experience beyond the thermal baths.

The park’s main thermal pool, the largest in the Azores, dates back to 1770 and is often affectionately called “the tank.” With water temperatures between 35ºC and 40ºC, the iron-rich pool invites you to enjoy a warm, rejuvenating soak. If you’re looking for a more intimate experience, try the smaller, jacuzzi-like pools nearby, which offer natural relaxation in a cozier setting. Guests of the on-site Terra Nostra Hotel have exclusive 24-hour access, while the park opens to the public daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Terra Nostra Park is an unforgettable blend of nature, history, and relaxation—an essential stop on any Azores adventure.

In the heart of Furnas lies the beautiful Poça da Dona Beija, offering a collection of six natural thermal pools with varying temperatures to suit everyone’s preferences. If one pool feels a bit warm, simply move to a cooler one—each pool is designed to provide the ultimate relaxation. The shallow waters make this location safe for kids and non-swimmers alike, creating a stress-free atmosphere where you can unwind to the sound of the nearby river’s gentle flow.

As a bonus, you’ll find natural iron clay along the pool walls—perfect for a complimentary Azorean beauty treatment. Use it as a facial mask, and in minutes, your skin will feel softer and more refreshed. The pools here range from 25ºC to 39ºC, and with late-night access, you can bask in the warmth under the stars. For a seamless experience, secure your tickets online. The ticket includes access to all pools, on-site amenities, and a souvenir shop. Cold water showers and storage baskets are also available for your convenience. Enjoy this tranquil escape and the enchanting charm of Poça da Dona Beija.

You can find more information on the spa's website:

https://pocadadonabeija.com/en/

If you're still undecided about visiting the Azores, Caldeira Velha on São Miguel Island might just tip the scales. Declared a natural monument, this breathtaking spot is not only home to soothing thermal pools but also to lush, tropical scenery so vibrant it feels like stepping into a jungle. You might even forget you’re in Portugal!

In Caldeira Velha, the pools are heated by volcanic activity, and the warm, spring-fed waters create a truly unique experience. Here, you can swim right up to the natural spring, allowing the cascading water to deliver an invigorating yet relaxing massage. The main waterfall pool is stunning, but the two smaller pools, with their warmer waters, offer a cozy escape in nature.

To ensure an enjoyable experience, tickets are managed through an online platform by the Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Center. Embrace the tranquil charm of Caldeira Velha and immerse yourself in this unforgettable Azorean paradise!

You can find more information on the spa's website:

https://parquesnaturais.azores.gov.pt/bilheteira/caldeiravelha/

Termas das Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande features three charming thermal pools, though only one is open for public use unless you book a massage at the onsite spa. Nestled behind a 19th-century hotel, the public pool is a true hidden gem. In spring and summer, colorful flowers bloom along the wall surrounding the pool, their vibrant petals drifting on the water’s surface and adding an enchanting, natural touch. It’s like receiving a beautiful petal-filled bath from Mother Nature herself. The pools and spa are open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM, inviting you to relax in this idyllic, floral haven.

Ponta da Ferraria offers an unmatched experience—a natural thermal pool in the ocean! This unique location on São Miguel Island is home to the world’s only ocean hot spring, where an underwater volcano warms a section of the Atlantic, creating an ideal, all-natural retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation.

For the best experience, visit during low tide, when the volcanic heat is most intense, often making the water so warm that even the surrounding rocks appear to steam. If it’s too hot, you can simply swim out toward the open ocean for cooler waters, or find that sweet spot where the temperature is just right, blending the warmth of the spring with the refreshing ocean currents.

Ferraria’s rugged, volcanic landscape offers dramatic rock formations that tell the island’s geological story. The bold cliffs along the coast are visible even from the parking area, and adventure seekers can try rappelling and other activities amid this stunning scenery.

Nearby, the Termas da Ferraria complex includes a restaurant, a spa, and an outdoor thermal pool with an entry fee. However, Ferraria’s natural hot spring pool is free to enjoy, with no restrictions on visiting times.

Make the most of your Azorean hot springs adventure with these insider tips:

• Wear old, dark swimwear as the iron-rich waters may stain lighter colors; rinse with cold water afterward.
• Leave jewelry behind—especially silver and gold—as minerals can tarnish metals.
• Pregnancy considerations: consult your doctor before bathing if you’re pregnant.
• Protect dyed hair by tying it up and keeping it out of the water, as the minerals may alter its color.
• Avoid peak crowds by visiting early in the morning or during less busy seasons.
• Enjoy the rain! Rainy weather only enhances the experience, making a thermal bath even more magical.
• Book the One-on-One therapeutic session with Sophie https://www.soulfulbysophie.eu/

These small preparations will ensure your time in the Azores’ hot springs is as relaxing and memorable as possible!