5 Azores Hot Springs to Get Your Soak On
Hot springs are steeped in the Azores’ culture–ask any local and they’ll swear by their healing powers. I can confirm, my skin and soul never feel as good as they do hopping out of a steaming pool of mineral water. Each hot spring has its own concoction of revitalizing minerals that are fantastic for the soul and even offer some incredible health benefits. Sign me upppppp.
They help clean and hydrate your skin and can even assist with the cicatrization process (scarring). They’re also great for the muscles, easing headaches, and help with anemia, allergies, acne, and even parasitic diseases. Needless to say, no adventure is complete without a revitalizing hot spring visit in the Azores archipelago. Good thing this island has five.
Read on for the best Azores hot springs and what to expect at each!
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Hot Spring Etiquette
While many Azores hot springs are regulated, it’s still vital that we keep in mind a few key things while visiting.
Shower first. Hot springs are very delicate, and it's super easy to accidentally introduce foreign bacteria that can disrupt its delicate chemical balance. Showering before entering can help their long-term health.
Keep the noise level down. We visit hot springs to relax, and while Rainbow Kitten Surprise is calming for you, your neighbor might not agree. Read the room.
Stay hydrated. It's important to drink lots of water to ward off those "fainting spells" hot springs are known to cast.
Pack out what you pack in. Azores’ hot springs see a lot of visitors, and even though these are regulated and cared for by professionals, we need to do our part to keep them clean.
Don't pee in the springs! Just like pools and hot tubs, peeing (or pooping) in hot springs is SO not okay. We talked about how delicate these ecosystems are–they don’t have the chlorine and cleaning systems that regular pools and hot tubs do–any foreign substance can throw it off balance. They’re au naturel, baby! Let’s keep them that way :)
1) Caldeira Velha
Reservations: Required. Swimming tickets sell out, so reserve early!
Fee: €8 with swimming. €6 for just the interpretation center.
On your way back down from Lagoa do Fogo, swing by The Caldeira Velha Interpretive Center (but make a reservation online ahead of time–they often sell out day of!). You’ll get to learn a ton about the volcanic origins of the Açores with a large emphasis on the very volcano you’re standing on. There’s so much to understand about the area’s biodiversity, geodiversity, and geothermal and thermal baths. You’ll even get to take a dip under a hot waterfall!
2) Poça da Dona Beija
Fee: €8
Time limit: 1.5 hours.
Poça da Dona Beija has four scenic baths overlooking a steamy river and are surrounded by natural flora (including my all-time favorite: fern trees). You might notice the water is a bit orange, especially on top of the volcanic rock around the edges. This is due to its high iron content, which can combat anemia, allergies, acne, and even parasitic diseases.
They’re open from 10am-11pm daily–I hear the night soaks are mighty fine!
3) Terra Nostra Park
Fee: €10
Time limit: Ticket is valid for the entire day.
The Terra Nostra Garden (and thermal pool) is in Furnas on São Miguel, which is situated at the base of a dormant volcanic crater. There’s tons of volcanic activity to go around–heck, there’s even bubbling sulfuric springs in the center of town. You can walk right up to them!
The gardens are gorgeous and feature three hot spring pools: the main pool is so massive you could swim circular laps, and is a bright and beautiful yellow color thanks to its high iron levels.
The other two pools are smaller, boast a teal color, and are surrounded by foliage for a cozy and natural environment. My favorite part? You could take a cold shower while knee-deep in the springs. I could’ve stayed there all day. Luckily, this ticket gets you a full day’s access to the pools and gardens (which are rad, by the way).
4) Ponta da Ferraria
Fee: Free
Time limit: Unlimited
Ponta da Ferarria is one of those, “is this real life?” places that took my breath away. This hot spring in the Azores Islands is known as Termas da Ferraria is at the bottom of a switchbacked road. Walk down the pedestrian path to the volcanic coastline to find a hot spring that bubbles straight into the ocean–it’s an experience you’ll never forget, and it’s FREE!
At low tide (this is key), climb down the metal ladder into the volcanic cove to find ropes. Hold on tight! You’re literally bathing in a tidal zone, and the force of the waves washing in from the Atlantic Ocean are powerful. That’s why visiting at low tide is a must!
It’s a sweet experience: when the waves retreat, you’ll warm up from the spring’s heat and cool off again when a wave comes back in.
Plan to arrive an hour before low tide to make the most of it! There are public changing rooms and outdoor showers available too.
5) Termas das Caldeiras
Fee: €3
Time limit: 1.5 hours
Head to Termas das Caldeiras or Caldeira Hot Springs to soak in two cemented thermal pools (one a bit warmer than the other) of a blue-gatorade color. They’re located in the backyard of the spa with a beautiful fern- and flower-covered wall to gaze at while you soak up the springs’ natural healing powers. There’s a third pool available to those who book a spa treatment.
What to Pack for Azores Hot Springs
WATER and lots of it. Hot springs are dehydrating! I always carry a 32-oz water bottle and finish the entire thing by the end of my soak.
A swimsuit. These springs aren’t clothing optional, so come prepared!
A microfiber towel. These are lightweight and quick drying and work great for a quick dry-off before throwing your clothes back on. This is the epic national parks towel I LOVE.
Waterproof sandals. I picked up a pair of these rubber knock-off Birkenstocks from Amazon. Highly recommend.
Clothes to change into. Making the trip home wet is no bueno. Make sure you have something dry to wear post soak for peak comfort.
Leave no Trace
Hot springs have delicate ecosystems and require a little love from its visitors to keep them clean, pristine, and environmentally sound. Remember: never pee in the springs (duhhh) or bring anything foreign into the water for that matter (aside from yourself and your swimsuit).
More on hot spring etiquette here. If you nee da refresher on the seven Leave No Trace principles, check them out here!
Hotels in São Miguel, Azores
Moinho das Feteiras
Windmills played a huge part in Portuguese history–how cool would it be to stay in one? Built in the 19th century, Moinho das Feteiras sleeps two, boasts incredible views, and has a beautiful 4000m garden with sub-tropical fruit trees, garden trees, and flowers.
Sete Cidades Lake Lodge
If you’re thinking you’d like to spend an extended amount of time experiencing the west coast and the famous Sete Cidades and its quaint village, consider spending a couple of nights in Sete Cidades Lake Lodge’s cool wooden bungalows.
Homeboat Company Houseboat
Always wanted to stay in a floating home? It’s time. This adorable little houseboat calls Ponta Delgada Marina home, which is a quick stroll (or swim if you’re feeling bold) away from the city center. Location is on point.
It’s a one-bedroom with a bunk bed, a double bed in the living space, a kitchenette, and a rooftop deck. It says it can sleep four, but it’s a really small space–I’d say two people makes a happy, cozy stay!
Quinta de Santa Clara
Modern and luxurious, Quinta de Santa Clara is located just outside of Ponta Delgada with a 12-minute walk to the beach. There are two houses with private entrances, a fully equipped kitchen, garden views, and a pool.
Out of the Blue Hostel
If you want to meet some awesome people, have family dinners, and go on super affordable day tours (I’m talking €30), then swing by Out of the Blue for a couple of nights. It’s easily the best hostel on the island. The staff is super friendly and helpful, the free breakfast is gourmet, and Chef Shy makes some incredible family dinners (€20 for three courses and drinks). There’s also a beautiful garden with hammocks to hang out in…it’s rad. There are private rooms if you’d rather not share too! Highly recommend.
