The Azores have recognised and exploited hydrothermal resources for centuries, such as natural carbonic water springs, waterfalls and pools.
These water sources with thermal properties originated from secondary volcanic activity, are rich in minerals and have therapeutic effects. The yellow colour of the water, present in most thermal springs in the Azores, means that it is full of iron and other minerals such as calcium and magnesium which, in harmony with the water temperature, act as a natural relaxant for the body, especially the skin.
The natural chemical characteristics of these waters clean and hydrate the skin, reduce wrinkles and dark circles under the eyes, help with skin irritations and fungus, soothe rheumatism and accelerate skin healing. Discover the thermal areas of the island of São Miguel here.
Poça Dona Beija
Poça Dona Beija is a leisure and relaxation space inserted in the middle of the nature of São Miguel island, also in the parish of Furnas. It has several pools of hot thermal water that come from an iron spring. The various thermal pools have different temperatures, all pools are shallow and are suitable for all tastes and without worries for children.
Parque Terra Nostra
Terra Nostra Park, located in the parish of Furnas, is one of the most visited places on the island of São Miguel and the Azores. This tank was built in 1780 by Thomas Hickling, an American consul who idealised Terra Nostra Park. It was restored in 1935 by Vasco Bensaude and until today it has only suffered small changes in detail and maintenance. The thermal spring that supplies the tank has temperatures that oscillate between 35 and 40 degrees.
Termas das Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande
The Termas das Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande complex is located in the Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande area in an old space that dates back to the 19th century. It has two hot water boilers inside, with temperatures between 38º and 40º degrees Celsius. Besides being able to bathe freely in the thermal water pools, the place also offers thermal massage services.
Caldeira Velha
Caldeira Velha Natural Monument is located in the Municipality of Ribeira Grande and is a charm of nature. It features 3 iron water pools, one of which is supplied by a beautiful natural waterfall. The thermal complex features various infrastructures and is literally inserted in the middle of nature.
Termas da Ferraria
Termas da Ferraria are located in the extreme southwest of the island of São Miguel, in Ponta Delgada, in Ferraria.
They are integrated into the Regional Natural Monument of Pico das Camarinhas and Ponta da Ferraria, an area protected due to its volcanic composition of great scientific and landscape interest. The building dates back to the 20th century and the thermal event in this area is considered unique in the world. Besides the thermal building, there is an open-air space in the sea where hot water comes out of the rocks, a secondary manifestation of volcanic activity. This salt thermal water has a very high sulphur content and is very propitious for the treatment of rheumatism and neuritis.
