Tag: backpacking azores

The Best (reasonably priced) Hot Springs of São Miguel Island

by AzoresBPK

Our little one-stop info drop about the Hot Springs of the Azores most populated island, São Miguel.

Inland springs ranging from 5eur to 17eur and the oceanside spring being completely free, I’ll add a price, the coordinates and a little info for each of the five reasonably priced options on the island.

Termas das Caldeiras, Ribeira Grande

Why it’s one of the best:

  • The price! Termas das Caldeiras, while small, is only 5eur to enter.
  • It’s the quietest of the springs on São Miguel, giving you a more local experience.
  • It’s right next to the short hike from the road to Salto do Cabrito waterfall, and about 5km from the center of Ribeira Grande for a post bath sunset snack.

I don’t need to go into much detail here. There is adequate parking space, toilets and a changing room and the pool itself consists of two sections, one hot and one hotter.

Sound like the one you’re looking for? Google maps will take you there.

If you’re looking for something with a bit more of a Jurassic Park vibe, scroll on.

Caldeira Velha, Ribeira Grande

Why it’s one of the best:

  • It’s a two for one! Pay 10eur and explore the Caldeira Velha Natural Park with the Hot Springs nestled in amongst the foliage. Totally picturesque.
  • The smaller of the two baths can reach an impressive 34°C.
  • You’ll be just a ten minute drive from Lagoa de Fogo crater lake.

Much like Termas das Caldeiras, Caldeira Velha has a choice of two pools of varying temperatures, but be warned the Park and Thermal Baths duo attracts a much larger crowd and parking can be an issue.

IMPORTANT: Since the beginning of 2022 you must book and pay in advance on their online platform here – it’s very unlikely you’ll get into the hot springs without advance booking!

Sound like the one you’re looking for? Google maps will take you there.

Looking for more then two pools and a park? Check this out…

Poça da Dona Beija, Furnas

Why it’s one of the best:

  • The price! Five pools for 12eur. Not bad at all.
  • It’s the locals choice for a reason. Natural, relaxing and plenty of pools to hop between.
  • It’s in Furnas village, where the steam shoots from the earth giving you a wild post apocalyptic feeling in your bones.

Even though the Thermal Bath complex is in Furnas the baths sit amongst nature giving you the backdrop to suit how you feel soaking in the spa. I urge you to explore the village on foot and please try the local breads and snacks from the street stalls.

Sound like the one you’re looking for? Google maps will take you there.

Hoping for more of a pool and less of a bath? Look a little further.

terra nostra, Furnas

Why it’s one of the best:

  • The size! One huge pool and two smaller pools. Entry to Terra Nostra is 17eur..
  • You can explore Terra Nostra Gerdens whilst you’re there, the real Azorean jungle vibes.
  • Again, you’re in Furnas, an incredible place to eat, drink and explore.

Dine at the parks restaurant and get free entry into the park with the Thermal Baths included!

Sound like the one you’re looking for? Google maps will take you there.

Want to get a little further into nature? Try the Thermal Spring that leaks into the ocean.

Termas da ferraria, Ponta Delgada

Why it’s one of the best:

  • It’s free and it’s in the sea!
  • There are ropes crisscrossing the thermal zone, they are for you to hold onto if the waves get a little pushy.
  • It’s on the coastline surrounding Sete Cidades. That’s right, the crater lagoon in every second photo when you google The Azores.

Be a little careful here, as it’s not exactly a regulated spring and some areas can get very hot! Parking is great and the experience is incredible.

Sound like the one you’re looking for? Google maps will take you there.

That’s our top five Thermal Springs for backpackers on São  Miguel island! Stay safe out there and check us out more as the website develops.

NEW: visit the Ponta Delgada indoor climbing and art space!

The Best and Most Beautiful Waterfalls on São Miguel Island

by AzoresBPK

Info, advice, coordinates and a map of our favorite Waterfalls on the Azores largest island, São Miguel.

The aptly nicknamed Green Island (Ilha Verde) is home to a fantastic array of waterfalls, I picked out some of the most impressive for you to visit during your time here.

Salto do Prego, Faial da Terra

Why it’s one of the best:

  • It’s a hike with two waterfalls and a stream!
  • There are a few hiking routes you can take through the lush Azorean nature and treating you to views over the ocean and the tiny town of Faial da Terra.
  • If you’re like me and try not to return using the same route you came from, you’ll be happy to know that the trail is a loop starting and ending in the same spot.

The trails are of varying toughness, rated as ‘medium difficulty’ and can take a few hours. Wear some good stomping shoes.

Sound like the one you’re looking for? Google maps will take you there.

If you’re looking for something more idyllic? Check this out.

Poço Azul, Salga

Why it’s one of the best:

  • It’s totally beautiful.
  • The waterfall pools into an breathtaking aqua blue.
  • You wont be far from Salto de Farinha (next on our list)

There is a nice half-kilometer walk to these playful falls. Don’t expect thunderous water cascades but more of a meditation meets The Hobbit vibe.

Sound like the one you’re looking for? Google maps will take you there.

Go a little further up the road and find something bigger.

Salto da Farinha, Achadinha

Why it’s one of the best:

  • It’s a waterfall and a viewpoint.
  • The waterfall is a whopping forty meters!
  • From the viewpoint to the waterfall just takes five minutes, and after that it’s just anther five minute walk to the beach.

The walk between the viewpoint and the waterfall is an easy one and should be safe enough even after heavy rainfall, which is a great time to go because that waterfall will be thundering down.

Sound like the one you’re looking for? Google maps will take you there.

Did you want to start at the viewpoint? Here it is.

Looking for something more unique? Try the hot waterfall of Ribeira Quente.

Cascata da Ribeira Quente

Why it’s one of the best:

  • It’s a little warm. The hype is a bit misleading but the flow does come from a Thermal Spring area!
  • It’s got a good twenty five meter drop.
  • It’s somewhat hidden giving you a much higher chance to experience it alone.

So the hike can be a little difficult and dodgy at times. Be prepared, bring good walking shoes and protection from the Azores cloudbursts, look out for traffic on corners and enjoy!

Sound like the one you’re looking for? Google maps will take you there.

Want more thermal waters? Salto do Cabrito is right by the Termas das Caldeiras hot springs.

Salto do Cabrito, Ribeira Grande

Why it’s one of the best:

  • It’s a hike and a Waterfall!
  • It’s about 4km interesting hike from the starting point and the waterfall is worth it.
  • It’s close to the Termas das Caldeiras the cheapest of the Thermal baths on the island.

The walk is part natural and part manmade, using walkways that lead over and along pipelines from the hydroelectric power plant that’s close to the waterfall, prepare yourself for high walkways and plenty of steps. Some love this trek, others not so much, but for me personally it’s very beautiful.

Sound like the one you’re looking for? Google maps will take you there.

That’s our top five Waterfalls for backpackers on São Miguel island! Stay safe out there, do exactly what TLC told us not to and check us out more as the website develops.

NEW: visit the Ponta Delgada indoor climbing and art space!

The Best Sandy Beaches on São Miguel Island

by AzoresBPK

Yes, São Miguel does have sand beaches! It’s got a bit of everything from stretching and beautiful to hidden and unique, here are my top five.

I made a map, took some photos, added a bit of info and linked the coordinates, enjoy your day at the beach!

Praia de Santa Bárbara

Why it’s one of the best:

  • It’s long, sandy and the surf is great.
  • Aside from a small bar at one end of the stretch, you can’t see a single building.
  • Parking is great and it’s close to the town of Ribeira Grande.

It’s a popular beach amongst young people and surfers. Surrounded by cliffs and with minimal submerged rocky areas it’s a great beach to spend the day. Ribeira Grande is also home to the islands cheapest Thermal Springs if you need to warm up after a day in the ocean.

Sound like the one you’re looking for? Google maps will take you there.

Not content with a side view of the sunset? Head to Mosteiros.

Praia de Mosteiros

Why it’s one of the best:

  • It’s a sunset facing sandy beach.
  • You get epic views of huge volcanic rocks jutting out of the ocean.
  • You’re in Mosteiros, it’s a lovely little town definately worth an explore.

This is a pretty out of the way non touristy area of the island, it’s doubtful you will be alone but it won’t be difficult to get a good view of the ocean. Try the Bifana from the food vans on the waterfront!

Sound like the one you’re looking for? Google maps will take you there.

Hoping for something a little more picture perfect? Head to Porto Formaso.

Praia dos Moinhos

Why it’s one of the best:

  • It’s smaller and more secluded than many along the northern coastline.
  • The town of Porto Formaso is a delight!
  • There are some great walks and viewpoints in the area.

What can I say? It’s surrounded by nature and a quaint town, there is parking and a bar and the beach is beautiful.

Sound like the one you’re looking for? Google maps will take you there.

Prefer the calmer waters on the south coast? We’ve got a suggestion.

Praia de Agua D’Alto

Why it’s one of the best:

  • It’s well known for it’s clear waters.
  • It’s somewhat secluded and surrounded by cliffs.
  • In the summertime there are a lot of activities here such as snorkeling, scuba and other waterports..

It can get pretty busy in the high season and parking isn’t bountiful, so keep this in mind, but the popularity does mean that the amenities are great and there is usually a lifeguard on duty.

Sound like the one you’re looking for? Google maps will take you there.

Looking for something truly unique? Here we go.

Ilhéu De Vila Franca Do Campo

Why it’s one of the best:

  • It’s on the tiny island that sits just below Vila Franca.
  • The beach is beautiful but the island is definitely worth visiting anyway.
  • The island is a protected nature reserve. (this does mean it comes with some conditions)

You can buy an 8euro roundtrip ticket to the island from the ferry booth, but be aware that the number of visitors to the island is often regulated to preserve the foliage and not overload the amenities.

Sound like the one you’re looking for? Google maps will show you where it is, but you’ll need to check the ferry schedules beforehand.

Those were our top five Sandy Beaches on backpackers on São Miguel island! Enjoy the sand between your toes and check us out more as the website develops.

NEW: VISIT THE PONTA DELGADA INDOOR CLIMBING AND ART SPACE!