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.