Termas da Caldeira Velha

These natural thermal pools in the middle of the jungle have been closed since my arrival here in the azores. More precisely, they closed on January 5th and I arrived on January 10th.

Since yesterday they have been open again and when I saw that, I of course bought a ticket online right away, because I am flying tomorrow and was afraid that the demand might be high on the 2nd day of the reopening.

So I went there today and lazily lay down for 90 minutes exactly where the hot spring runs into the pool 🔥🌊🧘.

The whole area is called Centro de Interpretação Ambiental da Caldeira Velha and nestled in the lush interior of the island.

It offers visitors a unique combination of environmental education and geothermal relaxation. Located along the scenic mountain road between Ribeira Grande and Lagoa do Fogo, the site sits within dense laurel forest where volcanic activity still shapes the landscape.

It costs 10.- for 90 minutes bathing or 3.- for just visiting the park. If you buy a bathing ticket you can of course also look at the whole park for as long as you like. The ticket can be ordered and paid online in advance, which I would do, because the number of visitors is limited. For 2 more euros you can also rent a locker.

Near the bassins there is the interpretation center, which was created to help visitors to understand the volcanic and ecological heritage of the Azores. Through interactive exhibits, geological explanations, and displays about local flora and fauna, the center highlights how the islands were formed and how geothermal energy continues to influence the environment.

You can learn about the geothermal systems that heat the island’s hot springs, native plants of the Azorean laurel forest (laurissilva) and sustainable conservation efforts in protected natural areas.

The most popular attraction at Caldeira Velha is definitely its natural thermal baths, which are fed by the geothermal springs. The mineral-rich waters emerge from the volcanic ground at temperatures ranging roughly between 35°C and 39°C, creating ideal conditions for relaxation.

The bathing area includes a large warm pool surrounded by dense tropical-like vegetation, a smaller, hotter pool closer to the geothermal spring and a picturesque iron-rich waterfall, whose orange tones come from minerals in the water.

Bathing here feels almost like entering a natural jungle spa. Steam rises from the pools while ferns and moss-covered trees frame the site, giving visitors the sensation of being immersed in untouched nature. Czytaj więcej