**Float and relax in the volcanic hot pool of Ponta da Ferreira**

The beautiful Portuguese Azores Islands are full of character

São Miguel Island is home to an exceptional array of mineral hot springs sure to elevate you to unmatched levels of relaxation. The Azores’ Unique volcanic origins make these islands a thermal paradise, featuring steamy, iron-rich pools tucked amid lush green vegetation and tropical trees, and even a natural ocean pool heated by a volcanic vent and cooled by the ebbing tides of the Atlantic.

Azores’ hot springs are thermal springs that allow geothermally heated water to rise from the center of the earth. As their name suggests, the water is usually above human body temperature making it pleasant to bathe and relax in the steaming pools.

Summer is the most popular time of year for visitors, but the great thing about the Azores is that there’s no such thing as an “off-season” here due to its moderate climate featuring mild temperatures year-round. Average temperatures sit comfortably at about 13°C (55°F) in the winter and 24°C (75°F) in the summer, which means that rain or shine, winter or summer, the Azores Islands never lose their charm and can always be enjoyed!

Due to the Azores’ location in the middle of the Atlantic, weather can be unpredictable, no matter the season. As the locals like to say, you can experience all four seasons in one day here. But the great news is that no matter the forecast, visitors and locals alike can enjoy the thermal pools of the Azores any time of year, especially in Furnas! Nestled deep in a verdant valley, Furnas village is a thermal water paradise that wows visitors with its jaw-droppingly beautiful aesthetic.

Prepare to be blown away by lush volcanic landscapes, bubbling calderas, and steaming fumaroles around every corner.

Hot springs have been used for centuries as treatments for rheumatism and arthritis as well as for skin conditions including eczema. Bathing in the Azore’s hot springs can be physically and mentally restorative, creating a harmony of body, mind, and nature.

A dip in the Azore’s hot springs is therapeutic after a day of sightseeing or hiking. It’s a relaxing and sociable experience as you enjoy the warm mineral-laden waters surrounded by lush vegetation, far-reaching views, and stunning natural scenery.

3 Must-See Azores Hot Springs

Poça da Dona Beija Hot Springs

If you only have time to visit one hot spring in the Azores, make it Poça da Dona Beija! With five beautiful thermal pools surrounded by lush tropical plantings, Poça da Dona Beija hot springs offer a truly natural experience surrounded by exotic plants. Wooden boardwalks provide easy access to the steaming pools.

The hot springs are part of the Ribeira dos Lameiros stream and were developed in 1988. The pools vary in-depth, which makes them particularly suitable for families with children, or those who are nervous about their first Azores hot springs experience.

Most pools at Poça da Dona Beija maintain a temperature of 102°F (36°C) with one slightly cooler pool. The high iron and mineral content of these hot spring waters make the local mud ideal for cleansing mud baths and peloid treatments.

Piscina Natural da Ponta da Ferraria

The natural ocean-front Sao Miguel hot springs at Piscina Natural da Ponta da Ferraria are very unique. Free to visit, the hot spring waters flow into a small inlet before flowing into the ocean through a lava delta of black volcanic rocks.

The water temperature is regulated by the incoming waves. The hot spring waters are only accessible for two hours on either side of low tide, so you need to check the local tide times when planning your visit. You should avoid days when the water is choppy and wear flip-flops or beach shoes as the volcanic rocks can be sharp.

It requires a bit of a scramble to reach these scenic Azores hot springs so it is not recommended for children or those with limited mobility. However, there is a child-friendly spa nearby (see Termas da Ferraria Spa below) where you can park and visit the hot springs regardless of the tides.

Terra Nostra Garden & Hot Springs

Part of a hotel complex, the Terra Nostra Garden & Hot Springs has a huge 200-foot (60m) outdoor pool along with two smaller pools all about 5 feet (1.5m) deep. Fed by iron-rich spring water, the pool water is pale orange and pleasantly hot at 35-40°C (95-104°F).

You can easily spend a day at Terra Nostra, visiting the 31-acre gardens with ponds and trails, having lunch, and finishing in the hot springs. Try the “Cozida das Furnas” stew for lunch or dinner at the hotel restaurant. This stew is cooked in thermal steam.

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