Thermal & Hot Springs Baths

"Volcanic hot tubs, straight from the earth."

This is, without exaggeration, one of my favorite reasons to live in the Azores.

You can literally bathe in naturally heated volcanic water. Real hot thermal pools, powered by the volcano beneath your feet. It sounds like a spa marketing slogan. It’s not. It’s just normal life here.

The water has that brownish color, but don’t panic. It’s not dirt. It’s iron. And that’s exactly why it feels so good on your skin.

It’s warm. It’s heavy. It’s deeply relaxing. Especially on a cold or rainy day, which, let’s be honest, we have plenty.

Important advice:

• Don’t wear jewelry. Silver and gold can stain.

• Don’t bring white swimwear. It will turn yellowish-brown and it will never fully recover.

• Bring an old swimsuit and just enjoy it.

Yes, it’s a bit cliché. Yes, every tourist wants to do it. And yes, it’s absolutely worth it.

There are only three proper thermal bath spots in the entire Azores, and they’re all on São Miguel:

• Poca da Dona Beija

• Parque Terra Nostra

• Caldeira Velha, Ribeira Grande

All three are different, but all are amazing. If you’re coming to São Miguel and skip this, you’re doing it wrong.