Located in the center of Furnas Valley, Terra Nostra Park is one of the largest and oldest gardens in the Azores whose history is connected to the transformation of Furnas into a world-renowned health and tourist retreat. One of the most beautiful gardens in Europe, it features a thermal swimming pool, several smaller jacuzzi-like thermal pools, an impressive collection of Camellia flowers, and more than 2,000 different trees from around the world.

The natural iron-infused hot springs of Poça da Dona Beija can also be located in Furnas Valley. The hot mineral waters are known for their therapeutic benefits, offering a place for tourists and locals to relax and rejuvenate in a beautiful natural setting.

There are 6 different pools with varying temperatures and designs for you to try, each with a shallow bottom and spots to sit, making it the perfect place for those looking to soak and not swim. The water temperatures vary from 25ºC to 39ºC (77ºF to 102ºF), and the facilities are open from 7am to 11pm for maximum soaking time!

Bonus: swipe some natural, iron-rich clay deposits from the pool walls for a free facial mask; It'll leave your skin feeling extra soft.

Located halfway between the summit of Pico da Barrosa and the city of Ribeira Grande, these hot springs are set under a rainforest-like ravine with towering ferns, making for a very pre-historic feel. Take a dip in the Caldeira Velha hot spring (around 21ºC/68ºF) where you'll be surrounded by lush vegetation and a mystical waterfall before making your way over to the smaller and hotter pools below (around 35ºC/95ºF) for a truly unique, other-worldly bathing experience.

Termas das Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande are a set of three little thermal pools but only one is open to the general public, unless you book a massage in the Termas Spa. The thermal pool that is open to the public is in the backyard of this 19th century building and is protected by a large vegetation wall that blooms with colorful flowers during the Spring and Summer months.

The thermal pool facilities and spa are open to the public all week from 10am to 10pm.

Ponta da Ferraria is a spa bathing site with therapeutic hot water springs that has been popular among the locals since the 15th century, but the natural pool of Ferraria is different from all the other hot springs on São Miguel Island -- it's located in the ocean! Located on the southwest point of the island, just a short drive from Sete Cidades, Ponta da Ferraria is a totally unique bathing experience. Heated by an underwater current of volcanic vents, this hot spring is heated underwater and cooled by the ebbing tides of the Atlantic. And, the pool is set on the edge of the coastline, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and black volcanic rock formations that will make you feel more like you're on Mars than in the Azores.

São Miguel isn't the only island in the Azores with thermal baths. That's right -- Graciosa Island is home to a small therapeutic thermal spa known as the Termas do Carapacho, located in the tiny village of Luz. The inviting thermal waters of Carapacho are packed with beneficial mineral properties and reach a temperature of around 40°C (104°F), perfect for a relaxing and therapeutic bath.

This modern thermal spa offers a wide variety of techniques and services in a cozy and idyllic natural atmosphere, overlooking the ocean and the Baixo Islet. Visitors to Carapacho can also enjoy a swim in the nearby ocean pool heated thermal water.

The thermal waters of Carapacho are mineral-rich and high in magnesium, chloride and sodium, perfect for the treatment and prevention of rheumatological disorders, and present other therapeutic benefits for overall health, leisure and well-being.

The facilities are open Tuesday through Friday from 12pm to 7pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 5pm.

The mineral waters of Furnas have been sourced for dermatological treatments as far back as the 19th century, but thermal water has been used by many for thousands of years to also heal arthritis, joint pain, and burns. This rich mineral water comes from deep underground, where it’s heated by geothermal activity, and offers significant advantages that are especially beneficial to the skin. It contains anti-aging properties that work to strengthen the antioxidant potential of the cells, making skin stronger and more flexible.

Why is it effective? The special mineral properties and trace elements that are found in Azorean thermal waters can counteract UV damage, decrease inflammation, and improve hydration, smoothing the skin’s texture and reviving your complexion. Not to mention, a soak in a thermal pool is an excellent stress reliever.

The majority of these pools are high in iron content which can cause some damage to clothing, jewelry and even hair. Here are a couple of pro-tips to take into consideration when planning your trip to the hot springs of the Azores:

Avoid light-colored swimwear! Bring older, dark swimwear and wash it with cold water and soap after you get out;
Don’t wear jewelry, including silver and gold pieces;
If you've recently dyed your hair, avoid getting it wet. The iron in the water can change and fade the hair color.

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