Caldeira Velha is an amazing hot springs experience in central Sao Miguel Azores. Unlike the more famous thermal pools at Furnas, the pools at Caldeira Velha are in a lush green valley of tropical forest. Relax outdoors in this beautiful natural landscape.
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What can I do at Caldeira Velha?
The number one reason people visit Caldeira Velha Natural Monument is to soak in the naturally-heated thermal pools.
Caldeira Velha Thermal Pools
There are three pools. Pool temperatures range between 24C and 38C degrees. Choose your temperature, relax and enjoy the lush forest setting. It was raining during our March visit, which made the pools a warm, soothing escape.
The pool furthest from the entrance is the coolest pool ranging between 24C and 28C degrees. The Caldeira Velha waterfall tumbles into this upper pool adding warmed water from the valley sides. Like an infinity pool, the water overflows into a stream below. This stream feeds the middle pool.
Pool temperatures increase from upper to middle to lower pools. The lower pool is between 35C and 38C degrees.
The pools’ water comes from the area’s hot springs and valley runoff. This water is very iron-rich so wear dark colours to avoid accidentally dying your clothes an orangey-brown. Several hot springs bubble to the surface near the pools but these are not accessible. Signs note temperatures of 60C to 100C degrees.
After a relaxing soak, visit the adjacent wood-sided building which compliments the beautiful forested landscape to learn about area’s volcanic story.
Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Centre
Exhibits explain the volcanic formation of the Azores islands concentrating on the local area and nearby Fogo Volcano. Learn about the recognition of the Azore islands as a UNESCO Geopark, the Caldeira Velha Natural Monument, Serra de Água de Pau Protected Area and the Fogo Lake Nature Reserve.
Caldeira Velha Natural Monument
The protected area, on the north side of the Fogo Volcano, is a steep-sided river valley about 500 metres deep by 300 metres wide. The lush green habitat has several endemic Azorean plant and animal species. Fumaroles and hot springs provide heated iron-rich water to the set of pools nestled midway along the valley floor.
The area’s geologic and biologic diversity is protected for future generations by designation as an Azores Geosite and a Sao Miguel Natural Monument.
How do I to get to Caldeira Velha?
The quickest and easiest route to Caldeira Velha Natural Monument is from the north. on the regional road EN5-2A.
It takes about 10 minutes to travel the 7 kilometres south from the center of Ribeira Grande to Caldeira Velha on EN5-2A.
Many visitors arrive from Ponta Delgada, about 20 kilometres away, in about 20 minutes. On the northeast side of Ponta Delgada, take the main highway, the EN1-1A, east to ER3-1. Take ER3-1 northeast to EN5-2A. Head south to Caldeira Velha.
The parking area is before the Caldeira Velha entrance. Signs in the lot direct visitors to the path through the forest to the entrance gate.
The thermal pools are about a 300-metre walk from the entrance gate.
Caldeira Velha Map
Caldeira Velha Tickets and Reservations
A timed-entry system is in place for 1.5 hour-timed blocks beginning each morning at 9:00 am. A set number of people are allowed entry during each block. All visitors must leave at the end of their block so arrive on time to enjoy the full 1.5 hours. For example, for the block 9:00 -10:30. Arrive at 9 am and stay the 1.5 hours until 10:30 but if you arrive at 10:00, you will have to leave at 10:30 after only 30 minutes.
There are two types of tickets.
- A Full Ticket gives access to the Interpretation Centre and the Thermal Pools. 100 of these tickets are sold in each timed block. Children 6 years of age and younger are free. Those between 7 and 14 years of age and people 65 and older pay €5. In 2023 an adult ticket is €10.
- A Visit Ticket provides access to just the Interpretation Centre. 150 are available for each time block. Children 6 years and younger are free. Children between the ages of 7 and 14 and those 65 years and older pay €1. An adult ticket is €3.
Tickets can be purchased online at the Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Centre Ticket webpage. The site allows visitors to see how many tickets have been sold by timed block. Tickets can be purchased at the gate providing tickets are still available for the applicable time block.
What are Caldeira Velha’s open hours?
From May to September it is open 9:00 to 20:30 (8:30 pm). November to March hours are 9:00 to 17:00 (5:00 pm). April and October Caldeira Velha is open 9:00 to 18:30 (6:30 pm). The last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
Know Before You Go
Are there change rooms and showers at Caldeira Velha?
Yes. There are toilets, change rooms, showers and lockers.
Is food available at Caldeira Velha?
Light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase in the Environmental Interpretation Centre.
What is the pool temperature at Caldeira Velha?
The three pools range in temperature between 24C and 38C degrees.
Is there swimming at Caldeira Velha?
The pools are not very deep or wide and are designed for soaking. They are usually too busy to allow swimming.
Is there shopping or a gift shop at Caldeira Velha?
There is a small gift shop in the Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Centre.
What is the weather like at Caldeira Velha?
This area can be enjoyed no matter the weather. You can always have a look at the nearby Lake Fogo web camera to give you an idea of the current weather in the area.
Can I take an organized Caldeira Velha tour?
Many Sao Miguel tour companies offer tours to Caldeira Velha National Monument and area.
Day Trip: Lagoa do Fogo
For the perfect day trip, add a visit to nearby Fogo Lake.
Beautiful Lagoa do Fogo, surrounded by dense vegetation, sits in the crater of the Fogo Volcano. Viewpoints along the road south of Caldeira Velha provide panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding countryside or consider a hike down to beach.
Check out our article, Visiting Lagoa do Fogo, for more details about visiting this beautiful lake.
Be sure to check out our article, Things To Do in Sao Miguel Azores, for more places and great destinations to visit on the island.
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