Relax in the beautiful thermal pools of Caldeira Velha, in a lush green tropical forest valley in central Sao Miguel Azores. This amazing outdoor hot springs experience is unlike the more famous thermal pools at Furnas.
We’ve got all the details to guarantee the best visit.
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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 four pools. Pool temperatures range between 22C 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, at the top of the trail, is the coolest pool ranging between 22C and 28C degrees. The Caldeira Velha waterfall tumbles into this natural, upper pool adding warmed water from the valley sides. Like an infinity pool, the water overflows into a stream below. This stream feeds the pools below.
Pool temperatures increase from upper to the lower pools. The 3 lower, man-made pools’ temperatures are 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, via regional road EN5-2A.
It takes about 10 minutes to travel the 7 kilometres south from the centre 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. From June 15 to September 30th this is also the parking area for the shuttle to nearby Lake Fogo. Expect it to be busy.
The thermal pools are about a 300-metre walk from the entrance gate.
Caldeira Velha Map
Caldeira Velha Hot Springs 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.
- A Visit Ticket provides access to just the Interpretation Centre. 150 are available for each time block.
Tickets can be purchased online at the Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Centre Ticket webpage for the next business day and beyond but not for the current day. The site allows visitors to see how many tickets have been sold by timed block. If this is a must-visit for you, be sure to purchase your tickets early. This is a very popular attraction and is often sold out. While tickets can be purchased at the gate providing tickets are still available for the applicable time block, this is not recommended.
Guided Tour – Lagoa do Fogo and Caldeira Velha Day Trip
The best way to experience Caldeira Velha is as part of a full day tour of the centre of the island. This top-rated tour is perfect.
Discover two of São Miguel’s most breathtaking natural wonders on the Lagoa do Fogo and Hot Springs full-day tour, starting from Ponta Delgada. Gaze over the stunning Lagoa do Fogo crater lake before warming up in the Caldeira Velha hot springs. Along the way, you’ll stop by a traditional pottery factory and a local tea plantation, giving you a well-rounded taste of the island’s nature and culture in a single day.
Know Before You Go – Visiting Caldeira Velha
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 four pools range in temperature between 22C 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.
Explore All of our São Miguel Island Travel Guides
Discover our complete series of detailed São Miguel guides to help you plan your perfect 5 to 7-day adventure on the largest island in the Azores.
Main Article: São Miguel Island
Part 1: Ponta Delgada – Cobblestone streets, beautiful gardens and harbour promenade
Part 2: Sete Cidades – Twin crater lakes, with blue and green waters
Part 3: The Abandoned Monte Palace Hotel – Ghostly luxury hotel and panoramic crater views
Part 4: Furnas – Steaming fumaroles, relaxing mineral hot springs
Part 5: Lagoa do Fogo – Hidden crater lake and dramatic viewpoints
Part 6: Caldeira Velha – Forest hot springs and thermal bathing pools (You’re reading this guide now!)
Part 7: Ribeira and the North Coast – Tea plantations, waterfalls, and rugged coastline
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