Biscoitos Natural Pools: Terceira’s First Volcanic Swimming Pools
Before any other volcanic pool on Terceira was prepared for swimmers, one paved the way: Biscoitos Natural Pools, carved by lava long before any human ever set foot on the island.
4,500-year-old lava
This swimming area is the result of successive eruptions emitted about 4,500 years ago by Pico Gordo, a volcanic cone at the centre of Terceira. AA-type basaltic lava flows, upon meeting the cold sea water, solidified into peculiar rock formations.
The first to be adapted for swimming
It was only in 1969 that these natural formations were prepared for bathing, becoming the first on Terceira Island to undergo this transformation. After Biscoitos, other coastal spots followed, such as Abismo and Calheta dos Lagadores.
21°C water beside black rock
The contrast between the black volcanic rock and the transparent blue sea is what stands out most visually here. Water temperature sits around 21°C, and the area holds Blue Flag status with lifeguard supervision in the warmer months.
Next to Verdelho vineyards and WWII trenches
The same eruptions that formed the pools also created the volcanic fields where Biscoitos Verdelho wine is grown, a demarcated region with its own museum. Right next to the swimming area, visitors can also explore trenches carved into the rock during the Second World War.
Planning your visit
- Location: Biscoitos parish, Praia da Vitória municipality, northeast coast of the island.
- Facilities: bar, showers, changing rooms, and lifeguard supervision in season.
- Pair with: a visit to the Biscoitos Wine Museum, just minutes away.
Best time to visit
Summer months guarantee lifeguard supervision at the pools and more inviting water for swimming.
Nearby highlights
The Biscoitos Wine Museum, founded in 1990, rounds out the visit with the region’s winemaking history.
After the pools, head to the Biscoitos Wine Museum to see how the same lava that created this bathing spot also gave rise to one of the Azores’ most traditional wines.
