Caldeira Velha: Thermal Pools on the Slopes of Água de Pau Volcano
Halfway between Lagoa do Fogo and Ribeira Grande, the road cuts through an increasingly dense forest until it reaches a spot where the water rising from the ground is already warm. This is Caldeira Velha, one of the few places in the Azores where you can dip directly into the island’s geothermal energy.
Water heated by the Fogo volcano
Caldeira Velha’s thermal spring comes from an aquifer heated by a current rising from the geothermal reservoir deep within the Fogo volcano, dormant since its 1563 eruption. Iron dissolved in the water stains the rocks in shades of orange and red, a striking contrast against the deep green vegetation all around.
Three pools, three temperatures
The visit usually takes in three distinct pools. Poça dos Vimes, the first you reach, is split into two sections with water between 30°C and 35°C. Next comes Poça dos Fetos, deeper, with similar temperatures and a view of active fumaroles. Finally, Poça da Cascata, the park’s largest pool, fed by a waterfall and slightly cooler, between 25°C and 28°C.
Laurel forest and sulphur fumaroles
The walk through the park is short but dense with nature: giant ferns, lichens, and humid laurel-forest trees line the path to the pools. The sulphur smell typical of Azorean geothermal areas is constant but mild.
Planning your visit
- Book ahead: buying a ticket online at least 24 hours in advance is recommended.
- Visit length: entry is usually capped at around 1.5 hours per visitor.
- Best time slot: the first entry of the day, usually 9am, guarantees fewer crowds.
Best time to visit
Caldeira Velha can be visited year-round — the water stays warm even in the coldest months, when the contrast with the cool air makes the soak even more pleasant.
Nearby highlights
Lagoa do Fogo is just a few minutes away by car, making it easy to pair both stops in the same day.
After relaxing in the thermal waters, head to Lagoa do Fogo or continue on to the geothermal area of Furnas, further east on the island, to explore more of São Miguel’s volcanic activity.
Featured image — Photo: L0ll0 / Wikimedia Commons, CC0
