🧖🏽🌋 GET TO KNOW the volcanic archipelago with natural HOT SPRINGS: Azores 🏝️🇵🇹

Natural waters that emerge directly from the heart of the Earth, surrounded by volcanic landscapes and lush vegetation that seems like something out of this world. These are the hot springs of the Azores, Portugal.

The Azores Islands are an archipelago of volcanic origin located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which is situated in the middle of the Atlantic, where three tectonic plates meet.

Azores Hot Springs, Portugal

The subtropical oceanic climate, with stable temperatures throughout the year and high humidity, is a key factor in creating the ideal environment for hot springs.

Water travels underground until it reaches deep magma chambers. There, it heats up and is enriched with minerals. It then continues its cycle and rises to the surface through natural fissures in the volcanic rock.

Hot Springs in Portugal: Where to Go?

Terra Nostra Park (Furnas, São Miguel)

A volcanic valley surrounded by lush vegetation and botanical gardens, Terra Nostra is the most popular spot in the Azores. It's home to the brownish, iron-rich thermal pool. It maintains a temperature of between 35 and 40°C year-round. The experience is enhanced during the winter.

Admission to the park costs €17. It includes access to the botanical garden and thermal pools. The water can dye your swimsuit due to its high iron content.

Caldeira Velha

Nestled in the laurel forest, Caldeira Velha welcomes you in an almost mystical, yet relaxing, atmosphere. These natural pools are located at the foot of the Água de Pau volcano.

These hot springs in Portugal are also rich in iron and sulfur. The scent is intense, but surrounded by nature, it fades into the background.

The Caldeira Velha trail begins with warmer pools (39°C) than the others, and it's recommended to start there. Finally, you can spend a moment in the last pool, Poça da Cascata, which is the largest and deepest in the area. Its water is also slightly cooler (25°C) than the previous ones.

SPANISH SECTION:

Lagos de agua salada en Egipto (guía completa)

Los lagos de agua salada se originaron gracias a su ubicación geográfica. Se formaron en las cuencas de una depresión donde no tienen flujo de salida. Se cree que nacieron después de fuertes lluvias y filtraciones subterráneas.

Hay tres lagos salados principales: el más grande con 32 km2 Birket Siwa, otro llamado Birket Az-Zaytun y, el siempre seco, Birket Azmuri. También hay 230 manantiales de agua salada utilizados únicamente para fines económicos. Y dentro del territorio hay otras fuentes de agua que son usadas para obtener agua potable.

Ponta da Ferraria

A hot spring pool born in a rock formation created by the union of lava from Pico Camarinhas and the ocean. Ponta da Ferraria is unlike any other; the water temperature reaches up to 30°C and constantly mixes with the waves of the Atlantic.

Access is free because it's a natural pool and one of the few natural, thermal, oceanic pools in the world. It's recommended to visit during low tide. The Azores have a tide table that changes daily.

Some other musts

• Carapacho.

• Poça Simão Dias

• Biscoitos.

• Poço do Bacalhau.

People who should consult their doctor before going

• Pregnant women.

• Serious heart problems.

• High or low blood pressure.

• Open wounds or skin infections.

• After consuming alcohol.

Before you go

The recommended time in the hot springs is 30 to 45 minutes. This may vary depending on your heat tolerance and health.

It's best to wear a swimsuit that can stain; it's normal for the minerals to dye your clothes.

Wear non-slip footwear; shark shoes are a good option. A microfiber towel and a swim cap may be helpful; some places require them.

March through October is the low season, perfect if you prefer to avoid crowds. Keep in mind that during these months, the average temperature in the Azores is 24°C.