Guide to Visiting Caldeira Velha – São Miguel Island

Located in Ribeira Grande, on São Miguel Island, in the Azores Archipelago, Caldeira Velha is part of a Natural and Regional Monument, boasting a great biological diversity and several natural pools on the slopes of the Serra da Água de Pau forest, along the regional road to Lagoa do Fogo.

The site features thermal water pools at an average temperature of 34ºC, surrounded by stunning landscapes filled with large ferns, offering a unique experience of peace, silence, and tranquility.

See also: Must-visit places on São Miguel Island

Caldeira Velha
Fotografia de Tatjana Reuter

Since February 2018, residents of the Azores have free access to the Caldeira Velha Natural Monument. Tourists, however, need to pay an entrance fee of €3, and if you wish to bathe in the thermal waters, the fee is €8.

It is important to note that each person is allowed to stay at Caldeira Velha for a maximum of 2 hours, with a limit of 250 visitors at a time. Please also be aware that the available parking is quite small.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Caldeira Velha, take great photos, and relax in this beautiful Azorean wonder!

Caldeira Velha
Fotografia de Monica Falcon

Exploring the History of Caldeira Velha

Caldeira Velha was formed from the volcanic complex of Lagoa do Fogo. The natural pools found on-site are the main highlights of its historical formation. The oldest waterfall, rich in iron, has a temperature of around 25ºC, while the more recent one, heated by fumaroles, varies between 35ºC and 38ºC.

If you’d like to learn more about the history and geology of Caldeira Velha and São Miguel Island, visit the Interpretation Center. Here, you’ll get a true lesson on the island’s formation, covering topics such as biodiversity, geodiversity, geothermal energy, and thermalism, as well as souvenir options for purchase.

Caldeira Velha
Fotografia de Helena Botelho

Caldeira Velha underwent a recent renovation and was closed for 3 weeks in early 2018 for cleaning and waterproofing, ensuring more comfort for visitors. It is important to note that the site is accessible for people with reduced mobility and also offers basic infrastructure, including bathrooms and showers for visitors.

Must-See Attractions at Caldeira Velha

The main attraction at Caldeira Velha is the magnificent waterfall of iron-rich thermal water. The hot water cascade heats three impressive pools with varying temperatures between 26ºC and 38ºC, all surrounded by incredible nature.

Caldeira Velha
Fotografia de Liliana Borges

Tip for those planning to bathe in the thermal waters of Caldeira Velha: the water contains a lot of iron and can stain swimwear, so avoid wearing new clothes. Remember that thermal waters are also known for their medicinal and therapeutic properties, so make the most of this opportunity.

Another option is to hike the Caldeira Velha Natural Monument Hot Spring Trail, a 320-meter round-trip route with minimal difficulty. At the end of the trail, you’ll find the hot spring, where the water emerges from cracks in trachytic rock outcrops at 32ºC, due to the geothermal reservoir of the Fogo Volcano.

Caldeira Velha
Fotografia de Luís Gaspar

Additionally, you’ll enjoy landscapes along the trail, dominated by tree ferns and other exotic species such as acacias, bamboo, and incense trees.

Caldeira Velha
Fotografia de Helena Botelho

If you’re lucky, you might spot the smallest bird in Europe, the goldcrest, considered an endemic subspecies of São Miguel Island. A guide is required for this hike.

Address

EN5 2A, Ribeira Grande
Regional Road to Lagoa do Fogo

Price 2023

Online Reservations and Ticketing

You can now book your entry tickets to Caldeira Velha online. Visit the ticketing website, fill out the form, and check real-time availability. This way, you avoid waiting in line and guarantee your presence at this location.

Opening Hours 2023

The ticket office closes 30 minutes before closing time.

Tickets are valid for 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on the selected block:
09:00 AM – 10:30 AM / 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM / 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM / 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM / 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM / 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM (high season) / 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (high season)

Visitor Capacity: Thermal Pools – 100 visitors | Total – 250 visitors at a time.

The management reserves the right to close the site depending on weather conditions.

Location on the Map

Video

Enjoy Caldeira Velha during your stay on São Miguel Island

See also: Places to visit and points of interest on São Miguel