Thermal Waters: What They Are, Benefits, Advantages, and Hot Springs in the Azores

Thermal waters allow you to enjoy a fully relaxing immersion bath. Besides the magic of soaking in an outdoor “bathtub” with hot thermal water, its therapeutic properties are beneficial to your health and well-being.

In the Azores, especially on São Miguel Island, you can enjoy – in several locations (see at the end of the article) – fantastic, relaxing baths in hot thermal waters.

Parque Terra Nostra
Fotografia de Liliana Borges

What are thermal waters?

Thermal waters are located deep underground, possessing a completely natural chemical composition. Through the interaction of water with rocks, they gain therapeutic and dermatological properties, such as cleansing and moisturizing the skin, reducing dark circles and aiding in healing, as well as helping reduce irritations and dermatitis. Additionally, these waters are recommended for inflammatory diseases, osteoporosis, and rheumatism.

This type of water has been enriched over the years by the minerals in the rocks, and when it returns to the surface, it has temperatures ranging from 37 to 50ºC. This is the biggest difference between thermal waters and hot water from your shower or bath, which are chemically treated, often acidic in pH, and come from water treatment plants.

SPA – Poça Dona Beija
Fotografia de Cristina Aires

The significance of thermal waters has led to the creation of the concept of Thermalism, an area related to health and leisure, where the main focus is the therapeutic application of thermal water, connected to its emergence temperature and chemical composition. It is important to note that thermalism focuses on treatments using thermal waters directly at the source, to ensure better efficacy and results.

Dona Beija
Fotografia de Ana Sousa

There are various places around the world where you can enjoy thermal waters, and the Azores is one of them. So, experience a thermal water source and take advantage of all the benefits and advantages it can offer to your life.

Benefits & Advantages of hot thermal waters

There are numerous benefits and advantages to immersing and bathing in hot thermal waters. Below are some of them:

Improves blood circulation

When you immerse yourself in hot thermal waters, physical pressure is applied to your body, causing your heart rate to increase. This helps exercise your blood vessels and makes your heart work faster and stronger.

Relaxes and aids sleep

Enjoying a bath in hot waters helps relax your muscles, which allows both your body and mind to unwind, relieving stress and preparing your body for sleep. It’s worth noting that thermal waters also provide mental relaxation—who wouldn’t want peace and tranquility after a long day?

Lowers blood pressure

Your heart rate will increase, which in turn lowers your blood pressure. However, if you have heart problems, make sure to consult a doctor before bathing in thermal waters.

Relieves muscle pain

Muscle pain is a common issue, and hot waters play a fundamental role in relaxing your tense muscles and relieving joint pain. It’s a great ally for physical activities.

Cleans and nourishes the skin

When in contact with hot thermal waters, your skin pores open, allowing toxins accumulated in your skin to be cleansed. This results in a cleaner and more pleasant feeling, leaving you happier and more satisfied, as thermal waters rejuvenate the skin.

Reduces headaches

Common causes of headaches are related to the constriction of blood vessels in the head. Hot thermal waters help alleviate pressure in the blood vessels and consequently reduce headaches. A very useful method is immersion in the waters or receiving water jets on the body, both with the goal of regulating body temperature and delivering nutrients to the cells, reducing headaches.

Reduces stress

The many situations we face daily often lead to stress in our minds. Hot thermal waters are an excellent option for stress relief. There’s nothing like a good bath to forget about work or daily routine problems and gain energy to face them.

Hydrates the skin

Hot thermal waters are excellent for deeply hydrating your skin, keeping it moist for longer. As such, it’s a great option for moisturizing dry skin, as well as oily skin, unlike mineral or tap water, which aren’t as nutrient-rich.

Helps with healing

Thermal waters, due to their high concentrations of minerals like sulfur and zinc, can help in the healing process of wounds, making them a great alternative for dermatological treatments, such as acne and minor facial lesions. This is due to the action of zinc in skin physiology, which helps modulate inflammation.

Reduces dark circles

That tired look can be easily diminished with thermal waters. Tip: Place the thermal water in the fridge, apply it to a cotton pad, and use it as a compress for 5 minutes on the dark circles. The effect is incredible and will certainly make a big difference in your appearance.

Parque Terra Nostra
Fotografia de Nelson Merenda

Mineral composition of thermal waters

There are various types of thermal waters. Below are some of these types and their main characteristics and advantages for our bodies and health.

Bicarbonate thermal water

• Low mineralization, alkaline, and cold water.
• Indicated for digestive problems.
• Hydrates and leaves the skin velvety.

Sulfurous thermal water

• Rich in sulfur.
• Improves blood circulation and helps with respiratory system issues.
• Revitalizes the body and relaxes muscles.
• Indicated for joint problems, anemia, dermatosis, and inflammations.
• Not recommended for: people with hypertension.

Sulfate thermal water

• Rich in sodium.
• Helps combat constipation, colitis, and liver problems.
• Indicated for gastric, dermatological, intestinal issues, and removal of uric acid.
• Has anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects.

Chloride thermal water

• Rich in chlorine (low mineralization).
• Indicated for dermatological and inflammatory issues.
• Stimulating for the body.
• Helps with gastrointestinal issues, gastritis, pancreatitis, hepatitis, and kidney problems.

Ferruginous thermal water

• Rich in iron.
• Stimulates appetite and metabolism.
• Indicated for rheumatism, liver, bile, dermatological issues, and anemia.
• Helps treat anorexia, various types of anemia, parasitosis, allergies, and juvenile acne.

Caldeira Velha
Fotografia de Monica Falcon

Thermal waters in the Azores

In the Azores, you can enjoy hot thermal waters, one of the most sought-after points of interest, especially on the islands of São Miguel and Graciosa, which have several bathing spots.

On São Miguel Island, you will find one of Europe’s largest and richest hydrological paradises, the Furnas Valley. Here lies a giant crater that contains a rather eccentric pool.

This is due to the high concentration of iron, which turns the water orange. Initially, it was thought to be muddy water, but in reality, it’s the excess iron that causes the color and brings health benefits, as mentioned above.

To learn more about each location, as well as its history, location, hours, and prices, click on the links below:

São Miguel

• Parque Terra Nostra – Hot thermal water pools
• Poça da Dona Beija – Hot water tanks
• Termas da Ferraria – Natural hot water pools
• Termas das Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande
• Caldeira Velha – Waterfall and hot thermal water pool

Graciosa

• Termas do Carapacho

Video on thermalism in the Azores

The Brazilian TV network Globo visited the Azores. In the video below, you can see and learn more about thermalism in the Azores, with special emphasis on the Furnas Valley, on São Miguel Island.