Thermal Baths of Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande – São Miguel Island

The Thermal Baths of Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande are a beautiful thermal complex located in the municipality of Ribeira Grande, in the heart of São Miguel Island. These white-painted buildings date back to the 19th century and are situated in a valley covered with typical Laurisilva forest species, crossed by a small river.

In the central area, there is a boiling caldera with light blue waters reaching temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius. This location is perfect for a rejuvenating thermal water bath or volcanic mud massages.

Public areas have been renovated in recent years, giving a lasting mark on the landscape. Without a doubt, this is a place not to be missed during your stay on São Miguel Island. See more details and information below.

Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande

The Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande consist of a scenic complex surrounded by trees, a small fumarole field, and several mineral water springs. The main building, dating back to 1811, is an old thermal establishment that houses the region’s first stone bathtub on record.

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This location is filled with history and is said to have received a visit from King Carlos I in 1901 when he toured the Azores. The dense vegetation creates cozy and pleasant spaces that uniquely define the area.

Caldeiras
Fotografia de Helena Botelho

Inside the thermal building, there is a “fumarole” with three stone tanks that receive natural hot water. The surrounding area also includes grills and an outdoor dining area. At the highest point, there is a small chapel where you can appreciate the entire scenic landscape.

Traditional Cooking at the Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande

Since August 2014, nine holes have been available near the Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande area for preparing traditional Azorean stews, known as “Cozidos.” The cooking method utilizes the volcanic ground heat, is free of charge, and takes five to six hours to complete.

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Also see: Cozido das Furnas – How it’s Made, How to Make it, and Where to Eat it

This process is very similar to the one used in Furnas, which began charging a fee in 2014. At Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande, the space is managed by the local government, and a staff member is always present to oversee the operation and maintenance of the cooking holes.

More than one hundred stews are prepared each week at Caldeiras, bringing joy to locals and visitors who can savor this traditional Azorean dish.

Thermal Baths of Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande

The thermal baths in Ribeira Grande, also known as “Crown Baths,” began being used in the 17th century for medicinal purposes. In the following century, demand for the baths grew due to the healing properties of the volcanic waters.

They remained closed for many years due to the need for restoration and infrastructure improvements. In 2016, after several upgrades that preserved its original architecture, the baths were reopened to the public, now offering SPA services, including soul-soothing immersion, revitalization and rejuvenation baths, and volcanic mud massages.

Opening Hours

Open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Location on the Map