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ItalianoLocated 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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
