Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande Thermal Baths – São Miguel Island

The Termas das Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande are a beautiful thermal spa complex nestled in the municipality of Ribeira Grande, on the island of São Miguel. Its white-painted buildings date back to the 19th century and are set in a lush valley, home to native Laurissilva forest species and crisscrossed by a gentle stream.

At its heart is a hot spring caldera with light blue, bubbling waters and temperatures hovering around 30 degrees Celsius. The spot is perfect for a refreshing dip in the thermal waters or a therapeutic volcanic mud massage.

The public areas have been beautifully renovated in recent years, leaving a lasting mark on the landscape. It is, without a doubt, a must-see destination during your stay on São Miguel island. Find more details and information below.

What to Find at the Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande

The Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande feature a stunning landscape surrounded by woodlands, a small cluster of fumaroles, and several natural mineral water springs. The central building, dating back to 1811, is a historic thermal spa that houses the first stone bathtub ever recorded in the region.

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The site is steeped in history; it is said that King Carlos I of Portugal visited in 1901 during his tour of the Açores. The lush vegetation used to define the public areas has created wonderfully pleasant and unique private nooks.

Caldeiras
Fotografia de Helena Botelho

The thermal building features a “fumarole” feeding three stone pools with natural hot water. In the surrounding area, you’ll find barbecue grills and a picnic area for outdoor dining. At the highest point, there is a small chapel from which you can admire the entire scenic landscape.

How the Caldeiras’ ‘Cozido’ Works

Since August 2014, nine cooking holes have been available near the Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande for preparing the traditional Azorean stew, ‘cozido’. The stew is cooked using the natural heat from the volcanic ground; the service is free and the cooking process takes five to six hours.

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See also: Cozido das Furnas – How It’s Made, How to Make It, and Where to Eat It

This cooking method is very similar to the one in Furnas, which became a paid service in 2014. At Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande, the site is managed by the municipality, and a dedicated staff member is always on hand to oversee the use and maintenance of the cooking holes.

More than a hundred ‘cozidos’ are cooked at the Caldeiras each week, to the delight of locals and visitors alike, who can savour this traditional Azorean dish.

Termas das Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande

The Ribeira Grande thermal baths, also known as the Crown Baths, began to be used in the 17th century to cure illnesses. In the following century, demand for the baths grew thanks to the healing properties of their volcanic waters.

For many years, they remained closed, in need of restoration and infrastructure improvements. In 2016, after extensive renovations that carefully preserved the original architecture, they reopened to the public and began offering spa services, such as ‘soul immersion’, revitalising and rejuvenating baths, and volcanic mud massages.

Opening Hours

Open daily from 10:00 to 22:00

Location on the Map