Poça da Dona Beija – Furnas, São Miguel

At Poça da Dona Beija, located in Furnas on the island of São Miguel, you can enjoy unique relaxation moments in warm thermal waters. It’s a must-experience during your stay in the Azores.

This is one of the most visited places by tourists due to its characteristics and magic. Below you will find all the information about Poça da Dona Beija, formerly also known as Poça da Juventude

Poça da Dona Beija

It wasn’t always very popular among tourists, as until 2010, nothing of what you see today at Poça da Dona Beija existed. It all started with a single pool, which was used and frequented by locals. Since it wasn’t managed by any entity, access was free, but the capacity was not always sufficient for the many curious visitors.

The area was closed to the public in 2007 because the conditions for safety and public health were not met. Then, in 2010, after renovation works and through a public tender, the management of this space was assigned to the company Criações Naturais Lda.

Poça da Beija
Fotografia de Daniel Santos

It was precisely on November 29, 2010, that the doors were opened to the public for what is now known as Poça da Dona Beija. It is a refined, organized space that receives daily maintenance. There is also a small souvenir shop on site and a full-time security guard.

More recently, at the end of 2015, it underwent some improvement works that allowed the addition of two pools.

It is divided into 5 pools/tanks of warm thermal waters, with different depths and average temperatures. They are named Ribeira, Serena, Mística, Convívio Thermae, and Meditação.

The Name “Dona Beija” & Curiosities

• Its toponymy is related to the Brazilian soap opera “Dona Beija”. The romantic images of the “cachoeira” (small waterfall) where the character “Dona Beija” bathed were still in the memory of the locals when this idyllic spot started to be more publicized, thus giving it its name.
• The ferruginous waters are used by the locals to irrigate taro (yam) plantations, as the mud constitutes an ecological fertilizer for this tuber and its quality makes the locals the “yam growers” of São Miguel.
• About forty meters from the spring, there were the “baths of Uncle Cabaço,” a small bathhouse with two bathtubs supplied by hot, ferruginous water known as “Uncle Cabaço’s Water.” According to popular medicine, it was suitable for treating skin diseases.
• The strong yellow color of the water is due to the presence of cyanobacteria, oxygenic photosynthetic organisms that, in iron-rich environments, react with free iron, oxidizing it and causing it to precipitate.
• Before being named Poça da Dona Beija, the area was known to locals as “Levada do Tio Chico Brasil,” because a water channel from the spring was conducted by a levada (irrigation channel) to a nearby mill.

Benefits of Thermal Hot Water

• Increases blood circulation;
• Reduces stress;
• Relieves pain naturally;
• Helps with skin problems.

See also: Thermal waters: what they are, benefits and advantages for health

Water Temperature

The temperature of each available pool varies, with an average temperature of 39ºC. Each pool has its name, temperature, and depth displayed.

Contacts & Location

Poça da Dona Beija is located in the locality of Furnas, on the island of São Miguel. It is about a 30 to 40-minute drive from Ponta Delgada. The site is easily accessible and has a free parking lot. However, due to high attendance, the parking lot is often full. But there is always space to park your vehicle and walk to the entrance.

Address:
Lomba das Barracas s/n
9675-044 Furnas
São Miguel, Azores

Email: pocadadonabeija@gmail.com

2024 Schedule

One of the great advantages is the schedule, which extends until 11:00 PM local time. The last entry is accepted until 10:15 PM, and users must leave the pools by 10:45 PM.

Opening: 8:30 AM
Closing: 11:00 PM
No interruptions

Update: The maximum stay time at Poça da Dona Beija is 1 hour and 30 minutes.

2024 Price

The entrance fee is:

Adults: 8.00€
Children up to 6 years old: 6.00€

Tickets must be purchased at the Poça da Dona Beija ticket office on site. There is no advance online sale. Due to the high demand for this place, you may find a queue at the entrance during peak hours. Since the maximum stay time is 1 hour and 30 minutes, you can enter quickly.

Reservations

Since November 20, 2023, it has been possible to purchase tickets online for entry to Poça da Dona Beija. This can be done on the official website.
From March 1, 2024, tickets can only be purchased online.

Available Services

The facility is equipped with changing rooms, including bathrooms, showers, and dressing rooms with non-slip flooring.

Other amenities include the ticket office and shop. The shop sells a variety of handmade products and jewelry.

In the ticket office area, you can also purchase water, soft drinks, and rent towels (this service may be unavailable at certain times).

Tips for Enjoying Poça da Dona Beija

Since this is a prestigious place, you should consider some aspects during your visit.

• It is recommended to wear a dark-colored swimsuit or bathing shorts. Due to the ferruginous waters, light-colored swimwear tends to turn yellow/orange, which is often difficult to remove.
• If you want to enjoy the space without many people around, visit it during the early hours of the day (between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM);
• Caught a rainy day? Don’t worry, being in the warm thermal waters while it rains is a unique experience!
• During the summer, it is recommended to visit this place during cooler hours (morning or night). During the day and under the hot sun, you might feel extreme heat.
• Eating is not allowed on the premises. Therefore, you should not bring any food with you to the facility.
• Due to the size of the various pools/tanks, you should respect the space of other users. Jumping, diving, or swimming in the thermal waters is not allowed.

See below for complete information on the usage rules of the space.

Rules

To ensure that your visit and stay at Poça da Dona Beija go smoothly, the managing entity has defined some rules, and it is strictly prohibited to:

• Enter under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs;
• Bring animals, except guide dogs;
• Bring and/or consume alcoholic beverages on the premises;
• Enter with glass containers;
• Allow minors to enter without adult supervision;
• Create noise pollution;
• Bring food and/or eat on the premises;
• Smoke in the thermal pools and enclosed areas (there is a designated smoking area);
• Use soap and/or detergent in the thermal water;
• Practice nudism;
• Swim, jump, and/or dive in the thermal water;
• Bathe in the spring or the supply channel;
• Play ball games;
• Ride bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, and similar items;

The right of admission is reserved. Non-compliance with the rules will result in the expulsion of offenders, or even legal action, without the right to a refund. A security guard is always present on-site to ensure the rules are respected.

Poça da Dona Beija at Night

This is the only place with warm thermal waters that has extended night hours, allowing you to enjoy all the magic present in this location. At night, everything changes! Yellow lights, combined with the steam from the hot waters and the sound of running water, create a unique atmosphere.

Activity Packages Including Poça da Dona Beija

> Poça da Dona Beija at night, with a guide and dinner included: click here

Poça Dona Beija by night
Fotografia de Bruno Sousa

It is highly recommended to have this experience. Poça da Dona Beija closes at 11:00 PM, so you can make the most of your day to explore and discover the island of São Miguel. To end the day and relax, immerse yourself in the nighttime magic—it’s worth it!

Gallery Photos

Poça Dona Beija
Fotografia de Liliana Borges

Poça Dona Beija
Fotografia de Liliana Borges

SPA – Poça Dona Beija
Fotografia de Cristina Aires

Poça D. Beija (São Miguel)
Fotografia de Susana Martins

Video

If you’re looking for a moment of relaxation, this is definitely an activity to consider during your visit to the island of São Miguel. In fact, after visiting this place for the first time, you will fall in love with it. Visit and you’ll understand why. Enjoy your baths!

Photo credits: pocadonabeija.com