A forested thermal park on the lower slopes of the Lagoa do Fogo volcano, centered on a warm waterfall that cascades into a natural bathing pool ringed by ferns and hydrangeas. It is one of the more scenic hot-spring sites on São Miguel, set directly beside the main road up to Lagoa do Fogo.
Caldeira Velha is a forested thermal park on the lower slopes of the Lagoa do Fogo volcano on São Miguel, centered on a warm waterfall that tumbles into a natural bathing pool surrounded by ferns, hydrangeas, and volcanic rock. Visitors follow a short wooden walkway from the entrance down to the main pool, where the water sits at a comfortable warm temperature fed directly by geothermal springs higher up the slope. A second, smaller pool sits just below the waterfall itself for those wanting to bathe closer to the falling water. Most visits last an hour to ninety minutes, enough time to change, soak, and walk the short forest paths around the site. Because Caldeira Velha sits directly beside the main road up to Lagoa do Fogo, it is a common stop for both organized tours and independent drivers, and it can be busy with tour groups by mid-morning; weekday mornings, before the buses arrive, are noticeably quieter. The park occasionally closes for maintenance after heavy rain, since the access paths can become slippery.
| Admission | Adult Approx €8 (approx $8.65) · Child Reduced rate, verify current pricing locally |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily, approx 9AM-6PM, seasonal; occasionally closed for maintenance |
| Typical visit | 1-1.5 hours |
| Best time | Weekday mornings before tour groups arrive |
| Getting there | Rental car on the EN3-2 road toward Lagoa do Fogo, about 25 minutes from Ponta Delgada |
| Address | EN3-2, 9625 Lombadas, Ribeira Grande, São Miguel, Azores, Portugal |
Weather through the year in Portugal
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Portugal.
Location
EN3-2, 9625 Lombadas, Ribeira Grande, São Miguel, Azores, Portugal
37.8014, -25.4681 View on map
Highlights
- Warm waterfall cascading into a natural bathing pool
- Forest setting with ferns and hydrangeas around volcanic rock
- Short wooden walkway connecting the entrance to the main pool
- Convenient stop en route to Lagoa do Fogo
Tips for visiting
- Visit on a weekday morning before tour groups arrive
- Bring water shoes, since the pool floor is uneven volcanic rock
- Check ahead in wet weather, as the park can close for maintenance after heavy rain
- Changing facilities are basic, so bring a towel and a bag for wet clothes
When to visit
Weekday mornings before tour groups arrive give the quietest, clearest pool.
Accessibility
The walkway from the entrance to the main pool includes steps and an uneven natural rock pool floor, making the site difficult for wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend 1 to 1.5 hours at the pool and surrounding paths.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes, though the pool floor is uneven rock, so supervision is needed for young children.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, photography is allowed throughout the park.