A historic botanical garden in the Furnas valley dating to the 18th century, spread across more than 12 hectares of subtropical planting, camellia collections, and a large thermal swimming pool fed by iron-rich, mineral-warm spring water that stains the water a distinctive orange-brown. Visitors can walk the garden paths and bathe in the heated pool on the same ticket.
Terra Nostra Park occupies a 12-hectare botanical garden in the Furnas valley on São Miguel, laid out in the 18th century and expanded over the following two centuries with camellias, tree ferns, and subtropical species gathered from around the world. At its center lies a large thermal swimming pool fed by iron-rich spring water that stains the pool a distinctive orange-brown and stays warm year-round, generally in the mid-30s Celsius. Visitors typically walk the garden's shaded paths past ponds and mature tree specimens before changing into swimwear for a soak in the thermal pool, all covered by a single admission ticket; towels can be rented on site. A full visit, combining the garden walk and a swim, runs two to three hours. The garden is at its most colorful when the camellia collection blooms in winter and early spring, though the thermal pool draws visitors year-round regardless of season. Weekday mornings are noticeably quieter than weekend afternoons, when tour groups and day-trippers from Ponta Delgada fill both the paths and the pool.
| Admission | Adult €17 (approx $18.40), includes garden and thermal pool · Child Reduced rate for children, verify current pricing locally |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily, 10:30AM-4:30PM |
| Typical visit | 2-3 hours |
| Best time | Weekday mornings for the quietest pool and garden paths |
| Getting there | Short walk from central Furnas, about an hour's drive from Ponta Delgada |
| Address | Largo Marquês da Praia e Monforte, 9675-037 Furnas, 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
Largo Marquês da Praia e Monforte, 9675-037 Furnas, São Miguel, Azores, Portugal
37.7714, -25.3147 View on map
Highlights
- Orange-brown thermal swimming pool heated by natural hot springs
- 12 hectares of subtropical gardens and camellia collections
- Combined garden and thermal-pool admission on a single ticket
- Historic 18th-century layout with mature specimen trees
Tips for visiting
- Bring a swimsuit and a spare towel or change of clothes, since the iron-rich water can stain fabric
- Rent a towel on site if traveling light, since the mineral water is not ideal for personal towels
- Visit on a weekday morning for the quietest pool and paths
- The pool water is warm year-round, so a swim is worthwhile even in cooler months
When to visit
Weekday mornings offer the quietest garden paths and pool; winter and early spring bring the camellia collection into bloom.
Accessibility
Main garden paths are paved and largely level, making them manageable for wheelchairs and strollers; entry into the thermal pool itself requires steps and is not adapted for limited mobility.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
A combined garden walk and pool visit typically takes 2-3 hours.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes, the warm pool and open garden paths are popular with families, though the mineral water can stain light-colored swimwear.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, photography is allowed throughout the garden and pool area.