The Azores' largest and most famous thermal pool, a rust-orange, iron-rich pool at a steady 35-40C set within a 12-hectare award-winning botanical garden in the volcanic Furnas valley.
Terra Nostra Park in Furnas, São Miguel, combines the Azores' most celebrated thermal bathing pool with one of the finest botanical gardens in the Atlantic. The pool itself, filled continuously with mineral-rich volcanic water at 35-40C, takes on a distinctive rust-orange colour from its high iron content and is large enough for genuinely relaxed swimming rather than a crowded soak. It sits at the heart of a 12-hectare garden first laid out in the 18th century and expanded through the 19th and 20th centuries, with mature camellias, tree ferns, and subtropical plantings surrounding the water. Day entry costs EUR 17 and covers both the garden and the thermal pool, with reduced or complimentary access for guests dining at the on-site restaurant above a certain bill. The park opens daily from 10AM to 6PM, and swimwear stains easily from the iron-rich water, so older suits are recommended. Because the pool is a genuine attraction as well as a wellness stop, it can be busy at midday in peak season, and an early or late-afternoon visit gives a calmer experience. Terra Nostra Garden Hotel guests have 24-hour pool access, letting them experience the thermal waters without daytime crowds. For visitors touring Furnas' fumarole fields and volcanic cooking pits, the park makes a natural pairing, combining a soak with one of the most photographed gardens in the Azores.
| Price | EUR 17 day entry (garden and pool) |
|---|---|
| Session length | Day access; typical visit 1-3 hours |
| Hours | Daily 10AM-6PM |
| Address | Rua Padre José Jacinto Botelho 5, 9675-072 Furnas, São Miguel, Portugal |
Treatments
- Iron-rich thermal pool bathing
- Botanical garden walking
- Restaurant dining with garden views
- Photography and relaxation
Good to know
- Signature
- Large iron-rich thermal bathing pool inside a historic botanical garden
Weather through the year in Portugal
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Portugal.
Location
Rua Padre José Jacinto Botelho 5, 9675-072 Furnas, São Miguel, Portugal
37.7683, -25.3222 View on map
Highlights
- The Azores' largest thermal bathing pool, mineral-rich and rust-orange from iron content
- Set within a 12-hectare award-winning botanical garden dating to the 18th century
- Water temperature 35-40C year-round
- Day entry EUR 17 covers both garden and pool access
- 24-hour pool access for Terra Nostra Garden Hotel guests
Tips for visiting
- Bring an old or dark-coloured swimsuit, as the iron-rich water stains fabric
- Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday peak-season crowds
- A restaurant bill over EUR 35 per person includes complimentary park entry
- Combine the visit with Furnas' fumarole fields and cozido volcanic cooking pits nearby
- The park is open daily 10AM-6PM
Frequently asked questions
How much does entry cost?
Day entry is EUR 17 and includes access to both the 12-hectare botanical garden and the thermal pool.
Why does the water look orange?
The thermal water is naturally rich in iron and other minerals, which gives the pool its distinctive rust-orange colour and can stain light-coloured swimwear.
What are the opening hours?
The park is open daily from 10AM to 6PM; hotel guests staying on-site have 24-hour access to the pool.