Paradise is the best description for Caldeira Velha. Picture this: you are walking through a lush jungle with fascinating plants all around, the birds sing, and you hear the sound of water flowing. Getting deeper inside the vegetation, you will see perfectly tempered waters inviting you for a swim.
The warm waters, hidden within Serra da Água de Pau’s lush forest, make the scenery resemble a scene from Jurassic Park in real life. It features a stunning waterfall and several thermal water pools with varying temperatures.
To enjoy this relaxing experience, we will tell you everything you need to know about Caldeira Velha, a must-do on the island of São Miguel in the Azores.
What is the Natural Monument of Caldeira Velha?
The natural and regional monument of Caldeira Velha is one of the five hot springs on São Miguel Island. It is located in Ribeira Grande, on the road to Lagoa do Fogo. Nestled at about 628m above sea level, Caldeira Velha was classified as a biosphere reserve in 2008. It is essential for the fauna and flora of the Laurisilva forest.
The volcanic complex of Lagoa gave rise to Caldeira Velha do Fogo. Thanks to volcanic activity, the oldest waterfall of iron-rich water is about 25ºC, and the most recent one is heated with fumaroles and can reach 35-38ºC.
Check all our articles about each one of the most relevant points of interest in Ribeira Grande: Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande | Ribeira Grande | Miradouro da Bela Vista | Lagoa de São Brás | Porto de Santa Iria | Poços de São Vicente | Praia dos Moinhos | Salto do Cabrito | Miradouro de Santa Iria | Rabo de Peixe | Pico da Barrosa | Areal de Santa Bárbara | Miradouro Vigia da Baleia | Jardim Municipal da Ribeira Grande
What to Do at Caldeira Velha?
There are five hot springs on São Miguel island: Terra Nostra, Poça da Dona Beija, Ponta da Ferraria, Caldeira da Ribeira Grande, and Caldeira Velha.
Each one is unique, and Caldeira Velha is no exception. The main difference between the two is the lush forest scenery and the hot waterfall — so Instagrammable! Moreover, the interpretation center is very informative if you are curious about the volcanic islands of the Azores.
Relax in the Hot Springs
Caldeira Velha has four pools, with temperatures ranging between 25 and 38ºC, depending on the pool. The main attraction is undoubtedly the waterfall at the end of the park, which creates amazing scenery for photos. However, the water in this waterfall’s pool is not as warm as in the others. However, being under the cascade makes a perfect massage for your back.
Enjoy the warm waters of Caldeira Velha. The pools are not too deep so that you can stand or sit. It is truly a romantic experience in heaven. Every hot spring is different from one another.
Thermal water is known for its therapeutic and medicinal characteristics. The brownish and orange shades in the water are caused naturally by the iron present in the springs. For instance, you can take some iron residue from the walls and put it on your skin.
Visit the Environmental Interpretation Center
In the central building, a permanent exhibition is located to provide more information about Caldeira Velha. At the interpretation center, discover the formation of São Miguel Island, the volcanic origins of the Azores, and explore biodiversity, geodiversity, and more.
In addition to providing an educational experience, you can also shop for souvenirs to bring back home.
Walk Around the Lush Jungle
The park is about 13.16 hectares, so there is much to explore! There is a short and easy walk called Trilho da Nascente Termal. This 300m path is excellent for studying at the end of the thermal spring, where water emerges from the fractures of the trachytic rocky outcrops. The flowing water is about 32 °C due to the geothermal reservoir of the Fogo Volcano.
Inside the park, you can see boiling water, with signs warning against entering the far too hot water for a swim. Moreover, you can see some fumaroles, just like in Furnas.
Additionally, take some time to explore the diverse and fascinating vegetation, which includes tree ferns, acacias, bamboos, and many other tree species. If you are lucky, you might even see the smallest bird in Europe in Caldeira Velha: the goldcrest. Due to the excellent climate of Serra d’Água de Pau, this endemic subspecies of São Miguel island can be found at the hot springs.
Best Season to Visit Caldeira Velha
We highly recommend visiting during the fall, winter, or spring to enjoy the warm waters. However, it is also possible to swim warmly at Caldeira Velha during summer, mainly when it rains, as the cold rain mixed with the thermal waters feels good.
Differences Between Seasons
Caldeira Velha is a fantastic destination to visit throughout the year. If you want to experience this great pleasure when you enter the hot waters, choose a day when temperatures are colder, the wind is blowing, or the rain is pouring. Caldeira Velha is often crowded during the summer, and the line to get in grows longer.
In the springtime, you can truly appreciate the lush vegetation of Caldeira Velha and spot some flowers around the park, adding color to the scenery.
Winter is when hot springs are at their peak popularity among locals. However, there are few tourists at this time of the year, so you can make the place less crowded. Fall is also a great time to visit the hot springs, when the vegetation slowly turns from green to orange and brown.
Best Time of the Day
The best time of day to visit Caldeira Velha is early morning. When the hot springs open, go early to avoid crowds and long wait times. Moreover, it is pretty empty during lunchtime and early afternoon as people eat. In the late afternoon, the area becomes more crowded, and having too many people in the pools can make it less enjoyable.
Check all our articles about the weather in the Azores throughout the year 🌤️ ☔️: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
Plan Your Visit to Caldeira Velha
We have your back if you want to know everything about Caldeira Velha before you go. Keep reading for all the tips and details about the hot springs on the mountain.
How to Get to Caldeira Velha
Caldeira Velha is situated on the EN5 2A, Estrada Regional Lagoa do Fogo, Ribeira Grande, on the island of São Miguel in the Azores. The easiest way to get to Caldeira Velha is by car, as there is no public transportation. You can also opt for a taxi or one of our amazing tours to discover the hot springs. Our friendly guides will take you on a half-day or full-day tour to explore this beautiful part of the island and much more.
Planning a trip to the Azores? These articles will help you: How to Get to the Azores 🗺️ | Azores airports 🛬 | Flights between islands ✈️ | Ferries between islands ⛴️ | Which island to choose? 🏝️ | What airlines fly to the Azores? 🛩️
Pro Tips for a Good Time at Caldeira Velha
The first thing to know if you want to swim in the hot springs of Caldeira Velha or any other hot springs on the island is not to bring a white or clear-colored swimsuit. Indeed, the iron can stain them orange. Moreover, hot water can cause the fabric to lose its elasticity, so it is better to use an old swimsuit, rather than a brand new one, to avoid disappointment.
Besides, remove your rings, necklaces, and other jewelry before entering the hot water. The iron can turn them into different colors. Lastly, iron is good for your skin, but it doesn’t mean it is suitable for your hair. It can dry out your hair, so avoid putting your hair in water, especially if you have dyed hair, as it can cause color changes. The park features showers, toilets, changing rooms, and comfortable benches.
To avoid big crowds, Caldeira Velha is closed for 2 hours. Despite this restriction, this is enough time to explore the park and relax in the hot springs. Furthermore, only 125 visitors are allowed in the park at a time, and 50 in the thermal pools.
Recently, they expanded the parking lot, providing you with ample space to park your car. It takes approximately 2 minutes to walk to the park entrance. Caldeira Velha is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Price & Opening Hours
Since 2018, residents of the Azores have been exempt from paying to enter Caldeira Velha. Proof of residency will be asked for at the entrance. Travelers must pay 1 euro to access the site, or 10 euros if they want to swim in the hot springs.
Entrance with hot springs:
- Child (0–6 years old): free;
- Junior (7–14 years old): 5 euros;
- Adult (15–64 years old): 10 euros;
- Senior (65+ years old): 5 euros.
Only park and interpretation center entrance:
- Child (0–6 years old): free;
- Junior (7–14 years old): 1 euro;
- Adult (15–64 years old): 3 euros;
- Senior (65+ years old): 1 euro;
Regarding the opening hours in 2024, Caldeira Velha will be open daily. However, they can close when it rains heavily due to high water levels, so it is best to contact them (see contact information below).
- November 1 to March 31: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- April 1 to April 30: 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- May 1 to September 30: 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- October 1 to October 31: 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
For more information, we recommend visiting the official website or contacting +351 296 704 669 and emailing parque.natural.smiguel@azores.gov.pt. Please note that online booking is now available. On this site, you can see the availability in real-time. This way, you don’t need to wait in line to enter, and you can go when you want.
What to do After Caldeira Velha?
Caldeira Velha is situated in a beautiful area of São Miguel Island, offering a wealth of attractions to explore. So once the warm waters relax you, explore this natural playground.
For instance, the unmissable Lagoa do Fogo is at the top of the mountain. You can observe it from several viewpoints, or if you feel more adventurous, hike down to the lake beach. It is a relatively simple hike of about 30 minutes one way, but the descent and ascent are pretty steep.
Check all our articles about each one of the most relevant points of interest in Lagoa do Fogo: Caldeira Velha | Lagoa do Fogo | Pico da Barrosa | Janela do Inferno
Also on the same peak is the Salto do Cabrito Waterfall. It is worth taking the time to see this wonder of nature. Some people swim around in the fresh waters, while adrenaline lovers will go down with ropes while on a canyoning tour. There is also a hike if you take the stairs to walk along the river.
Another idea is to visit Areal de Santa Bárbara‘s black sand beach and enjoy the waves, surf at this famous spot, or lie down and soak up the sun’s vitamin-rich rays.
→ Related Post: Best beaches in the Azores. Read more!
Complementary Information
Best Season to Visit the Azores
The Azores Archipelago boasts a unique climate that shapes its lush landscapes, making it a splendid year-round destination. With mild temperatures and minimal fluctuations, each season offers something unique. Spring averages 16 °C, summer reaches 21 °C, autumn cools to 18 °C, and winter remains mild at 14 °C.
→ For a detailed breakdown of the weather by month, check the following links 🌤️☔️: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
How to Get to the Azores
The Azorean Archipelago is easily accessible through numerous flight routes. Lisbon and Porto are the main entry points to the continent, with direct flights available to São Miguel (PDL), Terceira (TER), Faial (HOR), Pico (PIX), and Santa Maria (SMA). To find the best flight, use search engines like eDreams or Skyscanner. These platforms enable you to compare prices and schedules from various airlines in one convenient location.
For more details on how to get to the Azores, take a look at our complete guide. But what if you want to explore beyond your arrival island? We’ve got you covered!
- Azores airports 🛬
- Flights between islands ✈️
- Ferries between islands ⛴️
- Which island to choose? 🏝️
- What airlines fly to the Azores? 🛩️
→ Once you’ve found the perfect route, book your tickets and get ready to experience one of the world’s most stunning island groups!
Travel Essentials
Essential Information for your Azores trip: Azorean Language & Phrases 🗣️ | Currency & Banks 💵 | Credit Cards & Traveler’s Cheques 🏧 | Driving in the Azores 🚗 | Electricity 🔌 | Experiences & Tours 🗺️ | Health & Safety 🩺 | Internet & Wi-Fi Access 🛜 | Phones & Mobile Service 📞 | Post Offices & Buying Stamps ✉️ | Public Holidays 🏖️ | Shopping 🛒 | Time & Daylight 🕒 | Whale Watching Guide 🐳 | Best Island to Visit 🏞️
Useful Tools & Apps
The weather in the Azores can be variable, so it’s helpful to use some apps before visiting the islands. Spotazores provides live camera feeds from the main tourist attractions, allowing you to check the weather and plan your visit. For accurate weather predictions, use Windy or Windguru — they provide the most reliable predictions.
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Conclusion
Now you are ready to go to Caldeira Velha! Enjoy the warm waters in the lush jungle and explore the incredible mountains. Contact us if you’d like a professional guide to take you there safely and share their extensive knowledge about the island.
Authors’ Note
I am pleased to inform you that all the recommendations in this article are based on my personal experience and observations. As the author, I have personally visited each attraction mentioned, ensuring that every suggestion is grounded in first-hand knowledge and genuine enthusiasm.
FAQs
Caldeira Velha is a natural park on São Miguel Island in the Azores. It features lush vegetation, a geothermal hot spring, and waterfalls, offering visitors a unique spot for relaxation and connection with nature.
Yes, visitors can swim in the thermal pools at Caldeira Velha. The water is naturally heated by volcanic activity, providing a warm and soothing experience surrounded by nature.
The entrance fee for Caldeira Velha varies depending on age and residency. Typically, adult tickets cost around €10. Discounts may be available for children, individuals over 65, and residents of the Azores.
Yes, Caldeira Velha is family-friendly. It offers shallow thermal pools, stunning nature trails, and educational information about the island’s geothermal activity, making it ideal for visitors of all ages.
