The hidden gem of São Miguel Island, the Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande, are a vibrant hot springs that reveal current volcanic activity. This secret refuge, surrounded by lush vegetation, offers a unique experience of direct contact with nature, away from the tourist hustle.
This tiny village shows the volcanic activity still present on the Green Island. Between intimate hot springs, cute, typical houses, and fumaroles, discover this off-the-beaten-path spot where Mother Nature shows its power away from the crowd.
What is Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande
Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande is a quiet town where peace and nature reign together. The vegetation around the public areas makes it a great place to have a picnic at the barbecue area. There, you will undoubtedly enjoy the volcanic wonders of the Azores.
Indeed, in addition to displaying interesting geological features like fumaroles, boilers, and different water springs, it is known mainly by locals to be a relaxing hot springs spot. Also, people go there for its potholes to cook meals underground.
Geology & Volcanology
Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande is located on the North flank of Fogo Volcano, one of the three active volcanoes on the island. And you can genuinely see the living volcanic activity in this village.
If you are easily amazed by our planet’s curiosities, then Caldeiras has some fascinating stuff to show you. Although this place is less famous than the big ‘geological theme park’ of Furnas, its fumaroles are just as impressive, and its hot springs just as warm and welcoming.
Due to the strong geological phenomena, CO2 measurement sensors were installed in 2012. This allows for monitoring the air quality and ensures safety. When the values exceed the recommended limit, the authorities receive an alert to provide better ventilation in the town’s buildings, as it is located inside a valley surrounded by trees.
History & Geography
It doesn’t seem like it, but if you look closely, Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande is a place full of History.
Did you know
Some say that King D. Carlos and Queen D. Amélia visited the town when they traveled to the Azores back in 1901.
It is also here that the oldest stone pool is located. The pool once belonged to the Moreira family, in their house built in 1803. It was then integrated into the Banhos da Coroa (The crown’s baths) in 1811. Those are the hot springs that you can see nowadays.
Caldeiras is located on the Northern part of São Miguel Island. It is in the countryside of Matriz, one of the 14 municipalities of the Ribeira Grande county.
Fauna & Flora
The village is nestled within a lush forest, surrounded by an abundance of vegetation. There is a river of fresh water crossing the entire town. Inside the subtropical vegetation, you can find typical species of a Laurissilva forest (plants from the laurel family). For the fauna part, don’t forget to look for birds of all sizes. But you might also be in for some cute little rabbits if you are lucky.
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
What to Do at Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande
You can easily spend the day at Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande. Start with a hike, followed by a picnic at the park. Or opt for a yummy warm stew at the volcanic holes, and end your day in the hot waters of the spring, for instance.
Relax at the Hot Springs
The oldest hot swimming pool on São Miguel island was built here in the 19th century at Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande. But its thermal waters were even used before that, in the 17th century, in order to cure diseases. It was pretty famous locally to get healing volcanic waters.
The hot springs were closed for more than 30 years due to the deterioration of the site. But it reopened in 2016 with extensive renovations, but without changing the beautiful architecture. The new manager has even added Spa services to the reservation, including volcanic mud massages, face masks, and access to a private indoor pool.
This is the ideal spot to end your day after a walk. Enjoy a revigorating thermal bath in the two pools of clear blue waters with temperatures varying from 32 to 40ºC (90 to 104ºF), depending on the weather conditions.
The pools are less popular than the other hot springs on the island, and sometimes you can even be alone. They are also much cheaper. As of 2022, it costs 3 euros for 1 hour. Plus, they are open from 10 am to 10 pm – a great place to watch the night sky and stay warm.
Visit the Town
The tiny town of Caldeiras is characterized by many little houses, each with a maximum of 2 floors. They are almost all lined up along the main road. Most of the houses were built in the 19th century, although some of them were renovated.
At the center of the village, you can see a big pool of boiling water, as well as two other holes with hot thermal water near the park. Also in the center, visit the Geothermal Interpretative Center ‘Casa das Caldeiras’. It opened in 2022 with the goal to expose the geothermal world present in Caldeiras to the public interactively and dynamically.
At the highest point of the town, you can see a chapel built in 1850 honoring Nossa Senhora da Saúde (Our Lady of Health). From up there, you will be able to have a great view of the village.
Cook a Stew in the Ground
Just outside the village center, on your left when you leave, walk up to the Cozido area. There, you will find nine holes to cook your stew inside, thanks to the volcanic heat.
Did you know
Since 2014, the city hall of Ribeira Grande, along with EDA (the official electricity provider of the Azores), has provided the holes for free for locals and travelers to cook their stew.
It is the same process as in Furnas. However, you do not need to pay for this one. Over 100 stews are made every week at Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande. Note that it takes about 5 to 6 hours to cook ingredients properly.
→ Explore the authentic flavors of Azorean cuisine in our articles: Bolos Lêvedos | Cozido das Furnas | Grilled Limpets | Massa Sovada | Pimenta da Terra | Gorreana Tea
See the North Coast from the Viewpoint
In 2021, a new parking lot was built right next to the stew holes with a capacity for 15 cars, making this picnic and leisure area even better. From there, you can have a great view over the north coast of São Miguel Island and the beautiful ocean, depending on the weather. Enjoy the swing and take stunning pictures of our green island.
Best Time to Visit Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande
Best Season
Depending on what you want to do, Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande can be a great place to visit all year round. In order to fully enjoy the hot springs, the wintertime is definitely a good time to relax in the warm waters. When it rains, it gets even better!
If you want to hike, have a picnic, and simply enjoy the outdoors, then summertime is your best bet for nice weather. This town rarely gets crowded with tourists, and you will mostly see locals, unlike other geothermal hotspots around the island.
Best Time of the Day
Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande is one of the few hot springs open at night, so you should definitely enjoy the pools after sunset for a unique stargazing experience. If you want to explore and maybe hike, go in the morning so that you arrive at the perfect time for an outdoorsy lunch.
Plan Your Visit to Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande
Here is all the practical information you will need to visit Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande and have a wonderful day at this geothermal paradise.
How to Get to Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande
Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande is located in the middle of São Miguel Island. It takes about 30 minutes to go there by car from the central city of Ponta Delgada, about 24km.
There is no public transportation to go to this quite remote location. The only way to go there is by renting a car, taking a cab, or having a guided tour. Futurismo has a hiking tour passing by this small village.
If you decide to rent a car, be careful with the road as it is not a concrete one and there is no or tiny network on the way there. At night, the area is poorly lit, and the road is relatively narrow.
What to Bring
For the hot springs, don’t forget your swimsuit, a towel, and flip-flops for your comfort. To visit the village and its surroundings, consider bringing good walking shoes, a rain jacket, sunscreen, water, and snacks – and why not a whole picnic lunch?
Where to Eat
If you need a place to eat near Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande, click here. In this link, you will find the Top 10 restaurants on TripAdvisor.
Where to Stay
In order to make it easier for you, we have already filtered the search on:
- Airbnb
- and Booking.com
Pro Tips
For the hot springs, be careful not to bring a white or clear-colored swimsuit. The iron in the water can turn them orange. Also, take off any jewelry and do not wet your hair, especially if artificially colored.
At the volcanic holes, try cooking your local stew, known as Cozido. Consider speaking with your hotel staff or local accommodation providers to arrange for cooking materials. Otherwise, you can always try it in Furnas.
Check all our articles about each one of the most relevant points of interest in Furnas: Caldeiras das Furnas | Furnas | Capela da Nossa Senhora das Vitórias | Castelo Branco Viewpoint | Lagoa das Furnas | Lagoa das Furnas Viewpoint | Mata-Jardim José do Canto | Parque Terra Nostra’s Thermal Pool | Pico do Ferro Viewpoint | Poça da Dona Beija | Ribeira Quente | Praia do Fogo | Salto do Cavalo Viewpoint | Salto do Rosal | Terra Nostra Garden
What to Do Around Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande
This is such a beautiful region full of natural surprises. From hiking to visiting the second-biggest city of the island, exploring one of the most beautiful lakes, and going to a hot spring in the middle of a jungle, here are some of the best things you can do around Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande.
Hike Caldeiras – Salto do Cabrito (PRC29 SMI)
This circular hike of 8.5km takes about 2h30 and starts at the center of Caldeiras. You will walk by the volcanic holes, then along a pipeline. Pass by the beautiful dam and head back to the pipeline, which leads to the hydroelectric power plants. Then, it takes you right to the famous Salto do Cabrito, a tall waterfall where canyoners love to rappel. Walking up to the concrete road, you will then enter a forest with some cute bridges to cross rivers before finally heading back to Caldeiras.
Visit Ribeira Grande
Ribeira Grande is the surfers’ paradise on São Miguel island with its world-famous beach of Areal de Santa Barbara. This city on the North Coast is full of history, and you can learn all about it at the different museums in town.
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
Explore Lagoa do Fogo
This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and popular places on the green island. Lagoa do Fogo is a lake of pristine waters inside a volcanic crater, all surrounded by untouched nature. Hike down to the lake beach and explore this wonder of nature.
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
Chill at Caldeira Velha
One of the most beautiful hot springs on the island of São Miguel is undoubtedly Caldeira Velha. With its four warm pools in the middle of a lush jungle and its well-known waterfall, this is an idyllic spot to relax in thermal waters.
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 to São Miguel (PDL), Terceira (TER), Faial (HOR), Pico (PIX), and Santa Maria (SMA) available. 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
At Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande, you can live a truly peaceful day surrounded by nature. Suitable for the body and soul, reinvigorate at the hot springs and walk surrounded by beautiful green landscapes.
Away from tourist crowds, this is the true spirit of the Azores islands: quiet, lush, and simply unique in itself. Discover a typical village forgotten by international visitors where Azoreans enjoy life ‘in a simple way’.
We hope you found this article informative about Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande and that you will one day have the opportunity to visit this magical place. If you are coming to São Miguel Island, consider adding this village to your itinerary.
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
The Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande are a thermal area located on the north coast of São Miguel Island, known for its hot springs, fumaroles, and lush surrounding landscape. It’s one of the best spots to safely and efficiently observe volcanic activity in the Azores.
Although the area features thermal springs, the Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande are not suitable for bathing due to the high water temperatures. However, nearby you’ll find other thermal bathing options, such as the pool at Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park or the Caldeiras Thermal Baths.
Access to the Caldeiras area is free. Visitors can walk along the wooden walkways and viewpoints, observe the steaming fumaroles, and enjoy the natural surroundings at no cost.
Nearby attractions include the historic center of Ribeira Grande, Lagoa do Fogo, Caldeira Velha, and hiking trails to Salto do Cabrito. It’s also a great area to enjoy traditional Azorean cuisine.
