Piscinas Naturais do Varadouro (the natural pools of Varadouro) are such a magical place to spend a day enjoying the sun and the ocean in Faial Island, in the Azores archipelago.
The pools are surrounded by basaltic volcanic rock, formed by a lava flow that created geological formations along the coast. Between the lava flows, you will find refreshing, crystal-clear water, creating a beautiful contrast of colors.
Read this post to know everything about this wonderful place before your trip to the Blue Island.
What is Piscinas Naturais do Varadouro
The Piscinas Naturais do Varadouro are a little piece of heaven for locals and tourists from all over the world who come to take a dip in the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. This swimming area has a lifeguard during the bathing season (usually June to October). You can swim in shallower, enclosed pools with calm water or in the open ocean, depending on your swimming abilities.
There are good facilities around, like showers, changing rooms, toilets, a parking lot, and even a bar, so that you can spend some comfortable quality time here. This is also an accessible area for people with reduced mobility.
Did you know
The pools are located in Fajã do Varadouro, which offers a microclimate, so the water is not too cold, even in the wintertime. From there, you will have great views over Monte do Castelo Branco.
Every year, the natural pools of Varadouro proudly display their blue flag, which means they meet specific criteria for user safety and comfort, as well as for the environment.
→ Related Post: Best beaches in the Azores. Read more!
Plan Your Visit to Piscinas Naturais do Varadouro
How to Get to Piscinas Naturais do Varadouro
The pools are located at Fajã do Varadouro, in the parish of Capelo, on the south-western coast of Faial Island in the Azores. They are not too far away from Capelinhos, one of the most popular spots on the island.
From the city of Horta, you can either grab a taxi or drive there. You need to head south along the EN1-1A road (the main one) until you reach directions to Varadouro and the natural pools. It takes about 25 minutes by car, for around 20 kilometers.
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? 🛩️
Best Time to Visit
Thanks to the microclimate at Fajã do Varadouro, the waters are comfortable year-round, ranging from 18 to 24ºC. Of course, depending on the weather and sea conditions, you can swim in any month of the year. Please note that the lifeguard is only present during the high season.
Piscinas naturais do Varadouro are the most popular natural pools on Faial so that they can get crowded on a beautiful, sunny summer day. To avoid crowds, go early in the morning, during lunch break, or in the evening before sunset.
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
Pro Tips
The pools are great for families, with a shallower kids’ pool for the little ones’ safety. Also, the clear waters of Piscinas naturais do Varadouro are amazing for snorkeling, as you will find plenty of fish around the rocks. Just be careful if there are some waves; do not knock on the basalt.
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Nearby Attractions
Horta
Nestled on the island of Faial, the city of Horta is one of the Azores’ most iconic destinations. With its unique attractions and rich cultural heritage, this picturesque town is a must-see for anyone exploring the archipelago.
Horta’s bustling harbor is a constant hive of activity, with boats arriving and sailboats moored in its renowned marina. Visitors from around the globe flock to Horta and its scenic bay. This popularity makes Horta one of the most famous and beloved spots in the Azores.
This quintessential Azorean town invites you to immerse yourself in its vibrant culture and meet its welcoming people. Its historic buildings, steeped in the region’s history and traditions, offer a fascinating glimpse into the Azores’ heritage.
Rota dos Dez Vulcões Trail (PR06 FAI)
Walking the Rota dos Dez Vulcões Trail (PR06 FAI) is the ideal experience for you if you enjoy constant contact with nature. Located in Faial, this is a walking route you can’t miss on your visit to the island.
Did you know
This linear circuit is 19.3 kilometers long and is very difficult. For this reason, you should always consider your physical fitness and the level of demand for the activity.
Given how demanding the trail is, it’s best to dedicate a full day to it to enjoy the experience fully. The effort will be rewarded with stunning volcanic landscapes, culminating in the Capelinhos Volcano.
Choose to start the Rota dos Dez Vulcões Trail in the caldera area, so that the route is always downhill. Please note that you should only set off if the weather is good.
Information About Rota dos Dez Vulcões Trail (Summary)
- Category: linear;
- Difficulty: hard;
- Extension: 19.3 km;
- Time average: 5h.
Vulcão dos Capelinhos
The Vulcão dos Capelinhos, also known as the ‘Mystery of Capelinhos,’ is located at Ponta dos Capelinhos in the parish of Capelo, Faial. It is one of the Azores’ tourist attractions, gaining increasing popularity for its scenic beauty.
It is part of the Capelo Volcanic Complex and exhibits a volcano-tectonic alignment with a general WNW-ESE orientation, composed of approximately twenty volcanic cones. The name ‘Vulcão dos Capelinhos’ alludes to the existence of two islets called ‘Ilhéus dos Capelinhos’ located in front of the Capelinhos Lighthouse.
Quick Info
Its activity lasted for thirteen months, and multiple volcanic eruptions occurred between September 27, 1957, and October 24, 1958.
Explore the Caldeira do Cabeço Gordo
Located in the southern part of the Caldeira do Faial, Cabeço Gordo is the highest point on Faial Island at approximately 1043 meters above sea level. It is located in the parish of Capelo, in the municipality of Horta.
From the Cabeço Gordo viewpoint, you’ll have an excellent panoramic view over the heart of the island with its enchanting green landscape. In addition, from here you can see the highest point in the country, the 2351-metre-high Pico Mountain.
The Caldeira do Cabeço Gordo is one of Faial’s prominent landmarks. From here, you can see the historical change that took place after the eruption of the Vulcão dos Capelinhos, as well as its arid and rustic landscape, a gray patch on a predominantly green island. It is a territory of significant historical, scientific, cultural, and tourist value in the Azores.
Check all our articles about each one of the most relevant points of interest on Faial Island: Caldeira do Faial | Porto Pim | Capelinhos Volcano | Praia do Almoxarife | Piscinas Naturais do Varadouro
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 let you compare prices and schedules from multiple 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
If you are visiting Faial Island in the Azores this summer, make sure to visit Piscinas Naturais do Varadouro. The tranquil atmosphere, combined with the original bathing opportunities among lava rocks, is the perfect atypical scenery for your holidays.
Enjoy what nature has best here in the Azores and try out the famous natural pools, a good alternative to sandy beaches. There, you will not only find tourists but also locals who are used to swimming there whenever they get the chance.
This will quickly become your favorite place to swim in the Atlantic Ocean. Explore the wild open ocean or bathe in the shallow volcanic rock pools for two distinct experiences.
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 Piscinas Naturais do Varadouro are natural lava-rock pools located in Fajã do Varadouro, on Faial Island. These pools combine calm, crystal-clear water with dramatic basalt formations, offering one of the island’s best swimming spots.
Yes. During the official bathing season (June to October), a lifeguard is on duty. You can choose shallow, sheltered pools or swim in the open ocean, depending on your comfort level.
The Piscinas Naturais do Varadouro offer excellent infrastructure, including showers, toilets, changing rooms, parking, a bar, and accessibility for people with reduced mobility, making it ideal for a full day of relaxation.
Thanks to the local microclimate, the water remains pleasant year-round. However, summer offers the best conditions. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon before sunset.
