Caldeira Velha

Caldeira Velha is a natural thermal site on the northern slopes of the Água de Pau / Fogo volcanic massif in Ribeira Grande, São Miguel, in the Azores. Set within dense laurel and fern forest, it centres on a warm waterfall that feeds a series of stepped, iron-rich bathing pools.

The thermal pools and waterfall

• A magnificent waterfall drops through the forest canopy into a bathing pool.
• Several stepped pools follow, ranging from cooler at the older waterfall to warmer where geothermal water enters.
• Reported water temperatures span roughly 24-38°C, with an average around 34°C; the warmest pools sit near body temperature while the waterfall pool is cooler.
• The waters are rich in iron, giving the pools and rocks their characteristic ochre colouring.

A protected nature monument

The springs are heated by the geothermal reservoir of the Fogo volcano (Lagoa do Fogo volcanic complex). The area is classified as a Natural and Regional Monument and shelters great biological diversity, including tree ferns, acacias and bamboo.

Access, hours and tickets

• Located beside the regional road to Lagoa do Fogo, roughly 30 minutes south of Ribeira Grande and about 40 minutes from Ponta Delgada, at around 400 m elevation with parking at the entrance.
• Opening hours are seasonal: about 09:00-20:30 in summer (May-September) and 09:00-17:00 in winter (November-March), with intermediate hours in April and October.
• Timed entry with visitor limits (around 250 people on site, 100 in the pools) and a stay limit per visit.
• Two ticket types: a monument/interpretation-centre visit (about €3) and a full ticket including pool access (about €10); Azores residents enter free and under-6s are free.
• Tickets can be reserved online via the official Azores natural parks site.