Portuguese beaches, whether on the mainland or on the islands, are famous for their warm water in the summer months, which invites you to take a dip. But with the arrival of the autumn and winter months, the water temperature drops and is no longer inviting for a swim. But what if we talk about diving on a beach with waters so hot that they reach 40ºC? This natural wonder is not found in the Algarve, as many might imagine. Located on São Miguel Island, in the Azores, Praia das Termas da Ferraria has been attracting more and more tourists, both from the mainland and from various parts of the world, thanks to its natural pools heated by volcanic hot springs.
Integrated into the Regional Natural Monument of Pico das Camarinhas and Ponta da Ferraria, this beach combines stunning landscapes with great scientific value. Volcanic formations, the result of eruptions over thousands of years, created unique natural pools, fed by hot springs of volcanic origin, reveals .
The water temperature in Ferraria varies according to the tide. During high tide, sea water mixes with hot springs, resulting in temperatures between 20ºC and 25ºC. However, at low tide, when the flow of sea water decreases, the pools can reach temperatures between 30ºC and 35ºC, and in areas close to the springs, they reach an impressive 40ºC.
To ensure the warmest and most relaxing swim, it is essential to check the state of the tides before your visit. This way, you will be able to make the most of this unique thermal experience.
The therapeutic properties of Ferraria waters were already mentioned in the 16th century by Gaspar Frutuoso, in the work Missing Earth. However, it was only in the middle of the 20th century that Termas da Ferraria began to be explored as a tourist destination.
To reach São Miguel Island, there are regular flights to Ponta Delgada from Faro, Lisbon, Porto, Madeira, Gran Canaria, Frankfurt, Toronto and Boston. Furthermore, Ponta Delgada, the main commercial port of the Azores, has one of the largest marinas in the region, which receives hundreds of vessels annually.
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