Portuguese beaches, both on the mainland and on the islands, are known for their warm water in the summer months, which invites you to take a refreshing dip. However, with the arrival of autumn and winter, the water temperature drops, becoming less appealing. But what if there was a beach with waters so warm that they reached 40ºC? This natural wonder is not in the Algarve, as many might think. Located on the Island of São Miguel, in the Azores, Praia das Termas da Ferraria has attracted more and more visitors, both from the mainland and from various parts of the world, thanks to its natural pools heated by hot springs of volcanic origin.
Integrated into the Regional Natural Monument of Pico das Camarinhas and Ponta da Ferraria, this beach combines stunning landscapes with a high scientific value. The volcanic formations, the result of eruptions over thousands of years, gave rise to unique natural pools, fed by volcanic thermal springs, as the blog explains.
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. At low tide, when the flow of sea water decreases, the pools can reach temperatures between 30ºC and 35ºC, reaching an impressive 40ºC in areas closest to the springs.
To ensure the warmest and most relaxing dive, it is essential to check the state of the tides before your visit, in order to make the most of this unique thermal experience with water at 40ºC.
The therapeutic properties of Ferraria waters were cited as early as the 16th century by Gaspar Frutuoso, in the work Missing Earth. However, it was only from the middle of the 20th century that Termas da Ferraria began to gain notoriety 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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