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Throughout the nine volcanic islands of the Azores, there are natural coastal rock pools to swim in and visiting them should definitely be a part of your trip. Some are calm like a swimming pool and others have wild waves splashing over the edge.
One of them is particularly special.
Off the western side of SĂŁo Miguel, the largest and most volcanically active of the islands, is the Ponta da Ferraria. As you can see from the photo above it can be a bit of wild swimming. What you can't see because it is something that needs to be felt, is the warmth of the water within the natural pools. This is the one place on the island where an underwater geothermal spring merges hot, thermal water with the ocean.
How is this possible?
Ponta da Ferraria is a unique phenomenon called a pseudocrater. These are rare occurences and the Azores is one of very few places in the world that have them.
This pseudocrater was formed long ago when hot lava poured into the sea, causing explosions of steam. In this pool, hot geothermal water from a sulphurous hot spring and cold water from the ocean mix.
The temperature varies from 64 to 82ÂșF degrees, depending on the tide and time of year. Note: the water can come out of thermal springs up to 140ÂșF, so at the peak of low tide the water close to the spring may be too hot.
As this area is located on the western part of the island it is also an ideal spot for watching the sun set. You can do this from the thermal pools or if you donât want to get wet, from the Miradouro da Ilha Sabrina viewpoint.
The water at Ponta da Ferraria is not peaceful and you likely will use ropes to assist you. So itâs always best to go with someone who is familiar with the area to help you evaluate the conditions and assess whether you should enter.
For those who seek adventure, bathing in a natural thermal spring in the middle of the Atlantic is a thrill. For those who are not so adventurous, there is also a complex called the Termas da Ferraria with calm pools of thermal water, a spa and restaurant nearby.
Other than fun, are there more benefits to soaking in thermal baths?
Yes there are!
The composition of thermal water is said to have therapeutic qualities including health benefits in easing symptoms of conditions like:
- rheumatoid arthritis
- osteoarthritis
- psoriasis
- inflammatory skin pathologies
When is the best time to visit Ponta da Ferraria?
If the tide is high, the ocean water will overtake the thermal water and it will be cold. If the tide is low, it may be hotter but could be uncomfortably so.
Therefore it is best to visit between two hours before and after the low tide, which happens twice a day.
Always check conditions first!
Good to know
During the summer season there is a lifeguard. If the wild swimming isn't your cup of tea, the Termas da Ferraria complex is a good option for everyone, including families with small kids.
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