Poça da Dona Beija
Relax in 5 natural thermal pools surrounded by lush tropical gardens, offering a serene escape in Furnas.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical ambiance, less crowded
Poça da Dona Beija
Best Time
Magical ambiance, less crowded

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Relax in 5 natural thermal pools surrounded by lush tropical gardens, offering a serene escape in Furnas.
"By far the best hot spring experience I’ve had, truly magical atmosphere."
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your 1.5-hour slot in advance to guarantee entry and avoid queues. Parking is limited!
🌙 Go at Night
The illuminated pools offer a truly magical and serene experience, often preferred over daytime visits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Thermal Pools
Furnas
Five distinct thermal pools with naturally heated, mineral-rich waters perfect for relaxation.

Lush Tropical Gardens
Surrounding the pools
Immerse yourself in a serene oasis of vibrant flora and exotic plants surrounding the hot springs.

Nighttime Soak
All pools
Experience the magical ambiance of the illuminated pools under the starry Azorean sky.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Slot in Advance
Embrace the Evening Ambiance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your 1.5-hour slot in advance to guarantee entry and avoid queues. Parking is limited!
🌙 Go at Night
The illuminated pools offer a truly magical and serene experience, often preferred over daytime visits.
💧 Stay Hydrated
The warm thermal waters can be dehydrating. Drink plenty of water and take breaks outside the pools.
💰 Excellent Value
Consider the 3-hour option for a more leisurely soak; the price-to-experience ratio is fantastic.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your 1.5-hour slot in advance to guarantee entry and avoid queues. Parking is limited!
🌙 Go at Night
The illuminated pools offer a truly magical and serene experience, often preferred over daytime visits.
💧 Stay Hydrated
The warm thermal waters can be dehydrating. Drink plenty of water and take breaks outside the pools.
💰 Excellent Value
Consider the 3-hour option for a more leisurely soak; the price-to-experience ratio is fantastic.
🌿 Lush & Serene
Enjoy the beautifully maintained tropical gardens and the peaceful atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Poça da Dona Beija for its beautiful, well-maintained thermal pools set within lush tropical gardens. The professional management, clean facilities, and the magical evening ambiance are frequently highlighted as major draws. While the water temperature is warm, the timed entry system ensures a relaxing, uncrowded experience that many find to be excellent value.
"Great thermal pool experience. Run very professionally. I would recommend buying tickets in advance and showing up a few minutes early, as the parking is limited. Entry is done for 1.5 hours at a time and is pre-ticketed. The pools themselves are very nice, clean and hot. The ticketing limits the number of visitors so it is not overrun with folks and you can always be in a pool. They are all the same temp, but vary in depth."
Josh Reilly
"by far the best hot spring experience I’ve had. I visited 3 times during my stay in São Miguel – and each visit felt just as special as the first. The staff are incredibly kind, patient, and welcoming – their service truly stands out. The surrounding vegetation is lush and absolutely beautiful, creating a serene and almost magical atmosphere. Everything is clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed. I can’t recommend it enough!"
Chen Vashadi
"Great atmosphere and experience getting into the thermal baths under the open air. Very clean, well maintained and organized.
I went there twice, the first time was at noon and the next at night (which was even better)"
Meir Zakay
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Poça da Dona Beija is located in Furnas, on the island of São Miguel. From Ponta Delgada, the most common way to get there is by car, which takes about 45-60 minutes. You can rent a car or take a taxi. Public buses are also available, but schedules can be infrequent.
Yes, parking is available, but it is limited. It's advisable to arrive a few minutes before your booked time slot, especially during peak hours, to secure a spot.
Absolutely! Poça da Dona Beija is a popular destination for day trips from Ponta Delgada. It's best to combine it with other attractions in the Furnas Valley, such as Terra Nostra Garden or the Caldeiras.
The roads to Furnas are generally well-maintained, but can be winding and narrow in some sections, typical of the Azores. Drive cautiously and enjoy the scenic routes.
While driving is most convenient, organized tours often include visits to Poça da Dona Beija. Some local bus routes connect Ponta Delgada to Furnas, but check schedules carefully as they may not align with your desired visit times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry price is around €12 for a 1.5-hour session, which is considered excellent value for the experience. You can opt for a 3-hour ticket for a more extended relaxation.
Yes, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended. Entry is managed in timed 1.5-hour slots to control visitor numbers and ensure a pleasant experience.
Poça da Dona Beija typically operates from morning until late evening, often closing around 9 PM or later. It's best to check their official website for the most current hours, as they can vary seasonally.
Entry is limited to timed slots to manage capacity. Some sources mention potential closures for maintenance, so it's wise to check for any advisories before your visit.
While it might be possible during off-peak times, it's not guaranteed. To avoid disappointment, especially if you're visiting during peak season or weekends, pre-booking online is the safest bet.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
The thermal waters are consistently around 39°C (102°F), which is quite warm. While some find it too hot, many enjoy the therapeutic warmth. Taking breaks is recommended.
Yes, Poça da Dona Beija offers clean and well-maintained showers, changing rooms, and restrooms for visitors.
Bring your swimsuit, a towel, and flip-flops or water shoes. It's also a good idea to bring a waterproof bag for your belongings and a bottle of water to stay hydrated.
The warm water temperature might be a concern for very young children. However, many families visit and enjoy the experience. Supervise children closely and ensure they take frequent breaks.
Visitor numbers are regulated by timed entry slots, which helps prevent it from becoming overly crowded. Even with a fair number of people, the experience is generally enjoyable and relaxing.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed. The lush surroundings and steaming pools create beautiful photo opportunities. Be mindful of other visitors' privacy.
Early morning or late evening can offer softer light and fewer people, enhancing the photographic experience. The nighttime ambiance with the pools lit up is particularly photogenic.
The areas where the lush vegetation meets the steaming water, and the various vantage points overlooking the different pools, offer great shots. The entrance area with the tropical plants is also picturesque.
For low-light conditions at night, use a camera with good low-light performance or a smartphone with a night mode. During the day, a polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water.
While not strictly necessary if you're careful, a waterproof case or camera can provide peace of mind, especially if you plan to take photos near the water's edge or want to capture reflections.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing extra towels and perhaps some non-slip water shoes for the little ones. While there are changing facilities, having a dedicated family changing area might be beneficial. The timed entry helps manage crowds, making it less overwhelming for families. If your children are sensitive to heat, a shorter visit or visiting during cooler parts of the day might be preferable.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize your budget, consider visiting during weekdays or off-peak hours when crowds are lower. While there's an option to extend your stay to 3 hours, the 1.5-hour slot is often sufficient for a good soak. Bringing your own towel can save on rental fees. Since it's a popular spot, booking tickets online in advance is free and essential to avoid disappointment, which is a budget-friendly way to plan.
couples
The timed entry system ensures that the experience remains peaceful and unhurried, allowing couples to relax and connect. The well-maintained facilities and the natural beauty of the location contribute to a truly memorable and rejuvenating experience. Consider booking the 3-hour option for an extended, leisurely soak together.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Furnas Valley Hot Springs Experience
The facility at Poça da Dona Beija is designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Visitors can expect to find five distinct thermal pools, each varying slightly in depth but maintaining a consistent, warm temperature of around 39°C. The lush, tropical landscaping that envelops the pools creates an almost magical atmosphere, making it a truly immersive experience. Reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness and professional management of the site, noting that the timed entry system effectively prevents overcrowding and ensures a peaceful soak.
Beyond the pools themselves, the experience is enhanced by the thoughtful amenities, including clean showers and changing facilities. Many visitors recommend extending their stay by opting for a 3-hour ticket, allowing ample time to truly unwind and appreciate the serene environment. The combination of natural beauty, therapeutic waters, and well-managed facilities makes Poça da Dona Beija a must-visit for anyone seeking relaxation and rejuvenation on São Miguel.
Planning Your Visit: Tickets, Timing, and What to Expect
While daytime visits offer the beauty of the lush gardens in full light, many visitors rave about the unique ambiance of visiting Poça da Dona Beija in the evening. The pools are often illuminated, creating a magical and tranquil setting under the stars. This can be a particularly romantic or relaxing experience. Remember that the water is quite warm, so staying hydrated is essential. Bring a water bottle and take breaks outside the pools to avoid overheating.
Upon arrival, you'll find clean changing rooms and showers to prepare for your soak. It's advisable to wear flip-flops or water shoes for comfort and hygiene. The staff are noted for being kind and welcoming, contributing to the overall positive experience. The price point is also frequently mentioned as being very reasonable for the quality of the experience offered.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit