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Poça da Dona Beija

4.6
·11k reviews·Furnas, Portugal

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

Magical ambiance, less crowded

CrowdMedium
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Poça da Dona Beija - a close up of a person's nose and nose

Poça da Dona Beija

Best Time

Evenings

Magical ambiance, less crowded

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(11k reviews)

"By far the best hot spring experience I’ve had, truly magical atmosphere."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Thermal Pools

The Thermal Pools

Furnas

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

Lush Tropical Gardens

Lush Tropical Gardens

Surrounding the pools

Immerse yourself in a serene oasis of vibrant flora and exotic plants surrounding the hot springs.

Nighttime Soak

Nighttime Soak

All pools

Experience the magical ambiance of the illuminated pools under the starry Azorean sky.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Slot in Advance

Poça da Dona Beija limits visitors to 1.5-hour slots to prevent overcrowding. Booking ahead is highly recommended, especially for popular times, to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Parking can also be limited, so arriving a few minutes early is wise.

Embrace the Evening Ambiance

While beautiful any time, visiting Poça da Dona Beija at night offers a unique, magical experience. The illuminated pools and surrounding tropical landscaping create a serene atmosphere, often described as even better than daytime visits. Remember to stay hydrated and take breaks from the warm water.

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
Magical ambiance, less crowded
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

They don't call it the Hawaii of Europe for nothing 🤩🇵🇹 #azores #azoresislands #europe #portugal #travelblogger #traveltips #soloteaveller #wanderlust #travel #Hiking #hotsprings #volcano #hawaiiofeurope #traveldiaries #saomiguel
@deedeex.__
17.9K likes • 490K views

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Secure your 1.5-hour slot in advance to guarantee entry and avoid queues. Parking is limited! Reddit

🌙 Go at Night

The illuminated pools offer a truly magical and serene experience, often preferred over daytime visits. Reddit

Olha o que dona beija vai fazer #CapCut #cenasdenovelas#edicaoespecial #donabeija #foryou
@196lavemfofoca
14.5K likes • 539.7K views
📍Poça da Dona Beija, Furnas, Açores 🏝️💚 Nascente minerais de água quente, rica e muito conhecida pelas suas propriedades terapêuticas. . #termasnaturais #furnas #ilhadesaomiguel #poçadadonabeija #donabeija #açores #azoresislands #azores #aguaquente #naturephotography #natureza #paz #recarregandoasenergias #amor #foryou
mayssafsouza_
0 likes • 5.1K views

💧 Stay Hydrated

The warm thermal waters can be dehydrating. Drink plenty of water and take breaks outside the pools. Reddit

💰 Excellent Value

Consider the 3-hour option for a more leisurely soak; the price-to-experience ratio is fantastic. Reddit

Vídeo by @cadaparagem_umaventura Poça da Dona Beija 🌿 Furnas, São Miguel, Açores📍 Dêem uma vista de olhos ao seu perfil! Se gostaste, deixa um comentário, partilha nas tuas stories e deixa um ❤️ 👍💪🙏 #Repost #AzoresWhatElse #Azores #Açores #Portugal #View #Travel #Nature
azoreswhatelse
2.9K likes • 43.2K views

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! Reddit

🌙 Go at Night

The illuminated pools offer a truly magical and serene experience, often preferred over daytime visits. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

The warm thermal waters can be dehydrating. Drink plenty of water and take breaks outside the pools. Reddit

💰 Excellent Value

Consider the 3-hour option for a more leisurely soak; the price-to-experience ratio is fantastic. Reddit

🌿 Lush & Serene

Enjoy the beautifully maintained tropical gardens and the peaceful atmosphere. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(11k reviews)

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

Beautiful tropical setting
Clean and well-maintained
Magical evening ambiance

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Warm water temperature

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🏊 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. Reddit

Yes, Poça da Dona Beija offers clean and well-maintained showers, changing rooms, and restrooms for visitors. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed. The lush surroundings and steaming pools create beautiful photo opportunities. Be mindful of other visitors' privacy. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Poça da Dona Beija can be a wonderful experience for families, but it's important to consider the water temperature. At around 39°C, it's quite warm, so close supervision of children is essential. Many families find that shorter soaking times and frequent breaks outside the pools work well. The lush surroundings offer a visually stimulating environment for kids, and the novelty of bathing in natural hot springs is often a hit. Booking tickets in advance is a good idea to ensure you get a slot that works for your family's schedule. Reddit

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. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Poça da Dona Beija offers exceptional value for money, with entry fees often cited as very reasonable compared to similar attractions in other European countries. The price of around €12 for a 1.5-hour session is a small investment for a highly relaxing and memorable experience. Reddit

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. Reddit

couples

Poça da Dona Beija provides a wonderfully romantic setting for couples. The warm, mineral-rich waters, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, create an intimate and serene atmosphere. Visiting in the evening, when the pools are illuminated, is particularly magical and highly recommended for a date night. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Furnas Valley Hot Springs Experience

Poça da Dona Beija is a jewel in the crown of the Furnas Valley, renowned for its geothermal activity. The valley itself is a testament to the volcanic nature of São Miguel, with bubbling caldeiras and steaming fumaroles visible throughout. The hot springs here are naturally heated by the earth's core, offering a therapeutic and relaxing 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Planning Your Visit: Tickets, Timing, and What to Expect

To make the most of your visit to Poça da Dona Beija, understanding the ticketing and timing is crucial. The facility operates on a timed entry system, with visitors typically allocated 1.5-hour slots. This is a deliberate measure to ensure a comfortable and uncrowded experience for everyone. Consequently, booking your tickets in advance online is highly recommended, especially if you plan to visit during peak season, weekends, or holidays. This not only guarantees your entry but also saves you potential waiting time. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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