Balnevia
Aerial view of the ochre thermal pool at Parque Terra Nostra in Furnas

Azores/Portugal

Parque Terra Nostra

A vast iron-rich geothermal pool at the heart of an historic botanical garden in Furnas.

Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Bathing
Outdoor

Parque Terra Nostra pairs one of the Azores’ best-known thermal pools with a botanical garden begun in the late eighteenth century. Volcanic water fills the broad ochre-coloured pool beside mature trees, camellias and winding garden paths.

Balnevia view

Why visit

Few thermal baths have a setting this distinctive: an expansive mineral pool embedded in a richly planted island garden.

The water

Thermal water

Source
Terra Nostra geothermal spring
Mineralisation
Iron-rich, with calcium, magnesium, potassium and silica
Character
Volcanic water colours the pool orange-brown and is used at approximately 37–42 °C.

History

The estate began with American merchant and consul Thomas Hickling in 1780 and was enlarged by later owners before the Bensaude family developed the present garden and hotel in the twentieth century.

Practical information

The iron-rich water can stain pale swimwear and towels. Admission covers the garden and thermal bathing; check current opening times and prices before visiting.

Things to do nearby
Explore nearby activities on GetYourGuide

Getting there

The park is in the centre of Furnas on São Miguel, reachable by road from Ponta Delgada and Ribeira Grande.

Location

Azores, Portugal37.7714, -25.3147View on Balnevia map

Recommendations

Explore places to stay near Parque Terra Nostra.

Related places

More thermal baths in Portugal