Caldeira Velha, Natural monument and thermal springs in São Miguel Island, Portugal.
Caldeira Velha is a natural monument on São Miguel featuring four thermal pools set within lush greenery. The waters vary from pleasantly warm to intensely hot, flowing directly from volcanic springs beneath the ground.
The area formed through volcanic activity that shaped Fogo Island and created its geothermal features. It received official protection as a natural monument in 2004 to preserve these geological characteristics.
The Environmental Interpretation Centre presents exhibitions about the volcanic origins of the Azores and explains the formation processes of Fogo Volcano.
The site lies between Ribeira Grande and Lagoa do Fogo and offers changing rooms plus paths to all four pools. Visitors should test water temperature with their hands before entering, as it varies considerably between locations.
The mineral springs draw from volcanic chambers deep underground and maintain consistent temperatures year-round. This constant thermal pattern occurs because the geothermal water circulates in a stable subsurface system regardless of weather above.
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