Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Centre, Ribeira Grande

Very very beautiful thermal pools inside a forest full of all kinds of beautiful trees and plants. 3 thermal pools & a waterfall. Make sure to go in the waterfall pool first (it’s warm but not hot) and then go down to the warmer pools you pass when you arrive. They allow 200-250 per 1.5 hour session, so you can arrive to book but have to wait for a later session if you don’t book earlier enough. Not terrible with all the beautiful viewpoints around to kill the time though!

Beautiful experience of bathing in thermal hot water (34-36°C) or under a waterfall (24°C) surrounded luxurious vegetation. The place is small, 3 small pools with hot water. Is it worth? In my opinion, yes. I recommend to book your entrance online, and you have to do it at least the day before. They allow 100 people max per turn; turns of 1.5h, starting at 9am (first come, first served). We have been at the one at 4pm and it was not crowded. There is a big parking area and a small food truck for a snack in front of the entrance. Inside, there are two areas with changing cabins, one before and one after the thermal bath. The second one is at the waterfall. Bring with you only the necessary, and if you can change at the parking, better ;)