Poca Da Dona Beija is a natural hot spa in Furnas, Sao Miguel. The hot springs facility is both easy to access and relaxing. Additionally, at only six euros per person, it is inexpensive. There are, however, some things to consider before you journey out to Poca Da Dona Beija. Will look at everything you need to know in this article – parking, what to bring and the best time to come.
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How to get to Poca Da Dona Beija
This spa facility is located only a short walk from the calderas in Furnas. If you are taking public transportation to the calderas, you can walk here. Those who drove in also usually walk over. The walk is about 20 minutes. If however, you chose to drive, the parking can take longer.
Parking around Poca Da Dona Beija
The facility does have a small parking lot. However, it is almost always full. Your best bet is to park on the streets, but those spots can be hard to come by. I even saw a tow truck removing an illegally parked vehicle. If you do choose to park by the Poca, be sure to check all the signs. The last thing you want is to find your car gone after a relaxing day at the spa!
What to bring
A bathing suit is, of course, a must. However, the mineral-rich water at the pool will stain anything light colored, so bring a dark-colored bathing suit with you. Additionally, bring a dark colored (or a red) towel. If you do not have a towel you can rent one at the spa for just two euros.
How hot is the water?
The natural hot springs in the spa are diluted with water flowing from the river. The temperature in four warm water pools is 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 F). The water feels similar to hot tub water. However, instead of a chemical smell of chlorine, the water smells like deep earth minerals. In addition to the four hot pools, on premises, you’ll find the lukewarm river, where the deep earth water naturally mixes with surface water.
The environment at the spa
I visited the hot springs on Sunday afternoon. Although it was busy, the environment was relaxed and comfortable. Many of the visitors are locals, and the other attendees were considerate of personal space. While I am normally not a fan of crowds, I felt comfortable sharing the pools with the people there.
Best time to visit the Poca Da Dona Beija
If you’d like to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit the pools is on a weekday in the morning. Another good time to come to Poca Da Dona Beija is when the weather is inclement. The hot water pools are particularly nice when its raining or cloudy. And finally, a visit to the pool is a great stop after a long day of hiking.
Attractions nearby
In addition to Calderas Vucanicas in Furnas, other popular nearby attractions include Lagoa Do Congro and Salto Do Prego. For even more activities to do in Sao Miguel Azores, check out the complete article.
An alternative to the pools
A good alternative to the pools is Ponta Da Ferraria. This combination volcanic hot springs and lookout point is free to access. Although they are located on a different part of the island, some people prefer Ponta Da Ferraria to Poca Da Dona Beija. However, I think each has a unique charm, and both are worth visiting.
