Amazing place to visit. It's extremely rare to find geothermal ocean water. But, here at this place, the volcanic activity heats the ocean. At low tide, it's quite hot. We visited 2 times - once a few hours after low tide and once at high tide. If you want it to be warm, aim for nearer to low tide or when high tide is fading out. The first visit was really awesome. Like sitting in an ocean hot tub. It was really hot and you could see steam rising from the water. Loved it! The second visit was more of a slightly warmer ocean. Not hot. But, kids loved the tide activity. If it was just us adults, I'd prefer only the warm times of day. So, be aware. Looked like they built a new parking area and the road was freshly paved. So, not hard to access. Also, they have decent changing areas and restrooms. If you take a taxi (as we did), make sure you set up your return time since it's kind of remote. Ps: At night, the sunset is stunning as well. Overall: Do not miss this place if you visit. Awesome. read more

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This place is so cool! At the bottom of a very windy hill you'll find a parking lot. This place is not very accessible, so be careful if you can't walk on uneven ground and hilly areas. There is a structure which turns into a spa during the the summer months. We went exploring and saw a bunch of brave souls getting into the water, but it looked super choppy so be careful! read more

This is why you rent a car in the Azores. While the Portuguese archipelago is still a relatively under-the-radar destination, tourism is certainly burgeoning. Organized excursions can now escort you to all those Instagrammable lakes and lookout points, but places like Ponta da Ferraria still remain an off-the-beaten path reason to get your own set of wheels. Part thermal pool, part ocean dip, this is a volcanic-meets-Atlantic inlet where you can have the unique, satisfying experience of hot and cold water mixing while you're swimming. Ocean tides roll in, giving it a natural wave pool effect, while a series of tethered ropes and lifeguards make sure you don't crash into the rocky shores. Ponta da Ferreria is a bit grotto-esque, but one that's cavernous ceiling has perhaps broken off and blown into sea, allowing the location be a swimming hole first, and an open-air sunbathing spot second. While just simply being here can make you feel like a local, or even a European mainlander (strong Ferragosto vibes, for sure), here are a few tips to fake it some more: - Play it safe and go at low tide. You're in a small space powered by ocean currents. The higher the tide, the bigger the waves, the more dangerous it'll be, the less likely those ropes and lifeguards will be able to help you out. - Bring shoes to traverse the somewhat slippery, jagged rocks. When you're ready to take the ladder down into the pool, be sure to leave them alongside your backpack in a splash-free space. Again, ocean currents, people. - And as discussed, rent a car. Parking is free, entry is free, and the steep zig-zagged descent down to the shoreline adds a bit more adventure when you're the one behind the wheel. As fantastic as Ponta da Ferraria is, I'd stop short of calling it a destination all its own. These tiny islands pack a lot of big adventure, and I'd instead encourage anyone visiting São Miguel specifically to pair it with a main course activity. Add it to the agenda, but perhaps to cool off after a big hike, in the form of a reward/dessert. read more

My new favorite place! This is a natural thermal water pool that you can visit free of charge. Naturally warm waters are met by the cold ocean waves. A perfect combination for relaxation. A few ladders lead into/out of the thermal pool. Several ropes have been secured across and allow you to brace yourself in the waves. This is not recommended to those who are not recommended for those who are not comfortable on rocky terrain. The pathway to the pool is made of volcanic rock which can be quite unforgiving. I highly recommend water shoes of some sort. There were two lifeguards on duty. They were super friendly and helped unsteady visitors to and from the pool. You won't regret your visit. It's amazing. read more