Azores, thermal swimming pool

[Sauer-kraut]

Going to Ponta Delgada in Oct. Have not really looked at organized tours offered by the cruise line. I would LOVE to take a dip in the thermal pool but really can't find too much information on it. Also, any information about the port city itself would be helpful.

 

I have read about the thermal swimming pool at the hotel in the botanical gardens. Its orange due to iron in the water. My question is has anyone gone swimming there and has anyone done it on their own? How long of a taxi ride is it from Ponta Delgada to the hotel and approx cost.

 

If anyone has done this please respond, and how difficult was it to get the orange off your skin?

 

Thanks for any input I appreciate it.

[jmvda]

let´s see if i can help you...i am not from the Azores....but i am Portuguese and i have been there few years ago

 

the pool is in Furnas....maybe an hour from Ponta Delgada(40Km)

The pool is inside the Terra Nostra park(i paid an admission charge...can ´t remember how much)

The water is hot, you can´t see the bottom neither your feet.

The iron stains you skin a bit....i can ´t remember but an after bath will take care of that.Watch you clothes for some orange stains

I loved it

 

i can´t help you about the taxis(i rented a car), but i am sure there must be waiting for you outside the port.

 

 

 

google "piscina terra nostra" to see pictures

[catllar]

We were in the Azores recently and came across the most helpful and accommodating guide, purely by chance - we got off the boat and turned right, compared with the vast majority who turned left. We found "Big Blue Adventures" a small new company owned by Evaristo, they do made to measure excursions, tours land and sea. We were treated to a full day for 100euros just the two of us (this was half the price of the ship excursion) and visited many hard-to-reach places. He also took us to a great fish restaurant, well off the beaten track, introduced us to the owner, made a reservation for us and even recommended a wine for our evening meal and he pointed us in the direction of a great bar for lunch! His English is perfect and he is truly charming and passionate about his island. He sent us back to the boat loaded with seeds (we share a passion for gardening) and bulbs and honey! Tell him what you want to do and I am sure he can organise it. Mention Jan and Ray West from Marco Polo in March. We fully intend to return to the Azores, and this is in a big part due to his enthusiasm: http://www.bigblue-adventures.com

[catllar]

Didn't really address your question, cos I got a bit carried away! We didn't do the thermal bath - we have a lot of them here where we live so..... Punta Delgada is a little town that is rapidly changing. The boats dock in walking distance from the shops etc. There are many lively cafes and bars along the modern port with free wifi. At the moment there is a lot of construction work going on on the sea-front - a casino and luxury hotel are being built and the small yacht marina (off boat and turn right) is lively. The architecture is portuguese influence, ornate edifices and wonderful patterned pavements (sidewalks, do you call them?) Walking the lanes behind the seafront reveals a lot of small shops. There is a market most mornings. Local produce includes cheese, sweet fruit liqueurs, tea and pineapples. Each of the 9 islands has a different character. The weather is very changeable - never travel without a brolly and a windcheater- It is a very safe place, working to improve its tourism infrastructure. The downside is that it's government has decided to use a shedload of european money to build a fast highway from one end of the island to the other. Most of the folk in the tourist industry are against this - it will spoil one of the most charming attributes of the island - the necessity to meander slowly! This money is also being used for the construction of the casino - again, not necessary according to people we spoke to. People who come to the azores are coming for the tranquility and the wildlife and natural splendour. Go now whilst it remains as it is! The last pik is me and our tourguide (+ a young trainee) from Bigblue Adventures - can't recommend him highly enough - and DH and I had that minibus to ourselves for the day!