Terra Nostra Botanical Garden and Thermal Pools in the Azores

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With hundreds of different species and cultivars of varieties of plants, the 200-year old Terra Nostra Botanical Garden is an ecological wonderland. We had heard about the very popular thermal pools at Terra Nostra and hence had planned a visit to the gardens. While the thermal pools were relaxing and wonderful, we were bowled over by the gardens. The gardens which are spread over 31 acres features a serpentine canal, a number of grottoes, walkways lined with beautiful trees and numerous parterres of ornamental flowers.

Terra Nostra Botanical Garden and Thermal Pools in the Azores

Developing and maintaining the gardens is an ongoing task with new gardens being added frequently. Some of the popular areas in the garden are:

  • Cycad Collection - which includes over 85 specimens of different species of Cycads from various parts of the world. It is said to be one of the largest European collection of Cycads.
  • Camellia Collection - which contains more than 800 specimens of different species and cultivars of Camellias.
  • Vireya Collection - which is originally from Malaysia and offers blooms in a range of lovely colours.
  • Fern Collection - with more than 200 specimens.
  • Endemic Flora Garden - which includes 73 different species of plants endemic to the Azorean archipelago.
Terra Nostra Botanical Garden and Thermal Pools in the Azores

Terra Nostra Botanical Garden and Thermal Pools in the Azores

Terra Nostra Botanical Garden and Thermal Pools in the Azores

Terra Nostra Botanical Garden and Thermal Pools in the Azores

Terra Nostra Botanical Garden and Thermal Pools in the Azores

Terra Nostra Botanical Garden and Thermal Pools in the Azores

Terra Nostra Botanical Garden and Thermal Pools in the Azores

Other areas of interest in the gardens include the Gingko Avenue, the Vasco Bensaude statue, the Gazebo lookout, a collection of zoomorphic sculptures, a number of interesting grottoes, Thomas Hickling statue, a memorial to the Viscounts of Praia, jacuzzis of thermal water and the main thermal pool.

The large circular thermal pool located in front of the Park House is the ultimate attraction. With its orange-brown coloured mineral-rich water and the stunning surroundings, the thermal pool looked very inviting after our walk around the gardens. After a quick change into our swimming costumes, we went into the pool. While there were a number of changing rooms near the main pool; surprisingly there were no lockers and we had to leave all our stuff under a tree!

The thermal spring that supplies the water to the pool has a temperature ranging between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius. Perfect to ease sore limbs! The water which contains Iron dissolved in it provides a wonderful sensation of rest and relaxation and also a unique way to experience and enjoy the magical natural surroundings of Terra Nostra Park.

Terra Nostra Botanical Garden and Thermal Pools in the Azores

Terra Nostra Botanical Garden and Thermal Pools in the Azores

Terra Nostra Botanical Garden and Thermal Pools in the Azores

Terra Nostra Botanical Garden and Thermal Pools in the Azores

Terra Nostra Botanical Garden and Thermal Pools in the Azores

Terra Nostra Botanical Garden and Thermal Pools in the Azores

Terra Nostra Botanical Garden and Thermal Pools in the Azores

Overall, it is one of those places that is not to be missed while visiting  São Miguel. The gardens are well-crafted & lovely and the thermal pool fabulous. The 8€ entry fee is totally worth it and you can spend the entire day (10am-6pm) at Terra Nostra without getting bored.

Terra Nostra Gardens | Rua Padre Jose Jacinto Botelho, 9675-061, Furnas
Telephone | +351 296 549 090

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62 comments:

  1. Anonymous6 January 2018 at 14:04

    While many travelers have been to Portugal, only a much smaller percentage have made it out to the Azores. So far out in the Atlantic Ocean! I did not know about this botanical park and its thermal pool. I would find the variety of ferns quite interesting as ferns are one of the oldest type of plants that ever existed on our planet. #TheWeeklyPostcard

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    1. The Globe Trotter6 January 2018 at 14:15

      Thanks for visiting, Deborah. The gardens are beautiful. Terra Nostra has an impressive collection of Ferns - nearly 300 different species, varieties and cultivars, some of which are endemic.

      Delete
  2. Unknown6 January 2018 at 16:13

    Too bad we didn't know about the gardens when we visited Portugal a few years ago. Well, one more reason to go to Portugal again

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    1. The Globe Trotter6 January 2018 at 16:56

      Sao Miguel is around 2.5 hours from Lisbon by flight and it is like being transported into a different world.

      Delete
  3. California Globetrotter6 January 2018 at 16:51

    Wow this looks like a very serene place to relax and take the waters! It;s lucky that not so many tourists make it out there! Happy 2018! Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard!
    (www.caliglobetrotter.com)

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    1. The Globe Trotter6 January 2018 at 16:58

      Thanks, Lori. It is a beautiful place - the gardens are lovely and the pool is very popular with visitors.

      Delete
  4. Ruth6 January 2018 at 19:31

    Oh, wow! This place is incredible. I love to visit gardens during my travel and this one is so unique. I am sure it is worth a visit. Looking forward to visit the Azores one day. #TheWeeklyPostcard

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    1. The Globe Trotter6 January 2018 at 20:10

      Thank you, Ruth. The Azores is beautiful. I hope you get the chance to visit the Azores soon.

      Delete
  5. Anisa6 January 2018 at 22:36

    I just love your photos in this post. The botanical gardens look lovely, I will definitely have to add it to my itinerary when I visit the Azores. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.

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  6. Janet9 January 2018 at 15:58

    Oooo! This looks incredible - nice setting and the warm water is a bonus. I would love to take a dip in that pool.

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  7. Margaret9 January 2018 at 16:02

    Gosh what an amazing place would LOVE to visit and see for myself one-day

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    1. The Globe Trotter9 January 2018 at 16:04

      The Azores is full of wonderful surprises, Margaret. I am sure you will love the island.

      Delete
  8. mummy249 January 2018 at 17:10

    Wow looks so beautiful. Lots of lovely photos

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  9. Unknown9 January 2018 at 17:44

    that looks like my kind of holiday. My husband would disagree though

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  10. Megan Kinsey10 January 2018 at 16:33

    This sounds absolutely lovely, just what I'm looking for actually!

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  11. Alica11 January 2018 at 15:35

    This looks amazing! My kind of place to visit. Thank you :)

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  12. Hannah Wood14 January 2018 at 00:14

    This looks so a good place to visit.

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  13. Sara15 January 2018 at 16:24

    Wow, this looks absolutely stunning. Would love the chance to see.

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  14. Karen Robinson15 January 2018 at 20:25

    Stunning photos of a beautiful area. I'd love to visit somewhere as atmospheric as this

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  15. Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net)20 January 2018 at 06:55

    We love strolling through gardens, although we tend to stop to take pictures of every pretty flower and architectural detail. It's a great way to lose track of a whole day! Haven't been to the Azores, so you can bet this goes on our To Do list! Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard!

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    1. The Globe Trotter20 January 2018 at 11:47

      Thanks Rob & Ann. This beautifully designed botanical garden can be enjoyed by everyone - from horticulturists to those like me who just want to spend a relaxing day out with family/friends.

      Delete
  16. jo liddement20 January 2018 at 10:47

    What a beautiful garden. When ever i'm traveling i always love to get to see a local garden being a keen gardener myself.

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  17. Agness of eTramping20 January 2018 at 11:15

    Wow! This botanical garden seems so charming and I would love to explore it one day. Thanks for the motivating post, Deeptha!

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    1. The Globe Trotter20 January 2018 at 11:42

      Thank you, Agness. The gardens are lovely and the thermal pools awesome. Definitely worth a visit when heading to the Azores.

      Delete
  18. Unknown20 January 2018 at 16:22

    Interesting colour.... did the aroma match?? Sulphur I'm guessing? Regardless, sounds a fascinating place to luxuriate!

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    1. The Globe Trotter21 January 2018 at 08:23

      The colour is mainly due to the Iron content. The smell wasn't bad. We spent a lot of time in the pool without any problem.

      Delete
  19. Unknown20 January 2018 at 16:40

    As a nature lover that suffers in the cold it would be perfect for me to relax in a thermal pool in such pretty surroundings - lots of appeal :)

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    1. The Globe Trotter21 January 2018 at 08:24

      The thermal pool(s) are awesome - appeals to almost everyone.

      Delete
  20. sara lock20 January 2018 at 22:27

    this looks so charming would love to visit
    what a great place ro explore and the thermal pools are superb

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  21. Unknown21 January 2018 at 20:36

    The house looks gorgeous, what a lovely place to relax in such beautiful surroundings I would never have guessed that it was Portugal

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  22. Karen Usher25 January 2018 at 10:14

    What a beautiful place, looks almost heavenly!

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  23. Rich Tyler25 January 2018 at 14:19

    I'd love to visit, I went to Budapest thermal spa last year it was amazing!

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    1. The Globe Trotter25 January 2018 at 15:35

      I have heard about Szechenyi Bath, seems to be very popular with tourists visiting Budapest.

      Delete
  24. Unknown28 January 2018 at 11:51

    I think places like this look so heavenly ! And this intern makes dreams a reality

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  25. Rochelle.lear28 January 2018 at 21:06

    looks so beautiful, I'd love to travel the world to see places like this

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  26. Emma1 February 2018 at 12:30

    I wouldn't be able to use the thermal pools because I really, really feel the cold so getting out I would be absolutely freezing! I could however, spend a long time exploring the grounds and the pond especially would hold my attention for a very long time!

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  27. LeilaB3 February 2018 at 08:48

    I have not visited Portugal yet. lovely for a promenade and enjoying the view. This is a place I never heard of. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. The Globe Trotter3 February 2018 at 09:31

      This is not on the mainland. The whole archipelago of the Azores is very beautiful and relatively less touristy.

      Delete
  28. Unknown3 February 2018 at 10:36

    These look amazing! I would never have considered something like this before but it looks so beautiful and I bet the springs were amazing.

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    1. The Globe Trotter3 February 2018 at 12:19

      The thermal pool was a lot of fun. We did not want to leave!

      Delete
  29. Unknown3 February 2018 at 15:30

    Wow what stunning photos of nature.

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  30. Unknown3 February 2018 at 19:19

    Stunning photos, looks like such a beautiful place to visit x

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  31. honeymoon4 February 2018 at 00:12

    Mother Nature is a feast to the eye x

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  32. Unknown4 February 2018 at 13:30

    I really enjoyed this blog post, thank you so much for sharing.

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  33. Anonymous4 February 2018 at 15:55

    Oh my goodness that looks like such a wonderful place to visit. Thank you for so many gorgeous photographs.

    Hazel Rea - @beachrambler

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  34. Unknown7 February 2018 at 10:51

    Absolutely love the look this place. Really beautiful and serene. Great to learn about new locations to visit!

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  35. MANDY DOHERTY7 February 2018 at 18:59

    Wow what a stunning place, it must be so relaxing to walk around

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    Replies
    1. The Globe Trotter7 February 2018 at 19:34

      Yes, it was, Mandy. A very lovely and relaxing place.

      Delete
  36. Carly Belsey8 February 2018 at 04:14

    The view looks absolutely amazing!! All that greenery and the pool is such a warm temp, wonderful

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  37. shaunheathcote8 February 2018 at 05:41

    i would like to swim in that, looks like there is steam coming off it

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    1. The Globe Trotter8 February 2018 at 08:00

      Yes, the pool is supplied with water from a thermal spring and the water is at a temperature of 35-40 degrees Celsius making it very pleasant and relaxing.

      Delete
  38. Kat Allinson8 February 2018 at 21:13

    These photos are stunning, it looks a gorgeous place to visit, it's going to go on my bucket list for sure

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  39. Adrian Bold9 February 2018 at 00:06

    This looks stunning, I'd love to visit. Looks like a fun place to take a dip as well.

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  40. Linda Turner9 February 2018 at 03:46

    Would be an amazing retreat as the temperature would be brilliant for my body

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  41. Unknown9 February 2018 at 07:54

    What a beautifully calm and peaceful setting. The thermal water Sounds great and I can imagine how relaxing this will be 😊

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  42. greensmith689 February 2018 at 12:00

    Wow these look amazing wish i could visit them x

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  43. HayleyT9 February 2018 at 13:43

    What an absolutely beautiful place! The scenery, the lush vegetation, never mind the thermal springs, all looks like my idea of heaven!

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  44. Unknown9 February 2018 at 15:30

    Wow, this place looks spectacular! Stunning photos too.

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  45. laurallee199 February 2018 at 20:00

    What a stunning place, I have never seen anything like this before, this has to go on my to do list :-)

    ReplyDelete

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