4. Terra Nostra Park

Terra Nostra Park is one of the main tourist attractions on São Miguel Island, located in the village of Furnas. This botanical garden is one of the most visited places, known for its hot springs and lush vegetation.

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As you can see in the photo on this page, the thermal waters of Terra Nostra Park are brown in color. Far from being mud, these ferruginous waters are a natural source of well-being and relaxation, thanks to their high mineral content. Immersing yourself in its warm waters at 35-40°C (95-104°F) is quite an experience, both in summer and winter. However, we recommend doing so with an old swimsuit, as it's highly likely to be dyed by the water's color.

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But enjoying a relaxing bath isn't the only thing you can do at Terra Nostra Park. Its botanical garden is truly incredible. With its 12 hectares, taking a peaceful stroll along its paths while discovering the exotic vegetation of the Azores is a delight. And for those who want to explore this natural paradise even further, you can visit the 18th-century mansion located within the park or even stay at the complex's hotel. Although it's a bit pricey, guests have unlimited access to the park during their stay.

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If you decide to visit Terra Nostra Park, you can purchase tickets online on their website. When making the reservation, you must choose the day and time of entry, as well as pay the entrance fee. Once inside, there is no time limit until closing time (5:00 PM). It's also possible to buy tickets at the park's ticket office.

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(Summer 2024 Update: Since early 2024, ticket purchases on the Terra Nostra Park website are not available due to ongoing website changes. We recommend purchasing tickets directly at the park's ticket office if online purchases are not yet available).

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Another way to buy tickets in advance is by booking this Kayak Tour of Lagoa das Furnas + Terra Nostra Park, which departs from Ponta Delgada. This tour includes a visit to the Furnas fumaroles, a guided kayak tour on Lagoa das Furnas for 2 hours, and entrance to Terra Nostra Park. But that's not all! It also includes a meal at one of the restaurants in Furnas, where you can try the famous "Cozido das Furnas." Doesn't this sound like a super complete tour?

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If you're interested in taking this tour, keep in mind that it is one of the most popular on the island, and spots tend to fill up quickly, so don't hesitate!

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>> You can book this tour here.

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Useful information:

• Opening hours: 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM, with last admission at 5:00 PM. Open every day of the week. No time limit inside the park.

• Price: €16 for adults; €13.5 for children aged 6 to 17 years old, and free for children under 6 years old.