A really cool experience. I imagine it will be extremely busy in summer, but in October it was great - still the busiest place we visited on the island, but plenty of space nonetheless. Beautiful scenery, impressive waves against the coast and this lovely little bay with incredibly warm water. The waves were tempered and there are ropes to hang on to for the swell. Small pebbles of pumice floating on the surface. Had a lovely half hour dip, then explored some rock pools. Great fun!

The drive to the thermal pools is not for the faint hearted! Part of the way is a dirt track and we worried our little car wouldn’t make it. If possible go the long route round! The chicane travelling to the beach and back up is also pretty scary but it is worth it. We went at 10am and at first there were very few people, but when we left at 11am it was getting busy. The sea is so cold you can hardly believe it will be warm, but it was like a hot bath, even too hot in some spots! The ladder down is steep but short. I would advise beach shoes but plenty didn’t use them. Hold onto the rope once you’re inside as it can get quite choppy, but what an amazing experience! There are changing rooms next to the car park - we will definitely go back!

Ponta da Ferraria is free, it is unique. We were lucky as when we visited, early one morning in June, there was hardly anyone there. I would not recommend coming here when it is a busy time. The road to the bottom is no joke if you are not comfortable driving a stick shift. Steep with multiple sharp hair pin turns. You can chose to park at top and walk down but there is no path, you must walk in the street where both cars can come up and down the steep incline at the same time you are walking. The water temperature was not what I was expecting. We had to hug the enclosed rock area in order to feel the hot spring part. There is a latter that you take to enter, be careful as the area you are hanging out it is full of underwater boulders and there can be a current that moves you around. A series of strings was in place that you can hold onto if you feel more comfortable doing so. Before you decide when to go, watch the ocean conditions. If windy and rough water, don’t bother. Also we were told to visit between low and high tide. I think it’s probably better when tide is on way out. We went when tide was on way in and the cold ocean water kept the area cooler than we had hoped it would be. Changing room and restroom are available.

I can't believe this amazing place is free! I was running from Mosteiros and ended up there by coincidence. Let me tell you that the quick dip (even if I was fully clothed) was amazing! I felt it was much more magical than a thermal pool. The current is strong so not advised for young children. It was crowded, and the current makes everybody bumps into each other under a symphony of "Sorry" in every possible language. Still, to me it was worth it. Even without the swim, the simple view from the suroundings is impressive and amazing. I would go back anytime. Note that there is no drinkable water there, so bring snacks and water!

What a fabulous experience! Hard to believe that this attraction is still free. It was superb. The water was beautifully warm and, even though it was busy, there was so much space to move and swim a little. The rocks are rough so I definitely recommend bringing waterproof shoes to manoeuvre more easily - but you can manage without (I did!) A must visit.

There are 2 car parks one at the top which is the look out point and the one at the bottom is where you drive down the mountain to get to to go in the hot springs. Both were free. There are changing rooms and showers there they can get quite busy I can imagine when it is busy. We went at low tide which was lunchtime. It was busy but it seemed not so in the water as people are getting in and out so the area was busy but not everyone goes and gets in the water. You do need beach shoes unless your feet are tough. Walking across the lava rock is extremely uneven. There are 2 holes near the cove where you can see the steam coming out. Good to stand near them to warm up when you get out. A real highlight of our trip to the island.