Before going to Terceira Island, I did a ton of research, but somehow, I completely missed the Biscoitos Natural Pools. These were way cooler in person than I expected and ended up being one of my favorite spots on the island. If you’re planning a trip to Terceira, don’t skip this place.
These natural volcanic pools sit right on the north coast of Terceira, formed by old lava flows that shaped the coastline into protected inlets. The result? A bunch of natural swimming holes filled with crystal-clear Atlantic water, surrounded by black lava rock and constantly refreshed by the waves.
The waves crash against the rocks, but the pools themselves stay pretty calm. It’s a great spot to swim, lay out in the sun, or just hang out and take in the views.
What It’s Like Visiting the Biscoitos Natural Pools
We visited in April, and while the air temp was in the mid-60s (Fahrenheit), a bunch of locals were out swimming like it was summer. I couldn’t bring myself to jump in—it was way too cold for me. But we loved watching the waves crash against the rocks.
Apparently, the water here can stay pretty cold year-round, but that doesn’t seem to stop anyone. In the summer, it’s supposed to warm up a bit and get a lot more crowded.
The waves get kinda crazy crashing against the rocks, but the pools themselves stay surprisingly calm. Even if you’re not swimming, it’s a great spot to sunbathe, take photos, or just hang out and listen to the ocean.
What to Know Before You Go
Location
The Biscoitos Natural Pools are located on the north coast of Terceira Island, in the parish of Biscoitos. It’s about a 25–30 minute drive from Angra do Heroísmo, and the roads are well-paved and easy to follow by car.
Parking
There’s a free parking lot located just steps from the pools. When we visited in April, parking was easy, but in the summer months it’s known to fill up quickly. If you’re visiting in peak season, try to arrive early to grab a spot.
Facilities
One of the reasons this spot is so convenient is that it actually has on-site facilities, which you don’t always find at natural swimming spots:
- Clean bathrooms
- Changing rooms
- A small snack bar, which was open even during the shoulder season when we went
These amenities made it really easy to spend a relaxed couple of hours here without needing to pack a ton.
Water Temperature
The Atlantic water stays cold year-round, even in summer. In April, I couldn’t bring myself to jump in, but plenty of locals were swimming without hesitation. If you’re sensitive to cold water like me, you might prefer just relaxing by the pools or visiting later in the summer when the water warms up a bit.
Best Time to Visit
For the best experience, aim to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon. You’ll avoid the bulk of the crowds, and the lighting is perfect for photos—especially if you’re trying to capture the contrast of black volcanic rock against the blue water.
Final Thoughts
If you’re heading to Terceira, don’t skip Biscoitos Natural Pools—even if you’re not planning on swimming. It’s one of those spots that really shows off the island’s raw beauty, and it feels way more “local” than some of the better-known tourist stops. We weren’t expecting much when we pulled in, and it totally surprised us.
This was easily one of the highlights of our trip, and I’d go back in a heartbeat—next time, maybe when it’s warm enough for me to get in the water!