Category: Nature > Swimming Pool
District: Açores > Lagoa > Caloura
The Caloura Swimming Pool is located on the south coast of São Miguel Island, in the locality of Caloura, within the municipality of Lagoa. It is nestled in a small cove formed by black volcanic rocks, next to the Atlantic, with the sea stretching to the horizon. The surroundings combine the contrast between the blue of the water and the black of the rocky formations, under a sky that often creates a soft and diffused light, especially on cloudy days.
The coastal profile is marked by escarpments and rocky outcrops that frame the space and give it a sense of relative protection from the open ocean. A nearby lighthouse serves as a visual landmark and discreetly integrates into the coastal scenery, reinforcing the relationship between the location and the sea.
The pool takes advantage of the typical volcanic geology of the Azores: it was sculpted and adapted next to natural rock, creating a bathing area where seawater circulates continuously. The irregular design of the platform, with smooth surface areas and others rougher due to the rock, maintains a direct connection with the maritime environment, without straying from its natural origin. The incoming waves are filtered by the rocks, softening the impact and allowing for calmer water inside the pool, even though the movement of the outer ocean is perceptible.
This balance between the open sea and the protected space makes the pool an example of integration between recreational infrastructure and the natural environment. The color of the water, which varies between shades of blue and turquoise depending on the light and movement, contrasts with the dark tone of the rocky base, highlighting the purity and constant renewal of the water.
The bathing area is defined by a leveled platform, with surfaces of concrete or smoothed stone, extending almost to the sea. There are metal stairs embedded in the rock that facilitate entry and exit from the water, as well as handrails along some areas for support and safety. The depth appears to vary, with shallower areas suitable for those who prefer to stand and others deeper where it is possible to swim or float with greater freedom.
The proximity to the ocean means that the pool is naturally renewed with saltwater, making the bathing experience distinct from that of a conventional swimming pool. Access over the rock requires some attention when moving, as the surface can be wet, but the metal support solutions help reduce risk and accommodate different types of users, including families with children.
The water has a temperature that, even in cooler months, allows for comfortable contact, especially if the outside sea is calm. On days with stronger swell, the pool acts as a transition space between the energy of the ocean and the internal tranquility, allowing one to feel the rhythm of the sea without direct exposure to its full impact. The presence of handrails and shallow areas makes the space accessible for those who simply want to be in the water, observing the environment.
Beyond swimming, the pool offers an interesting perspective for observing the sea and the changes in light. The horizon line enhances the sense of space, and on days with overcast skies, the contrast between water and sky adds a contemplative dimension to the experience. The interaction between the waves and the structure creates small effects of movement and reflections that vary with the weather.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.71331410468179,-25.495475236650954
Coordinates DMS: 37°42'47.9"N 25°29'43.7"W
Weather Caloura
On-duty Pharmacy Caloura
