Sofia's natural pool

Category: Nature > Swimming Pool

District: Açores > Ponta Delgada > Ginetes

Location:

The Ponta da Ferraria Natural Pool is located on the western coast of São Miguel Island, in the parish of Ginetes, municipality of Ponta Delgada. Nestled between formations of black lava, it opens onto the Atlantic, offering a wide view of the sea and the small rocky islands in the distance. The setting is dominated by darkened volcanic rocks, and the contrast with the deep blue of the ocean makes the scenery very striking.

The surroundings are essentially natural: there is no sandy beach, only plateaus and rocks where one can rest. The horizon line and the breaking waves complete the picture, with the sea exerting a constant presence, sometimes calm, sometimes more agitated depending on the conditions and the tide.

Formation and Nature:

It is a pool formed by the interaction between geothermal activity and the ocean. Water from underwater fumaroles heats the water near the coast, creating a mixture of warm water with the colder sea water. This effect is more noticeable during low tide, when the water remains calmer and the temperature is more pleasant, giving the sensation of a natural bath in direct contact with the Atlantic.

The surrounding rocks are solidified lava flows, with irregular textures and surfaces that reflect the island's volcanic history. The contrast between the dark color of these formations and the blue of the sea, crowned by a clear sky with scattered clouds, creates a very expressive landscape with a strong geological identity.

Experience in the Pool:

Entering the water requires some physical attention. There are no professional access facilities; in certain points, it is necessary to use ropes to assist with descent and staying within the pool when the low tide makes the water calmer. On some occasions, there are traces of stairs, but their presence or absence can vary, so adaptation to the terrain is constant.

The sensation within the pool results from the combination of warm water from thermal currents and the movements of the ocean. Even when the sea is relatively calm, waves can appear unexpectedly near the edges, so it is common for visitors to lean on ropes for stability. The temperature is not always uniform: the water closer to the geothermal sources tends to be warmer, gradually cooling as it mixes with the open sea.

Safety and Preservation:

The terrain around and within the pool is slippery and uneven. Caution is recommended when entering and exiting the water, as well as the use of appropriate footwear for rocky surfaces. The tide and sea conditions greatly influence safety; during high tides or with strong waves, the experience becomes more unstable and can be risky.

The space depends on the behavior of visitors to remain clean and intact. At times, debris such as cigarette butts and trash have been observed, which affects the aesthetic reading of the volcanic landscape. The presence of many people during peak seasons reduces the sense of tranquility and can make comfortable use of the pool difficult.

Panorama and Atmosphere:

The view from the location extends across the Atlantic horizon, while the black rocks emerge as a natural frame for the pool. The sound of waves crashing on the coast, combined with the contrast between the warm interior water and the colder sea outside, gives the space its own dynamism. Natural lighting, especially on clear days, enhances the volumes of the lava formations and adds depth to the landscape.

For those observing without entering, the place offers a point of contemplation of the encounter between the vigor of the ocean and the relative tranquility of the pool. There is a strong visual clarity in the contrast of colors and textures, and the environment combines the ruggedness of the volcano with the continuous maritime presence.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt