Paradise Found at Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens

Kristen G
by Kristen Gilbert

May 06, 2019

2 minute read

On São Miguel island in the Azores sits Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens, a place where red fish and black ducks swim peacefully in the ponds, and the scent of countless flowering trees and exotic vegetation envelops you as you meander through the timeless gardens. Once inside, it takes but a moment to realize that you have just stumbled into an earthly paradise.

Terra Nostra fish ducks

The trees

Terra Nostra trees

The Terra Nostra gardens are a veritable forest of the most magnificent trees you’ve ever seen. Everywhere you look, you’ll find an endless variety of trees that all seem to have been there since the beginning of time: palm, ginko, hydrangea, rhododendron, azalea, tulip, camellia, magnolia—the list goes on and on.

Surprise and delight around every corner

Terra nostra topiary animal

Interwoven footpaths lead you on a marvellous journey of discovery as you encounter pools, fountains, sculptures and themed gardens that are so beautifully maintained that it feels as though they were placed there by mother nature herself. Look down and there’s a mossy rabbit with a body covered in ivy like fluffy fur. Up ahead is a series of lily ponds with the most impressive lily pads you’ve ever seen. Look over there! It’s a topiary dinosaur! No matter where you cast your eyes, you’ll find something wonderful to study.

Geothermic swimming pool

Terra Nostra Geothermic Pool

One of the park’s main highlights is its geothermic swimming pool. Built in the 18th century, the pool started out much smaller than it is today, but has grown over the years since so many visitors wish to soak in its 95 degree Fahrenheit (35 Celsius) waters that are supplied by a volcanic spring. The water is rich with essential minerals that give it its unique colour and are believed to bring about relaxation and restore energy. Imagine yourself soaking here surrounded by the lush gardens.

Terra Nostra River

Sound like heaven? Join us and take it all in for yourself on our Azores: Jewels of Portugal tour.

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