TERRA NOSTRA BOTANICAL PARK

In 1780, the American consul Thomas Hickling built a wooden secondary house overlooking a swimming pool, which he surrounded with trees, mainly North American. On his death in 1834, the property was purchased by the Viscount de Praia, who built the Casa do Parque on the site of "Yankee Hall", as the consul's lively residence was known. The viscountess, who was very keen on botany, and her husband, transformed the two hectares already planted into a beautiful romantic garden with lakes, winding paths, flowers and century-old exotic trees bathed in incomparable silence. At the heart of this garden, their son, the Marquis da Praia e Monforte, had a memorial erected in their honor in 1896, surrounded by eight Canary palms. He also undertook the construction of canals and grottoes at the end of the ^19th century.

The adjacent hotel was inaugurated in 1935 and later purchased by the family of Vasco Bensaúde, also a plant lover, who further extended the park to its present 12.5 hectares. The swimming pool was enlarged, surrounded by stones, and most of the paths rehabilitated. During the 1990s, the park underwent a serious restoration program, maintaining the existing 2,485 trees and planting almost 3,000 new ones, including Malaysian rhododendrons. This is the only place in Europe where they grow outdoors without special protection.

In short, this botanical garden is well worth a visit. It's a must-see in São Miguel and Furnas. Your visit will not be complete without a visit to the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden. Between hiking trails and bathing in the ferruginous water basin and bubble baths, you can easily spend an afternoon or even a whole day here. The water is warm, between 35°C and 39°C, and rich in iron, hence its orange color. You'll need a dark-colored bathing suit to avoid getting it dirty. Changing rooms, showers and temporary toilets are available on site, as the park is currently being refurbished. For hikes and walks, ask for the leaflet at the reception desk to find out about the itineraries, which vary according to the season, to see the trees in bloom. The gardens are magnificent and relaxing. Follow the paths along the streams, flowerbeds and caves, get lost in the alleys - you won't regret it!

You won't regret it!