Azores Beaches - Sao Miguel
Azores Beaches in Sao Miguel
There are many beaches to choose from in Sao Miguel. I have visited them all many times and I'm happy to share some information about them to help you plan your visit.
For the longest time most of the beach names weren't on maps and there weren't many signs either. That's all changed for the better and finding information about visiting beaches in the Azores is much easier now.
Praia da Vinha da Areia, Vila Franca do Campo
Praia da Vinha da Areia is on the east end of Vila Franca do Campo.
This sandy, sheltered beach has calmer waters, good facilities, and an easygoing atmosphere. It is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and spending a relaxed day by the ocean. There's a bar with food service on site, good parking and lifeguards on the beach during peak season.
This beach is right by the marina and hotel. Read more about Vila Franca do Campo
Praia de Agua de Alto, Grande
This is one of the most popular sandy beaches on Sao Miguel’s south coast. The beach has a long stretch of soft sand and generally has good swimming conditions.
This beach is easily accessible from the main road and is more spacious than many of the island's smaller coves. There's a snack bar right on the beach. There's also shower and change room facilities.
I have stayed at the hotel that is at the end of the beach and we enjoyed a night of stargazing from the balcony. With limited lights nearby, the night sky sparkled with countless stars!
Praia dos Mosteiros
Praia dos Mosteiros is a beautiful dark sand beach with a view out to the iconic rock islets, “Ilhéus dos Mosteiros”. Set against sheer cliffs, a rugged coastline, and the deep blue ocean, this is a recommended spot. The beach can be magical at sunset with the islets in the foreground and the beach looking golden.
That's me walking the beach on a cooler day. Thanks to Pat B. for the picture.
The beach has bathrooms, changerooms, outdoor showers and parking. There are cafe's and food carts nearby.
While this beach is listed as one for surfers, and I have seen people surf there, I would advise caution if surfing here as there are a lot of rocks right where you would surf. Personally, I'd suggest other beaches that have less rocks in the water.
This little beach is in the village of Mosteiros located on the northwest end of the island.
Praia de Santa Barbara - Ribeira Grande
Santa Barbara beach is on the north coast of Sao Miguel. This is one of the longest sandy Azores beaches and it is very popular with surfers. There were several surfers out at the beach on the December day when I took this picture. As nice as this beach is, it's tough to find. Most maps don't show it. It is just outside of Ribeira Grande near Ribeira Seca.
Praia dos Moinhos, Porto Formoso
This beach is located at Porto Formosa on the North side of the island. It's very sandy and set in an attractive location. The only downside is parking. The hot summer day when I took this picture I couldn't get a parking spot!
Praia da Amora
Photo Courtesy of Pastor John Rodli
Amora beach is located between Ponta Garca and Ribeira Quente. It is only accessible while on a hike from Ponta Garca to Ribeira Quente or vice versa.
Ribeira Quente - Praia do Fogo
Praia do Fogo is known as the beach on the island where the ocean is noticeably warmer. This is because of geothermal springs that are on the floor of the bay.
The beach is located right in town and that it is a long and quite sandy beach. I have gone swimming there on more than one occasion. You can find Ribeira Quente on the south side of Sao Miguel, not too far from Furnas.
Populo Beach
Populo Beach is in Sao Roque and near Livramento on the south side of the island. There are actually two beaches only 100 meters (or so) apart. Both are soft and sandy with plenty of room. The other beach is Praia das Melícias
Lagoa Beach - Zona Balnear Santa Cruz
If you are in Lagoa during the summer, you will find that this little beach is fairly popular with the locals. The beach is small and is quite rocky in spots. There is a sandy stretch that offers a safe access point.
In the past few years there have been some improvements including sunbathing decks and benches, and this is a nice area for walking. This is a popular spot for dog walkers
Lagoa is on the south side of the island and is on all maps of the island.
Caloura Beach
Located in the fishing village of Caloura has a beautiful secluded beach. Caloura is located between Lagoa and Agua de Pau. This beach is called Praia Baixa da Areia ("Beach of the Sand Shallows")
Ribeira das Tainhas
More at Ribeira das Tainhas
Praia dos Santos, Sao Roque
Photo Courtesy of Miranda - taken in bad lighting
There's still a few I left out, including a little one in Povacao, among others.
I hope you enjoyed seeing the pictures of these Azores beaches. I recommend visiting any one of them on a vacation when the weather is warmer in June to September.
Please read more about the beaches in the Azores on this page:
or
Articles and links about the Azores in general www.magical-azores-islands.com
or
The island of Sao Miguel Azores
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