I love beaches as much as the next gal. So during my trip to the Azores islands, you know I had to seek out some of the best Azores beaches. These islands are a hidden gem for beach lovers. With dramatic volcanic landscapes and crystal-clear waters, the islands offer a unique and captivating experience. So stick around, because I’ll be sharing some of the best Azores beaches and beach towns that you absolutely must visit.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS > Click to open
- Best Beaches in the Azores
- Praia de Santa Bárbara, São Miguel
- Praia dos Moinhos, São Miguel
- Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel
- Praia Formosa, Santa Maria
- Fajana de la Caldera de Santo Cristo, São Jorge
- Praia dos Mosteiros, São Miguel
- Praia Baixa d’Areia, São Miguel
- Praia do Fogo, São Miguel
- Praia de São Lourenço, Santa Maria
- Praia do Porto Pim, Faial
- The Azores Is More Than Just Beaches
Best Beaches in the Azores
Praia de Santa Bárbara, São Miguel
Praia de Santa Bárbara is situated on the north coast of São Miguel island and it’s known as one of the most iconic Azores beaches. Its vast sandy shoreline stretches for approximately half a kilometer, making it ideal for long walks and beach games.
Surrounded by towering cliffs, it offers a sense of seclusion and tranquility. And if you’re a surfing enthusiast, this is prime territory for catching epic waves. Visitors can also enjoy amenities such as picnic areas and lifeguard services.
Absolutely add a visit to this beach to your São Miguel itinerary.
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Praia dos Moinhos, São Miguel
Located on the northern coast of the island, this stunning Azores beach is literally the best-kept secret on São Miguel, and I really hope it stays that way. Praia dos Moinhos translates to “Beach of the Mills” and it gets its name from the water mills that used to operate during the 17th and 18th centuries.
This beach is known for its black sand contrasted against clear blue waters. The surrounding cliffs provide a sense of seclusion and shelter, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty (think The Beach, without the scary bits). The road to get there is pretty sketchy and parking can be limited but you know what they say, “Nothing worth having comes easy.”
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Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel
Vila Franca do Campo is a charming coastal town located on the southern coast of São Miguel. All the towns on this part of the island are beach towns in the traditional sense. Little sandy areas with waves lapping up the shore. Vila Franca has this cool little feature — a collapsed volcano island just off the coast called Ilheu da Vila. It’s basically a rock semicircle.
The islet offers a natural swimming pool known as Praia de Água d’Alto, which is a favorite spot for locals and visitors to relax and enjoy the crystal-clear waters. It’s a protected area and can be reached by boat or kayak, providing a memorable experience for nature lovers and adventurers.
Praia Formosa, Santa Maria
Of all the beaches in Azores Portugal, Praia Formosa is a true paradise for those seeking a serene and picturesque coastal retreat. This stunning golden sand stretches along the southern coast of the island, offering a peaceful atmosphere and magnificent views. The turquoise waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, while the surrounding cliffs provide a breathtaking backdrop.
Fajana de la Caldera de Santo Cristo, São Jorge
In case you’re wondering, São Jorge is a neighboring island to São Miguel. This beach is just too good to pass up on a “10 best” list. Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo boasts a lagoon, small streams, and a rocky coastline, nestled between cliffs and lush vegetation. The lagoon, known as Lagoa da Fajã, is a haven for various bird species and serves as a natural reserve. This beach is truly otherworldly thanks to its secluded location and ecosystem.
Getting to this beach isn’t easy because there’s very limited infrastructure. You have to hike down a steep trail from the village of Santo Christo or take a boat from nearby locations. No pain, no gain!
Praia dos Mosteiros, São Miguel
Mosteiros is a small parish located on the western coast of the island of São Miguel, which is part of the Azores archipelago in Portugal. It’s actually pretty close to Ponta Delgada (17 miles) so it’s not a huge trek to get there. “Mosteiros” translates to “monasteries” in Portuguese. This beach is believed to have been named after the presence of small monastic hermitages in the area during the early settlement.
The main reason you should check out this beach is its natural pools and black sand. This volcanic beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, picnicking, and enjoying the ocean breeze. If you’re looking to unwind and experience ethereal landscapes, Mosteiros Beach is the place you want to be.
Praia Baixa d’Areia, São Miguel
Praia Baixa is not as well known as the other Azores beaches but I think it should be. It’s a small and charming beach with a mix of sand and pebbles, nestled between cliffs and surrounded by verdant hills, offering a picturesque setting.
This area is a local favorite because of it’s seclusion. It’s not as developed as the other beaches on the island, so you’ll have to bring your own beach supplies, and the conditions and currents at this beach can be pretty unpredictable. Just remember to be aware of your surroundings and swim with caution.
Praia do Fogo, São Miguel
This beach is a quick 20-minute drive from Furnas Valley and worth every minute. The parking is free, the landscape is immaculate, and the water is seriously blue. This beach also has a pretty unique feature: it sits right on top of underwater hot springs. Are you familiar with heated pools? Well, this is a naturally heated beach! Pretty cool, right?
Praia de São Lourenço, Santa Maria
Praia de São Lourenço is located on the southernmost island in the Azores. The bay is characterized by its clear waters and beautiful cliffs. It’s in the shape is a semicircle, which protects the bay from winds and rain. The colors of the water will blow your mind when you witness the deep blue of the ocean transform into emerald and turquoise.
The surrounding landscapes on the island provide breathtaking views of the coastline. If you want a bird’s eye view of the bay, just head on up to the top of the Pico Alto viewpoint and prepare to have your breath taken away.
Side note: it’s advisable to check for up-to-date information before visiting. Local tourism websites, travel guides, or the official tourism office can provide the most current information about Praia de São Lourenço.
Praia do Porto Pim, Faial
A Praia do Porto Pim is a popular beach located on Faial Island. The beach is named after the Porto Pim Bay, which was an important anchorage for ships during the Age of Discovery. The area is historically significant and was even mentioned in Herman Melville’s novel “Moby Dick.”
Praia do Porto Pim features a crescent-shaped shoreline and clear turquoise waters. It offers a relaxed atmosphere and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists to enjoy the sun, swim, and engage in water activities.
If you stay for the day, don’t forget to explore the nearby town of Horta, known for its vibrant marina, where sailors from around the world stop during transatlantic voyages. And make sure to enjoy a tasty bev or two in its quaint cafes and restaurants.
The Azores Is More Than Just Beaches
The Azores are anything but typical, and so are its beaches. If you’re a beach bunny who loves off-beat places, these locations are for you. Be sure to follow me on Instagram for future adventures to equally awesome locales!
