Passing through Ponta Delgada? The capital of the island of São Miguel is full of tourist attractions, and the beaches are no exception. For this reason, Praia das Milícias and Praia do Pópulo are trendy bathing areas.
Located in Ponta Delgada, these beaches are ideal for those looking for quiet during the hottest months of the year. Although they are close to the hustle and bustle of the city, here you can enjoy the peace you are looking for.
So, to find out a little more about these seaside resorts, in this article we’ll tell you about Praia Grande and Praia Pequena de São Miguel and the main points of interest in the region that you can’t miss.
Milícias Beach: The Grand Beach of São Miguel
Milícias Beach, also known as Grand Beach, is the main beach on the island of São Miguel and is located in the parish of São Roque, in Ponta Delgada.
Situated just four kilometers from the capital of São Miguel, this bathing area features an extensive stretch of dark volcanic sand, attracting thousands of visitors every year.
It is noteworthy that, in addition to typical sunbathing and sea swims, with the average water temperature around 20° C in the summer, this beach is also known for water sports such as bodyboarding, windsurfing, and diving.
At Milícias Beach, you will find various facilities to support beachgoers, including parking lots, access for people with reduced mobility, a restaurant, and a bar.
Moreover, this seaside resort is a supervised and safe beach, annually recognized with the Blue Flag and as an Accessible Beach.
Pópulo Beach: The Little Beach of São Miguel
Unlike Milícias Beach, Pópulo Beach is a bathing area of small dimensions. Therefore, it is also known as the Little Beach of São Miguel. It is located in the area of Rosto de Cão, in the parish of Livramento, in Ponta Delgada.
Initially, during the 17th and 18th centuries, Pópulo Beach was part of a private property dedicated to wine production. Later, in the 20th century, this location was transformed into a public bathing area.
It is worth noting that this beach has basaltic origins and is highly sought after by water sports enthusiasts, such as diving, surfing, windsurfing, or bodyboarding — the average water temperature is around 22° C in the summer.
Currently, it is equipped with some facilities for beachgoers, such as free parking, public changing rooms, and a bar with a terrace.
Additionally, it is also a safe and supervised beach — annually recognized with the Blue Flag.
What to do at Milícias Beach and Pópulo Beach?
As mentioned above, both seaside resorts are popular summer destinations for bathers.
👉 Post related Best Beaches in the Azores Islands. Read more
In addition to sunbathing and walking on the dark sand typical of the Azorean archipelago, you can also try your hand at water sports, for example:
- Bodyboarding;
- Diving;
- Surfing;
- Windsurfing.
This way, you can collect memories of leisure and adventure to look back on later with your family and friends!
Best Time to Visit Milícias Beach and Pópulo Beach
Due to its location, temperatures in São Miguel are mild all year round. However, in the winter months, periods of rain and lower temperatures become more frequent.
In this sense, the best time to visit Praia das Milícias and Praia do Pópulo is usually between May and September when the days are sunny and more inviting for swimming.
However, it’s important to note that cloudy skies are a common feature of all the islands in the archipelago, so you may sometimes find it difficult to appreciate the true splendour of some of Ponta Delgada’s viewpoints.
Plan Your Visit to Milícias and Pópulo Beaches
Milícias and Pópulo beaches are very popular in the summer months, so to have the best possible experience in this tourist destination, you should plan your trip in good time.
It’s therefore advisable to start looking for flights and accommodation a little earlier so that you can find the best value for money.
How to Get to Milícias Beach and Pópulo Beach
Departing from the city of Ponta Delgada in the direction of Praia das Milícias and Praia do Pópulo, visitors have several alternative routes and means of transportation at their disposal.
You can choose to travel by car, public transport, bicycle, or even go for a walk.
To get to Praia das Milícias, you’ll have to travel an average of 5 km via the EN1-1A. The journey takes approximately 9 minutes by car, 25 minutes by public transport, 15 minutes by bicycle and 57 minutes on foot.
The route to Praia do Pópulo is about 6 km along the EN1-1A. The journey takes approximately 12 minutes by car, 16 minutes by public transport, 18 minutes by bicycle and 1 hour and 6 minutes on foot.
What to Do Around Milícias and Pópulo Beach?
After exploring these beautiful bathing areas, it’s time to discover other tourist and cultural attractions in São Roque and Livramento in Ponta Delgada.
Discover São Caetano Fort
The São Caetano Fort is located in Ponta Delgada next to Praia das Milícias and Pópulo. It was built at the end of the 16th century on the south coast of the island of São Miguel.
The purpose of this small fortification was to protect the bay of Rosto do Cão and the coastal region (parishes of São Roque and Livramento) from attacks by corsairs and pirates, which were very common at the time.
A few years later, in 1892, the facilities of this monument were given to the Civil Government of Ponta Delgada to be used as a lazaretto — an establishment for sanitary control. However, during World War II, this fortress underwent some concrete work and housed a garrison.
Quick Info
Next to the fort, you can see a group of sculptures dedicated to volcanism, seismicity and basalt, made by the Japanese sculptor Minoru Nizuma.
The São Caetano Fort is currently abandoned and in ruins.
Observe the View from the Ponta dos Caetanos Viewpoint
The Ponta dos Caetanos viewpoint, also known simply as Ponta dos Caetanos, is located next to the São Caetano Fort, between Praia das Milícias and Praia do Pópulo.
From this viewpoint, you can appreciate the landscapes of basalt rock, bays, sea inlets and various endemic species of Azorean flora with their unparalleled beauty.
Enjoy this magnificent setting overlooking the immensity of the blue Atlantic Ocean and take a camera with you to cherish the memories.
Visit Main Church of São Roque
Considered the first Baroque church in the Azores archipelago, the Main Church of São Roque is composed of a beautiful facade, a bell tower, and an annexed chapel adorned with 17th-century tiles.
This church is located in the parish of São Roque, in Ponta Delgada, just 500 meters from Praia das Milícias and Pópulo. Situated on top of a cliff overlooking the sea.
Over time, this house of worship has undergone conservation and expansion works. Masons and carvers were hired for this service to work on the chapel and the sacristy.
Observing the View from the Rosto do Cão Viewpoint
The Rosto do Cão viewpoint is located in the parish of São Roque, in Ponta Delgada. From here you can see the islet of Rosto do Cão, the neighboring villages and the sea.
This viewpoint is 19 meters high, from where you can enjoy views of the surrounding area. You can also take the opportunity to relax and enjoy a meal in the picnic area available to visitors.
Tip: take a camera to record this beautiful landscape.
Explore Ponta Delgada Municipality
The municipality of Ponta Delgada is the most populous in the Azorean archipelago. Considered by many to be one of the best places to live, this town is full of tourist attractions that are well worth a visit.
Quick Info
Ponta Delgada is 4.5 km from Milícias Beach and Pópulo Beach.
Originally, Ponta Delgada was just a small fishing village. But soon, thanks to its safe bays, it became the most important trading port on the island of São Miguel.
Ponta Delgada was declared a city in 1546 and considered the island’s capital after Vila Franca do Campo was destroyed by an earthquake in 1522. Today, this cosmopolitan city, with approximately 69,000 inhabitants, attracts visitors from all over the world.
Here you can enjoy the sea breeze, the view of the mountains and the delicious local food that is part of the town’s daily life. Here are some of Ponta Delgada’s attractions, such as:
- Carlos Machado Museum;
- City Gates;
- São Brás Fortress;
- Coal Cave;
- Graça Market;
- Atlantic Park;
- Pesqueiro Swimming Pool;
- Sanctuary of Hope;
- Synagogue;
- Among others.
Where To Eat Near Milícias and Pópulo Beaches
If you need somewhere to eat near Milícias and Pópulo beaches, click here. In this link, you’ll find the 10 best restaurants on Tripadvisor.
Where To Stay Near Milícias and Pópulo Beaches
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Complementary Information
Useful Tools & Apps
The weather in the Azores can be variable, so it’s helpful to use some apps before visiting the islands. Spotazores offers live camera feeds from the main tourist attractions, letting you check the weather and plan your visit. For accurate weather predictions, use Windy or Windguru — they provide the most reliable predictions.
How to Get to São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island is easily accessible with numerous flight routes. Lisbon and Porto are the main entry points to the continent, with direct flights to Ponta Delgada available. To find the best flight, use search engines like eDreams or Skyscanner.
These platforms allow you to compare prices and schedules from different airlines in one place. For more details on how to get to the Azores, look at our guide. Once you find the perfect flight, book it! You’ll reach one of the world’s most beautiful island groups in a few hours.
Best Season to Visit São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island, part of the Eastern Group of the Azores Archipelago, has a unique climate shaped by various factors. This climate fosters the island’s lush vegetation and stunning landscapes. Temperatures stay mild year-round, with only slight variations.
In spring, temperatures average 16 °C, summer peaks at 21 °C, autumn cools to 18 °C, and winter hovers around 14 °C. For more details on the weather in the Azores, take a look at the following links:
- The weather in the Azores in January
- The weather in the Azores in February
- The weather in the Azores in March
- The weather in the Azores in April
- The weather in the Azores in May
- The weather in the Azores in July
- The weather in the Azores in August
Cultural Agenda of São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island hosts a wide range of cultural events throughout the year. The complete list of events is on the cultural agenda!
Video — Milícias & Pópulo Beaches (São Miguel, Azores)
FAQs
What amenities are available at Praia das Milícias?
Praia das Milícias offers various amenities, including lifeguards during summer, restrooms, showers, parking areas, and nearby cafes and restaurants.
Is Praia das Milícias suitable for surfing?
Yes, Praia das Milícias is popular among surfers due to its consistent waves. There are also local surf schools offering lessons and equipment rentals.
What facilities can be found at Praia do Pópulo?
Praia do Pópulo has lifeguards, restrooms, showers, changing rooms, and parking. There are also bars and restaurants close by for refreshments and meals.
Does Praia do Pópulo family-friendly?
Yes, Praia do Pópulo is family-friendly with calm waters ideal for swimming, a sandy beach perfect for children to play, and various amenities to ensure a comfortable visit.
Conclusion
Known as Praia Grande (Grand Beach) and Praia Pequena (Little Beach), these are two of the most popular summer spots in Ponta Delgada.
Separated by the ruins of the São Caetano Fort, Praia das Milícias and Praia do Pópulo are ideal seaside resorts for enjoying walks by the sea and playing games with your family and friends.
What’s more, the beaches have black sand and the sea water is very pleasant and inviting for swimming. So take the opportunity to go for a swim and enjoy the warm summer sun.
Also take the opportunity to get to know the unique beauty of the city of Ponta Delgada, where you will have the chance to visit and explore some natural and cultural monuments. These include viewpoints, natural pools, bays, trails, churches, and museums, among others.
Authors’ Note
I’m pleased to inform you that all the recommendations in this article are based on my experience and observations. As the author, I have personally visited each attraction mentioned, ensuring that every suggestion is grounded in first-hand knowledge and genuine enthusiasm.
References
- Mendonça, L. (2017). Questions and Answers on the History of the Azores. 2nd Edition, Letras Lavadas. Ponta Delgada.
- Forjaz, V., Ribeiro, L., Almeida, L., Pereira, N. and Rodrigues, J. (2019). Volcanoes of the Azores (4th Edition). Letras Lavadas. Ponta Delgada.
