Praia do Almoxarife: One of the Most Beautiful in Faial

Travel 06/08/2025

Travel

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3 months ago

Copywriter

Rita Puga

Photos

Álvaro Palácios

Photos

David Rodrigues

Copywriter

Rita Puga

Praia do Almoxarife, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, is located in the parish of Praia do Almoxarife, in the municipality of Horta, Faial. This bathing area is ideal for enjoying moments of leisure and tranquility with family, friends, or even alone.

This volcanic beach has crystal-clear waters and a long, dark-colored sandy beach — given its length, it is very popular with bathers in the summer months. In this article, we’ll explain the history of this beach and the main points of interest in the region so you can learn a little more about it.

Contents hide

1 Where is Praia do Almoxarife

1.1 Brief History

2 What to Do at Praia do Almoxarife?

2.1 Explore the Poça das Asas Forest Park

3 Plan Your Visit to Praia do Almoxarife

3.1 How to Get to Praia do Almoxarife

3.2 Best Season to Visit Faial Island

3.3 Where To Eat Near Praia do Almoxarife

3.4 Where To Stay Near Praia do Almoxarife

4 Nearby Attractions

4.1 Nossa Senhora da Conceição Viewpoint

4.2 Enjoying Porto Pim Beach

4.3 Scrimshaw Museum & Peter Café Sport

4.4 Horta

5 Complementary Information

5.1 Best Season to Visit the Azores

5.2 How to Get to the Azores

5.3 Travel Essentials

5.4 Useful Tools & Apps

Where is Praia do Almoxarife

Junta de Freguesia da Praia do Almoxarife | The beauty of Praia do Almoxarife

Praia do Almoxarife is one of Faial Island’s best and largest bathing areas. It is located just 5 kilometers from Horta and features a long stretch of sand. Visitors enjoy a stunning view of Pico Mountain, making it a favorite among locals and tourists.

Known for water sports, Praia do Almoxarife is popular for surfing, windsurfing, and diving. The beach offers excellent infrastructure, including facilities for people with reduced mobility, free parking, toilets, and showers. Visitors can also find two bars and restaurants, and the Praia do Almoxarife Campsite for more extended stays.

Lifeguards ensure the beach’s safety during summer when the water temperature averages 22 °C. The beach has earned the prestigious Bandeira Azul recognition yearly for its quality and safety. Whether swimming, relaxing, or enjoying water sports, Praia do Almoxarife guarantees everyone a peaceful and enjoyable experience.

Brief History

Praia do Almoxarife is nestled between Lomba da Espalamaca and Lomba dos Frades. It is part of a rural parish filled with natural beauty. The parish owes its name to an almoxarife, a royal official tasked with collecting taxes in the area.

Praia do Almoxarife gained historical significance in 1465 when Flemish settlers arrived at Faial. Joss Van Hurtere and 15 Flemings landed on the sands of this beach. They began exploring and exploiting the island’s resources, marking the start of Faial’s settlement.

Initially, these settlers chose to establish themselves in Lomba dos Frades. However, they eventually relocated permanently to Santa Cruz/Porto Pim, shaping the early development of the island.

What to Do at Praia do Almoxarife?

Azores Getaways | The magnificent landscape of Praia do Almoxarife overlooking the Pico

Given the length of its sandy beach and the privileged view over the island of Pico, Praia Formosa is one of Faial’s most popular bathing areas. Here, you can sunbathe, dive into the warm, crystal-clear waters, enjoy leisure moments, and socialize with your family and friends.

However, the charms of this bathing area don’t stop there. Find out about other tourist attractions you won’t want to miss during your visit to the parish of Praia do Almoxarife.

Praia dos Ingleses;
Praça Colonel Silva Leal;
Poça das Asas Forest Park;
The Forts of Nossa Senhora do Rosário, Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, Senhor Santo Cristo, and São Pedro once defended against pirate and corsair attacks. Unfortunately, none of these buildings remains intact today.

Explore the Poça das Asas Forest Park

Poça das Asas, or Poço das Asas, is a forest park in Chão Frio, Praia do Almoxarife parish. This place stands out for its stunning waterfall, a small lake, and abundant laurel forest vegetation. This place is full of ferns and mosses that grow abundantly due to the shade and humidity. Nature remains virtually untouched, with birds singing and the scent of incense perfuming the air.

Rúben Silva (@rubensllva) | Poça das Asas Waterfall

Did you know

An ancient legend about the island’s early settlement shrouds Poça das Asas in mystery, adding charm to its singular beauty.

Before reaching the waterfall area, there are picnic areas, tables, and swings for children. Immerse yourself in nature as a telluric landscape surrounds you, blending volcanic forces with the lush flora of Macaronesia.

Adventure seekers can explore an 8-kilometer trail, completing it in about two hours on average.

Plan Your Visit to Praia do Almoxarife

José Luís Ávila Silveira | The natural beauty of the parish of Praia do Almoxarife

Praia do Almoxarife is one of the most popular summer destinations, making planning essential for the best possible experience. To make the most of your trip, we recommend creating an itinerary that includes the must-see attractions in the municipality of Horta.

Book your flights and accommodation in advance to ensure great deals and value for money. Tailor your plans to your preferences and enjoy a stress-free visit to this beautiful location.

How to Get to Praia do Almoxarife

From the city of Horta towards the parish of Praia do Almoxarife, you’ll have to travel around 5.5 kilometers to reach the Almoxarife bathing area. To get to your destination, you have several options: you can choose to travel by car/motorbike, taxi, public transport (bus), bicycle, or on foot.

Following the EN1-1A, the journey takes approximately:

Car, motorbike, or taxi: 8 minutes;
Bus: 30 minutes — although the journey by bus only takes 30 minutes, you should allow an extra 10 minutes on foot. In other words, this journey takes a total of 40 minutes;
Bicycle: 25 minutes;
On foot: 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Best Season to Visit Faial Island

The island of Faial, in the Azorean archipelago, is characterized by its atypical climate, resulting from various factors contributing to its botanical richness and landscape value. The climate is mild regardless of the season, with average temperatures showing little variation. Temperatures range from:

16 °C in spring;
21 °C in summer;
18 °C in autumn;
14 °C in winter.

Where To Eat Near Praia do Almoxarife

If you need somewhere to eat near Praia do Almoxarife, click here. In this link, you’ll find the 10 best restaurants on TripAdvisor.

Where To Stay Near Praia do Almoxarife

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Nearby Attractions

Nossa Senhora da Conceição Viewpoint

Located at Ponta da Espalamaca, just north of Horta, the Nossa Senhora da Conceição Viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the Azores.

As you ascend the coastal road from Ladeira da Praia, you’ll reach this remarkable site, which features a 3-meter statue of Our Lady of the Conception. Adjacent to the statue stands a towering 30-meter-high cross, adding to the site’s tranquil and majestic appeal.

From this viewpoint, you can marvel at the panoramic vistas of Horta’s city and bay, Almoxarife Beach, and the stunning Pico Island. On clear, cloudless days, the islands of São Jorge and Graciosa also come into view, making this a must-see destination for all visitors.

Enjoying Porto Pim Beach

Porto Pim Beach is one of Faial Island’s most beloved bathing spots, offering an ideal combination of natural beauty and modern amenities. Visitors will find excellent support facilities, including access for people with reduced mobility, toilets, showers, bars, cafés, and restaurants, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.

The beach stretches approximately 350 meters and features soft sand, perfect for relaxing or walking barefoot. During the summer, the water temperature averages a pleasant 22 °C, and the calm, gentle waves make it a popular choice for windsurfing and diving enthusiasts.

Porto Pim Beach stands out for its exceptional safety and cleanliness. Monitored daily, it consistently earns the prestigious Bandeira Azul certification for meeting high hygiene, safety, and environmental quality standards. Whether you seek adventure or tranquility, Porto Pim Beach guarantees a memorable experience.

Related Article ➞ Best Beaches in the Azores Islands

Scrimshaw Museum & Peter Café Sport

The Scrimshaw Museum, founded in 1986, is a must-see during your trip to Faial. Located on the first floor of Peter Café Sport, the museum showcases an impressive collection of whaling art. Local artisans crafted these pieces to preserve the memories of Faial and Pico’s whaling era, using whale teeth and bones.

Peter Café Sport opened in 1918 during the First World War. This iconic nautical hub quickly became a gathering place for sailors and visitors worldwide. Today, it remains one of the most famous maritime centers globally.

Visiting the Scrimshaw Museum and Peter Café Sport offers a glimpse into the Azores’ rich maritime history. Both are essential stops for anyone exploring Faial.

Horta

Nestled on the island of Faial, the city of Horta is one of the Azores’ most iconic destinations. With its unique attractions and rich cultural heritage, this picturesque town is a must-see for anyone exploring the archipelago.

Horta’s bustling harbor is a constant hive of activity, with boats arriving and sailboats moored in its renowned marina. Visitors from around the globe flock to the city of Horta and its scenic bay. This popularity makes Horta one of the Azores’ most famous and beloved spots.

This quintessential Azorean town invites you to immerse yourself in its vibrant culture and meet its welcoming people. Its historic buildings, steeped in the region’s history and traditions, offer a fascinating glimpse into the Azores’ heritage.

Check all our articles about each one of the most relevant points of interest on Faial Island: Caldeira do Faial | Porto Pim | Capelinhos Volcano | Praia do Almoxarife

Complementary Information

Best Season to Visit the Azores

The Azores Archipelago boasts a unique climate that shapes its lush landscapes, making it a splendid year-round destination. With mild temperatures and minimal fluctuations, each season offers something unique. Spring averages 16 °C, summer reaches 21 °C, autumn cools to 18 °C, and winter remains mild at 14 °C.

How to Get to the Azores

The Azorean Archipelago is easily accessible through numerous flight routes. Lisbon and Porto are the main entry points to the continent, with direct flights available to São Miguel (PDL), Terceira (TER), Faial (HOR), Pico (PIX), and Santa Maria (SMA). To find the best flight, use search engines like eDreams or Skyscanner. These platforms enable you to compare prices and schedules from various airlines in one convenient location.

For more details on how to get to the Azores, take a look at our complete guide. But what if you want to explore beyond your arrival island? We’ve got you covered!

→ Once you’ve found the perfect route, book your tickets and get ready to experience one of the world’s most stunning island groups!

Travel Essentials

Useful Tools & Apps

The weather in the Azores can be variable, so it’s helpful to use some apps before visiting the islands. Spotazores provides live camera feeds from the main tourist attractions, allowing you to check the weather and plan your visit. For accurate weather predictions, use Windy or Windguru — they provide the most reliable predictions.

Video

Azores Top 10 | Things to do at Praia do Almoxarife

Conclusion

Praia do Almoxarife is one of Faial Island’s most popular seaside resorts. Its long sandy beach and crystal-clear waters make it the perfect spot for family games, seaside walks, and relaxation with friends.

With its warm, inviting water temperatures, the beach is ideal for swimming and unwinding. After your time at the beach, explore the unique charm of the municipality of Horta. Discover its rich offerings, including monuments, museums, churches, scenic viewpoints, forest parks, trails, bays, and other picturesque beaches.

Authors’ Note

I am pleased to inform you that all the recommendations in this article are based on my personal 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.

FAQs

What facilities are available at Praia do Almoxarife?

Praia do Almoxarife offers various facilities, including access for people with reduced mobility, restrooms, showers, bars, cafés, and restaurants. A campsite is also nearby for visitors who want to extend their stay.

What is the average water temperature during the swimming season?

During the swimming season, typically from mid-June to mid-September, the average water temperature at Praia do Almoxarife is around 22 °C, providing ideal conditions for a refreshing swim.

Is Praia do Almoxarife monitored and safe for swimmers?

Yes, Praia do Almoxarife is monitored by lifeguards during the swimming season, ensuring visitors’ safety. It is also awarded the Blue Flag annually, certifying its cleanliness, hygiene, and safety standards.

What activities can be enjoyed at Praia do Almoxarife?

Praia do Almoxarife‘s calm and clear waters make it perfect for various water sports, such as windsurfing and diving. The scenery, including a breathtaking view of Pico Island, makes it ideal for walking and relaxing.

Map

Salto do Prego: The Paradisiacal Waterfall of Faial da Terra

Impactful & unforgetable experiences

Browse all the outstanding experiences you can live in the Azores

Whale Watching

Lying in the middle of the mystical Atlantic Ocean, the wonderful Azores islands are a permanent home or point of passage for more than a third of the entire world’s whale and dolphin species.
Dive into this lifetime adventure with ancestral creatures where science and emotion come together at their highest level!
This may be the best place on earth to observe these magnificent animals.

Jeep Tours

Feel the rush, surprise, and emotion in an all-terrain vehicle, this adventure will take you to the core of secrets. We will take you where nobody has ever reached before. Experience moments of adrenaline in our jeep tours. The adventure through the interior of the islands will begin!
The trips are made in 4×4 vehicles properly equipped, capable of taking you to places little explored. It is intended for those who want to discover new perspectives and unusual scenarios on the Azores Islands in a more adventurous way. We pass on secondary roads, which are not usually found on the usual tourist routes. They are narrow paths, dirt paths, called “canadas” in Azorean, and are mostly used by farmers.

Kayaking & SUP

Find solace in listening to the birds chirping and enjoy the peacefulness of the moment, and make sure you capture it with your camera this unforgettable experience.
Sete Cidades is a volcanic complex where you can visit several lakes. Inside one of the craters, you can find two lakes, known as Lagoa Verde (green lake) and Lagoa Azul (blue lake), that feature in a legendary love legend about the lake’s creation. This special place was elected as one of the country’s seven natural wonders and once you are there, you will definitely understand why.
The contrast of colors between the two mysterious lakes is mesmerizing, and being on the water, in the middle of the volcanic crater, will give you a different perspective of the high green cliffs around.

Canyoning

The boldest and most unique adventure! Heading through the natural landscape you will be able to enjoy some adrenaline-fueled activities. Wet, wild, and absolutely unforgettable.
This experience involves trekking through river gorges, around pools, or even behind waterfalls.
Canyoners navigate down waterways by abseiling down waterfalls, clambering over rocks, or jumping into water rock pools. You will get wet for sure, even with an exposure suit, but this is not too bad with the relatively warm climate of the Azores.

Van Tours

Take a seat in the emotion sector, stop wherever you want and where your curiosity demands it. Taste, observe, and treasure the entire originality of this Atlantic paradise.
If you want to get to know the island of São Miguel more peacefully, without the worry of renting a car, opt for more comfort, on a pleasant van ride. Make the most of your vacation and get away from the city.
This way, you are guaranteed to know the main points of interest, but also those you will not find in travel guides. This is perhaps the best choice for those looking for convenience and security.

Hiking Tours

From lush green vegetation to a great variety of wildlife, enjoy heaven after a long ramble with otherworldly vistas.
Enjoy your holidays in the Azores walking through the beautiful landscapes of volcanic origin. Breathe fresh air and contemplate all the diversity of fauna and flora you will find.
You can start the day feeling the nature among mountains, enjoy more than one lagoon on the island of São Miguel, and finally, to end the day in a perfect way, take a boat trip to see the sunset.

Bike Tours

In order to discover São Miguel island and stay active, cycling is definitely the way to go!
At Sete Cidades volcanic complex, have one of your best bike adventures! Indeed, we are not taking you to a random place. We are talking here about one of the Seven elected wonders of all of Portugal.
This is where our awesome bike adventures take place and we can tell that we love to take our guests there!

Coasteering

Here, you can explore the geography of the giant rocky cliffs climbing through the sky and how the pounding waves smooth the coastline. Coasteering is an exhilarating experience combining rock and water activity with coastal landscapes. It was originated as a combination of mountaineering and orienteering.