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.
Where is 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 longer 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.
History of Almoxarife Beach
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?
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.
- The Fort of Nossa Senhora do Rosário, Fort of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, Fort of Senhor Santo Cristo, and Fort of São Pedro once defended against pirate and corsair attacks. Unfortunately, none of these buildings remains intact today;
- Ingleses Beach;
- Colonel Silva Leal Square;
- Poça das Asas Forest Park.
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.
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.
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.
Plan Your Visit to 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.
What to Do Around Praia do Almoxarife?
Contemplate the Spectacular View from the 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 island of Pico. 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.
Visit Scrimshaw Museum and 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.
Discover the Enchanting Town of Horta in Faial
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.
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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Complementary Information
Useful Tools and Apps
The weather in the Azores is quite unpredictable. For this reason, there is a very useful App that you can install on your mobile phone before visiting any of the 9 islands: Spotazores. The cameras installed at the biggest tourist attractions allow you to check the weather and decide where to visit next.
To check the weather forecast for the next few days, use Windy or Windguru. They are the most accurate.
How to Get to Faial Island
There are many routes to the island of Faial by plane. The main entry points are Lisbon and Horta (Faial Island), but many direct routes exist.
The best way to find a flight that works for you is to use a flight search engine like eDreams or Skyscanner. As you may already know, these sites allow you to compare prices and schedules of various airlines in one place.
Once you find a flight you like, all you need to do is book! And in a few hours, you’ll be on your way to one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world.
Cultural Agenda on The Island of Faial
The island of Faial offers many cultural events all year round. The full list of events is available at the following link.
Video of Praia do Almoxarife (Faial Island, Azores)
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.
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.
