Best Beaches in the Azores Islands

Many travelers wonder what the best beaches in the Azores are. Well, our islands are wonderful nature gems in the middle of the ocean. They display quite an exceptional scenery with unique landscapes that you cannot see anywhere else in the world.

Among their magical environment, you can find amazing black-sand beaches, natural swimming pools carved by the ocean between dark lava rocks, and also tropical white sand beaches on one of the nine islands.

In this post, we will select the best beaches and natural pools in the Azores. So keep reading to know where to go swimming in the beautiful Atlantic.

Best Beaches in São Miguel Island

São Miguel is the largest island in the archipelago, so it offers a wide selection of beaches and natural pools. We will see some of the most heavenly beaches and even a warm natural pool heated by volcanic activity. Some of the best beaches of the Azores are definitely here!

Praia das Milícias

Still on the south coast of São Miguel island, Praia das Milícias is popular for surfing and also loved by the local families to spend the day at the beach. Watch the waves on this long black-sand beach and enjoy the Azorean sun.

➞ Related Article: Milícias & Pópulo Beaches

Areal de Santa Bárbara

Santa Barbara, or the surfers’ paradise in the Azores, hosts international surf competitions every year. Take a surf lesson with a professional and defy the Atlantic waves. It is also ideal to have a meal with the sound of the ocean at the cafe right next to this long beach. Last but not least, you can visit authentic bunkers built during World War 2 located ahead of the parking lot.  

➞ Related Article: Areal de Santa Bárbara

Praia de Água d’Alto

This popular beach is one of the favorite spots for locals on a perfect summer day. At the picnic areas not too far on the road that goes up before the beach, Azorean families share meals, admire the view from Pisão viewpoint, and go down to the beach after lunch. 

➞ Related Article: Água d’Alto Beach

Praia dos Mosteiros

Sunset lovers, this is the beach you want to go to when on São Miguel Island. Watch the sun set over the ocean between the iconic dark volcanic islets as surfers enjoy the last waves of the day and children play soccer between the last sun rays. You can also have a summer night barbecue on the public grills available along the road to the beach.

➞ Related Article: Praia dos Mosteiros

Praia dos Moinhos

Located on the north shore of São Miguel island, Praia dos Moinhos is a beautiful black sand beach with clear waters and a submarine islet, perfect for snorkeling in good weather conditions. So, take your mask and snorkel and go on an adventure, or have a drink at the bar listening to the ocean.

➞ Related Article: Praia dos Moinhos

Caloura Natural Pools

The small fishing harbor of Caloura hosts one of the most stunning places to swim on São Miguel’s south coast. A quiet bay well-known by divers and snorkelers with crystal clear waters, colorful fish, and even a small pool for kids. It is equipped with a toilet and a shower, and right next to the bathing area is one of the best fish restaurants on the island.

➞ Related Article: Caloura Natural Pools

Lagoa Natural Pools

In the town of Lagoa, the natural pool complex is the meeting place for many islanders and foreigners. Inside, several different pools wait for swimmers to discover their underwater secrets. During the low season, the entrance is free of charge. You will also find a snack bar, toilets, and changing rooms.

Ponta da Ferraria

This is truly a wonder of nature. Ponta da Ferraria is the only hot spring in the Azores where you don’t have to pay to enjoy the relaxing warm waters. The best part is that it is located in a volcanic fissure inside the ocean, 100% natural! You should go when the sea conditions are good and the tide is low to feel the warmth coming from the ground.

➞ Related Article: Ponta da Ferraria

Portas do Mar Natural Pools

Right next to the center of Ponta Delgada city, it is possible to take a dip in the Atlantic. This pool is where people who work in the town go to relax in the sun during their lunch break or right after work. When it is sunny, the pool can get a bit crowded, but every day, early in the morning, you can find the same few people enjoying a quiet and refreshing beginning of the day.

Praia do Fogo

At this beautiful sandy beach near Furnas, you can find some hydrothermal underwater springs that turn the water a bit warmer. Ribeira Quente is a charming village nestled between the sea and the mountains. It is known to have the best chicken wings in São Miguel.

➞ Related Article: Praia do Fogo

Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo

Vila Franca do Campo Islet is a nature reserve for birds in the winter and one of the most epic beaches in the summer. This submarine volcanic crater offers such an extraordinary setting for swimming in transparent waters and catching some sun rays. It is undoubtedly one of the top 10 best beaches in the Azores. From June to October, a traditional fishing boat takes you there in 10 minutes from the town’s harbor.

➞ Related Article: Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo

Best Beaches in Santa Maria Island

Santa Maria is the only island where you can find white sand beaches. It is known as the island of the sun and is the driest and, indeed, the sunniest island of the archipelago. So you will find the best tropical beaches of the Azores here. Welcome to the beach paradise, perfect for relaxing on your holidays. 

Praia Formosa

Praia Formosa is actually a combination of three beautiful beaches. The viewpoint up the hill allows for a great view over the bay and the evolving scenery. The green cliffs behind contrast with the white sand and the clear blue waters. This is where, every year since 1984, the international music festival Maré de Agosto takes place.

➞ Related Article: Praia Formosa

Anjos Natural Pools

These artificial pools by the ocean are filled with seawater, ideal for families with kids for safe playtime. You can also opt for going directly into the sea when the conditions are good. On sunny days, you can even spot São Miguel Island!

Maia Natural Pools

At Maia, on the southeastern point of Santa Maria Island, you can find pools of salty water. The landscape of the bay, featuring dark volcanic rocks next to the pool, crystal-clear waters, and green cliffs covered with vineyards, is typical of the island and was classified as a natural reserve.

Praia de São Lourenço

São Lourenço Bay, in the shape of a theater, is one of the most beautiful places around Santa Maria. This natural reserve boasts an incredible amount of biodiversity and is perfect for snorkeling. There is a pool and, of course, the popular white sand beach. At the snack bar, you can get something to eat after a good swim.

Best Beaches in Terceira Island

Terceira, the ‘party island’, also has some pretty beaches to explore after a night out. Don’t miss out on the beautiful dark-sand beaches and lava-rock pools. 

Biscoitos Natural Pools

This complex of natural swimming pools is famous among locals and travelers. Nestled between basalt rock formations from lava spills, Biscoitos is undeniably one of the favorite spots to spend a day by the ocean on the island. There is all the comfort needed, a snack-bar right behind, and even a little market with local delicacies.

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Porto Martins Natural Pools

This bathing area is a mix of a rocky beach, a sandy beach, and a natural pool. Great to fulfill everyone’s wishes. Equipped with a bar, changing rooms, and a parking lot, it is even accessible for people with reduced mobility.

Praia da Riviera

Located on the East coast of Terceira, in Praia da Vitória, Praia da Riviera is usually less crowded than the others, but certainly not for being less beautiful. On this still-wild beach, you can see migratory birds nesting, especially quails.

Praia Grande

The ‘big beach’ (literally translated) in Praia da Vitória is actually the longest sand beach on the island, being more than 500 meters long. In the summer, it can get easily crowded due to its geographical position next to the city center. This beach, as well as most beaches in the Azores, is well-equipped with showers, a bar, and a parking lot.

Praínha

Near the center of the beautiful and historic Angra do Heroísmo, you can find a relaxing beach inside a quiet bay. Don’t forget to visit the colorful center of the city, which is part of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites. 

Zona Balnear da Silveira

Initially, it was a fishing harbor, but now it is one of the most beautiful bathing areas of Terceira. A pool with a view, that is Silveira, in Angra do Heroísmo. Indeed, while you swim in the clear Atlantic, you can enjoy the imposing and green Monte Brasil in the background. 

Best Beaches in Graciosa Island

Graciosa is a tranquil island in the central group of the archipelago. It features quiet beaches and a renowned natural pool with a spa, along with other bathing areas.

Praia do Barro Vermelho

This is a unique beach in the Azores. When the tide is high, the beach appears to be just a rocky one, but at low tide, the sand reveals itself to be red. Located on the north coast of the island, this volcanic beach is a popular place for locals in the summer.

Termas do Carapacho

Nested between dark basalt rocks on the southeast of Graciosa Island, contrasting with the deep blue ocean, Carapacho is a natural pool you won’t regret exploring. Swim in the open ocean or let your kids play in the enclosed pool. You can also opt for a day in the spa right next to the sea, offering a wide variety of treatments with miraculous waters.

Praia da Graciosa

The beach named Praia in Graciosa is about 200m long. It played an essential role for the island over the centuries as a strategic embarkation and disembarkation point. It is a very popular place to be in the summertime and a great place for snorkeling.

Best Beaches in Pico Island

Spoiler alert: There is no beach on Pico! But Pico is the island with the best natural pools in the whole archipelago. Grab your swimsuit and a towel, and head out to explore the incredible underwater landscapes between black lava rocks.

Manhenha Natural Pools

This natural swimming pool also has a concrete pool. It is a quiet place located on the eastern tip of the island. Usually, not so many people choose to go there, so it is great to have the pool to yourself.

Barca Natural Pools

At this natural pool with concrete access, you can have a perfect view over the islets of Madalena and Faial Island. The water can be so clear that you can spot many fish. If you are lucky, in the channel between Pico and Faial, you can even spot some dolphins from time to time. Don’t forget to have a drink next door at the famous Cella Bar, recognized globally for its strange architecture.

Criação Velha Natural Pools

On the western part of Pico Island, Criação Velha is a beautiful rocky natural pool with transparent waters. It is located right next to the world-famous vineyards, a typical landscape of Pico Island not to be missed when on holiday on the island. 

Furna de Santo António

Furna de Santo António on the north coast of Pico has two enclosed concrete pools filled with salty water, and you can also swim in the open ocean. The whole family can enjoy this place, which is also popular with divers.

Cais Natural Pools

This is another natural pool near São Roque do Pico, north shore. It has easy access to concrete, changing rooms with all the facilities inside, and a snack bar. On a sunny day, you can have the most incredible view over São Jorge, the dragon island.

Best Beaches in Faial Island

If you are on Pico Island and miss a good sandy beach, you can take a 15-minute ferry to the neighboring island of Faial. There, you will find some lovely spots to relax in the sun.

Praia do Almoxarife

Now, this is a beach with a one-million-dollar view. Indeed, you can have the best view of the majestic Pico Island, with Portugal’s highest mountain, all that while lying on the warm sand. About a kilometer away, at the Miradouro da Conceição, you can have a panoramic view over the beach and the coast of the island. Many local families consider this beach the best on the island, making it an excellent spot for aquatic sports.

➞ Related Article: Praia do Almoxarife

Porto Pim

Nested between the colorful city of Horta and the majestic green Mount of Guia in a quiet bay, Porto Pim is a small volcanic beach of about 350m long. It is located inside a Protected area and right next to the city center. Due to its excellent location, it is pretty popular among travelers and locals, and there are little to no waves. It was right there that, in the 15th century, the first settlers arrived on the island.

➞ Related Article: Porto Pim Beach

Piscinas Naturais do Varadouro

The volcanic natural pools of Varadouro on the west coast of Faial island offer two swimming pools in concrete as well as an open sea area. From the pools, you will have a fantastic view of Castelo Branco.

Best Beaches in São Jorge Island

São Jorge, just like Pico, is more of a natural pool island. Almost every little town has its pool. Let’s discover some of them. 

Portinho da Fajã Grande

Located in Calheta, the ‘little harbor’ of Fajã Grande was once a fishing harbor, but now it is completely turned towards leisure. You can swim in the Atlantic, protected from the waves by the dark volcanic rocks around the pool.

Poça dos Frades

This is definitely one of the most popular bathing areas on the island, and also of the archipelago. The geological formation created by lava spills formed this unique pool with a view of Pico Mountain.

Poça do Simão Dias

Otherworldly is what better describes Poça do Simão Dias. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful natural pools you will ever see. The contrast of the vast dark basalt stone walls with the blue water creates a peculiar atmosphere, unique to this place. Don’t forget a mask and snorkel to explore the unique underwater landscapes of this natural gem. Please note that lifeguards do not watch this pool. 

➞ Related Article: Poça do Simão Dias

Best Beaches in Flores Island

Flores is such a wild island filled with untouched nature. While there is no sandy beach, you can find several pools and rocky beaches. 

Porto da Fajã Grande

This rocky pool with concrete access is surrounded by fantastic scenery. While swimming in the wild Atlantic, you can look at the high coastal cliffs of Fajã Grande, filled with the tallest waterfalls.

Santa Cruz das Flores Natural Pools

Right next to the main town of Flores island, you can find these very popular pools with a view of the nearest island: Corvo. It is one of the most crowded places on the island in the summertime.

Best Beaches in Corvo Island

Even on the smallest island of the archipelago, you can find a beautiful beach to extend your towel and get some sun rays. Welcome to Corvo!

Corvo/Areia

This beach of rocks and sand is located next to the main town and the small airport of Corvo. This is the only beach with sand on the island. The clear waters are great for swimming and snorkeling.

Pro Tips for Going to the Beach in the Azores

Here is everything to know in order to have a great time at one of the beaches or natural pools of the Azores islands.

Temperature of the Water

The sea temperature in the Azores is always comfortable for swimming, all year round. The temperature ranges from 17ºC in January to April, then increases to 24ºC in August and September, before dropping again towards the end of the year.

Official Rules for Bathing Areas

When you arrive at a supervised bathing area, there are flags to tell you the sea conditions. 

• A red flag means you shouldn’t enter the water.
• A yellow flag means you can go in the water, but stand in it and not go swimming.
• A green flag means it’s ok to go swimming.
• The red and yellow flag indicates the limits of the supervised area.
• A blue flag says that the beach has good environmental quality.
• There are also some flags to indicate that a beach is accessible for people with reduced mobility and flags to indicate that the beach has a good general quality, according to national criteria.
• A chess flag indicates that the lifeguard is currently unavailable.
• A black flag indicates that the beach is closed due to hazardous sea or sand conditions, and it is prohibited to enter.
• A white flag with a jellyfish is to say that there are jellyfish, or, in the Azores, Portuguese Man o’ War in the water.

Coastal Wildlife in the Azores 

In the Azores, our typical jellyfish are pretty different than what most people are used to. The Portuguese Man o’ War is pink and blue, it floats, and the tentacles can extend up to 50 meters. They are so beautiful but very dangerous! They can resemble plastic bottles or bags, and even when they’re dead on the beach, it’s best not to touch them!

We also have some sharks, but they usually stay away from the coast and are generally harmless. 

Take your snorkel and mask to see the colorful wildlife at the beaches and pools of our beautiful islands. You can see many fish, but also turtles, rays, octopuses, and much more.

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.

→ For a detailed breakdown of the weather by month, check the following links 🌤️☔️: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

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!

• Azores airports 🛬
• Flights between islands ✈️
• Ferries between islands ⛴️
• Which island to choose? 🏝️
• What airlines fly to the Azores? 🛩️

→ 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

Essential Information for your Azores trip: Azorean Language & Phrases 🗣️ | Currency & Banks 💵 | Credit Cards & Traveler’s Cheques 🏧 | Driving in the Azores 🚗 | Electricity 🔌 | Experiences & Tours 🗺️ | Health & Safety 🩺 | Internet & Wi-Fi Access 🛜 | Phones & Mobile Service 📞 | Post Offices & Buying Stamps ✉️ | Public Holidays 🏖️ | Shopping 🛒 | Time & Daylight 🕒 | Whale Watching Guide 🐳 | Best Island to Visit 🏞️

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.

Conclusion

There are many beaches and pools to choose from. So choosing only the best beaches in the Azores is quite challenging. But we are sure that with this selection, you will find just what you need.