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.
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, there are 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. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Pópulo Beach was part of a private property dedicated to wine production. Later, in the 20th century, it 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 facilities for beachgoers, such as free parking, public changing rooms, and a bar with a terrace. Additionally, it is a safe and supervised beach — annually recognized with the Blue Flag.
What to Do at These Beaches
As mentioned above, both seaside resorts are popular summer destinations for bathers. 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!
→ Related article: Best Beaches in the Azores
Plan Your Visit to Milícias and Pópulo Beaches
Best Time to Visit
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 it may sometimes be challenging to appreciate the true splendor of some of Ponta Delgada’s viewpoints.
How to Get to Milícias and Pópulo Beaches
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 reach 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.
Where to Eat
Click on the following link to find a place to eat near Ponta Delgada. It will take you to Tripadvisor, where you can review the 10 best restaurants.
Where to Stay
Searching for the perfect place to stay? We’ve made it easy by filtering top accommodation options from Airbnb and Booking. Here, you’ll find the ideal place to stay and enjoy your visit!
Nearby Attractions
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. This small fortification protected 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. The São Caetano Fort is currently abandoned and in ruins.
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 unparalleled beauty of the basalt rock landscapes, bays, sea inlets, and various endemic species of Azorean flora. 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. It is 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.
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 that is available to visitors.
→ Pro Tip: take a camera to record this beautiful landscape.
Ponta Delgada
The municipality of Ponta Delgada is the most populous in the Azorean archipelago. Many consider it one of the best places to live, and this town is full of tourist attractions that are well worth a visit. Originally, Ponta Delgada was just a tiny 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.
→ Related articles: Ponta Delgada | Portas da Cidade
Complementary Information
Best Season to Visit the Azores
The Azores Archipelago enjoys a unique climate that shapes its lush landscapes and makes it a splendid year-round destination. With mild temperatures and minimal fluctuations, every season has something unique to offer. 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 to São Miguel (PDL), Terceira (TER), Faial (HOR), Pico (PIX), and Santa Maria (SMA) 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, 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!
Azorean 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 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.
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FAQs
Praia das Milícias offers various amenities, including lifeguards during summer, restrooms, showers, parking areas, and nearby cafés and restaurants.
Yes, Praia das Milícias is popular among surfers due to its consistent waves. Local surf schools offer lessons and equipment rentals.
Praia do Pópulo has lifeguards, restrooms, showers, changing rooms, and parking. Bars and restaurants are nearby for refreshments and meals.
Yes, Praia do Pópulo is family-friendly. Its calm waters are ideal for swimming, the sandy beach is perfect for children to play on, and various amenities ensure a comfortable visit.
Conclusion
Praia Grande and Praia Pequena 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 seawater is very pleasant and inviting for swimming. So take the opportunity to go for a swim and enjoy the warm summer sun.
