Poços de São Vicente Ferreira, also known as Poços de São Vicente, are popular natural swimming pools located on the north coast of São Miguel Island in the Azores. Poços means wells, which are what we call many natural pools and swimming areas enclosed in either volcanic rock or cement.
In this case, it is cement and a wall made of big rocks, protecting the swimmers from big waves. This turns the Poços into the ideal spot to swim in the Atlantic Ocean, even with sea conditions that are not 100% ideal.
These pools are filled with seawater and are a great place for visitors to swim and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. The clear waters and coast around make it a unique and attractive destination for both locals and tourists. Here you will know more about this fabulous bathing spot.
What is Poços de São Vicente?
Geology & Volcanology
Poços de São Vicente Ferreira is a pool of salty water enclosed in big rocky walls of basalt. There is a narrow passage for seawater to keep getting it and avoid stagnant waters.
History & Geography
The natural pools were recently subject to rehabilitation from the city hall in 2006 and 2007. Before, it was not a safe place to swim, but thanks to the hard work and genius idea to enclose the pool, now families enjoy coming here.
It is situated in the parish of São Vicente Ferreira, which is on the northern coast of São Miguel Island, belonging to Ponta Delgada county. It is right at the border between the two towns of Capelas and São Vicente.
Fauna & Flora
In the water of the enclosed pool, you can see many fish swimming around. Small or big ones, they surely bring some colours to the sandy bottoms of the pool.
Quick Info
In the summer, it is common to see some algae floating around the pool, however, the swimming experience is still comfortable and enjoyable to all.
What To Do At Poços de São Vicente
Swim At Natural Pools
At Poço de São Vicente, there are two spots to swim: one enclosed between the rocks, and another one in the open ocean. The more popular one is the enclosed one. You just need to go down some stairs and then here you go in the refreshing ocean.
The pools at Poços de São Vicente Ferreira provide an excellent opportunity for swimming and snorkelling. The clear waters offer good visibility, allowing you to observe marine life.
The bathing season is from the beginning of June to the end of September, providing a lifeguard during this period. All year round, it is possible to swim there in good sea conditions. You will find showers, toilets, and a car park.
Have an Ice Cream or a Drink by the Ocean
At the bar near the car park, you can buy some ice cream to cool down on a hot summer day. They also sell all kinds of drinks so you can sip with a view of the ocean from the north coast of São Miguel island.
Best Time To Visit Poços de São Vicente
Best Time of the Day
Many locals and tourists visit Poços de São Vicente Ferreira to relax, cool off, and enjoy the beauty of the Azores. It’s a popular spot during the summer months, but it can be enjoyed year-round, weather permitting.
The best time to go there depends on what you want to do there. If you want to have a picnic with an ocean view, then you should go during lunchtime. However, if you want to avoid getting burned by the sun, it is best to come in the morning or late afternoon.
Plan Your Visit To Poços de São Vicente
How To Get To Poços de São Vicente
The island’s capital, Ponta Delgada, is approximately a 20-minute drive, but it is accessible to visitors staying in various parts of the island. From Ribeira Grande, you might be about 15 minutes away by car.
The best way to reach Poços de São Vicente Ferreira is to rent your car, as public transportation is rare and not so reliable. You could also grab a taxi.
What To Bring To Poços de São Vicente
Sunscreen, a towel, and a swimsuit are the must-have at Poços de São Vicente. But don’t forget your mask, tuba and flips to explore the beautiful and colourful marine life.
As the ground is made of cement, you will not be able to put a beach umbrella. So bring a hat and some water to stay cool.
👉 Post related Best Beaches in the Azores Islands. Read more
Where To Eat Near Poços de São Vicente
If you need somewhere to eat near Poços de São Vicente, click here. In this link, you’ll find the 10 best restaurants on Tripadvisor.
Where To Stay Near Poços de São Vicente
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Pro Tips For Poços de São Vicente
Look at the sea conditions and weather before actually going to Poços de São Vicente to make sure it will be an enjoyable visit. If the sea is too agitated, even though the pools are enclosed, it can get a bit shaky inside the water.
On a sunny day, make sure to create some shadow if you don’t want to have sunburns.
What To Do Around Poços de São Vicente
Watch the Ocean From Pedras Negras Viewpoint
The viewpoint of Pedras Negras earned its name because of the dark lava stones all around it. It provides a wonderful view of the North coast of São Miguel island and some interesting rock formations along the shore.
For example, the ‘Elephant’ rock formation. This is a geological wonder shaped like the head of an elephant with its trunk drinking directly from the ocean.
Visit the Museum of Capelas
The ethnographic museum of Capelas displays one of the largest collections — if not the largest — of items from the 19th and 20th centuries used in the everyday lives of Azoreans.
Its nice owners gathered so many fascinating objects that you may recognize, and other ones specifically from the Azorean archipelago. For instance, typical typing machines are used all around the world, but also whale hunting instruments are original from our islands.
Play Golf at Batalha Golf Course
If you are a fan of this sport, there is a golf course not too far from Poços de São Vicente. On São Miguel island, you will find only two courses, and this one is not to miss.
With 27 holes over 120 acres, you will play in quite a unique scenery with a view of the Atlantic Ocean not too far.
Hike To Buraco de São Pedro
The intriguing geological formation of the Hole of São Pedro is reachable via the trail Vigia de São Pedro. This hike takes you along the northern shore of São Miguel island and offers incredible views over the coast. If you are lucky, you might even see some dolphins passing by!
Starting from the fishing harbour of São Vicente Ferreira, you will pass by the old whaling factory, and the pools nearby and have the best views of the peninsula Ponta do Cintrão.
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 of Poços de São Vicente (São Miguel Island, Azores)
Conclusion
The Poços of São Vicente Ferreira are definitely a place to visit during your stay in São Miguel island. Those are natural pools that invite into their crystal clear waters filled with colourful fishes.
Most locals love swimming at Poços de São Vicente during the summer, although you will find people there all year long due to its undeniable beauty. This might not be a dreamy sandy beach, but here in the Azores, we just love bathing in natural pools for a wilder experience, without having sand all over our body and clothes!
