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, filled with seawater, are an excellent 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 that allows seawater to continue entering and prevents stagnant waters.
History & Geography
The natural pools were recently subject to rehabilitation by the city hall in 2006 and 2007. Previously, it was not a safe place to swim, but thanks to the hard work and ingenious idea to enclose the pool, families now 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.
Check all our articles about each one of the most relevant points of interest in Ponta Delgada: Gruta do Carvão | Ponta Delgada | Jardim António Borges | Jardim Botânico José do Canto | Pinhal da Paz | Portas da Cidade | Milícias & Pópulo Beaches | Praia de São Roque | Pico Vermelho Windmill | Rocha da Relva | Mercado da Graça | Miradouro Vigia da Baleia
Fauna & Flora
In the water of the enclosed pool, you can see many fish swimming around. Small or big ones, they surely bring some colors 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 for 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. Just go down some stairs, and you’ll find yourself 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 a variety of drinks, allowing you to enjoy a view of the ocean from the north coast of São Miguel Island.
Best Time to Visit
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 depends on what you want to do. If you want to have a picnic with an ocean view, then you should go during lunchtime. However, to avoid getting burned by the sun, it is best to come in the morning or late afternoon.
Check all our articles about the weather in the Azores throughout the year 🌤️ ☔️: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
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 a 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-haves at Poços de São Vicente. But don’t forget your mask, tuba, and fins to explore the beautiful and colorful 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
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
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Pro Tips
- Check the sea conditions and weather before heading to Poços de São Vicente to ensure 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 shade if you don’t want to get sunburned.
What to Do around Poços de São Vicente
Watch the Ocean From Pedras Negras Viewpoint
The Pedras Negras Viewpoint earned its name because of the dark lava stones all around it. It provides a fantastic 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.
It’s nice that 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 whale hunting instruments are also initially 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 accessible via the Vigia de São Pedro trail. 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 harbor of São Vicente Ferreira, you will pass by the old whaling factory, the pools nearby, and have the best views of the peninsula Ponta do Cintrão.
Check all our articles about each one of the most relevant points of interest in Ribeira Grande: Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande | Ribeira Grande | Miradouro da Bela Vista | Lagoa de São Brás | Porto de Santa Iria | Poços de São Vicente | Praia dos Moinhos | Salto do Cabrito | Miradouro de Santa Iria | Rabo de Peixe | Pico da Barrosa | Areal de Santa Bárbara | Miradouro Vigia da Baleia | Jardim Municipal da Ribeira Grande
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.
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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 you into their crystal clear waters filled with colorful fish.
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 bodies and clothes!
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
They are located in the parish of São Vicente Ferreira, in the municipality of Ponta Delgada, on the north coast of São Miguel Island, Azores.
Yes, it’s a popular spot for swimming during the summer. Natural pools formed between volcanic rocks offer clear and calm waters, especially on days when the sea is gentle.
Yes. There is nearby parking and a stone staircase that provides access to the sea. However, caution is advised as the rocks can be slippery.
No, the Poços de São Vicente are not monitored by lifeguards, and there are no support facilities like cafés or restrooms. It’s a more natural and quiet location, perfect for those seeking a peaceful experience in nature.
