If you are seeking to swim in clear blue waters around São Miguel island, but without the crowds, then Porto de Santa Iria is exactly what you are looking for. Welcome to a tropical paradise well hidden from the masses.
Also known as Porto da Ribeirinha, Porto de Santa Iria is a peaceful place, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a relaxing and intimate getaway. The slower pace of life in the Azores allows visitors to unwind and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Discover everything about this natural pool only the locals know about!
What is Porto de Santa Iria?
Geology & Volcanology
At Porto de Santa Iria, you can see pieces of evidence of past volcanic eruptions with your bare eyes and feel them with your hand. Indeed, to reach the water, you must pass by old lava that has dried a long time ago, creating a natural pool surrounded by lava rock and interesting geological formations, such as the islets found in the ocean.
All this comes from the Volcano of Lagoa do Fogo, whose last eruption was in 1543. It is still active and could erupt at any time, but don’t worry – we have scientists monitoring the Azorean volcanoes.
History & Geography
Porto de Santa Iria has always been a fishing harbor, but nowadays, you won’t see as many fishing boats. Now, some boats are doing excursions to explore the nearby caves and cliffs, and locals use this wonderful place to swim and sunbathe.
The small harbour of Santa Iria is located in Ribeirinha, in the county of Ribeira Grande, on the north coast of São Miguel.
Fauna & Flora
Between the impressively high green cliffs and the magnificent Atlantic Ocean, Porto de Santa Iria is rich in marine wildlife. The Azores’ archipelago is a paradise for cetaceans, fish, and many aquatic species.
Here you have a beautiful, small spot to jump off lava rocks or the tiny harbor made of cement. But don’t forget your mask and tuba, you won’t regret it! We might not have corals in the Azores, but fish are colorful here.
What to Do at Porto de Santa Iria
Swim in the Atlantic Ocean
While Porto de Santa Iria itself does not have a sandy beach, you can swim at an authentic Azorean natural pool that used to be a fishing harbor. It might be different from the regular beach experience, but there is nothing better than living like a local! Those are probably the clearest and most luxurious waters you will find around.
Please note that this is not an official bathing area, so there is no lifeguard, changing rooms, toilets, café, or other facilities available. If the weather or sea conditions are not great, we do not recommend taking a chance swimming there, especially if you are not comfortable in the ocean.
👉 Post related Best Beaches in the Azores Islands. Read more!
Snorkel to Discover Incredible Marine Wildlife
Armed with your mask, tuba, and flips, you will be able to discover so many species. Maybe if you are lucky, you can even spot some octopuses, rays, turtles, and more.
Did you know
Some locals even enjoy spearfishing in these clear waters, as they are home to many species, such as parrotfish.
Explore via Coasteering
Through a local agency, you can explore the northern shore of São Miguel island in a whole different way. For the brave ones, get equipped and follow your guide in this amazing adventure jumping, sliding, climbing, and playing with the tide.
Plan Your Visit to Porto de Santa Iria
Best Time to Visit
To enjoy the sun, you need to come to Porto de Santa Iria in the morning or early afternoon. In fact, because of the high cliffs all around, the sun will hide quite fast behind. This is the best way to see the clear waters transparent.
However, if you want to avoid strong sun rays, you can always come at any time to this incredible place. It is open at any hour of the day and night, however, it is not recommended to come at night because there are no lights around.
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
How to Get to Porto de Santa Iria
Porto de Santa Iria is only 10 minutes away from the city of Ribeira Grande by car, towards Ribeirinha. Follow the directions towards Ponta do Cintrão and stop your car near the straight cement road on the right.
You cannot reach the harbour by car, or public transportation. You will need to walk for 5 minutes down to Porto de Santa Iria. It is quite a steep way down, and then up when you want to get back to the car. But it is all worth it!
What to Bring
Walking on lava rocks to get to the ocean can be uncomfortable for some people. Bring water shoes to walk safely on the rocks. Sunscreen is always very important to bring in the Azores, because of the strong sun rays. As there is no sand, you will not be able to bring a beach umbrella.
A mask and tuba are a must-have, if the sea conditions are nice. And always have some snacks and water with you!
Where To Eat
If you need somewhere to eat near Porto de Santa Iria, click here. In this link, you’ll find the 10 best restaurants on Tripadvisor.
Where to Stay
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Pro Tips
Do not swim at Porto de Santa Iria if you are not a good swimmer. The sea conditions can change very quickly and you could get stuck in a current. Also, make sure to not go alone and inform someone that you are going there.
Check the sea conditions before going there, or if in doubt, ask locals their opinion on the spot. From April to the early summer, be careful with the Portuguese Man of War that sting and cause severe burns.
Nearby Attractions
Ponta do Cintrão
Ponta do Cintrão is the peninsula hosting Porto de Santa Iria. From afar, its shape reminds of a turtle, especially when seen from the Miradouro de Santa Iria.
Inside the peninsula, you can admire beautiful views over the North Coast of São Miguel island at Miradouro da Ponta do Cintrão, and also go to the old lighthouse at the very end of the peninsula.
Miradouro de Santa Iria
The Miradouro de Santa Iria is located in Porto Formoso, in the municipality of Ribeira Grande, on the north coast of the island of São Miguel. From here, you can enjoy an excellent panoramic view of the coast.
Here you can contemplate the cliffs full of vegetation and the rough Atlantic Ocean. Don’t forget to take a camera with you to capture these moments. This marvelous viewpoint reflects the green beauty of the stunning island of São Miguel, surrounded by the vast blue of the Atlantic Ocean.
Ribeira Grande
Ribeira Grande has several tourist attractions that promise to win the hearts of those who visit the town. Here you can enjoy the best of both worlds — the peace of nature and the hustle and bustle of the city. The town was elevated to the category of city on June 29, 1981 — the seat of the municipality of Ribeira Grande. It is considered the second-largest population area on the island of São Miguel.
Quick Info
The municipality of Ribeira Grande is the flattest on the island, and its highest point is Pico da Barrosa at 947 meters above sea level.
Full of natural attractions hidden in the middle of nature, historic and residential buildings, churches and other monuments in the Gothic and Manueline style. The region has an amazing natural and architectural legacy.
Areal de Santa Bárbara
Areal de Santa Bárbara is one of the most coveted spots for sunbathers in the summer. Here you can enjoy fun and relaxing moments with your family and friends. This place is also known worldwide for its waves — something we’ll talk about later in this article.
Here, you’ll find good facilities to support bathers, from car parks to access for people with reduced mobility and various showers, toilets, a restaurant and a bar.
Areal de Santa Bárbara is a guarded and safe beach and is recognized annually with the Bandeira Azul and as an Accessible Beach. It is also important to emphasize that for most of the year, the water has very pleasant temperatures, averaging around 23 °C.
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
Overall, Porto de Santa Iria is a serene and visually stunning destination on São Miguel Island, offering visitors the chance to connect with nature and experience the beauty of the Azores. It’s a great place to relax, explore the outdoors, and enjoy the tranquility of the Atlantic coastline.
Swimming in the clear waters of Porto de Santa Iria is a must-do in São Miguel island if the weather conditions allow it. You should add it to your list of places to visit when on holiday in the Azores.
