São Miguel Island is known for its stunning natural beauty, including its rugged coastline and beautiful beaches. While some of the green island’s beaches are highly frequented and popular among tourists, there are also many hidden gems that only locals know. One such hidden gem is Praia da Viola, a secluded beach on the north coast of the island.
Praia da Viola (Beach of the Violin) is one of the most untouched black sand beaches of the archipelago. It is pretty remote, as you can only access it via a walking trail.
Surrounded by lush green cliffs from where several waterfalls flow into the ocean, Praia da Viola is the ideal spot to know a typical Atlantic beach of the Azores without the crowds. Let’s learn more about this fantastic place.
What is Praia da Viola
Geology & Volcanology
One of Praia da Viola’s unique features is its black sand, which is made up of volcanic minerals created by the island’s volcanic activity. Indeed, the beach has thick, volcanic black sand and pebbles. Did you know that the black sand is the result of erosion from volcanic rocks? It also comes from the thermic shock when hot lava reaches the ocean.
History & Geography
Praia da Viola is located in the municipality of Maia, in an isolated area. This town belongs to the county of Ribeira Grande, on the North coast of São Miguel island, in the Azores archipelago.
Fauna & Flora
At the many beaches of the Azores islands, you can see a large diversity of marine wildlife. If you take your snorkel and mask with you, you might see plenty of colorful fish. And if you are lucky, octopuses, turtles, rays, and much more! Farther away from the coast, our seas are rich in whales and dolphins that you can spot with binoculars or more efficiently on a whale and dolphin watching tour.
On the cliffs, look out for seabirds like our beloved Cory’s shearwaters. On the shore, mainly during the springtime, be careful with the Portuguese man-o-war. It looks like a blue bottle or plastic bag with long tentacles. Those are very painful if you step on, even when the ‘caravela’ is dead.
What to Do at Praia da Viola
Swim in the Atlantic Ocean
The black sand contrasts beautifully with the clear blue waters of the Atlantic, making it a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. But if the sea conditions are not appropriate, it can become quite dangerous to venture in. The beach is also an excellent spot for snorkeling, as there is an abundance of marine life in the water around the beach.
See the Waterfalls
For those who are willing to explore a little, there are also some hidden gems around Praia da Viola. With just a short walk on the beach, you will find a small waterfall flowing down the cliff into the ocean. It is a beautiful sight. And it provides a refreshing break from the heat of the sun, especially if you can’t swim in the sea due to poor conditions.
The beach is relatively small, but it is usually not very crowded. This makes it a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Azores. Some natural rock formations near the beach are worth checking out.
Walk the Trail
There is a linear trail along the north coast of São Miguel island leading right to Praia da Viola. It is about 5 kilometers long and lasts around 2 hours. The hike begins at the center of Lomba da Maia town next to Nossa Senhora do Rosário church. From there, you will find indications of a trail that is taking you towards the ocean.
Walking through pastures, you will have the best view of the coast of Maia, Ponta Formosa, and Ponta do Cintrão. The next stop is Praia da Viola, where you can go if the sea conditions are good. You will encounter ruins of water mills that once were used to turn corn and wheat into flour. Along with several mill ruins, you will also pass by a viewpoint over the North coast and old reservoirs formerly used by locals to wash clothes.
Best Time to Visit Praia da Viola
Best Time of the Day
The best time of the day to go to Praia da Viola would be in the late morning and early afternoon to get some sun. Indeed, because of the high cliffs around the beach, the sun can hide for the first and last hours of the day. However, during the high season, the beach can get a bit crowded at those times of the day. Try to do this during lunchtime for a quieter moment at the beach.
Plan Your Visit to Praia da Viola
How to Get to Praia da Viola
You can only get to Praia da Viola on foot. The beach is not easily accessible, and visitors must hike down a steep, winding path to reach it. There is a parking lot up the hill, but you will need to go down some hundreds of meters (5 to 10 minutes). However, the effort is well worth it. Praia da Viola is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches on São Miguel Island.
To get to the parking lot, you will need to rent a car or take a taxi. Some buses go along the northern coast; however, their schedule might not be practical. From the city of Ponta Delgada, the parking lot located in Lomba da Maia is 37 kilometers away (35-minute ride).
What to Bring
If you wish to swim in the Atlantic Ocean at Praia da Viola — and if the sea conditions are good—bring your swimming suit and a towel. You might also want to bring water shoes, as the sand is thick with rocks. Sunscreen is a must-have, as the sun can be pretty harsh in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. With a hat, some snacks, and water, you are good to go!
For the trail, bring good walking shoes and hiking sticks if you find them easy to use. Dress in layers so you can take them off as you get warmer. A raincoat is mandatory in the Azores, as we can have four seasons in a day.
Where to Eat
If you need somewhere to eat near Praia da Viola, click here. In this link, you’ll find the 10 best restaurants on Tripadvisor.
Where to Stay
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Pro Tips
One of the things that makes Praia da Viola unique is its seclusion, which makes it known and frequented by few people. The beach is not easily accessible, and there are no facilities or amenities nearby. This means that visitors must come prepared with everything they require for a day at the beach, including food, water, and sunscreen. While this may be inconvenient for some people, it also means that Praia da Viola is a peaceful, unspoiled spot with pure nature, free from the crowds and noise of more popular beaches.
What to Do Around Praia da Viola
Walk to Moinhos da Ribeira Funda
There is a magnificent 5 km trail from Maia called Praia da Viola and Moinhos da Ribeira Funda. This track, which goes by the coast, shows different points of interest, such as old mills made of stones, a beautiful waterfall, the secret beach of Viola, and tobacco culture. It is the ideal trail to discover the Azorean nature off the beaten track.
Pro Tip
Book this hiking trip with us and enjoy our knowledgeable and friendly guides.
Visit Maia
Located on the north shore of São Miguel Island, Maia is part of Ribeira Grande county. Nested right on the coast, with the ocean breeze constantly flowing through its streets, Maia and its 2,000 inhabitants enjoy a tranquil life. The town’s name comes from the founder, Inês da Maia, who developed it in the 15th century.
Maia is one of the oldest municipalities in Ribeira Grande County. The municipality includes Gorreana tea plantations, the oldest in Europe. Their tea is unique and tasty. A visit to the factory is a must if you want to know more about this remarkable process.
→ Related articles: Maia | Gorreana Tea Plantation
See the Gorreana Tea Plantations
The tea plantations of Gorreana create a unique landscape resembling the rice plantations of Asia. Get lost in the labyrinth of tea leaves and admire the beautiful view over the ocean. It is one of the very few tea plantations in Europe.
Did you know
You can also visit the exposition inside to see the machinery used to make tea out of the plant.
Chase the Waterfall of Salto da Farinha
Located in the middle of a lush forest, the 40-meter waterfall Salto da Farinha can be seen via a viewpoint in Salga or a trail. For an incredible sight worthy of a Jurassic Park movie, you should go there after rainy days to see the waterfall with more water. Right next to the waterfall is a picnic area, and there is also access to the ocean, where you can swim if the weather is good.
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Conclusion
While Praia da Viola may not be as popular as some of the green island’s other beaches, it is a hidden gem that is worth searching for. The beach’s remoteness and raw beauty make it a unique spot. Whether you’re searching for a peaceful place to relax and get tanned or an adventurous day hiking around, Praia da Viola has something to offer for everyone.
Overall, we can affirm that Praia da Viola is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to São Miguel island in the Azores, especially if they enjoy scenic beaches, waterfalls, or simply being by the ocean. At Praia da Viola, hikers and nature lovers mostly enjoy the landscape and off-the-beaten-track, quiet places like this one.
Authors’ Note
I’m pleased to inform you that all the recommendations in this article are based on my 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
Praia da Viola is a secluded beach located in the parish of Lomba da Maia, in the municipality of Ribeira Grande, on the northern coast of São Miguel Island, Azores.
The beach is made up of black volcanic sand and pebbles, with clear waters surrounded by cliffs. It is known for its natural waterfalls and the ruins of old watermills.
Visitors can swim in the Atlantic Ocean, explore the trail leading to the beach, enjoy the waterfalls, and observe the local flora and fauna. However, due to the sea conditions, swimming should be done with caution.
The beach is isolated and does not have tourist facilities like restaurants or restrooms. Visitors should come prepared with food, water, and other essentials for their visit.
