Praia do Fogo is a small black-sand beach protected by a beautiful bay of green cliffs contrasting with the blue ocean. It is also known as Praia da Ribeira Quente, named after the village in which it is located. This welcoming and idyllic beach has a unique characteristic that attracts many locals and travelers from around the world: it features underwater hydrothermal springs that warm the oceanic water. Let’s see more about this naturally beautiful beach and why you should go there on your trip to São Miguel Island in the Azores.
What is Praia do Fogo
Geology & Volcanology
Praia do Fogo is located in Ribeira Quente, situated between the Caldera of Povoação, which is 6.5 km in diameter and approximately 820,000 years old, and the Furnas volcano, with a diameter of 7 km and an age of around 30,000 years. The latter is rich in thermal mineral springs and has a tremendous hydrothermal system underground.
On the south flank of the volcano, where Ribeira Quente lies, a group of fumaroles reaches the ocean. This is how we can explain the famous hydrothermal springs that make the water warmer than usual.
History & Geography
Ribeira Quente was not one of the first settlements on the island, but it began to be populated right after Furnas. In 1630, an eruption from the Furnas volcano altered the village’s landscape, causing landslides. It was only in 1936 that the two tunnels you can see today were constructed to facilitate easier access. Those are the only tunnels for cars on São Miguel Island.
In 1943, Ribeira Quente was formally declared a parish. This had several consequences for work to improve the fishing harbor (fishing was the main economic activity of this part of the island) and the high population. In fact, at that period, there were approximately 2,000 inhabitants in Ribeira Quente, compared to about 800 today.
Praia do Fogo is situated in the fishing town of Ribeira Quente, located in the Fogo area. This belongs to the municipality of Povoação, situated on the south coast of São Miguel Island.
→ Related articles: Ribeira Quente | Povoação
Fauna & Flora
At the beach, you will most probably hear and see seagulls flying around. Depending on the season and time of day, you can also spot many other species of seabirds. In the ocean, if you take your snorkeling gear, you might find small fish all around, but also bigger ones. Who knows, maybe off the coast, if you look with some binoculars, you can even see dolphins or whales passing by!
Culture & Festivities
Festival do Chicharro is a live music festival right on the beach of Praia do Fogo. It happens every summer in July. This is one of the most popular summer festivals on the island. It began in 1988, and locals and travelers alike love to visit for the weekend, spending the day at the beach while enjoying the music.
Not only will you hear Portuguese and international music, but also you will taste local food including chicharros (mackerel) in all its shapes and forms.
What to Do at Praia do Fogo
Relax at the Beach
The thing to do at Praia do Fogo is to lie down on your towel and enjoy the Azorean sun. Be careful, as we are in the middle of the Atlantic; the sun can be intense, so always bring your sunscreen.
Read a book, build a sand castle, play with the waves, walk around, and live your best life on this fantastic beach. Right next to the beach in the parking lot, you can find toilets and showers for your comfort. The beach also has accessible facilities for people with disabilities. It is a Blue Flag beach, indicating that it meets high standards of quality and environmental management. A lifeguard watches the bathing season (June to September).
Find the Warm Spots
The water at Praia do Fogo can reach a temperature of about 23 °C in the summer. However, thanks to the underwater hydrothermal vents only found at this beach — and also at Ponta da Ferraria hot springs — it can be much warmer in some spots. If you bury your feet in the sand when in the water, you can find yourself with your feet suddenly very hot.
→ Related article: Ponta da Ferraria
Snorkel Around
The Azores are a very popular destination for diving and snorkeling. Praia do Fogo is a good spot to start if you bring your mask and snorkel. You will certainly be able to see wrasses, pufferfish, triggerfish, parrotfish, and groupers, and if you are lucky, you may spot a turtle or some rays.
Have a Drink With a View
Between the beach and the parking lot, you will find ‘Bar da Praia’ (the beach bar), where drinks and some food can be served while you are looking at the ocean. Sometimes, in the parking lot, you will also find the ice cream truck ‘Estrela do Mar’ (which means sea star).
Plan Your Visit to Praia do Fogo
Best Time of the Day
To avoid intense sun rays, it is best to go out before 10 am or after 5 pm. It is also around those times that the beach has fewer visitors, so you will have more space to lay your towel. However, this is not one of the most crowded beaches on the island due to its location far away from the central city of Ponta Delgada. You can go at the time you prefer, as it is so good to swim in the ocean and relax on the beautiful black sand at any time of the day.
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 Praia do Fogo
There are buses to Ribeira Quente operated by the company Varela. Still, we recommend traveling there by car, as the bus service is limited and the schedule is subject to change. From Ponta Delgada, it is approximately 50 kilometers away, a 1-hour drive. The best option is to go via the north coast and then through Furnas.
Praia do Fogo is located approximately 7 kilometers from the town of Furnas, heading south along the EN2-2A road. You will need to cross the whole village before arriving at the beach. Park in the parking lot right next to the beach and walk for less than a minute to get your feet on the sand.
Planning a trip to the Azores? These articles will help you: How to Get to the Azores 🗺️ | Azores airports 🛬 | Flights between islands ✈️ | Ferries between islands ⛴️ | Which island to choose? 🏝️ | What airlines fly to the Azores? 🛩️
What to Bring
At Praia do Fogo, bring your swimsuit, hat, flip-flops or water shoes, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and maybe a beach umbrella to protect yourself from the sun. Moreover, having a good book, some snacks, and water is a good idea to have with you. For some underwater adventures, bring your snorkeling equipment, and why not a waterproof camera?
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Where to Eat
If you need somewhere to eat near Praia do Fogo, click here. In this link, you’ll find the 10 best restaurants on TripAdvisor.
Where to Stay
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Pro Tips
Don’t stay only at the beach; explore the lovely fishing village around here. It is known for its excellent restaurants and is primarily renowned for its delicious ‘pão de alho’ (garlic bread) and chicken wings. Talk to locals; they all know about it.
Moreover, be careful with the dark sand as it is usually much hotter than the regular yellow sand and can burn your feet. During springtime and early summer, beware of the Portuguese Man-o’-war, tiny creatures that sting you in the water, but you can typically see them floating.
What to Do Around Praia do Fogo
Walk Along the Coast of Ribeira Quente
The parish of Ribeira Quente is by the seaside. Enjoy a walk in this typical Azorean village while listening to the waves of the Atlantic. The town is divided into two parts: Fogo and Ribeira. Ribeira is where the River Tambores meets the ocean. It is at the harbor that you will see the fishermen showing their catches of the day. At Fogo, you will see the church of São Paulo and the beach, of course.
Hike the Trail of Agrião
In the old times, this same trail was used by farmers who worked on the fertile lands of the area. Nowadays, it is a crucial point of passage for pilgrims walking the entire island every year. This off-the-beaten-track way passes by the southeastern coast of São Miguel Island. The starting point is at Lomba do Cavaleiro, in Povoação county. Did you know that Povoação was the first place ever to be settled on the island?
Did you know
Agrião is not the type of trail where you will see crowds of tourists. It is a well-kept secret by locals and real adventurers.
Wonderful landscapes, incredible views, and abundant natural beauty await discovery. Indeed, sweet pittosporum, acacia, and Persea indica are displayed along the way, in addition to pastures and an old mill. The linear trail is approximately 3 hours long (4.5 km) one way and is not very challenging if you walk only in one direction. Otherwise, you will need more time and energy to get back to the starting point.
Pro Tip
It is better to go on this adventure with a driving guide, as you will not have to walk both ways. Plus, the trail is about 1 hour away from Ponta Delgada by car. Our guide will drive you safely, allowing you to relax and take in the stunning views.
At Ribeira Quente, you can swim at the beautiful beach of Praia do Fogo, which is mainly enjoyed by locals on sunny days. It is the perfect way to cool down after a hike.
Discover the Waterfall Between the Tunnels
In Ribeira Quente, you can see the only tunnels made for cars on the island. Along the road from Furnas to Ribeira Quente, you will follow a river. And who says rivers? Says waterfalls!
Right between the two small tunnels, there is a magnificent waterfall in the middle of a small jungle. It is an improbable place to see a waterfall. But don’t risk stopping your car in the middle of the road. Park it farther and go on foot. It is only a short walk to a closer point to view the waterfall.
Explore Furnas
Furnas is a hidden gem on the island of São Miguel, boasting one of the largest geothermal areas in Europe, featuring a diverse array of thermal spring waters and boiling water spots. The valley is situated within a massive volcanic crater, one of the most active on the island, offering visitors the opportunity to drink from these unique volcanic waters, which come in at least 22 varieties.
The area is a hub for agriculture and tourism, and it’s easy to see why. With unlimited beauty and a peaceful atmosphere, it’s a popular destination for locals and travelers seeking a tranquil weekend or holiday getaway.
Check all our articles about each one of the most relevant points of interest in Furnas: Caldeiras das Furnas | Furnas | Capela da Nossa Senhora das Vitórias | Castelo Branco Viewpoint | Lagoa das Furnas | Lagoa das Furnas Viewpoint | Mata-Jardim José do Canto | Parque Terra Nostra’s Thermal Pool | Pico do Ferro Viewpoint | Poça da Dona Beija | Ribeira Quente | Praia do Fogo | Salto do Cavalo Viewpoint | Salto do Rosal | Terra Nostra Garden
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
That’s it, now you know everything about Praia do Fogo in Ribeira Quente. This is a great place to spend the day just relaxing and enjoying your holiday. There are numerous activities to enjoy in this region of the island. A good idea would be to spend the night in Furnas to thoroughly explore the area.
Praia do Fogo is worth a visit. It is a unique kind of beach, and due to its geographical location, it is rare to see crowds. It is the perfect spot to enjoy a sunny day.
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
Praia do Fogo is situated in the parish of Ribeira Quente, within the municipality of Povoação, on the island of São Miguel in the Azores.
Due to underwater hydrothermal springs, the seawater at Praia do Fogo is warm, offering a pleasant environment for bathers.
Praia do Fogo provides facilities such as public restrooms, showers, parking, and a support bar to ensure visitors’ comfort.
Besides swimming in the warm waters, visitors can enjoy the natural landscape, walk along surrounding trails, and sample local cuisine at nearby establishments.
