Praia do Fogo (Fire Beach) 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 it is located in. This welcoming and idyllic beach has a particularity that makes it unique and attracts many locals and travelers from all over the world: it has underwater hydrothermal springs that warm up 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 in Ribeira Quente, which is located between the Caldera of Povoação, which is 6.5 km in diameter and about 820,000 years old, and Furnas volcano, with a diameter of 7 km and is 30,000 years old. 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 Furnas volcano shaped the village differently due to landslides. It was only in 1936 that the two tunnels you can see today were built to make access easier. Those are the only tunnels for cars in São Miguel island.
In 1943, Ribeira Quente was formally declared a parish. This had several consequences of works 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 located in the fishing town of Ribeira Quente, in the area called Fogo. This belongs to the county of Povoação, 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 love to go there for the weekend and spend the day at the beach while listening to 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 lay 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, do 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 access for disabled people. It is a Blue flag beach, which means that it is of good quality. A lifeguard watches the bathing season (June to September).
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
Find the Warm Spots
The water at Praia do Fogo can reach about 23ºC 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).
Best Time of the Day
If you want to avoid intense sun rays, you should go before 10 am and 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.
Plan Your Visit to Praia do Fogo
How to Get to Praia do Fogo
There are some buses to Ribeira Quente by the company Varela, but we recommend going there by car as there are few buses and the schedule can change. From Ponta Delgada, it is about 50 kilometers away, for 1 hour of driving. The best option is to go via the north coast and then through Furnas.
Praia do Fogo is located about 7 kilometers away from the town of Furnas, southwards, using the road EN2-2A. 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.
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, a good book, some snacks, and water are good to have with you. For some underwater adventures, bring your snorkeling equipment, and why not a waterproof camera?
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 for Praia do Fogo
Don’t stay only at the beach; go explore the lovely fishing village around here. It is known for its good restaurants and primarily for its yummy ‘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 foot. During springtime and early summer, beware of the Portuguese man-o-wars, 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 of Tambores joins 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 an essential point of passage for the pilgrims walking the entire island every year. This off-the-beaten-track way passed 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 to ever 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 nature are to be discovered. Indeed, sweet pittosporum, acacia, and Persea indica are displayed along the way, in addition to pastures and an old mill. The linear trail is about 3 hours long (4.5 km) one way and not very hard if you walk only one way. 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 while you can relax and enjoy the 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 this 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 by foot. It is only a short walk to see the waterfall from a closer point.
Explore Furnas
Furnas is a hidden pearl on the island of São Miguel, boasting one of the largest hydropolis 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 an opportunity to drink these unique volcanic waters, 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 enjoys a unique climate that shapes its lush landscapes and makes it a splendid year-round destination. With mild temperatures and minimal fluctuations, every season has something unique to offer. 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 to São Miguel (PDL), Terceira (TER), Faial (HOR), Pico (PIX), and Santa Maria (SMA) 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, 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!
Azorean 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 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.
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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 holidays. There are many things to do around this region of the island. A good idea would be to spend the night in Furnas to explore the area thoroughly.
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’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 do Fogo is located in the parish of Ribeira Quente, in the municipality of Povoação, on São Miguel Island, Azores.
Due to underwater hydrothermal springs, the seawater at Praia do Fogo is warm, offering a pleasant environment for bathers.
The beach 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.
