The Azores islands are known for their breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Among the many beautiful beaches in the archipelago, Praia dos Mosteiros (Mosteiros Beach) stands out as one of the most picturesque and popular destinations.
This black-sand beach of volcanic origin is known for being a breathtaking sunset spot. Also, for its volcanic islets always standing by its side in the Atlantic Ocean. The name Mosteiros means monasteries, referring to one of the larger rock formations that supposedly looks like a church.
In this article, we will explore everything about Mosteiros Beach and why it is such a special place.
What is Praia dos Mosteiros?
Geology & Volcanology
The town of Mosteiros is the result of a volcanic eruption that gave birth to Sete Cidades current landscapes. It is what we call a fajã – a natural platform by the ocean created by dried lava. You can see some pieces of evidence from the volcanic activity around town. For instance, at the natural pools made of volcanic lava, or at the beach with the black sand.
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Along the beach, you will find two little rivers coming from ridges of the mountains slightly further East. It is where the volcanic complex of Sete Cidades lies.
History & Geography
Mosteiros has a strong connection with the ocean. It is a small fishing village of about 1,000 inhabitants, with also agricultural activity. Its fishing harbour is near Praia dos Mosteiros. If you want to learn more about fishing as a strength in the village’s economy, visit Casa do Pescador. This museum was founded in 2004. Two old mills stopped working about 60 years ago.
The coastal town is located inside Ponta Delgada’s county. It is on the North-Western point of São Miguel island right at the base of the Sete Cidades volcanic complex.
Fauna & Flora
The coast of Mosteiros is one of the best spots on the green island to observe wintering birds, mainly waders. Among the species, you can see the common stern, northern gannet, Cory’s Shearwater, snowy egret, ruddy turnstone, ringed plover, common redshank, Eurasian whimbrel and seagulls, but not only! The best season to birdwatch in Mosteiros is between September and March.
The birds love to nest on the islets by the beach called Ilhéus dos Mosteiros. But you can find birds all along the coastline. Some rare birds can be seen with a little luck. For example the double-crested cormorant, great skua, sea hawk, and bar-tailed godwit among many others.
Culture & Festivities
In August every year takes place Festival das Marés, a music festival near Mosteiros beach. It attracts hundreds of people every year to attend live concerts of famous national artists. People usually bring a tent and sleep at the camping site.
There is also a big religious event in Mosteiros celebrated on the third Sunday of August. You will see processions to honour the saints of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Santo Antão, São Pedro and Coração de Jesus.
What To Do At Praia dos Mosteiros
Swim and Snorkel Around
Mosteiros Beach stretches for about 500 meters of dark sand and clear waters. For those who want to explore the underwater world, Mosteiros Beach is also a great destination for snorkelling and scuba diving. The clear waters around the Ilhéus dos Mosteiros are teeming with marine life, and visitors can see everything from colourful fish to octopuses and sea turtles. Sometimes you can even spot dolphins swimming nearby.
Quick Info
Right near the beach, you will find all the facilities you will need: toilets, showers, changing rooms, and even a snack bar. Parking spaces are free.
Take Nice Pictures of the Volcanic Islets
The ilhéus dos Mosteiros are the perfect set for epic pictures. The four geological formations about 1 kilometre away from the shore are what is left of a small island formed by hydromagmatic eruption. The legend says that two of the islets are the doors to Atlantis, the lost island.
Did you know
Those same islets are today a very important bird reserve, which turns them into an ideal bird-watching spot. It is possible to take a boat tour to the islets or rent a kayak to go and have a closer look at them.
Surf the Atlantic Waves
Praia dos Mosteiros is quite a famous destination among surfers. Indeed, the waves at Mosteiros Beach can get strong at times. Some surfers even stay until the last sun rays of the day.
Surfers come from all over the world to try the waves of the Azores, and Mosteiros is one of the best beaches to surf. You can find several surf schools on the island to ride the waves at Praia dos Mosteiros for lessons or equipment rental.
Watch the Best Sunset on the Island
One of the most renowned spots on São Miguel island to watch the sunset is Praia dos Mosteiros. This is probably the best place to see a wonderful sunset over the ocean.
From the beach, you can see the beautiful islets and the sun slowly setting behind them. This is a great time to have a last swim and say goodbye to this gorgeous Atlantic beach.
Best Time To Visit Praia dos Mosteiros
Best Time of the Day
Praia dos Mosteiros is a popular area for locals and travellers in search of a beautiful beach to lay a towel and swim a bit, mostly during the summertime. Also, you will find fishermen in the rocks around the beach.
To avoid crowds, it is better to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. You can also visit the beach at sunset time for the best view and fewer people, as the town is a bit far from the main city of Ponta Delgada and people prefer to get home before it gets dark.
Plan Your Visit To Praia dos Mosteiros
How To Get To Praia dos Mosteiros
To reach Praia dos Mosteiros from the main city of Ponta Delgada, you need to take the EN1-1A road westward. Continue on the same main road along the coast until you find the indication towards Mosteiros on your left to a road going down by the ocean. Once in the centre of the town, follow the indications towards the beach. You will find free parking right next to the beach.
Mosteiros is about 28 kilometres away from Ponta Delgada, which is 45 minutes by car. It is an easy drive but with plenty of curves. The easiest way to visit Mosteiros is by renting a car, but you can also go by taxi or by bus. However, note that public transportation is not very regular and you will have to wait some time before the next bus.
What To Bring To Praia dos Mosteiros
For Mosteiros beach, depending on the sea conditions, you should bring your swimming suit, a towel, sunscreen, flip flop, sunglasses, a hat, some water and snacks. For the adventurous ones, bring your mask and snorkel to see the marine life. If the weather is not the greatest, don’t forget your rain jacket.
Coming from November to June? You might also want to bring a wetsuit for staying warm in the ocean as the sea temperatures are a bit colder (although locals go swimming all year round). Last but not least, if you are not used to black sand beaches, pack water shoes for extra comfort as the dark sand can get very hot, especially if the sun is out. You might also step into some rocks.
Where To Eat Near Praia dos Mosteiros
If you need somewhere to eat near Praia dos Mosteiros, click here. In this link, you’ll find the 10 best restaurants on Tripadvisor.
Where To Stay Near Praia dos Mosteiros
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Pro Tips For Praia dos Mosteiros
If you want to find parking space, it is better to come outside of the peak times – the earlier the better. It is the same way to find a good spot to lay your towel.
Look at the sea conditions before driving to Mosteiros. Do not enter the water if the waves are big and if you do not see any swimmers in it. Also, be aware of the Portuguese man-o-war mostly in the springtime. This is a type of ‘jellyfish’ that is very harmful and can lead to severe burns.
What To Do Around Praia dos Mosteiros
Have a Barbecue at the Grill Areas
Along the coast of Mosteiros town, you will find several barbecue areas with different views of the ocean and the islets. Grilling your food is a very popular thing to do in the Azores. This is a great way to end the day and Mosteiros is the perfect place to do so because of its unique location to watch the sunset as you eat your dinner.
If you do not want to make your meal, there are many good restaurants around town. The speciality of this area is seafood: roasted octopus, barnacles, limpets, slipper lobsters, and of course any fresh fish.
Ponta da Ferraria Hot Spring
Ponta da Ferraria is one of the hot springs on São Miguel island, but this one is very special. Indeed, what makes it unique is the fact that the hot water is inside the ocean, and not in a pool built by men. You can also go all the way to Mosteiros and watch the sunset.
Visit the Town of Sete Cidades
Sete Cidades is a picturesque little town with only about 800 inhabitants. Located at the bottom of the volcanic crater, this village by the lake is peaceful and relaxing to take a stroll. Don’t forget to visit its well-known Church of São Nicolau.
Swim At the Natural Pools of Mosteiros
If you follow the coastal road, not far from Praia dos Mosteiros, you will find wonderful natural pools made of volcanic rocks with the most transparent water inside. Forget about the sand mess in your hair and stuck on your skin, at the natural pools you can lay your towel on the dried lava flows.
You can often see local children jumping from the rocks into the deeper pool. Swim in the pristine waters of Poço da Pedra, known to have special medicinal properties. The water is always renewed by natural tides but some algae stay in.
Complementary Information
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.
How to Get to São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island is easily accessible with numerous flight routes. Lisbon and Porto are the main entry points to the continent, with direct flights to Ponta Delgada 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, look at our guide. Once you find the perfect flight, book it! You’ll reach one of the world’s most beautiful island groups in a few hours.
Best Season to Visit São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island, part of the Eastern Group of the Azores Archipelago, has a unique climate shaped by various factors. This climate fosters the island’s lush vegetation and stunning landscapes. Temperatures stay mild year-round, with only slight variations.
In spring, temperatures average 16 °C, summer peaks at 21 °C, autumn cools to 18 °C, and winter hovers around 14 °C. For more details on the weather in the Azores, take a look at the following links:
- The weather in the Azores in January
- The weather in the Azores in February
- The weather in the Azores in March
- The weather in the Azores in April
- The weather in the Azores in May
- The weather in the Azores in July
- The weather in the Azores in August
Cultural Agenda of São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island hosts a wide range of cultural events throughout the year. The complete list of events is on the cultural agenda!
Video – Mosteiros (São Miguel Island, Azores)
Conclusion
Mosteiros Beach is one of the most beautiful and unique beaches in the Azores. With its black sand contrasting with towering green cliffs, and small islets rising from the sea, it offers a dramatic and picturesque landscape that is perfect for photography and exploration.
Whether you’re a surfer, swimmer, diver, or just someone who wants to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature, Mosteiros Beach has something for everyone. With its unique location, easy access, and wide range of activities, it’s no wonder that Praia dos Mosteiros is one of the locals’ favourite beaches in São Miguel island.
The landscape is simply unbelievable, that is why you should visit Mosteiros when on holiday in the Azores. Plus, it is a great example of a typical Azorean village, perfect to have an idea of what rural life can be like in our archipelago.
