Praia Formosa, also known as Playa Hermosa, is located in the parish of Almagreira, in the municipality of Vila does Porto, in Santa Maria. People consider this beach the oldest bathing area in the Azorean archipelago, and it has become a world reference for hosting the annual Maré de Agosto International Festival.
This festival has attracted crowds since 1984 and features great artists of national and international renown. In this article, we’ll explain the history of the oldest beach in the archipelago and the main points of interest in the region.
Where is Praia Formosa?
Praia Formosa is a unique bathing area and that considered by many to be one of the most beautiful in the archipelago. With shallow, clear waters and a long stretch of fine, light-colored sand, the oldest beach in the Azores is much appreciated by its visitors.
Quick Info
Unlike most of the archipelago’s beaches, which have black sand, Praia Formosa has lighter sand due to limestone particles.
Currently, this place has good support infrastructure for bathers. The facility provides access for people with walking difficulties, free car parks, toilets, showers, bars, and restaurants. It also has a campsite.
With an average water temperature of around 22 °C in summer, lifeguards monitor the beach, ensuring it remains safe. The beach receives the distinction of the Bandeira Azul annually, allowing you to swim in peace.
History & Geography of Praia Formosa
The island of Santa Maria, also known as the “Sun Island”, was the first to form in the Azorean archipelago. Curiously, it was also the first to be discovered and populated by the Portuguese.
Thus, in the middle of the 16th century, Praia Formosa was already mentioned on the Map of the Azores under the name “Playa Hermosa”. This map, dated 1584, was made by Abraham Ortelius and Luís Teixeira, the cartographer/geographer and the royal cosmographer, respectively.
Culture & Festivities: Maré de Agosto International Festival
The Maré de Agosto International Festival is the Azorean archipelago’s oldest and most prominent event. It takes place every year in August in Praia Formosa.
It originated in 1984, when a group of local artists got together and organized a meeting of musicians on the island and, without knowing it, started a world-famous event.
Artists and visitors received the festival so well that it became a major musical event. Now in its 39th year, Maré de Agosto takes place annually. Only in 2020, due to the pandemic, was that year’s edition suspended.
Did you know
In 1987, they officially established the Maré de Agosto International Festival, and with it, they founded the Maré de Agosto Cultural Association (ACMA). ACMA’s main objective is to ensure the annual organization of the event.
Fauna & Flora of Praia Formosa
The island of Santa Maria’s geological richness characterizes it. It also stands out from the rest for its natural beauty, present in the green fields, the dark ocher of the earth, the golden sandy beaches and the turquoise waters.
As you might expect, Praia Formosa also stands out for its natural beauty, framed by the high green slopes of the Ribeira da Praia Valley.
In addition, Praia Formosa is a protected area and classified as a Nature Reserve due to its marine fauna of great geomorphological importance.
What To Do In Praia Formosa?
Praia Formosa is one of Santa Maria’s most popular bathing areas. Here you can sunbathe, dive into the warm, crystal-clear waters and enjoy moments of leisure and socializing with your family and friends.
Surfers and bodyboarders also consider this beach one of the best spots for their sports. For this reason, it is also a reference point in the archipelago for practicing various water sports all year round.
👉 Post related Best Beaches in the Azores Islands. Read more!
Best Time To Visit Praia Formosa
Due to its location further south and west in the archipelago, the climate on Santa Maria is drier and warmer than on the other islands. However, as you might expect, periods of rain and lower temperatures are more frequent in the winter months.
In this sense, the best time to visit Praia Formosa is usually between May and September, when the days are sunny and more inviting for swimming.
However, it is important to note that cloudy skies are a common feature throughout the archipelago, so you may sometimes find it difficult to appreciate the true splendor of its beaches and viewpoints.
Plan Your Visit To Praia Formosa
Praia Formosa is the most popular bathing area in the summer months, so to have the best possible experience in this tourist destination, you should plan your trip in good time.
However, if you’re looking for some fun, we recommend that you plan your trip around the dates of the Maré de Agosto Festival, the most emblematic of the Azorean archipelago.
How To Get To Praia Formosa?
Leaving the municipality of Vila do Porto in the direction of the parish of Almagreira, you’ll have to travel around 8 kilometers to reach Praia Formosa.
To make the journey to your destination, you have several options at your disposal: you can choose to travel by car/motorbike, taxi, public transport (bus), bicycle or on foot.
Following the EN1-2A, the journey takes approximately:
- Car, motorbike or taxi: 12 minutes;
- Bus: 10 minutes — although the journey by bus only takes 10 minutes, you’ll have to allow for another 38 minutes on foot. In other words, this journey takes 48 minutes in total;
- Bicycle: 33 minutes;
- On foot: 1 hour 35 minutes.
However, if you prefer to be in touch with nature, you can make your way through Valverde. The route takes 33 minutes by bike or 1 hour and 22 minutes on foot.
What To Do Around Praia Formosa?
After soaking up the sun and taking a dip in the sea, take the opportunity to explore the area around Praia Formosa. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit some cultural and tourist attractions located close to the beach.
Discover Vila do Porto
Vila do Porto is the capital of the island of Santa Maria and is located in the parish of Vila do Porto, in the municipality of the same name.
Founded in 1432 by Gonçalo Velho Cabral, Vila do Porto was the first town in the Azorean archipelago. People founded the municipality of Vila do Porto a few years later, in 1470, and they subdivided it into five parishes: Almagreira, Santa Bárbara, Santo Espírito, São Pedro, and Vila do Porto.
So if you’re passing through the island, be sure to visit the main attractions of Vila do Porto, such as:
- Miradouro de São Lourenço;
- Pico Alto;
- Gonçalo Velho Lighthouse;
- Baía da Raposo;
- Figueiral Cave;
- Baía dos Anjos;
- Among others.
Visit the Fort of São João Baptista in Praia Formosa
The Fort of São João Baptista da Praia Formosa, also known as the Castle of São João Baptista or Castle of the Beach (Castelo da Praia), is located in Praia Formosa, in the parish of Almagreira, in the municipality of Vila do Porto.
People built this small fortification in the 15th or 16th century to protect the island’s population from pirate and corsair attacks, which were once common. Curiously, this fort is possibly the oldest in the Azores.
Although the building is currently in ruins, Castelo da Praia has a privileged location by the sea, with panoramic views over the ocean and Almagreira.
Visit the Church of Nossa Senhora da Assunção
The Church of Nossa Senhora da Assunção, also known as the Mother Church of Vila do Porto, is located in Vila do Porto, the capital of Santa Maria Island. This church is one of the oldest in the Azorean archipelago.
Stonemason Estevão Ponte and carpenter João Roiz built the church in the 15th-16th century, but they made alterations during the 17th and 19th centuries. Of this, only a Gothic-style ogival side door and a Manueline-style ribbed vaulted ceiling in the Chapel of Santa Catarina remain from the original construction.
Did you know
Locals celebrate the feasts of Nossa Senhora da Assunção, the patron saint, every year on 15 August with a mass and procession.
The architects divided the church into three naves, separating them with arches and red stone columns. Inside, there are altars with Baroque sculptures from the 18th century and some Flemish images from the early 16th century, especially the Nossa Senhora com o Menino Jesus (Our Lady with the Child Jesus).
Explore Dalberto Pombo Environmental Interpretation Centre (House of Fossils)
The Dalberto Pombo Environmental Interpretation Centre (CIADP), also known as the Casa dos Fósseis Museum (House of Fossils), is located in Vila do Porto, just opposite the Mother Church of Vila do Porto.
People created the House of Fossils in honor of Dalberto Pombo, making it the best place to learn about the origins of the island of Santa Maria.
Dalberto Pombo was a pioneer in geological research on the oldest island in the Azores, studying its endemic fauna and flora through the study of his fossils.
Did you know
Dalberto Pombo also helped trace the path of sea turtles, discovering that 90 percent of the sea turtles seen in the Azores were born on the beaches south of Florida.
We recommend that you visit this first place on the island so that you can understand everything you’ll see later in Santa Maria.
Contemplating the View From the Miradouro da Pedra Rija
The Miradouro da Pedra Rija is located in the heart of the island of Santa Maria, specifically in the village of Arrebentão, in the municipality of Vila do Porto.
To access this place, you should take the regional road (ER2-2) to the parish of Santa Bárbara, where the viewpoint is located on the side of the road.
From here, you’ll have a magnificent view over the green fields, hills, and valleys of the parish of Santa Bárbara, with the Atlantic Ocean in the background. In addition, on days with favorable weather conditions, you can see the southeast coast of the neighboring island of São Miguel.
Where To Eat Near Praia Formosa
If you need somewhere to eat near Praia Formosa (Vila do Porto), click here. In this link, you’ll find the 10 best restaurants on Tripadvisor.
Where To Stay Near Praia Formosa (Vila do Porto)
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Complementary Information
Useful Tools and Apps
The weather in the Azores is quite unpredictable. For this reason, there is a very useful App that you can install on your mobile phone before visiting any of the 9 islands: Spotazores. The cameras installed in many of the biggest tourist attractions allow you to see the weather in real-time and decide where to go.
To check the weather forecast for the next few days, use Windy or Windguru. They are the most accurate.
How to Get to Santa Maria Island
There are many routes to the island of Santa Maria by plane. The main points of entry are Lisbon, Porto (on the mainland), and Vila do Porto (on Santa Maria island), but there are already many direct routes.
The best way to find a flight that works for you is to use a flight search engine like eDreams or Skyscanner. As you may already know, these sites allow you to compare prices and schedules of various airlines in one place.
Once you find a flight you like, all you need to do is book! And in a few hours, you’ll be on your way to one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world.
Cultural Agenda on The Island of Santa Maria
The island of Santa Maria offers many cultural events all year round. The full list of events is available at the following link.
Video of Praia Formosa (Santa Maria Island, Azores)
FAQs
Why is Praia Formosa special?
Praia Formosa is one of the few white sand beaches in the Azores, renowned for its crystal-clear and calm waters. It is perfect for swimming, picnics, or relaxing under the sun. During summer, it hosts popular events and festivals, attracting locals and tourists alike.
What activities are available at Praia Formosa?
Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and walking along the surrounding dunes. The beach is also ideal for photography, especially at sunset, and offers a serene environment for relaxation.
Does Praia Formosa have tourist facilities?
Yes, the beach offers amenities such as showers, restrooms, and nearby dining options. Accommodations are also available in the area, making it convenient for those looking to explore more of Santa Maria Island.
How can I get to Praia Formosa?
Praia Formosa is about a 10-minute drive from Vila do Porto, the island’s main town. It is easily accessible by car or taxi, with clear signage to guide visitors to the beach.
What makes the Maré de Agosto Festival unique?
What sets Maré de Agosto apart is its beautiful seaside location at Praia Formosa, offering festival goers the chance to enjoy live music while surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. The event blends a lively music scene with the peaceful vibe of Santa Maria Island.
Conclusion
Praia Formosa is a unique seaside resort on the island of Santa Maria and in the Azores archipelago. The long sandy beach and transparent waters are ideal for enjoying games and walks by the sea with family and friends. The beach also has pleasant, inviting water temperatures.
After enjoying the beach, take the opportunity to get to know the unique beauty of the municipality of Vila do Porto. Here, you will have the chance to visit and explore some monuments, museums, churches, viewpoints, trails, bays, and beaches.
People should note that the cost of living in Vila do Porto is relatively pricier than in São Miguel. So it is advisable to start planning your trip and include all the points of interest you want to visit in an itinerary.
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.
References
- Mendonça, L. (2017). Questions and Answers on the History of the Azores. 2nd Edition, Letras Lavadas. Ponta Delgada.
- Forjaz, V., Ribeiro, L., Almeida, L., Pereira, N. and Rodrigues, J. (2019). Volcanoes of the Azores (4th Edition). Letras Lavadas. Ponta Delgada.
