A few kilometers from the center of Ponta Delgada, you can find Praia de São Roque. The dark sand beach is ideal for those looking for a beautiful swim in the sea and to enjoy some rays of sun. Find out now where this volcanic beach with crystal clear waters is and what you can visit around it.
Where is São Roque Beach?

Praia de São Roque is located in the south of the island of São Miguel in the village of São Roque and less than 10 minutes by car from Ponta Delgada. This beach is located in a small bay. Its sand is dark, and it is approximately 600 meters wide. It has a parking lot, showers, and restaurants and is supervised by lifeguards, which makes São Roque beach an ideal place for children and adults.
Note: This place is very popular with locals and tourists in summer, so come early to get a parking space.

What to Visit Around São Roque Beach?
This beach, surrounded by unique natural beauty, offers a privileged view of the Church of São Roque, located on the cliff next door. Take the opportunity to stop by and enjoy this 1568 church and its views.
Furthermore, you should naturally visit the Aldeia de São Roque (Rosto de Cão), the beaches of Milícias and Pópulo, the Forte de São Caetano, and, of course, the Miradouro do Ilhéu de Rosto de Cão.
Check all our articles about each one of the most relevant points of interest in Ponta Delgada: Gruta do Carvão | Ponta Delgada | Jardim António Borges | Jardim Botânico José do Canto | Pinhal da Paz | Portas da Cidade | Milícias & Pópulo Beaches | Praia de São Roque | Pico Vermelho Windmill
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.
Conclusion
Praia de São Roque is a serene destination offering a peaceful atmosphere. It is ideal for swimming and relaxing under the sun. Its stunning dark sand and crystal-clear waters make it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Surrounded by beautiful landscapes, including the historic Church of São Roque, and close to other attractions like Milícias and Pópulo beaches, Praia de São Roque is an excellent location to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of São Miguel.
Whether you seek relaxation or exploration, Praia de São Roque has something for everyone.
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 de São Roque is located in the village of São Roque, south of São Miguel Island, just 10 minutes by car from Ponta Delgada.
Praia de São Roque has a parking lot, showers, and restaurants. It is also supervised by lifeguards, making it a safe destination for families.
Yes, Praia de São Roque is ideal for families. It has calm waters, lifeguard supervision, and a relaxed atmosphere for children and adults.
Nearby attractions include the Church of São Roque, Aldeia de São Roque (Rosto de Cão), Milícias Beach, Pópulo Beach, and the Forte de São Caetano.