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AZORES

14 of the best beaches in the Azores

Defined by a dramatic volcanic coastline, the bays of the Azores are home to black sand beaches, shingle coves and lava-carved natural pools — with a rare sprinkling of golden sands on the sunniest isle

a boat is floating in the ocean near a small island
lhéu de Vila Franca
ALAMY
The Times

Whether bathing in a hot spring or hiking through vineyards at the base of a volcano, the siren call of the Atlantic is always hard to resist across the nine islands that make up the Azores. The archipelago has nearly 700 kilometres of epic coastline but all the sandy beaches together make up only a few kilometres and they shift year on year like the sand in a desert. The most southerly isle of Santa Maria is home to golden sands and the warmest temperatures, while the black beachfront of Faial has views of Pico, Portugal’s highest mountain. São Miguel’s dark sand beaches offer the opportunity to wallow in hot springs, blue-flag recognised Praia de Porto Pim is ideal for families and a hike will often reveal naturally carved basalt pools that promise a peaceful plunge regardless of the Atlantic’s powerful waves. These are the best beaches in the Azores.

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1. São Lourenço Bay, Santa Maria

The island of Santa Maria is the most southerly of the Azores, giving it warmer climates that pair perfectly with white sand beaches such as this one. Rising from the shore, a patchwork of stone-walled vineyards decorate the verdant hillside, providing a picturesque setting and protecting the cove from the Atlantic breeze. Blue flag-awarded clear waters, a small natural pool, beach bars and toilet facilities make this an ideal place for friends or families to enjoy a day out. Be sure to save time to visit the Miradouro (viewpoint) to take photos of this idyllic bay.

Café Y
Family-friendly Y

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2. Ilhéu de Vila Franca, São Miguel

Accessible by seasonal boat from the village of Vila Franca do Campo (book ahead online to save time), this islet — nearly perfectly circular in shape — is the crater of an extinct submerged volcano. This unusual nature reserve has a small beach, its size dependent on the tide. It’s an unmissable Azorean experience, and visitors can swim and snorkel in the natural pool or walk the tiny trail, taking in the impressive views back towards São Miguel.

Café N
Family-friendly N — not for young children

Fort de San Sebastian on Faial island which has one of the best beaches in the Azores
Fort de San Sebastian on Faial island (Getty Images)

3. Praia de Porto Pim, Faial

Flanked by historic defensive walls, an archway of the island’s fortress links Porto Pim beach with the plethora of cafés and bars in Horta, the capital of Faial Island. Admire the sheltered sandy bay from Monte da Guia, the nearby headland, before pitching up on the blue flag beach. A firm favourite with families for its central location and calm waters, the latter are also a draw for paddleboarders.

Café Y
Family-friendly Y

Praia do Areal de Santa Bárbara is one of the best beaches in the Azores
Praia do Areal de Santa Bárbara (Getty Images)

4. Praia do Areal de Santa Bárbara, São Miguel

Surfers of all levels flock to ride the swell at one of the most extensive stretches of black sand across the nine volcanic islands. For first-timers, the highly rated surf school here is a great place to take lessons. A complete collection of public facilities — beach bars, seasonal lifeguards and parking — make it a go-to on the north coast of São Miguel. One of the best hotels in the Azores, Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort, is perched on the cliffs overlooking the beach.

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Café Y
Family-friendly Y

Praia do Fogo, São Miguel island is one of the best beaches in the Azores
Praia do Fogo, São Miguel island (Alamy)

5. Praia do Fogo, São Miguel

Dig your feet far enough into the sand here and you’ll feel your toes warmed by the hydrothermal vents below. The hot springs of São Miguel are a real treat — especially in the shoulder seasons, when the few extra degrees bring welcome warmth to bathing conditions. Located in the small village of Ribeira Quente — which seemingly spills out from the mountains into the ocean thanks to an ancient lava flow — the drive here is impressive, especially the waterfall on the road in.

Café Y
Family-friendly Y

a beach with a blue sky and white clouds
Praia dos Moinhos (Alamy)

6. Praia dos Moinhos, São Miguel

Jagged cliffs, rough waves and deep waters make the petite Praia dos Moinhos a striking place to enjoy some sunshine. The fine sand is ideal for lounging, while a seasonal lifeguard helps swimmers to feel safer among the waves. Complete your visit by sampling local favourite lapas grelhadas (limpets) at the beach bar and venturing down the small trail to the waterfall.

Café Y
Family-friendly N

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Praia Formosa beach on Santa Maria is one of the best beaches in the Azores
Praia Formosa beach on Santa Maria (Daniel Clarke)

7. Praia Formosa, Santa Maria

Praia Formosa, literally translated as “beautiful beach”, certainly delivers on its promise. Light golden sands are lapped by shallow warm waters, ideal for water sports, while the green slopes rising gently inland make for a stunning backdrop. The colourful “Beach Parque” provides drinks and snacks in a well-kept outside venue — head here in August, during the Festival Maré de Agosto, and live music replaces the usual soundtrack of waves and birds.

Café Y
Family-friendly Y

Almoxarife beach at Horta, Faial island is one of the best beaches in the Azores
Almoxarife beach at Horta, Faial island (Getty Images)

8. Praia Do Almoxarife, Faial

On this black sand beach with a view, lie back on your towel and ogle Mount Pico, the highest point of Portugal, over crystal-clear waters. Situated on the neighbouring island of the same name, a clear line of sight makes Almoxarife the best vantage point around — without having to strap on your hiking boots. With various useful amenities, including showers, this is also an excellent family-friendly option.

Café Y
Family-friendly Y

Praia das Milicias near Ponta Delgada, São Miguel is one of the best beaches in the Azores
Praia das Milicias near Ponta Delgada, São Miguel (Alamy)

9. Praia do Pópulo & Milicias, São Miguel

The main beach on the island of São Miguel, Milicias is also known as Praia Grande, with Praia do Pópulo just next door. A short drive from the capital, Ponta Delgada, it’s a popular spot in the summer months, but there is plenty of space to relax, with visitors spread out across various bars and cafés, plus ample parking. Bodyboarders will find some waves here, and lifeguards are on duty during the bathing season.

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Café Y
Family-friendly Y

Praia dos Mosteiros, São Miguel is one of the best beaches in the Azores
Mosteiros beach, São Miguel (Getty Images)

10. Praia dos Mosteiros, São Miguel

Settle in at Mosteiros Beach for one of the best sunsets on São Miguel — preferably with an Especial beer, brewed in Ponta Delgada. By day, waves draw in the surfers — and natural swimming pools lined with volcanic rock make it a cracking place to take a dip too. Take a walk along the coast to the “Caneiros” pools; well worth the short stroll.

Café Y — in the village
Family-friendly Y

Praia Grande is one of the best beaches in the Azores
Praia Grande beach (Alamy)

11. Praia Grande, Terceira

Terceira is the third biggest of the Azores Islands, and its main beach offers a spacious bathing area with a super-central location. Set in the bay of Praia da Vitória, the beach is surrounded by historic buildings, monuments and the main promenade, so there are ample options for dining and entertainment near by. The outer marina walls keep the waters calm, and if the main stretch starts to fill up, visitors can find a second slice of beach beyond the boat moorings.

Café Y
Family-friendly Y

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12. Praia de Água D’Alto, São Miguel

This blue flag sandy beach is one of the most popular on São Miguel, so swing by early to bag a parking spot. The light grey sand is like a warm blanket on sunny days, loved by families for its seasonal lifeguard and well-equipped facilities. The beach bar stays open into the evening, so it’s also an appealing choice for a late afternoon visit, perhaps to enjoy a sundowner or dinner against a backdrop of lapping waves.

Café Y
Family-friendly Y

Fajã de Santo Cristo is one of the best beaches in the Azores
Fajã de Santo Cristo (Getty Images)

13. Fajã de Santo Cristo, São Jorge

Reaching Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo requires some effort because it’s only accessible on foot — or perhaps a buggy, if you want to bring surf gear. With wetlands surrounding the lake and shore, it’s not a typical beach, but it is a breathtakingly remote spot, protected by towering cliffs and the spectacular trail, starting in Serra do Topo and descending to Santo Cristo. Slightly further along the coast, Simão Dias is the most impressive of all the islands’ natural pools and much easier to access.

Café Y
Family-friendly N — not for young children owing to hike

14. Praia da Pedreira, São Miguel

The rocky stairs and pathway down to this secluded, serene bay keep it feeling untouched. The lack of facilities only adds to the appeal — you’ll feel as though you’ve found your very own secret Atlantic outpost. The waters are ideal for a swim or snorkel, although keep in mind the lack of a lifeguard. Places such as this capture the real magic of the Azores — an almost-private slice of paradise, this is just one of many quiet bays to discover.

Café N
Family-friendly N

Additional reporting by Imogen Lepere

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