Azores Beaches: Stunning Coastlines and Natural Pools
BY JARED DILLINGHAM
AZORES BEACHES AND NATURAL POOLS
The Azores, an archipelago of nine volcanic islands located in the North Atlantic Ocean, are known for their stunning natural beauty and diverse landscapes.
While the Azores are more famous for their lush green mountains, crater lakes, and hot springs, they also offer some beautiful beaches.
I’m going to focus mostly on the beaches of São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores.
PRO TIP: Renting a car is really the only way to visit the beaches in the Azores!
The rental rates are reasonable, and the roads are very easy to navigate. It was one of the least-stressful (and most beautiful) car rental experiences of my life.
🚘 Click to Search Rental Cars in the Azores
I use Discover Cars, because they include the local Azorean rental agencies (which are quite good) in addition to the better-known international brands.
Azores Beaches: Mosteiros
Mosteiros Beach is a picturesque beach located on the northwest coast of São Miguel Island, in the fishing village of Mosteiros. It’s known for its dramatic cliffs, rock formations, and natural pools
The black volcanic rocks and sand create a stunning contrast with the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Mosteiros Beach is particularly famous for its breathtaking sunsets. The cliffs, black rock beaches, and massive rocks off-shore create a stunning spectacle any time of day!
The area surrounding Mosteiros Beach is a paradise for nature lovers. Visitors can explore the scenic coastal trails that wind along the cliffs and offer panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The surrounding countryside is also perfect for hiking, with trails leading to viewpoints and other stunning natural attractions nearby.
You’ll find all kinds of things washed up, from the dreaded Portuguese man-o-war to an array of sea glass!
The Natural Pool at Mosteiros Beach
One of the highlights of Mosteiros Beach is the presence of natural rock pools. These pools are formed by volcanic rocks and are filled with seawater during high tide. You can swim in them, if you don’t mind the chilly water!
It’s deep enough to jump into, but test the depth first. The water in the natural pool is a pretty clear bluish-green, and the rocky bottom is covered in seaweed.
There’s some smoother volcanic rock surrounding the natural pool, which is easier to sit on / lounge on than the sharper rocks down farther on Mosteiros Beach.
Parking at Mosteiros Beach
There are 50 parking spots on top of the cliffs right by Sunset Steve’s snack bar. You can park down farther, too, along the street. Drive slowly, since the old, winding streets are wide enough for only one car at a time in spots.
Food & Restaurants in Mosteiros
The town of Mosteiros has several restaurants to choose from, and the beach has a few options, too.
Sunset Steve’s is a popular small bar-restaurant with seating inside and on a patio overlooking the ocean. Here’s a view from the ocean, looking inland at Steve’s Bar. You can see it has patio options, plus an indoor area for cooler and rainier days.
It’s usually open 1:00pm – 9:00pm. People come for the view, and also the cheap drinks.
Glasses of wine are only 2 Euros, while beers range from 1.50 to 3 Euros. Cocktails are 5 Euros.
An entire dinner for two plus drinks is under $20 USD. It’s not gourmet, but definitely an enjoyable experience and a great way to end a day visiting different Azores beaches!
Seaside Vibez is another small snack bar right on Mosteiros Beach.
Azores Beaches: Ferraria Hot Spring / Ponta da Ferraria
The Ferraria Hot Spring is a unique geothermal attraction located on the western coast of São Miguel Island.
It’s a natural hot spring that offers visitors the opportunity to experience the therapeutic and relaxing properties of the warm volcanic waters. It’s a favorite among locals and tourists.
Ferraria Hot Spring is a result of the island’s volcanic activity. The warm waters are heated by the geothermal energy originating underground.
It’s a saltwater hot spring. As the warm water emerges from the ground, it mixes with the Atlantic Ocean, creating a unique blend of warm and saltwater. This combination is said to have numerous health benefits, including muscle relaxation and improved blood circulation.
It’s important to check the conditions of the ocean. At times, the waves will be strong, and crashing into the natural pool area. It has a web of ropes you can hang on to, to help keep the waves from pushing you into the rocks. The hot spring used to have a ladder to help you get down the rocks, but it had been removed at last check.
Parking for Ferraria
Head to the parking lot for Termas. It’s quite large, though on busy summer days it’ll fill up. It’s a steep drive down the side of the cliff to a picturesque coastline.
Termas da Ferraria
This complex features a large swimming pool filled with heated seawater, allowing visitors to enjoy a relaxing swim while taking in the beautiful coastal views.
In addition to the thermal baths, Termas da Ferraria offers a range of spa treatments and therapies. These include massages, aromatherapy sessions, body wraps, facials, and other wellness treatments. There’s also a restaurant on-site.
Azores Beaches: Santa Bárbara
On the northern coast of the island near the town of Ribeira Grande, Praia de Santa Bárbara is known for its stunning natural beauty. It offers a long stretch of golden sand, bordered by impressive cliffs and rolling green hills.
The beach is popular among surfers due to its excellent waves, and is also suitable for sunbathing and long walks along the shoreline. You’ll see parasailers here, too, taking advantage of the winds.
Santa Bárbara is also home to one of the longest stretches of a true sandy beach on the island. Most of the other Azores beaches are rockier and more volcanic in nature.
Visitors can also take advantage of the nearby walking trails and hiking routes that wind along the coastline and cliffs. The colors of the water, black volcanic rocks, and lush green landscaping all pop!
Surfing in the Azores
Santa Bárbara is one of the prime surfing spots on Sao Miguel, and in the Azores Islands. The beach consistently experiences strong Atlantic swells, creating challenging and exciting conditions for experienced surfers. It has hosted various international surfing competitions, attracting surfers from around the world. They also offer surfing lessons from a business on the beach boardwalk, called the Azores Surf Center.
Restaurants at Santa Bárbara Beach
The Santa Bárbara Beach is one of the more “built-up” beaches on Sao Miguel. It has a boardwalk with a couple of restaurants and other businesses.
The beach bar is open from 10:00am to 11:00pm. The kitchen is open until around 9:00pm, and served one of the better meals we had in the area. They have seating inside, and also a patio outside for nice days.
Parking at Santa Bárbara Beach
There’s a large parking lot here, which fills up on busy summer days.
Azores Beaches: Pocos de São Vicente
Pocos de São Vicente is on the north coast of São Miguel. The term “pocos” translates to “wells” in English. It’s home to a large natural swimming pool, surrounded but stunning cliffs and ocean scenery.
According to people who live here, the natural pool used to be used by whalers, unloading sperm whales they’d brought in from the Atlantic Ocean.
There’s an old whaling factory (or the remains of it) across the street, and the old machinery used to haul the whales onto land is part of a small exhibit on the beach.
These days, the natural pool at Pocos de São Vicente is popular for swimming and snorkeling. Visitors can enjoy a refreshing dip in the clear waters, to explore the marine life that washed in from the ocean.
There’s a much smaller man-made pool just down the beach, which is a better option for small children.
The area surrounding Pocos de São Vicente is perfect for scenic coastal walks. Visitors can explore the coastline, taking in the breathtaking views from the old whaling lookout points on the cliffs.
Parking at Pocos de São Vicente
There’s a large parking lot here, and more parking options up the street if it’s crowded.
Azores Beaches: Santo António Natural Pool
The Santo António Natural Pool, also known as Poços de Santo António, is a popular attraction located on the northern coast of São Miguel Island. On the map, it’s Piscinas Naturais de Santo António.
There are grassy picnic areas above the beach, and rocks to lounge on down below.
The natural pool itself is full of clear water. You can see down to the rocky bottom.
It’s open 24/7, and unregulated. I’d suggest going when the tide is higher, and the natural pool has more water to swim in. Otherwise, it’s not that appealing:
Parking at Santo António
You’ll drive through the small town of Santo António, and park at the church and cemetery above the beach.
Other Beaches on São Miguel in the Azores
- Praia do Pópulo: Located just a few kilometers from the capital city of Ponta Delgada, Praia do Pópulo is one of the most popular beaches on the island. It features a wide sandy beach with calm waters, making it suitable for swimming and sunbathing.
- Praia dos Moinhos: Located in the town of Porto Formoso, Praia dos Moinhos is a picturesque beach characterized by its black sand and stunning backdrop of lush green vegetation.
- Praia de São Roque: Situated in the town of São Roque, this beach is known for its volcanic black sand and calm waters. It offers a peaceful and family-friendly atmosphere, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
- Praia da Caloura: Located in the picturesque fishing village of Caloura, this beach is nestled between cliffs and offers a tranquil and secluded atmosphere. It features clear turquoise waters and a pebble shoreline.
The Best Azores Beaches on other Islands
- Praia Formosa, Santa Maria Island: Praia Formosa is one of the most popular beaches in the Azores. It boasts golden sand and crystal-clear waters, making it a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.
- Praia da Vitória, Terceira Island: Located in the town of Praia da Vitória, this beach is ideal for families with children. The beach is also home to a nice walkable promenade.
- Praia do Almoxarife, Faial Island: This beach is situated on the southern coast of Faial Island and offers a beautiful view of the neighboring Pico Island. It features black sand, dramatic cliffs, and a tranquil atmosphere. The waters can be a bit rough at times, making it more suitable for experienced swimmers. There are walking trails that lead from the beach to nearby viewpoints and scenic spots,
- Praia de Porto Pim, Faial Island: Situated near the city of Horta, this beach is known for its beautiful surroundings and calm waters. It offers a wide stretch of golden sand, ideal for relaxing and sunbathing. The beach is also close to several restaurants and cafes, making it convenient for visitors.
Wrap: Azores Beaches
While you’ll be reminded of Hawaii many times on a visit to these Portuguese islands, the Azores beaches are more likely to remind you of the beaches you’ll find in Iceland. Many of them are jagged and black, with big waves crashing into the rocks.
Still, you’re likely not coming to the Azores for a totally relaxed beach vacation! The stunning cliffs along the coastline make the Azores beaches truly spectacular and unique. The list above is just the START of what’s available to explore on a visit to the islands.
CHECK OUT OUR OTHER GUIDES TO THE AZORES:
