Beaches · Azores · Portugal
The best beaches in and near Azores
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: José Luís Ávila Silveira/Pedro Noronha e Costa, Public domain
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Praia de Santa Bárbara (About 20 km north of Ponta Delgada). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in July–October.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 5
- Swimming season
- July–October
- Warmest sea
- 24°C (75°F)
The beaches
About 20 km north of Ponta Delgada · Surfing and beach walks
1.Praia de Santa Bárbara
A long black-sand beach on São Miguel's north coast, popular for surfing with a beach restaurant and lifeguards in summer.
About 35 km west of Ponta Delgada · Sunsets and rock pools
2.Mosteiros
A black-sand beach and lava rock pools at the western tip of São Miguel, facing a group of sea stacks; popular at sunset.
About 20 km east of Ponta Delgada · Calmer swimming on São Miguel
3.Praia de Água d'Alto
A south-coast beach of dark sand near Vila Franca do Campo, generally calmer than the north coast.
About 20 km north of Angra do Heroísmo · Families and snorkelling
4.Biscoitos natural pools
Sheltered sea pools among black lava rocks on Terceira's north coast, with ladders and lifeguards in summer.
On Santa Maria, about 25 minutes by plane from São Miguel · Sandy beach days
5.Praia Formosa, Santa Maria
A rare white-sand beach in a sheltered bay on Santa Maria, the sunniest island in the archipelago.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 17°C (63°F) | 17°C (63°F) |
| February | 16°C (61°F) | 17°C (63°F) |
| March | 16°C (61°F) | 17°C (63°F) |
| April | 17°C (63°F) | 18°C (64°F) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 20°C (68°F) |
| June | 20°C (68°F) | 22°C (72°F) |
| July | 22°C (72°F) | 25°C (77°F) |
| August | 24°C (75°F) | 26°C (79°F) |
| September | 23°C (73°F) | 25°C (77°F) |
| October | 21°C (70°F) | 22°C (72°F) |
| November | 19°C (66°F) | 20°C (68°F) |
| December | 18°C (64°F) | 18°C (64°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$ · Best for solo travellers, beach and budget
Ribeira Grande
São Miguel's second town, on the north coast, has a historic centre of Baroque churches, the Arquipélago contemporary arts centre and black-sand surf beaches such as Santa Bárbara. Caldeira Velha's hot pools and the road up to Lagoa do Fogo are close by.
- Good
- Surf and black-sand beaches; Central for the island; Local, uncrowded feel
- Watch out
- Cloudier than the south coast; Fewer restaurants than Ponta Delgada
- Nearby
- Santa Bárbara beach, Caldeira Velha, Lagoa do Fogo, Arquipélago arts centre
Getting to the beaches
- Car — Hire cars are available on all the main islands and give the freedom to chase good weather between viewpoints.
- Bus — Local buses connect Ponta Delgada with towns such as Furnas, Ribeira Grande and Sete Cidades, but services are infrequent and not ideal for sightseeing.
- Ferry — Atlânticoline ferries run year-round across the 'triangle' of Faial, Pico and São Jorge, with Horta to Madalena taking about 30 minutes; longer routes between island groups run mainly in summer.
- Boat — Licensed boats run whale-watching, dolphin-swimming and coastal trips from Ponta Delgada, Vila Franca do Campo, Horta and Lajes do Pico.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in July–September. The busiest of those is July, so book early.
Beach safety
The islands are relaxed and low-key for visitors. The main risks are natural: fast-changing mountain weather and fog on crater rims, slippery trails, strong currents at some beaches and storms that cancel boats and flights. Stay on marked trails and check forecasts before hiking or swimming. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Azores have beaches?
Yes: Praia de Santa Bárbara, Mosteiros, Praia de Água d'Alto, Biscoitos natural pools and Praia Formosa, Santa Maria.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Azores?
Usually July–October, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Azores?
Praia de Santa Bárbara: A long black-sand beach on São Miguel's north coast, popular for surfing with a beach restaurant and lifeguards in summer.