São Miguel is a beautiful island in the Azores, mainly known for its spectacular lakes, rolling hills, and bubbling hot springs. But head to its fringes, and there’s also some incredible coastal gems to discover. Dramatic cliffs, volcanic black sand, and waves perfect for surfing are just a few things you have to look forward to! These are the best beaches in São Miguel, Azores, including our favorite spots for swimming, surfing, and sunset drinks.
The Best Beaches in São Miguel
Unlike the golden sand and yellow cliffs that mainland Portugal is known for, São Miguel offers an entirely different experience. Its volcanic nature yields dramatic black sand beaches, and its location deep in the Atlantic creates wild waves that are popular with surfers worldwide.
Tip: We’ve included our favorite beach hotels below if you’re looking to stay close to the coast on your São Miguel itinerary.
1. Praia dos Mosteiros
–Best beach in Sao Miguel for lava rock pools–
We visited Praia dos Mosteiros after hiking at the nearby Lake Sete Cidades, and wow, what a surprise we had when we arrived! This volcanic black sand beach is set against a backdrop of huge sea stacks, towering columns out at sea that are formed after years of wind and wave erosion.
Tip: Parking on arrival is easy; head for this free location.
Another unique feature is the natural lava rock pools (Piscinas Naturais Caneiros), located just along the road from the beach. Take a refreshing dip here as you watch the waves crash beyond the horizon. It’s one of the top things to do in São Miguel!
If you don’t have a rental car, you can join this popular tour instead! It takes you to the west part of the island, including a stop at Mosteiros and the natural pools.
2. Santa Bárbara Beach
–Best beach in Sao Miguel for surfing–
Santa Barbara is the most famous beach in São Miguel for surfing. Locals and tourists alike come here to find the best waves, and it’s even home to international surf competitions. It’s a real thrill watching the advanced surfers here.
We saw surf lessons taking place on the beach, which looked so fun! You can book this class here which is located on Santa Barbara.
The beach is also one of the longest, with its black sandy shores split into two parts. On one side, the local beach, and on the other, the Santa Barbara Eco Beach Resort. We had drinks and dinner at Beach Club Surf & Snacks, a cosy wooden shack that’s part of the hotel. This was Hannah’s favorite place to eat!
Tip: If you’re looking to wake up to ocean views, Santa Bárbara Eco Beach Resort is a great hotel option for your itinerary.
3. Praia de Água d’Alto
–Best beach in Sao Miguel for sunset drinks–
We loved the local feeling at Praia de Água d’Alto, also known as Praia Grande, because it’s so big! It’s one of the most extensive black sand beaches in São Miguel, Azores, backed by dramatic cliffs. It’s definitely our favorite part of the island.
It was really easy to visit: the beach is located right by the parking, and it’s big enough that it never feels overcrowded. It has calmer waves than other spots on the island, making it a better option for those who want to swim.
Sunset drinks tip: Bar Praia de Água d’Alto is right on the beach and provides a chilled atmosphere to enjoy a relaxed drink as the sun goes down. We stayed at Pestana Bahia Praia, which was just a 2-minute walk to this beautiful spot.
4. Praia dos Moinhos
–Best beach in Sao Miguel for waterfalls–
Praia dos Moinhos is a laid-back northern beach and hidden gem on São Miguel! It’s very small and a bit tucked away, making it feel wild and untouched. What we loved the most, though, was that this was the start of the Cascata do Limbo trail.
We began by walking through a lush forest to reach the picturesque waterfall. Then, after, we came back to the beach for a swim as a reward! It’s the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
We found this popular boat tour, which looks like a really unique way to explore the cliffs and caves of the northern coast.
5. Praia do Pópulo & Praia das Milícias
–Best beach in Sao Miguel for swimming–
We stayed in a hotel in Ponta Delgada for the majority of our São Miguel itinerary, and these were definitely the easiest beaches to reach. You can even walk from the city!
Praia do Pópulo has shallow waters, making it very popular with families and great for swimming. Next door, there’s also Praia das Milícias, which has a bit more space. There’s also a great vibe here in the evening, when locals spill out onto the beach after work.
Tip: Booked your flight to Ponta Delgada? Make these your first beach stops after landing. ;)
How to Visit the Beaches in São Miguel
The best beaches in São Miguel are spread across the island, so we recommend hiring a car for the most flexibility. This means you’re not tied to awkward and limited bus schedules and can enjoy as many hours as you want on the sand. Plus, parking at the beaches is generally easy.
We recommend to rent a car in Azores through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Where to Stay in São Miguel
If you’re anything like us, beaches are a vital part of the trip! Luckily, there are plenty of hotels along the coastline offering excellent facilities and fantastic views. Some even have direct access to the beach, like Santa Bárbara Eco Beach Resort.
We stayed at Pestana Bahia Praia, which was just a 2-minute walk from Praia de Água d’Alto, one of the best beaches in São Miguel!
Best Time to Visit Beaches in São Miguel, Azores
We visited São Miguel at the end of May, which was perfect for enjoying the beach! Temperatures were mild and days were sunny. However, be aware that the Atlantic Ocean is always on the colder side.
- June–September: Warmest weather, and there are more lifeguards on duty. Facilities like toilets and changing rooms are more likely to be open during this time. It can be busy in peak months like July and August.
- Shoulder months of May/October: Quieter, so there’s more space to enjoy the natural beauty of the coast. Warm enough to sunbathe but on the colder side for swimming.
Tip: Always check the live cameras before you travel to these best beaches in São Miguel. The weather can vary significantly from one side of the island to the other.
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