Ribeira das Tainhas Beach
It is located at Ribeira das Tainhas, offering a fantastic view of the Vila Franca islet. The access is easy, with a parking area available. It also has changing rooms.
It is an unsupervised beach
Água d’Alto Beach
It is located in Vila Franca do Campo and is easily accessible. It is very popular among travelers.
It is a monitored beach.
Ribeira Quente Beach
Ribeira Quente Beach is a very beautiful beach with a large sandy area, located in Ribeira Quente, about 7 km from the village of Furnas. Also known as Praia do Fogo due to the temperature of its waters, which are warmed by several underwater hydrothermal springs. This is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Azores.
It is a monitored beach.
Lombo Gordo Beach
It is located in Nordeste, and access is via a steep road where you can drive, followed by some stairs. The beach has changing rooms.
It is an unmonitored beach.
Amora Beach
Amora Beach is a bathing area located in the parish of Ponta Garça, in the municipality of Vila Franca do Campo. At the beginning of the path to the beach, you will find a leisure area for picnics, set in a lush and relaxing landscape.
Access to the beach is pedestrian and quite steep, with a narrow dirt path. The beach is situated at the bottom of a high cliff. This beach consists of three sand areas.
It is an unmonitored beach.
Viola Beach
It is possible to reach Praia da Viola on foot. The beach is not easily accessible, and visitors must descend a steep and winding path to get there. There is a parking area at the top of the hill, but it is necessary to walk down a few meters (5 to 10 minutes). Praia da Viola is one of the most beautiful and preserved beaches on São Miguel Island and is also a great spot for snorkeling, as there is an abundance of marine life in the waters around the beach.
Moinhos Beach
Located in the parish of Porto Formoso, in the municipality of Ribeira Grande. It is a beautiful black sand beach of volcanic origin, with clear and refreshing waters that contrast with the colors of the surrounding green landscape. The bathing area has good infrastructure to support bathers and excellent access conditions. It is characterized by being very peaceful and pleasant.
It is a monitored beach.
Santana Beach
Also known as Rabo de Peixe Beach, it is a black sand and rocky beach located to the north of the island. Despite its natural and relatively wild appearance, surrounded by rocks, access is easy. It has good sanitary facilities.
Monte Verde Beach
It is a seaside beach located in the municipality of Ribeira Grande.
It is equipped with a parking lot and hosted a stage of the WQS (World Qualifying Series) in surfing in 2009. It is also sought after by windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts, as its north-facing location provides excellent conditions for various water sports. During the bathing season, between June and September each year, its facilities are enhanced with the installation of two beach modules, including restrooms, changing rooms, and showers.
Areal de Santa Bárbara
Areal de Santa Bárbara, located in the parish of Ribeira Seca, is one of the largest beaches in the Azores. The most significant competition held here is a stage of the ASP World Tour, which takes place in Ribeira Grande every September. The beach is equipped with good accessibility, parking, a leisure area, bar/restaurant, changing rooms, and showers. Due to the quality of its water, which is consistently excellent, it holds the Blue Flag and also the Accessible Beach award.
It is a monitored beach.
Pedreira Beach
Pedreira Beach is located in the parish of Água D’Alto, in the municipality of Vila Franca do Campo, along a narrow path in the Rocha dos Campos area. Access is on foot, descending around 260 steps down the cliff to the beach, which stretches approximately 170 meters, offering a stunning landscape due to its proximity to the cliffs. The sand is fine, and the beach forms a basin with crystal-clear water.
Mosteiros Beach
Mosteiros Beach stands out as one of the most picturesque and popular destinations. This black sand beach of volcanic origin is known for being a breathtaking sunset spot. It is also famous for its volcanic islets.
It is a monitored beach.
Degredo Beach
Praia do Degredo is located in the parish of Água D’Alto, in the municipality of Vila Franca do Campo. The beach has changing rooms and a parking area with a viewpoint overlooking the beach. Access is on foot, via a narrow and slightly inclined path leading down to the beach. With a stunning landscape setting, this beach is surrounded by pure and wild nature, with abundant springs and a waterfall originating from the Ribeira do Degredo. It is a non-monitored beach.
Vinha da Areia Beach
It is located in the Vinha d’Areia complex, in an area adjacent to the Vila Marina. The beach holds the Accessible Beach – Beach for All award, as it ensures safe, dignified, and comfortable conditions for use. Its supporting infrastructure includes a bar, restaurant, and changing rooms. It is a monitored beach.
Pópulo Beach
It is a small bathing area located in the Rosto de Cão area, in the parish of Livramento, in Ponta Delgada. This beach has a basaltic origin and is very popular among water sports enthusiasts, such as diving, surfing, windsurfing, and bodyboarding. It offers free parking, public restrooms, and a bar with a terrace. Additionally, it is a beach that annually receives the Blue Flag.
It is a monitored beach.
Milícias Beach
Praia das Milícias, also known as Praia Grande, is the main beach on São Miguel Island and is located in the parish of São Roque, in Ponta Delgada. It has a parking lot, accessible facilities for people with reduced mobility, a restaurant, and a bar. Additionally, it is a beach that is annually awarded the Blue Flag and recognized as an Accessible Beach.
It is a monitored beach.