The following list highlights some of the best beaches in Azores Islands. So if you are in Azores Islands, I recommend visiting the following:
The Best Beaches in Central Region
Porto Pim Beach, Horta
Address – Porto Pim beach, Horta, Azores
Google Maps Link – 38°31’28.6″N 28°37’32.3″W
Porto Pim Beach is located on the southern coast of Faial Island, part of the archipelago of the Azores. With dark-ish sand backdropped by verdant hills, this lovely beach offers a calm atmosphere and stunning views, with the São Sebasstião Fort in the distance. The water is warm, clear and protected from strong waves, making it a safe spot for everyone to swim and a good option for snorkeling. There are a few restaurants and accommodation to the northern end of the beach. Even during the weekends, when the beach is usually busy, it never gets crowded or noisy.
Praia do Almoxarife, Horta
Address – Praia do Almoxarife, Horta, Azores
Google Maps Link – 38°33’16.0″N 28°36’34.1″W
Almoxarife Beach is located on the eastern coast of Faial Island, part of the archipelago of the Azores. This beach offers a long stretch of black sand and pebbles for walking and jogging, dramatic views with the nearby Pico Island breaking the horizon, and stunning sunrises. The water is clear and cool, safe for swimming and with great waves for surfing. There are cafes and restaurants at the beach, as well as a campground in the area. Even during the busiest days, the beach is extensive enough to allow space for everyone, and it never feels crowded.
Praia Grande Beach, Terceira Island
Address – Zona balnear da Praia Grande, 9760-411 Praia da Vitória, Azores
Google Maps Link – 38°43’49.7″N 27°03’34.4″W
Grande Beach is located on the eastern coast of Terceira Island, part of the archipelago of the Azores. This picturesque and popular beach is a wide stretch of dark volcanic sand, with stunning views and a serene atmosphere for sunbathing and relaxing. The water is calm and safe for everyone to swim, there are volleyball nets set up, and the extensive coast is great for beach soccer; besides, there are some monuments and historical spots nearby. You can find many different restaurants, bars, cafes, stores and accommodation around the area, offering a wide range of options to eat and stay. It tends to be busy during the evening, especially on the weekends.
Da Silveira Beach, Terceira Island
Address – Zona Balnear da Silveira, Silveira, Angra do Heroísmo, Azores
Google Maps Link – 38°39’21.6″N 27°14’08.6″W
Silveira Beach is located on the southern coast of Terceira Island, part of the archipelago of the Azores. This picturesque, small sandy beach is surrounded by verdant hills and enclosed by a concrete structure that serves as an observation tower, offering a stunning mountainous scenery. The water is calm with small waves, shallow and safe for everyone to swim, offering a good snorkeling option around the rocky areas. It tends to get crowded around July and August, especially during the afternoon. There is a bar and a store in the area, and the Hotel do Caracol.
Do Negrito Beach, Terceira Island
Address – Zona Balnear do Negrito, S. Mateus, Portugal, Azores
Google Maps Link – 38°39’20.5″N 27°16’54.8″W
Negrito Beach is located on the southern coast of Terceira Island, part of the archipelago of the Azores. Remote and secluded, this laid-back beach offers dark volcanic sand, with sunset and sunrise views. The water is calm and cool, with lifeguards on duty making it a safe spot for everyone to swim. There is a bar and a children’s playground in the area, with more restaurants and accommodation around the town nearby. Even during the busiest weekends, the beach never gets crowded and the atmosphere is usually serene and relaxing.
The Best Beaches in Eastern Region
Praia de Santa Bárbara, Ribeira Grande
Address – Santa Barbara Beach, Ilha de São Miguel, Ribeira Grande, Azores
Google Maps Link – 37°49’07.8″N 25°32’32.2″W
Santa Barbara Beach is located on the northern coast of São Miguel Island, part of the archipelago of the Azores. This dramatic beach, with dark volcanic sand surrounded by steep cliffs, offers a laid-back atmosphere and stunning views, perfect to relax and disconnect. The water is rather cold, with strong waves making it a favorite spot for surfing and bodyboarding; the waves are smaller in a designated area that is safe for swimming, with lifeguards on duty. There is a restaurant in the area, as well as a surf school where you can get surfing lessons and rent surfboards. Keep in mind that it can be busy on the weekends, especially during the afternoon.
Mosteiros Beach, Mosteiros
Address – Mosteiros Beach, São Miguel, R. da Areia 40, Mosteiros, Azores
Google Maps Link – 37°53’18.0″N 25°49’26.2″W
Mosteiros Beach is located on the western coast of São Miguel Island, part of the archipelago of the Azores. This dramatic beach, with dark volcanic sand, pebbles and rock formations, offers unique and unforgettable sunset views, with a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere. The waves are strong and great for surfing, but still safe for swimming; besides, there are natural rock pools with calm, shallow water. You can find a few restaurants, accommodation and different stores around town. It tends to be busy on weekends, especially during the evening, when visitors arrive to watch the sunset.
Formosa Beach, Vila do Porto
Address – Praia Formosa, 1-2, Almagreira, Azores
Google Maps Link – 36°57’05.2″N 25°05’55.0″W
Formosa Beach is located on the southern coast of Santa Maria Island, part of the archipelago of the Azores. Both sandy and pebbly, this quiet beach is a great option to get away from the busy city life, and relax under the sun. The water is calm and safe for everyone to swim, and the towering cliffs enclosing the beach offer dramatic views and unique photo options. There is a snack bar at the beach, plus a restaurant, a cafe and an ice cream shop in the area. It is mostly frequented by locals, and it rarely gets busy or crowded.
Do Populo Beach, Ponta Delgada
Address – Praia do Pópulo, Ponta Delgada, Azores
Google Maps Link – 37°45’01.6″N 25°37’04.9″W
Populo Beach is located on the southern coast of São Miguel Island, part of the archipelago of the Azores. With soft, dark-ish sand and volcanic rocks along the coast, this stunning beach is a great option to relax and spend a quiet day at the beach. The water is shallow even far from the shore, with small waves making it a safe spot for everyone to swim. There is a restaurant and a cafe at the beach, and you can find accommodation nearby. It is usually empty and quiet during the week, but tends to be busy on the weekends.
Das Milicias Beach, Ponta Delgada
Address – Praia das Milicias, Estr. Regional do Pópulo, Ponta Delgada, Azores
Google Maps Link – 37°45’03.9″N 25°37’27.5″W
Milicias Beach is located on the southern coast of São Miguel Island, part of the archipelago of the Azores. Standing just west of Pópulo Beach, this extensive beach offers dark volcanic sand and activities for everyone to enjoy, making it a great place to hang out with friends or family. The water is usually calm and safe, with lifeguards on duty; during windy days, the waves are strong and great for surfing. Besides, there are volleyball nets, and a children’s playground. There is a restaurant at the beach, and you can find more places to eat nearby, as well as stores and accommodation. Keep in mind that this is a popular beach, and can be busy during the afternoons.
Baixa d’Areia Beach, Lagoa
Address – Baixa d’Areia Beach, São Miguel, Estrada de Portugal das Comunidades, Lagoa, Azores
Google Maps Link – 37°43’02.4″N 25°31’06.0″W
Baixa d’Areia Beach is located on the is located on the southern coast of São Miguel Island, part of the archipelago of the Azores. This small, secluded beach is a quiet spot with dark volcanic sand and pebbles, hidden behind towering cliffs and offering stunning sunset views. The water is calm and warm; however, make sure you wear swimming shoes, since there are sharp rocks in the sand. There is a hotel on top of the cliff, and a park with picnic tables and views over the coast. Baixa d’Areia Beach is a hidden spot, hard to find and reach, so it never gets busy or crowded.
Praia de Água D’Alto, Grande
Address – Praia de Água D’Alto, Grande, Estr. Regional 1-1, Água de Alto, Azores
Google Maps Link – 37°43’00.9″N 25°28’25.7″W
Agua D’Alto Beach is located on the is located on the southern coast of São Miguel Island, part of the archipelago of the Azores. Extensive and serene, this beach offers comfortable dark-ish sand and the perfect atmosphere to sunbathe and relax. The water is warm and shallow, with strong waves for strong swimmers to enjoy. There is a restaurant in the area, and a hotel to the eastern end of the beach. It is usually quiet and empty, but can be busy during the weekends.
Do Fogo Beach, Ribeira Quente
Address – Praia do Fogo, EN2-2A 24, Ribeira Quente, Azores
Google Maps Link – 37°43’49.8″N 25°18’35.0″W
Fogo Beach is located on the southern coast of São Miguel Island, part of the archipelago of the Azores. This cozy black sandy beach is the perfect getaway, with a serene atmosphere and mountainous scenery. Warm and calm, the water is safe for swimming and great for a relaxing bath. There is usually a food truck at the parking lot, and you can find a few restaurants and cafes around town, as well as accommodation. The beach is remote and mostly frequented by locals, but it can be busy during weekends.