Praia de Portinhos-Fajã Grande

Fajã de Santo Cristo, on São Jorge island, is one of the most remote and magical places in Portugal, reached only by boat or by a long walk along the irrigation channels (levadas), on a fajã formed by ancient lava that built a coastal platform of rare beauty. The adjacent saltwater lagoon is famous for its oysters and cockles, considered the best in the Azores. Total isolation and the grandeur of the hundreds-of-metres-high cliffs make this place truly unique in the world.

Praia de Porto da Baixa is in the parish of Ribeirinha, municipality of Lajes do Pico, on the island of Pico. It is a natural rock pool with concrete access, alongside an open-sea bathing zone with a basalt bedrock floor. There is a sun terrace of basalt slab and concrete, toilets and a snack bar. Exposure to the open sea is high. Average bathing water temperature is 21ºC. Average daily use is around 50 people. Water quality is rated Excelente by APA in 2025. Physical description from the 2026 bathing water profile issued by the Azores regional maritime authority and supplied by the municipality of Lajes do Pico.

Praia de Calhau is in the parish of Piedade, municipality of Lajes do Pico, on the island of Pico. It is a natural rock pool with concrete access, alongside an open-sea bathing zone with a basalt bedrock floor. There is a sun terrace of basalt slab and concrete, and toilets. Exposure to the open sea is high. Average bathing water temperature is 22ºC. Average daily use is around 40 people. Water quality is rated Excelente by APA in 2025. Physical description from the 2026 bathing water profile issued by the Azores regional maritime authority and supplied by the municipality of Lajes do Pico.

Praia de Poça dos Frades is in the municipality of Velas, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.