Beaches in the Azores

Anjos is a beach in Vila do Porto, in the district of the Azores, awarded the Blue Flag in 2026 by ABAAE. This page will be expanded with more information on access, amenities and water quality.

Areal Sta. Bárbara is a beach in Ribeira Grande, in the district of the Azores, awarded the Blue Flag in 2026 by ABAAE. This page will be expanded with more information on access, amenities and water quality.

Baía do Refugo is a beach in Angra do Heroísmo, in the district of the Azores, awarded the Blue Flag in 2026 by ABAAE. This page will be expanded with more information on access, amenities and water quality.

Baixa da Areia is a beach in Lagoa, in the district of the Azores, awarded the Blue Flag in 2026 by ABAAE. This page will be expanded with more information on access, amenities and water quality.

Biscoitos is a beach in Praia da Vitória, in the district of the Azores, awarded the Blue Flag in 2026 by ABAAE. This page will be expanded with more information on access, amenities and water quality.

Calhetas da Maia is a beach in Ribeira Grande, in the district of the Azores, awarded the Blue Flag in 2026 by ABAAE. This page will be expanded with more information on access, amenities and water quality.

Caloura is a beach in Lagoa, in the district of the Azores, awarded the Blue Flag in 2026 by ABAAE. This page will be expanded with more information on access, amenities and water quality.

Cinco Ribeiras is a beach in Angra do Heroísmo, in the district of the Azores, awarded the Blue Flag in 2026 by ABAAE. This page will be expanded with more information on access, amenities and water quality.

Escaleiras is a beach in Praia da Vitória, in the district of the Azores, awarded the Blue Flag in 2026 by ABAAE. This page will be expanded with more information on access, amenities and water quality.

Grande is a beach in Praia da Vitória, in the district of the Azores, awarded the Blue Flag in 2026 by ABAAE. This page will be expanded with more information on access, amenities and water quality.

Maia is a beach in Vila do Porto, in the district of the Azores, awarded the Blue Flag in 2026 by ABAAE. This page will be expanded with more information on access, amenities and water quality.

Piscina do Carapacho is a beach in Santa Cruz da Graciosa, in the district of the Azores, awarded the Blue Flag in 2026 by ABAAE. This page will be expanded with more information on access, amenities and water quality.

Poças Sul dos Mosteiros is a beach in Ponta Delgada, in the district of the Azores, awarded the Blue Flag in 2026 by ABAAE. This page will be expanded with more information on access, amenities and water quality.

Poços S. Vicente Ferreira is a beach in Ponta Delgada, in the district of the Azores, awarded the Blue Flag in 2026 by ABAAE. This page will be expanded with more information on access, amenities and water quality.

Praia is in the municipality of Santa Cruz da Graciosa, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

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 da Riviera is in the municipality of Praia da Vitória, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia da Vitória, on Terceira island, is the largest sandy beach on the island and one of the most popular in the Azores, with light-coloured sand and calmer water than other Atlantic beaches in the archipelago. The town of Praia da Vitória has a history tied to aviation and the Second World War, with the Lajes air base nearby and a museum dedicated to wartime history. The well-equipped beach and laid-back atmosphere make it Terceira's main bathing destination.

Praia das Milícias is one of the most accessible beaches in Ponta Delgada, the capital of the Azores, with solid amenities and the basaltic black sand typical of São Miguel island. Its location next to the city makes it easy to combine with a visit to Ponta Delgada's historic centre, home to the famous city gates and the Convento de Nossa Senhora da Esperança. It is very popular with locals.

Praia de Admoiro is in the parish of São João, municipality of Lajes do Pico, on the island of Pico, and is identified in the official profile as Ponta do Admoiro. 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 commercial area. Exposure to the open sea is high. Average bathing water temperature is 21ºC. Average daily use is around 30 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 Água D'alto is in the municipality of Vila Franca do Campo, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Almoxarife is in the municipality of Horta, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Angra do Heroísmo sits next to the city that UNESCO has classified as a World Heritage Site, with its cobbled historic centre, sixteenth-century churches and castles. The beach, of dark volcanic sand, combines the freshness of the Atlantic with magnificent views of Monte Brasil and the small adjacent islets. The water quality and the beauty of the historic and natural setting make it one of the most unique bathing experiences in Portugal.

Praia de Arcos is in the municipality of São Roque do Pico, district of Açores, in the Açores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excelente by APA in 2025.

Praia de Baixas is in the municipality of Madalena, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Barca is in the municipality of Madalena, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Barro Vermelho is in the municipality of Santa Cruz da Graciosa, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Cais Mourato is in the municipality of Madalena, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Caisinho is in the municipality of São Roque do Pico, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

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 Calheta dos Lagadores is in the municipality of Praia da Vitória, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Calhetas is in the municipality of Ribeira Grande, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Caminho de Baixo (Santa Bárbara) is in the parish of Ribeiras, municipality of Lajes do Pico, on the island of Pico. It has a sunbathing area and an open-sea bathing zone with a basalt bedrock floor, plus a sun terrace of basalt slab and sand. There are toilets. Exposure to the open sea is high. Average use is around 30 to 40 bathers. 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 Castelo Branco is in the municipality of Horta, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Clube Naval das Lajes is in the parish of Lajes do Pico, 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, a snack bar and a leisure area. 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 Conceição is in the municipality of Horta, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Corpo Santo is in the municipality of Vila Franca do Campo, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Corvo/areia is in the municipality of Corvo, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Criação Velha is in the municipality of Madalena, district of Açores, in the Açores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excelente by APA in 2025.

Praia de Fajã is in the municipality of Horta, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Fajã Grande is in the municipality of Lajes das Flores, district of Açores, in the Açores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excelente by APA in 2025.

Praia de Fonte is in the parish of Lajes do Pico, 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, a snack bar and a leisure area. 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 Formosa is in the municipality of Vila do Porto, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Forno da Cal is in the municipality of Ponta Delgada, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Furna de Santo António is in the municipality of São Roque do Pico, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo is in the municipality of Vila Franca do Campo, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Aceitável by APA in 2025.

Praia de Lajes (Maré) is in the parish of Lajes do Pico, 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. Exposure to the open sea is high. Average bathing water temperature is 21ºC. 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 Madalena is in the municipality of Madalena, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Manhenha 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 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 Morro is in the municipality of Povoação, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Negrito is in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Piscina do Cais is in the municipality of São Roque do Pico, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Piscina Natural das Portas do Mar is in the municipality of Ponta Delgada, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Piscinas Naturais da Lagoa is in the municipality of Lagoa, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Poça Branca is in the municipality of São Roque do Pico, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Poça das Mujas is in the parish of Calheta de Nesquim, 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 moderate. 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 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.

Praia de Poças da Ribeira Grande is in the municipality of Ribeira Grande, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Poças de São Roque is in the municipality of São Roque do Pico, district of Açores, in the Açores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excelente by APA in 2025.

Praia de Poceirões is in the municipality of Santa Cruz da Graciosa, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Pocinho is in the municipality of Madalena, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Ponta da Ferraria is in the municipality of Ponta Delgada, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Pontes is in the parish of Ribeiras, 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 Pópulo is in the municipality of Ponta Delgada, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Portinho do Faial da Terra is in the municipality of Povoação, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Portinhos-Fajã Grande is in the municipality of Calheta de S. Jorge, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

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 Porto Martins is in the municipality of Praia da Vitória, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Porto Pim is in the municipality of Horta, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Prainha (Angra do Heroísmo) is in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Good by APA in 2025.

Praia de Prainha (Praia da Vitória) is in the municipality of Praia da Vitória, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Prainha do Galeão is in the municipality of Madalena, district of Açores, in the Açores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excelente by APA in 2025.

Praia de Preguiça-Velas 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.

Praia de Quatro Ribeiras is in the municipality of Praia da Vitória, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Ribeira dos Pelames is in the municipality of Povoação, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Good by APA in 2025.

Praia de Santa Bárbara is the largest and most famous beach on São Miguel, with a long stretch of volcanic black sand and powerful waves that have made it a surfing destination of international standing. The lush green slopes of the island, typical of the Azores, contrast with the dark sand and deep blue Atlantic, creating a landscape of unique, almost surreal beauty. The Bodyboard World Tour event held here attests to the quality of its waves.

Praia de Santa Cruz das Flores is in the municipality of Santa Cruz das Flores, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Santa Cruz das Ribeiras is in the parish of Ribeiras, municipality of Lajes do Pico, on the island of Pico. It is an artificial saltwater pool of roughly 25 by 12 metres with a concrete sun terrace. Next to it sits a shallower natural pool of rock and concrete, with concrete access and a sun terrace of basalt slab and concrete. There are toilets, changing rooms, a bar and a small commercial area. Average bathing water temperature is 22ºC. Average daily use is around 150 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 São Lourenço is the jewel of Santa Maria island, the southernmost and warmest in the Azores, with light-coloured sand uncommon in the Atlantic archipelagos. The Bay of São Lourenço, with its calm turquoise water, is considered one of the most beautiful in the Atlantic islands. Santa Maria, the first island discovered by the Portuguese, has a unique landscape of green valleys and golden cliffs.

Praia de São Mateus is in the municipality of Madalena, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Sargentos is in the municipality of Praia da Vitória, district of Açores, in the Açores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excelente by APA in 2025.

Praia de Silveira is in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Varadouro is in the municipality of Horta, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Verdoso is in the parish of São João, 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. Exposure to the open sea is high. Average bathing water temperature is 20ºC. Average daily use is around 30 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 Vinha da Areia is in the municipality of Vila Franca do Campo, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia de Zona Balnear Santa Cruz (Calheta) is in the municipality of Santa Cruz da Graciosa, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia do Fogo (Ribeira Quente) is in the municipality of Povoação, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Excellent by APA in 2025.

Praia do Porto Formoso is a beach of volcanic black sand with a small fishing harbour next to it, where the colourful boats of the Azorean fishermen round out the landscape. Pebbled stretches and basalt rocks create a unique setting characteristic of the northern beaches of São Miguel. The area is known for its tea plantations — the only ones in Europe — just a few minutes from the beach.

Praia dos Moinhos is a beach in Ribeira Grande, in the district of the Azores, awarded the Blue Flag in 2026 by ABAAE. This page will be expanded with more information on access, amenities and water quality.

Praia dos Moinhos, on São Miguel, is a small beach of volcanic black sand tucked between basalt cliffs and abundant subtropical vegetation. The wild setting and the beauty of the Azorean landscape — with calderas, lakes and impossible greens — give it a beauty no mainland beach can match. Atlantic water is particularly crystal-clear here.

Praia dos Mosteiros is in the municipality of Ponta Delgada, district of the Azores, in the Azores region. Coastal beach with water quality rated Good by APA in 2025.

Prainha de Água d'Alto is a beach in Vila Franca do Campo, in the district of the Azores, awarded the Blue Flag in 2026 by ABAAE. This page will be expanded with more information on access, amenities and water quality.

Salga is a beach in Angra do Heroísmo, in the district of the Azores, awarded the Blue Flag in 2026 by ABAAE. This page will be expanded with more information on access, amenities and water quality.

Salgueiros (Açores) is a beach in Angra do Heroísmo, in the district of the Azores, awarded the Blue Flag in 2026 by ABAAE. This page will be expanded with more information on access, amenities and water quality.