What is the best beach on the island of Sao Miguel?

The island of Sao Miguel, known as the “Green Island”, is located in the Azores region of Portugal and is the largest of the nine islands of the archipelago. It is an incredible place filled with gorgeous beaches, ancient forests, and volcanic lakes that make it one of Portugal’s top tourist destinations. With so many beaches to choose from, which one is the best on the island of Sao Miguel?

Out of all the stunning beaches located on Sao Miguel, the two that stand out the most are Prainha da Maia and Sete Cidades. Both of these beaches offer a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

Prainha da Maia, located on the southern coast of Sao Miguel, is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Portugal. It is a secluded beach with crystal-clear water and white sand that stretches 95 m (312 ft.) along its shore. Prainha da Maia is perfect for activities such as sunbathing, swimming, body boarding and kayaking; surrounded by structures of huge black volcanic rocks adding an amazing contrast to the beauties of nature.

Sete Cidades, meanwhile, is located on the western end of the largest lake in Portugal – Lagoa das Sete Cidades. The beauty and tranquility of this place is breathtaking; it’s safe to say that Sete Cidades is just about as close to paradise as you can get. Surrounded by a lush green forest and two distinct lakes (Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde), this long beach offers breathtaking views and perfect conditions for swimming and sunbathing.

In the end, it really comes down to personal preference. If you’re looking for a beach to relax and take in some stunning views, Prainha da Maia is your best bet. But if you want an adventure filled with activities surrounded by an incredible landscape and breathtaking vistas, then head over to Sete Cidades. Whichever beach you choose to visit, you’re sure to have an incredible experience that won’t be easily forgotten.

For more information about the island of Sao Miguel, VisitAzores has a great page outlining what the island has to offer and providing more details on the beaches mentioned above.

The Insider’s Guide to Sao Miguel Island, Azores: Discovering the Best Beaches

Sao Miguel is the largest island in the Azores archipelago and offers some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. There are plenty of beaches scattered along the coastline, but when it comes to the best beach on the island of Sao Miguel, it is a tough competition between Praia dos Moinhos, Praia dos Mosteiros, and Praia de Santa Barbara.

Exploring the Top Beaches of Sao Miguel

Praia dos Moinhos

Praia dos Moinhos is a black sand beach located on the north coast of the island, close to the town of Porto Formoso. The beach is nestled between two high cliffs and surrounded by lush green foliage, which makes it a stunning spot for sunbathing and surfing. The waves at Praia dos Moinhos can get pretty high, so it is not suitable for swimming. However, it is an ideal beach for surfing lessons.

Praia dos Mosteiros

Praia dos Mosteiros is located on the west coast of the island, a few kilometers away from Sete Cidades. The beach is a combination of black volcanic sand and dark rocks, surrounded by towering cliffs. The waves are gentle here, and the water is crystal clear. There are plenty of scenic spots to hang out and enjoy the views.

Praia de Santa Barbara

Praia de Santa Barbara is the longest beach on the island, located on the north coast, close to the town of Ribeira Grande. Its golden sand stretches for miles and is perfect for sunbathing and swimming. The beach is quite popular with locals, but it never gets too crowded. Surfing is also possible here, but it is not as famous as Praia dos Moinhos.

Local Attractions

Sao Miguel Island has a plethora of options to keep visitors entertained and engaged throughout their stay. Here are some of the local attractions that any traveler visiting the island should check out:

Furnas Village

Furnas is a picturesque village located in the eastern part of Sao Miguel Island. It is famous for its geothermal hot springs and “cozido” stew that is cooked by burying it in the volcanic soil. Visitors can stroll through the town and visit the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, which has several outdoor thermal springs.

Lagoa das Sete Cidades

Sete Cidades is a twin-lake located in the center of the island and is one of the most photographed sites in the Azores. The two lakes are connected by a narrow strait and are known for their emerald and blue-green colors. Visitors can hike to the top of the cliff for panoramic views or take a boat ride to explore the lake.

Dining Spots

The Azores offer excellent cuisine that any traveler should be enticed to try. Here are some top picks for dining options on Sao Miguel Island:

Tony’s Restaurant

Tony’s Restaurant is a perfect spot for seafood lovers, located in the village of Caloura. The restaurant serves fresh fish and seafood cooked in traditional Azorean style with a modern twist.

Tasca Restaurant

Tasca Restaurant is a casual and cozy dining option located in Ribeira Grande. It is popular for its local specialties such as grilled beef steak and pork loin topped with spicy Piri-Piri sauce.

Cultural Experiences

Sao Miguel Island offers several unique cultural experiences that visitors may be eager to enjoy. Here are a few:

Museu Carlos Machado

The Museu Carlos Machado is located in Ponta Delgada and is the most significant museum in the Azores. It offers a peek into the natural history and culture of the island, with various exhibits showcasing precious paintings, sculptures, and artifacts from important moments in Azorean history.

Festa do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres

Festa do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres is the biggest religious festival on the Azorean calendar, celebrated every May in Ponta Delgada. It is an excellent opportunity to witness the religious fervor of the locals and be part of the colorful procession.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For those seeking a lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path experience, here are some recommendations:

Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro

Located on the north coast of the island, this small natural pool surrounded by black rocks is the perfect spot for a secluded beach day.

Salto do Cabrito

This stunning waterfall is located deep in a forest near the small town of Ribeira Grande. The hike to the waterfall takes around two hours, but the reward is magnificent.

Sao Miguel Island offers visitors the best of both worlds, providing awe-inspiring beaches and a vast array of cultural, historical, and culinary experiences. There are plenty of reasons why Sao Miguel is one of Europe’s top destinations, and now you know which beaches are unwaveringly popular and other attractions on the off-beaten-path side.