The places, most named first
From the 8 guides that rank for "best beaches in azores"
Named by 4 of 81. Praia de Santa BárbaraBlack volcanic sand on São Miguel's north coast with Atlantic swell, lifeguards in summer and the island's main surf scene.Better for strong swimmers than for calm-water swimming.
Named by 3 of 82. Islet of Vila Franca do CampoA volcanic crater forming a round natural swimming pool, reached by a short boat ride.Daily visitors are capped in summer, so book ahead in July and August.
Named by 2 of 83. Praia da VitóriaTerceira's main sandy beach, with a calm, protected bay and a promenade.Also named for surfing on Terceira.
Named by 2 of 84. Praia dos MosteirosSmall black-sand beach among green hills; the most popular on São Miguel per Kayak.
Named by 2 of 85. Praia do FogoBlue Flag beach where warm water rises from hydrothermal vents.
Named by 2 of 86. Praia FormosaWhite sand on Santa Maria, a change from the usual black sand; hosts a music festival in August.
Named by 2 of 87. Piscinas da MaiaFamily-friendly spot on Santa Maria with shallow rock pools and lifeguards.
Named by 2 of 88. Baía de São LourençoAmphitheatre-shaped bay on Santa Maria with vineyard-covered hills.
Named by 2 of 89. Porto MartinsCalm water and sheltered children's pools on Terceira.
Named by 2 of 810. Praia de São MateusThe most popular beach on Graciosa, with full amenities; the sand is grey and shade is scarce.
Named by 2 of 811. Piscinas do CarapachoArtificial concrete coastline on Graciosa, suited to water sports.
Named by 2 of 812. Praia dos MoinhosDark volcanic sand cove with clear water, good for swimming on calm days and quieter than Santa Bárbara.
Named by 2 of 813. Praia da ViolaBlack lava pools and sea arches at the western tip, best at sunset; more for tide pools than swimming.
Named by 2 of 814. Biscoitos natural poolsLava-rock pools on Terceira's north coast, free and with steps and ladders; no sand.
15. Fajã de Santo CristoRemote lagoon on São Jorge reached only by a 40-minute hike down; enclosed enough for safe swimming.
16. Termas da FerrariaA thermal spring that flows into the sea at low tide, so visits follow the tide tables.
17. Lagoa do FogoCaldera lake with summer swimming, about 3 km down and an hour each way.
18. Baía do RaposoBay on Santa Maria's north coast where an 80 m waterfall falls.
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When to go
Travel guides most often name April to June and September as the best time to visit Azores.
Questions people ask
- What is the best month to visit the Azores?
- For swimming, the best window is July through October, when the water reaches 22 to 24°C. Summer is also the busiest and priciest season.
- How many days in Azores is enough?
- Lonely Planet says five days on São Miguel is enough for a thorough introduction; two to three weeks suits island hopping.
