#494 European Rank

Praia de Santa Barbara

Ribeira Grande, Sao Miguel, Portugal•Atlantic Ocean• Best Season: May, June, July, August, September, October

Photo: JCNazza (CC BY 3.0) · Wikimedia Commons source

EDITORIAL SCORE

4.37/ 5.0

SEA TEMPERATURE

23.1°C

August 30-year average

DAILY BUDGET

€37/day

SAND & SHORELINE

Volcanic Black Sand

Gradual Drop

Sea Temperature by Month

30-year monthly averages for Ribeira Grande, Sao Miguel · NOAA satellite data

Swipe 12 months ⇄

Ideal Swimming

Jan

16.7°C

Air 20°C

Feb

16.2°C

Air 21°C

Mar

16.0°C

Air 23°C

Apr

16.4°C

Air 26°C

May

17.5°C

Air 29°C

Jun

19.3°C

Air 32°C

Jul

21.6°C

Air 34°C

Peak

Aug

23.1°C

Air 34°C

Sep

22.8°C

Air 32°C

Oct

21.1°C

Air 29°C

Nov

19.2°C

Air 25°C

Dec

17.7°C

Air 22°C

Swimmability Window · NOAA Climatology

Swimmable 7 Jul – 17 Oct (>21°C) · 101 days

30-year NOAA satellite climatological mean (1991–2020).Explore all Portugal Sea Temperatures

Score Breakdown

Scenery & Setting4.3 / 5

Water Clarity & Cleanliness4.5 / 5

Sand & Shoreline Quality4.5 / 5

Atmosphere & Safety4.6 / 5

Accessibility & Entry Ease4.5 / 5

Affordability & Fair Pricing4.6 / 5

About Praia de Santa Barbara

A long black-sand beach on Sao Miguel's north coast and the Azores' leading surf destination.

Key Beach Facts

Official Records

•Access: Direct road access from the EN1-1A highway in Ribeira Grande, São Miguel Island.

•Protected Status / Environment: Open oceanic volcanic coastline under regional maritime monitoring.

•Notable Feature: Expansive dark volcanic sand beach serving as a premier international surfing competition venue.

Official Tourism Authorities:visitportugal.com visitazores.com

Amenities & Facilities

Bathrooms

Yes

Showers

Yes

Free Parking

Yes

Food / Tavernas

Yes

Good for Kids

Yes

Dog Friendly

Lifeguard on Duty

Sunbed & Umbrella Rentals

Yes

Natural Cliff/Pine Shade

Yes

Wheelchair Accessible

Snorkeling & Watersports

Yes

Nudist / FKK Friendly

Getting There & Local Notes

Getting there:

Located near Ribeira Grande, Sao Miguel. Accessible via regional coastal roads (37.819°N, -25.542°E).

•Lively surf and currents, a surfers' beach.

•Green volcanic hills on Sao Miguel's north coast.

Nearest Airport & Transit Gateway

INTL · 40m drive

Convenient highway or local transit access across Ribeira Grande, Sao Miguel, Portugal.

Rent Car from INTL Book Airport Meet & Greet

Are you a Venue Owner or Promoter at Praia de Santa Barbara?

Promote your beach club, summer residency, or submit photo & data updates to Shores.

Frequently Asked Questions about Praia de Santa Barbara

What is the water temperature at Praia de Santa Barbara?

The peak summer sea surface temperature at Praia de Santa Barbara averages 23.1°C (74°F), based on 30-year NOAA satellite climatology.

What type of coast or sand is Praia de Santa Barbara?

Praia de Santa Barbara is classified as a volcanic black sand shoreline located in Ribeira Grande, Sao Miguel, Portugal.

Is Praia de Santa Barbara good for families with kids?

Yes, Praia de Santa Barbara is suitable for families and children with manageable water entry.

Are there parking and facilities at Praia de Santa Barbara?

Free parking is available. Restroom facilities are present.

Getting Around & Activities

Coastal Stays & Hotels

Hotels, beach villas & boutique stays near Praia de Santa Barbara.

Find Stays near Praia de Santa Barbara

Scooter & Bike Rental

from €15/day

Scooters, mopeds & e-bikes for coastal cruising.

Compare Bikes & Scooters

Boat Tours & Excursions

from €36

Boat trips & guided activities along the coast.

Find Activities on Tiqets

Airport & Port Transfers

Direct Route

Private transfers with airport meet-and-greet.

Book Transfer on Welcome Pickups

Portugal Travel eSIM

from €4.50

Instant high-speed mobile data across Portugal with zero physical SIM swapping.

Get eSIM on Airalo

Travel & Medical Insurance

Trip Protection

Medical emergency cover, baggage protection, and watersports cover for coastal trips.

Get Covered on EKTA

Partner Disclosure: When booking excursions, car rentals, or transfers through Shores, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Portugal Coastal Alerts & Shortlist Backup

Backup your saved beaches to your inbox with a permanent restore link, and receive seasonal sea temperature updates for Portugal.

View 12-Month Sea Curves

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