#426 European Rank
Praia Formosa
Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal•Atlantic Ocean• Best Season: June, July, August, September
Photo: Carlos Luis M C da Cruz (Public domain) · Wikimedia Commons source
EDITORIAL SCORE
4.46/ 5.0
SEA TEMPERATURE
23.6°C
August 30-year average
DAILY BUDGET
€36/day
SAND & SHORELINE
Volcanic Black Sand
Gradual Drop
Sea Temperature by Month
30-year monthly averages for Santa Maria, Azores · NOAA satellite dataSwipe 12 months ⇄
Ideal Swimming
Jan
17.3°C
Air 21°C
Feb
16.6°C
Air 22°C
Mar
16.6°C
Air 24°C
Apr
17.1°C
Air 27°C
May
18.1°C
Air 30°C
Jun
19.9°C
Air 33°C
Jul
22.1°C
Air 35°C
Peak
Aug
23.6°C
Air 35°C
Sep
23.4°C
Air 33°C
Oct
21.8°C
Air 30°C
Nov
19.9°C
Air 26°C
Dec
18.3°C
Air 23°C
Swimmability Window · NOAA Climatology
Swimmable 30 Jun – 28 Oct (>21°C) · 120 days
30-year NOAA satellite climatological mean (1991–2020).Explore all Portugal Sea Temperatures
Score Breakdown
Scenery & Setting4.7 / 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 Formosa
The Azores' one true golden beach, tucked under vine terraces on sunny Santa Maria.
Key Beach Facts
Official Records•Access: Paved regional road from Vila do Porto (Almagreira parish) with coastal trail links (PR01 SMA)
•Protected Status / Environment: Praia Formosa Protected Area for the Management of Habitats or Species (Azores Natural Park of Santa Maria)
•Notable Feature: Rare golden/light-colored sand beach in the Azores archipelago, host to the annual Maré de Agosto world music festival
Amenities & Facilities
Bathrooms
NoShowers
NoFree Parking
YesFood / Tavernas
YesGood for Kids
NoDog Friendly
YesLifeguard on Duty
NoSunbed & Umbrella Rentals
YesNatural Cliff/Pine Shade
NoWheelchair Accessible
NoSnorkeling & Watersports
YesNudist / FKK Friendly
NoGetting There & Local Notes
Getting there:
Located near Santa Maria, Azores. Accessible via regional coastal roads (36.951°N, -25.098°E).
•Good, gently shelving summer swimming; winter storms strip the sand back to cobbles.
•A vineyard-terraced bay on the south coast of the Azores' sunniest island, stage of the Maré de Agosto festival each August.
Nearest Airport & Transit Gateway
INTL · 40m driveConvenient highway or local transit access across Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal.
Are you a Venue Owner or Promoter at Praia Formosa?
Promote your beach club, summer residency, or submit photo & data updates to Shores.
Frequently Asked Questions about Praia Formosa
What is the water temperature at Praia Formosa?
The peak summer sea surface temperature at Praia Formosa averages 23.6°C (74°F), based on 30-year NOAA satellite climatology.
What type of coast or sand is Praia Formosa?
Praia Formosa is classified as a volcanic black sand shoreline located in Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal.
Is Praia Formosa good for families with kids?
Praia Formosa has steeper entry or natural coastal features better suited for confident swimmers.
Are there parking and facilities at Praia Formosa?
Free parking is available. No public restrooms directly on-site.
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