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Praia Formosa — Portugal
Exotic sands

Praia Formosa

Santa Maria, Azores · 🇵🇹 Portugal

Local gemEurope

The Azores' one true golden beach, tucked under vine terraces on sunny Santa Maria.

The sea at Praia Formosa (Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal) is typically around 24°C in the warm season; the best months to visit are Jun-Sep.

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Sea temperature
~24°C in the warm season
Water
Clear mid-Atlantic blue, mellow through summer
Sand
Genuine pale-gold sand; a rarity in the basalt-black Azores
Swimming
Good, gently shelving summer swimming; winter storms strip the sand back to cobbles
Surf
Small summer peelers, proper winter swell
Best time to visit
Jun-Sep
Setting
A vineyard-terraced bay on the south coast of the Azores' sunniest island, stage of the Maré de Agosto festival each August
Beach type
Exotic sands
Region
Europe

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Praia Formosa: frequently asked questions

Where is Praia Formosa?

Praia Formosa is at Santa Maria, on the coast of Portugal.

What is the sea temperature at Praia Formosa?

In the warm season the sea at Praia Formosa reaches about 24°C. Clear mid-Atlantic blue, mellow through summer.

When is the best time to visit Praia Formosa?

The best time to visit Praia Formosa is Jun-Sep. Europe's beach season peaks in July and August, with June and September quieter and cheaper.

What kind of sand does Praia Formosa have?

Praia Formosa has genuine pale-gold sand; a rarity in the basalt-black Azores.

Is Praia Formosa good for swimming?

Good, gently shelving summer swimming; winter storms strip the sand back to cobbles.

Can you surf at Praia Formosa?

Small summer peelers, proper winter swell.

Photo: Carlos Luis M C da Cruz (Public domain) · source