萝莉射区

Visitors to the Azores 鈥� the gorgeous volcanic islands in the Atlantic, 870 miles (1400km) from mainland Portugal 鈥� can savor beaches of all types.

On some islands, you鈥檒l find ocean pools the ocean waves have naturally carved into the coastal tuff, or perhaps soft black-sand beaches. Sometimes locals鈥� favorite swimming spots have a mix of both.

For travelers used to scorching weather, the often-blusterly Azores might feel a bit cold for swimming 鈥� but the climate just takes some getting used to. Beach-going weather in the summer can last a whole month, but you can expect that to be interspersed with showers that turn up humidity levels up to 90%.

The one thing that can dampen your beach plans for the day? Finding a large patch of jellyfish in the ocean or washing over the sand: Portuguese man o鈥� wars are particularly dangerous and are being spotted more frequently every year.

Yet even with that potential hazard, you鈥檙e almost guaranteed to enjoy these top beaches in the Azores.

1. Praia dos Mosteiros, S茫o Miguel

Most popular beach

On S茫o Miguel鈥檚 west coast, about 16陆 miles (30km) from Ponta Delgada, Praia dos Mosteiros gets busy on the weekends during peak season. On-site facilities, a bus stop within walking distance and free parking only steps from the stretch of sand make it the perfect spot for a full day on the sand and in the sun.

Local tip: Experienced surfers (waves break into the rocks here) will find this one of the best spots on the island to catch some waves.

2. Faj茫 Grande, Flores

Best beach for sunsets

On the west coast of Flores, Faj茫 Grande is a favorite destination for locals in the summer, with many having a second home there to spend on weekends. The beach is a small patch of black sand wedged between the old port and the cliffs, close to restaurants, cafes, picnic areas and a free parking lot. For younger kids who haven鈥檛 yet learned how to swim yet, a shallow pool near the beach restaurant is ideal for splashing around.

Local tip: Many locals spend the entire day here, staying to enjoy the sunset from Europe鈥檚 westernmost point.

3. Praia Grande, Terceira

Best city beach

One of the largest beaches in the Azores and one of the most popular swimming spots on Terceira, Praia Grande lies right below Praia da Vit贸ria鈥檚 seaside avenue in the historic center. When the weather isn't favorable for lounging on the beach, plenty of people set out exercising and on oceanside walks instead.

With fewer currents and warmer waters than elsewhere on the island, expect this city beach to be more crowded in the summer.

Planning tip: If you have a stopover of at least four hours in Terceira, grab a cab and head to Praia Grande for a quick dip  or a stroll past the street art murals 鈥� then return to the airport in time for your flight. The city of Praia da Vit贸ria is just 3 miles (5km) from Terceira airport.

4. Po莽a Sim茫o Dias, S茫o Jorge

Best 鈥渂each鈥� for fabulous views

The most popular natural swimming pool on S茫o Jorge, Po莽a Sim茫o Dias is accessed via a short but rugged rock path. Most come to photograph the clear turquoise waters that contrast with the black basalt coast and the vegetation-covered hills; if this is your plan, come in the morning, before the crowds in search of swimming and sun-seeking arrive.

The pointy rocks around the pool have very few spots suitable for laying down a towel, which makes Po莽a Sim茫o Dias a better spot for quick dips and snorkeling.

Planning tip: Afternoons, when the sun starts peeking out from behind the cliff and warming up the water, are best for swimming.

5. Praia de Porto Pim, Faial

Best beach for families

Protected by the Monte da Guia hill and an old defense wall, and a short drive from the center of Horta, Praia de Porto Pim is a favorite of families on Faial. Its calm waters and proximity to cafes and restaurants make it a popular spot even outside the beach season.

Local tip: In 2019, Hurricane Lorenzo heavily damaged this small stretch of sand 鈥� yet the beach has been slowly returning to its former .

6. Praia da Areia, Corvo

Best beach for swimming

Corvo, the smallest island in the archipelago, has only one sand beach, aptly named Praia da Areia (Sand Beach). Compared to those on other islands, this stretch of coarse black rock slopes gently into the ocean, so you can ease into the water without feeling that sudden loss of ground beneath your feet. And the water here is warmer than elsewhere in the archipelago.

Like everything else on Corvo, the beach is within walking distance from the town center (roughly 2300ft/700m) and right at the end of the airport鈥檚 runway. (With only one or two daily flights, the noise of planes will hardly ruin the beach-going experience.)

7. Carapacho, Graciosa

Best beach for wellness

Protected from the ocean by a nature-made low wall of rocks, the calm turquoise waters of the natural pools at Carapacho on Graciosa stay at a pleasant temperature practically all year long. (Unless, that is, if the currents are too strong for a safe swim.)

While this village in the southeast is more popular during the thermal season, typically from May to September, visitors head to , just steps away, all year long. It is believed that the water in both the natural pools and the thermal baths has healing properties.

A native of the Azores, Sandra Henriques is the author of the Lonely Planet鈥檚 new .