Praia do Porto Pim
A protected sandy cove near Horta, Faial, offering beautiful views, volcanic black sand, and nearby amenities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for swimming
Praia do Porto Pim
Best Time
Best for swimming
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A protected sandy cove near Horta, Faial, offering beautiful views, volcanic black sand, and nearby amenities.
"Nice little beach with volcanic black sand. Reachable within 5min from Horta port."
Check the Wind & Tides
Wind can bring jellyfish & debris. Check conditions before swimming! :ocean:
Walk from Horta Port
Super easy 5-min walk from Horta port to the beach. :walking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Porto Pim Bay
Horta, Faial Island
A picturesque, protected sandy cove perfect for swimming and enjoying ocean views.
São Sebastião Fort Views
Adjacent to the beach
Historic fort offering stunning panoramic views of the bay and surrounding coastline.
Volcanic Black Sand
The beach itself
Unique dark sand characteristic of volcanic islands, offering a distinct beach experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Porto Pim
Understanding Beach Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Faial 1 day trip
Check the Wind & Tides
Wind can bring jellyfish & debris. Check conditions before swimming! :ocean:
Walk from Horta Port
Super easy 5-min walk from Horta port to the beach. :walking:
Consider Stone Beach
If Porto Pim is too windy, Stone Beach is great for swimming. :wave:
Enjoy the Views
The landscape is very nice, especially from São Sebastião Fort. :camera:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check the Wind & Tides
Wind can bring jellyfish & debris. Check conditions before swimming! :ocean:
Walk from Horta Port
Super easy 5-min walk from Horta port to the beach. :walking:
Consider Stone Beach
If Porto Pim is too windy, Stone Beach is great for swimming. :wave:
Enjoy the Views
The landscape is very nice, especially from São Sebastião Fort. :camera:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Praia do Porto Pim is lauded for its beautiful landscape and convenient location near Horta, offering a pleasant spot for relaxation and water activities. While the shallow, protected cove is appealing, some visitors note occasional issues with algae and jellyfish due to wind, impacting swimming conditions. Despite this, its volcanic sand and nearby amenities make it a worthwhile visit.
"I visited this beach twice because it was an easy walk from my hotel in Horta. The landscape is very nice. Afternoon time is relaxing with some bars and restaurants around. The water is shallow and looks polluted from algae. I give it five stars for the lanscape and three for the swimming conditions, so a final compromise of four! You can also swim near the gate of the agjacent sea wall."
ANASTASIOS TSAGKLAS
"A nice beach but many Man-o-war and Jellyfish due to the strong wind. Go to Stone Beach for perfect swimming if this beach is too windy."
Chris G
"Ufff, nice beach... although a bit crowded, but a nice space for ball games, for enjoying the sea (ocean) and for all water activities..."
Borut B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Praia do Porto Pim is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Horta port. It's an easy stroll along the coast, making it very accessible for day-trippers and those staying in Horta.
While it's a short walk from Horta, parking directly at the beach can be limited, especially during peak times. It's often easier to walk from the town or consider public transport if available.
Information on specific bus routes to Porto Pim can be limited. However, its proximity to Horta means most visitors opt to walk or take a short taxi ride.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Praia do Porto Pim is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy the sand, sea, and views freely.
As a natural beach, Praia do Porto Pim is accessible at all hours. However, amenities like changing rooms and showers may have specific operating times, usually during daylight hours.
No booking is required to visit Praia do Porto Pim. It's a public space, so you can visit spontaneously.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The beach offers changing rooms and showers for visitors. There are also bars and restaurants nearby, making it a comfortable spot for an afternoon.
The water is shallow and the cove is protected, which is generally good for swimming. However, some visitors have noted issues with algae and jellyfish, especially when it's windy.
Besides swimming, it's a nice space for ball games, enjoying the ocean, and water activities. The views from São Sebastião Fort are also a major draw.
It can get a bit crowded, especially during peak times, but it's generally a pleasant atmosphere for enjoying the sea and beach activities.
Praia do Porto Pim features volcanic black sand, typical of the Azores.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are bars and restaurants located around the beach area, offering a convenient place to eat and drink after a swim or while enjoying the views.
You can expect typical coastal fare, likely including fresh seafood and local Azorean dishes, at the establishments surrounding the beach.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the sandy cove, the historic São Sebastião Fort, and the volcanic black sand. The views from the fort are particularly stunning.
Early mornings often offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for photography. Late afternoons can also provide beautiful golden hour light.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With changing rooms and showers available, it's convenient for a family outing. The nearby bars and restaurants also offer easy access to snacks and meals. The short walk from Horta makes it an accessible destination for families who don't have a car.
🚶 Day-Trippers from Horta
Spend a relaxing hour or two enjoying the views, taking a dip if conditions are favorable, or exploring the historic São Sebastião Fort. It’s a perfect spot to break up your exploration of Horta and enjoy a bit of coastal scenery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Beach Conditions
While the landscape is consistently praised for its beauty, the water quality can vary. Some visitors have noted the presence of algae, leading to a less-than-ideal swimming condition on occasion.
Despite these potential issues, the beach remains a popular spot due to its accessibility and the pleasant atmosphere, especially in the afternoons when nearby bars and restaurants are open.
Exploring the Surroundings
Its proximity to Horta is a major advantage. Being just a short, easy walk from the main port means you can easily incorporate a visit to Porto Pim into a day trip or a relaxed afternoon without needing a car.
The beach itself is characterized by its unique volcanic black sand, a common feature of the Azores islands. This distinct sand adds to the visual appeal of the cove and provides a different texture underfoot compared to typical golden beaches.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit