Praia dos Moinhos - a sandy beach with waves coming in from the ocean
1 / 10

Praia dos Moinhos

4.7
·3k reviews·Porto Formoso, Portugal

A dramatic beach with powerful waves, stunning cliffs, and unique local charm, perfect for surfers and nature lovers.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Afternoon

Waves are often best

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Praia dos Moinhos - a sandy beach with waves coming in from the ocean

Praia dos Moinhos

Best Time

Afternoon

Waves are often best

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A dramatic beach with powerful waves, stunning cliffs, and unique local charm, perfect for surfers and nature lovers.

4.7
(3k reviews)

"Fantastic beach with immense waves and enormous cliffs surrounding. Chickens comb the beach and flowers cascade all along the draw."

Vertical photo
TIP

🌊 Respect the Waves

Waves can be strong; swim with caution and heed lifeguard advice. :athletic_shoe:

🍹 Enjoy the Beach Bar

The beach bar offers drinks and music until 7 PM. :beer:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Powerful Waves

The Powerful Waves

Experience exhilarating, large waves perfect for surfing and bodyboarding. A true spectacle of nature's force.

Scenic Cliffs and Flora

Scenic Cliffs and Flora

Marvel at the dramatic cliffs embracing the beach, adorned with vibrant wildflowers and cascading greenery.

Beach Bar Vibe

Beach Bar Vibe

Enjoy refreshing drinks with a soft DJ soundtrack in a relaxed beach bar setting, a perfect end to a beach day.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Waves

Praia dos Moinhos is known for its powerful waves, making it a surfer's paradise but potentially challenging for casual swimmers. Always be mindful of the currents and heed lifeguard warnings for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Local Charm & Amenities

This beach offers more than just sand and sea, with clean facilities, a beach bar, and even local wildlife like chickens adding to its unique charm. It's a great spot for a relaxed day out with convenient amenities.

Best Times

When
Afternoon
Why
Waves are often best
Crowd
Medium
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Beach bar is open
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

São Miguel/ Terceira best beaches?

🌊 Respect the Waves

Waves can be strong; swim with caution and heed lifeguard advice. :athletic_shoe:

🍹 Enjoy the Beach Bar

The beach bar offers drinks and music until 7 PM. :beer:

🐔 Local Wildlife Sightings

Keep an eye out for chickens roaming the beach for a unique touch. :chicken:

📶 Free Wi-Fi Available

Stay connected with free Wi-Fi on the beach. :iphone:

Tips

from all over the internet

🌊 Respect the Waves

Waves can be strong; swim with caution and heed lifeguard advice. :athletic_shoe:

🍹 Enjoy the Beach Bar

The beach bar offers drinks and music until 7 PM. :beer:

🐔 Local Wildlife Sightings

Keep an eye out for chickens roaming the beach for a unique touch. :chicken:

📶 Free Wi-Fi Available

Stay connected with free Wi-Fi on the beach. :iphone:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Praia dos Moinhos is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, featuring dramatic cliffs and vibrant wildflowers. Visitors love the powerful waves, making it a surfer's delight, and the unique charm of chickens roaming the beach. The beach bar adds to the relaxed atmosphere, though the strong currents require caution for swimmers.

"Probably one of the best beaches I have visited in Azores. They have good toilets and also good place where you can enjoy your stay in the beach. It also has a lifeguard point. The beach has big waves and most of the people are playing with them.
The best part of the beach is the beach bar. It closes a 7 pm but you will enjoy a soft DJ while you are having your drinks. Some animals surrounding the club which provides a full local experience"

Emilio Esteve

"Very nice vibe at the beach — relaxed and not too crowded, which I loved. There were lifeguards present, which made it feel safe, but I wouldn’t recommend going too far into the ocean. Overall, a great place to spend the day!"

Anxhi Xhuli

"Fantastic beach with immense waves and enormous cliffs surrounding. Chickens comb the beach and flowers cascade all along the draw. Driving out we were engulfed by wildflowers all along the road. Breathtaking views."

Joshua Harvey

What People Like

Powerful waves
Scenic cliffs
Beach bar vibe

What People Dislike

Strong currents

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Praia dos Moinhos is accessible by car, with parking available nearby. The drive itself offers scenic views of wildflowers. Reddit

Yes, it's a well-known beach on São Miguel island. Follow local signage or use GPS. The surrounding roads are often lined with wildflowers, making the journey picturesque. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Praia dos Moinhos is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy the sand, sea, and surrounding nature for free. Reddit

The beach is accessible at all times. However, the beach bar typically operates until 7 PM. Lifeguards are present during daylight hours. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Yes, Praia dos Moinhos offers good toilet facilities and a lifeguard point, ensuring a comfortable and safe visit. Reddit

While beautiful, the waves and currents can be strong. It's recommended for experienced swimmers or those who enjoy playing in the waves. Lifeguards are present for safety. Reddit

The beach is ideal for surfing, bodyboarding, and enjoying the powerful waves. It's also a great spot for relaxing, sunbathing, and enjoying the scenic surroundings. Reddit

Information regarding pet policies is not readily available, but it's generally advisable to check local regulations or observe if other visitors have pets. Reddit

Yes, surprisingly, there is free Wi-Fi available at Praia dos Moinhos, which is a convenient amenity for visitors. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The main dining option directly at the beach is the beach bar, which serves drinks and has a relaxed atmosphere. For more extensive dining, you may need to travel to nearby towns. Reddit

The beach bar primarily offers drinks and a relaxed vibe with DJ music. Specific food offerings are not detailed but expect typical beach bar fare. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the dramatic cliffs, the powerful waves, and the vibrant wildflowers that line the roads leading to the beach. The unique sight of chickens on the sand also makes for interesting shots. Reddit

Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for the cliffs and waves. Midday provides clear views of the beach and its activities. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

🌊 Surfers and Wave Enthusiasts

Praia dos Moinhos is a must-visit for anyone who loves the thrill of big waves. The consistent swell makes it ideal for surfing and bodyboarding. Experienced surfers will find challenging breaks here. Remember to check conditions and be aware of the strong currents. Reddit

Even if you're not surfing, watching the skilled riders tackle the waves from the beach bar is an enjoyable experience. The lively atmosphere and scenic views make it a great spot to spend an afternoon. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧 Families Seeking Relaxation

While the waves can be powerful, Praia dos Moinhos offers a relaxed vibe and good amenities for families. The presence of lifeguards provides an added layer of security. Families can enjoy sunbathing, building sandcastles in calmer areas, and observing the unique local wildlife like chickens. Reddit

The beach bar is a nice spot for a refreshing drink, and the free Wi-Fi is a bonus for keeping kids entertained. The scenic beauty of the cliffs and surrounding nature also offers a pleasant backdrop for a family day out. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Surfing and Water Safety

Praia dos Moinhos is renowned for its significant waves, making it a prime spot for surfers and bodyboarders. The consistent swell provides an exciting challenge for those comfortable in the water. However, this same power means the currents can be strong, and the ocean can be unpredictable. Visitors are strongly advised to pay close attention to lifeguard instructions and to assess their own swimming abilities before venturing too far into the water. The presence of two sets of lifeguards underscores the importance of safety at this beach. Reddit

For those new to surfing or less confident swimmers, it's wise to stick to the shallower areas or simply enjoy watching the skilled surfers ride the waves from the shore. The beach bar offers a great vantage point for this, often accompanied by a relaxed DJ set, providing a pleasant atmosphere even if you're not in the water. Reddit

The Unique Charm of Praia dos Moinhos

Beyond its impressive waves, Praia dos Moinhos offers a distinct local charm that sets it apart. Visitors often remark on the chickens that roam freely on the beach, adding an unexpected and delightful element to the experience. This natural interaction with local wildlife contributes to the beach's authentic feel. Reddit

The surrounding landscape is equally captivating, with enormous cliffs providing a dramatic backdrop. These cliffs are often adorned with cascading flowers and wildflowers, especially along the roads leading to the beach, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle. The combination of rugged natural beauty and these unique touches makes Praia dos Moinhos a memorable destination. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2