Praia Formosa, Santa Maria
4.3 / 5 Golden sand beach on Santa Maria in the Azores in Santa Maria, Azores · Hidden gem
Photo: Ruben JC Furtado, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Praia Formosa is the main sandy beach on Santa Maria, the only Azores island with real golden sand. It is a wide beach with clear water, backed by a lawn and bar, and hosts a well-known music festival in August. The water stays cooler than the mainland.
Practical info for Praia Formosa, Santa Maria
| Access | Short walk from the car park |
|---|---|
| Car parking | Free parking near the beach |
| Sunbeds & umbrellas | Limited rentals in season |
| Food & drink | Beach bar in season |
| Good to know | Visit in July or August when the water is warmest and the beach bar is open. |
Last verified: October 2026. Compiled from official tourism pages, visitor guides and recent reports. Prices, fees and rules change by season, so confirm locally before you go.
Planning your visit to Praia Formosa, Santa Maria
Sand beaches are usually gentle underfoot and easy for swimmers and children, though they can be exposed to wind and waves, so check conditions on the day. Bring a hat and extra water, as shade can be scarce away from facilities.
Access is rated easy, so most visitors can reach the beach without a long walk or special equipment.
The usual season runs July–September. Visiting near the start or end of that window usually means fewer people, but the sea is cooler and some facilities may not be open yet or may have closed for the year. We flag this beach as a hidden gem, so it is quieter than the headline beaches nearby, but it is no secret: arrive early in peak summer.
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Featured in: Hidden Gem Beaches in Portugal · Beach finder
View Praia Formosa, Santa Maria on the map · Compare with all beaches
Best months to visit Praia Formosa, Santa Maria
The swimming season here runs from July to September. August is the warmest and busiest, with the sea around 22 °C, so arrive early for parking and a good spot. July and September are quieter and cooler: good for walking and photos, though some beach bars and lifeguard posts may not be open yet or may already have closed for the year.
Who Praia Formosa, Santa Maria suits
Sand makes it comfortable for sunbathing, building sandcastles and long walks along the water line. Easy access makes it practical for families, older visitors and anyone with a pushchair. It is flagged as a hidden gem, so it suits travellers who prefer quieter places over the headline beaches. Food and drink close by make it easy to stay for the whole day.
Getting there and nearby
Free parking near the beach. The beach sits at about 36.954, -25.104 on the map, so use the map link above for directions. If you are planning a day around it, the closest other beaches on our list are Praia de Santa Barbara (104 km), Praia de Porto Pim, Horta (356 km), Praia do Seixal (862 km).
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Praia Formosa, Santa Maria?
Praia Formosa, Santa Maria is best visited July to September. The sea is typically around 22 °C in season. Visit in July or August when the water is warmest and the beach bar is open.
How do I get to Praia Formosa, Santa Maria?
Access is rated easy. Free parking near the beach.
What facilities does Praia Formosa, Santa Maria have?
Bar, toilets, showers and lifeguard in season.
Where is Praia Formosa, Santa Maria?
Praia Formosa, Santa Maria is in Santa Maria, Azores (approx. coordinates 36.9539, -25.1035).
Is Praia Formosa, Santa Maria good for children?
Access is rated easy and the beach is sandy, which usually suits families. Check water and weather conditions on the day and keep children in sight near the water.
What should I bring to Praia Formosa, Santa Maria?
Facilities: Bar, toilets, showers and lifeguard in season. A hat and sun protection are useful. Bring water and snacks if there is no kiosk or restaurant.
Is there parking at Praia Formosa, Santa Maria?
Free parking near the beach. Fees and rules change, so confirm locally.
Are there sunbeds at Praia Formosa, Santa Maria?
Limited rentals in season. Prices are approximate and change by season.
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Beaches near Praia Formosa, Santa Maria
Praia de Santa Barbara
Ribeira Grande, Azores · 4.4 / 5 · 104 km away
Praia de Porto Pim, Horta
Horta, Faial, Azores · 4.2 / 5 · 356 km away
Praia do Seixal
Seixal, Madeira · 4.4 / 5 · 862 km away
Porto Santo Beach
Porto Santo, Madeira · 4.6 / 5 · 910 km away
Praia da Ursa
Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Portugal · 4.7 / 5 · 1385 km away
Praia da Adraga
Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Portugal · 4.5 / 5 · 1386 km awayBrowse all beaches in Portugal or compare every beach.
Scores are editorial ratings from the EuroShores team. Last updated 2026-10-25.