Praia dos Moinhos
A dramatic beach with powerful waves, stunning cliffs, and unique local charm, perfect for surfers and nature lovers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Waves are often best
Praia dos Moinhos
Best Time
Waves are often best
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dramatic beach with powerful waves, stunning cliffs, and unique local charm, perfect for surfers and nature lovers.
"Fantastic beach with immense waves and enormous cliffs surrounding. Chickens comb the beach and flowers cascade all along the draw."
🌊 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Powerful Waves
Experience exhilarating, large waves perfect for surfing and bodyboarding. A true spectacle of nature's force.
Scenic Cliffs and Flora
Marvel at the dramatic cliffs embracing the beach, adorned with vibrant wildflowers and cascading greenery.

Beach Bar Vibe
Enjoy refreshing drinks with a soft DJ soundtrack in a relaxed beach bar setting, a perfect end to a beach day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Waves
Local Charm & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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
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
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Praia dos Moinhos is accessible by car, with parking available nearby. The drive itself offers scenic views of wildflowers.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
The beach is accessible at all times. However, the beach bar typically operates until 7 PM. Lifeguards are present during daylight hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Yes, Praia dos Moinhos offers good toilet facilities and a lifeguard point, ensuring a comfortable and safe visit.
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.
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.
Information regarding pet policies is not readily available, but it's generally advisable to check local regulations or observe if other visitors have pets.
Yes, surprisingly, there is free Wi-Fi available at Praia dos Moinhos, which is a convenient amenity for visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
🌊 Surfers and Wave Enthusiasts
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.
👨👩👧 Families Seeking Relaxation
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Surfing and Water Safety
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.
The Unique Charm of Praia dos Moinhos
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit