Azores, Portugal

Praia das Milicias

Praia das Milicias is a picturesque beach situated in the district of Açores, Portugal, approximately 4km from the city of Ponta Delgada. This beach, also known as Praia Grande, is the main beach on the Island of São Miguel. It is located within the Parish of Rosto de Cão (São Roque).

The beach is renowned for its dark volcanic sand, which is soft and well-maintained. It's known for its clear water and great waves, making it a preferred spot for water sports enthusiasts. Activities such as bodyboarding, windsurfing, diving, and surfing are popular here. The beach also features a playground, a volleyball court, a football field, and a skating track, catering to visitors of all ages.

Praia das Milicias offers a good range of amenities for its visitors. These include public bathrooms, outdoor showers, and feet washing stations. Waste receptacles are also provided on the beach to maintain cleanliness. Despite the occasional presence of Portuguese man o'wars, the beach is generally safe due to the presence of lifeguards. The beach also has a restaurant and a bar, providing options for refreshments.

Explore accommodation options near Praia das Milicias and enjoy the thrill of its great waves and clear waters.

Parking is available near the beach, including spaces for bicycles and public vehicles. Even though Praia das Milicias is a popular destination, it is not overly crowded, offering ample space on the sand and in the ocean for visitors to enjoy. Visitors can plan their route to the beach based on their transport type and point of departure.

What to do at Praia das Milicias?

Amenities

Praia das Milicias amenities include parking, toilet and shower.

Bars

You can enjoy a refreshing drink at one of the bars situated on the beach.

Restaurants

Best restaurants near Praia das Milicias include Sunset Beach - Restaurante & Bar, Beach Bar & Grill, Rodinhas Balaia Snack Bar and Forte Terrace - Food & Drinks.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the beauty of the beach, with its great waves for surfing, black and soft sand, and cleanliness. They also appreciate the availability of facilities such as playgrounds, volleyball nets, lifeguards, showers, and parking. However, some visitors complain about the presence of garbage on the beach.

Where to Stay near Praia das Milicias?

If you’re planning a trip to Praia das Milicias, consider staying in Ponta Delgada, which is just a short drive from the beach and offers a variety of accommodation options. Most visitors enjoy combining their beach day with exploring the vibrant city life, historical sites, and beautiful landscapes of São Miguel Island.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Praia das Milicias?

Latitude: 37.750964 / Longitude: -25.623417

Praia das Milicias is located in Azores. The following map of Praia das Milicias shows the exact location.


Nearby destinations:

Praia das Milicias: Weather Today

📅 Thursday, July 23, 2026
Today offers a rather mixed experience for a beach outing at Praia das Milicias, making it an average day at best. Expect light drizzle throughout the day, which may keep the sand feeling a bit damp rather than warm. The skies remain partly cloudy, and with a high UV Index of 8.15, you should definitely apply sunscreen if you head out. Winds are noticeable, creating somewhat choppy water conditions with light waves rolling in. At 23.2 °C for the air and 21.9 °C for the sea, the water is just warm enough for a quick, refreshing dip if you do not mind the occasional sprinkle. It is a day better suited for a brisk walk along the shore than a long afternoon of sunbathing.
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Air

Low / High17.6°C/23.2°C
Feels Like (High)23.9°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature21.9 °C
Wave Height0.6 m
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Rain

Rain Chance31%
Rainfall0.4 mm
Rain Duration3 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:38/20:59
Sunshine Hours13.9 hrs
UV Index8.15
Cloud Cover48%
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Wind

Speed16 km/h
Gusts37.4 km/h
DirectionN

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