Praia de Santa Barbara

Praia de Santa Barbara is a picturesque non-urban beach located in the heart of the Ribeira Grande municipality on the northern shore of Sao Miguel. The beach is renowned for its unique fine black sand that becomes particularly noticeable when wet and the extensive shoreline. The beach landscape is further enhanced by the presence of cliffs stretching to Morro de Santana and rocky basaltic formations dotting the coastline. The beach is a favorite among surfers due to its strong and intense waves. However, these conditions can make the beach less suitable for swimming. Visitors are advised to exercise caution due to the powerful waves. Despite this, Praia de Santa Barbara remains a popular destination and can be significantly more crowded than other beaches in the area. Praia de Santa Barbara is equipped with a range of amenities to enhance the visitor experience. These include toilets, showers, changing rooms, and a snack bar, all of which contribute to the beach's high environmental and safety standards, as indicated by its Blue Flag designation. The beach also boasts accessibility features for people with reduced mobility. Parking at Praia de Santa Barbara is plentiful, with numerous spaces available for visitors. One of the entrances to the beach is conveniently located through the parking lot of a nearby resort, making it easily accessible. The cleanliness of the beach, often praised by visitors, and the availability of a restaurant and an ice cream stand on-site, offering stunning sunset views, further contribute to the beach's appeal.