The best beaches for children in the Azores

Near Ribeira Grande, the beach of Areal de Santa Bárbara is distinguished by its size, being almost a kilometre long. A kind of 360º beach, it has support infrastructure – the parking is accessible and has a toilet, bar, and restaurant – and leisure facilities, also inviting to the practice of sports such as bodyboarding or surfing. It is, therefore, known as the “surfers' beach”. Closer to Ribeira Grande, the waves are calmer, therefore more recommendable for the little ones.

It is one of the highlights among the best beaches for children in the Azores, being also one of the most popular in São Miguel. Known as "Praia Grande", it is located about 20 metres from the public road and stands out for the dark colour of the sand, related to the volcanic origins of the island. It has changing rooms and a bar, including a wide pedestrian promenade along the beach, a solarium, and awnings. All infrastructures include accesses specifically designed for users with limited mobility.

This is a beach for the most adventurous, who want to add some adrenaline to the trip. The breath-taking views place the Pedreira beach at the top of the best beaches in the Azores, with the tranquillity and surrounding landscapes as a reference. Close to cliffs and inserted in Nature, it doesn't have as easy access as the previous ones or the same infrastructures. If you are in the Azores with children, keep this in mind if you choose this beach to enjoy your family holiday.

It was also named “Praia Grande” due to the extension of its sand, from Cabo da Praia to the Riviera Belvedere. With a central location and easy access, it is very popular in the summer months and a reference among the beaches for children in the Azores. It has several infrastructures, allowing all the amenities for a quiet day on the beach. Usually, due to its size, it is easy to find space to put down your towel or play with the kids. The waters are usually warm and calm.

If you want to combine the tastes of young and old, the Lagoa das Sete Cidades (Lagoon of the Seven Cities) is a place not to be missed and included in all itineraries in the region. In addition to being an area of undeniable beauty, it was classified as a Protected Landscape by the Natura 2000 Network and is closely associated with some of the most striking legends on the island of São Miguel. Despite being a single lagoon, it gained two names – Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde – for taking on two colours, blue and green, which come together and form one of the most iconic landscapes in the entire Archipelago.

Like Lagoa das Sete Cidades, the history of this lagoon is closely linked to the volcanic nature of the island, occupying two craters. Also located in Sete Cidades, in the Devassa mountain range, it is surrounded by shades of green, a landscape that is a truly film-worthy setting. It invites you to a visit on sunny days where, many say, you will experience the four seasons of the year in a span of a few hours, due to the unique characteristics of the island. Ideal for those who also enjoy walking through the surrounding forest. If the mist doesn't suit you, enjoy the view from the belvedere.

It is the second-largest lagoon on the island, after Lagoa das Sete Cidades, and has been classified as a Natural Reserve since 1974, also integrating the Natura 2000 Network. It stands out for its beauty and tranquillity, in the Água de Pau Mountain, combining its crystal-clear water with very green and dense surroundings. If you like to combine a few dives with more adventurous walks, take the opportunity to get to know the nearby trails, namely the “Lombadas Lagoa do Fogo” trail, where you can observe the fauna and flora up close.

Does swimming in a lagoon while cooking typical Azorean food seem inconceivable to you? When it comes to “postcard-worthy” characteristic of the Azores, it's impossible not to mention Furnas, where the surrounding restaurants bury their pots in the ground to make the very popular Cozido das Furnas. If there's a tourist spot you can't miss on your family holiday, it's a visit to this place, to share with kids and adults one of the most iconic experiences in the entire Archipelago – to delight the body, mind… and taste buds.

If the conversation is about natural resources, Caldeira Velha will feature prominently in the list. The incredibly beautiful space stands out for its rugged terrain and multiple attractions, such as a stream with small dams, hot springs that fall in cascades or fumaroles. Distinguished as a Regional Natural Monument, it promises to be an unparalleled experience of contact with the rich nature of the region. Visiting the Azores, with children or not, the truth is that the most adventurous cannot refuse this “call”.

We close the article with the Bathing Area of Poça das Mujas, a few metres from the leisure area of Morricão. Composed of a natural pool formed by volcanic rocks, it is one of the references when the theme is swimming with serenity in Pico Island. The space is considerably ample and there is a car park, making it easy to get around. The lower the tide, the more pleasant the experience to be able to enjoy the swimming pools in complete safety. Let yourself be won over by the wonders of Nature and take the opportunity to record these moments forever.