Praia do Fogo

Most people call it Praia da Ribeira Quente, even though it’s also known as Praia do Fogo. Either way, this is one of my go-to beaches when I want calm water and an easy day.

The coolest thing here is something you don’t see everywhere. There are small geothermal hot spots under the sand, so in certain areas of the sea you can feel slightly warmer water, especially around your feet. It’s not a hot spring or a hot bath, it’s still the ocean, but that contrast between warm and cold water is very Azores and very cool.

The beach itself is usually calm, with very relaxed water conditions. It’s a classic family beach. Kids playing football, people staying in the water for a long time, and a generally chill atmosphere. There’s a beach bar and restaurant, and the parking lot is big enough that even in summer you can usually find a spot without stress.

The only real downside, and I’m nitpicking here, is the sun. Because the beach sits in a valley, parts of it start getting shade around 4–5pm as the sun drops behind the hill. This isn’t a sunset-until-8pm kind of beach. Apart from that, it’s a really solid choice.

Rui's Visit Log