The Azores aren't just beach resorts. The weather is too changeable for that. Anyone visiting the archipelago who still wants to swim in the Atlantic needs to be prepared to compromise. Besides magnificent beaches for sunbathing, there are rugged coastal landscapes that are perfect for snorkeling and diving, and lakes, some of which are transformed into open-air thermal baths by hot springs.
Overall, the water around the Azores is very clean. The Gulf Stream ensures unusually warm water, reaching up to 24 degrees Celsius at the end of August. In spring, the Atlantic is at its coldest, at 16 degrees Celsius. This also leads to a rich fish fauna. The islands are known for their abundance of fish, which can also be seen near the coast. Flores With a bit of luck, you can spot rays, squid, moray eels, and even parrotfish. It's worth packing your snorkeling gear. Divers will find plenty to enjoy around all the islands.
You should not be so picky about the beach, as sandy beaches are rare and usually small. Light sandy beaches are also only found on Santa Maria, On Sao Miguel and Faial The beach areas are filled with black sand. Terceira The sandy beaches are concentrated on Angra do Heriosmo and Praia. Pico there is only a tiny sandy beach and also on Graciosa Only one bay is sandy. Many winter storms rob the sandy beaches of their splendor, so it's not surprising that the rocky bays aren't covered with sand again until late spring; sometimes it takes years for the sand to return.
Rocky beaches and large pebbles are common. However, there are also sheltered swimming areas by the sea and numerous natural pools, some with sharp lava rocks. Some of these have been specially created, and most have a small concrete platform for sunbathing. Even in the height of summer, the Atlantic Ocean never gets truly warm. Most beaches offer Sao Miguel and Santa MariaThe official bathing season lasts from June 1st to the end of September. During this time, the popular beaches are cleaned and maintained. Some bathing areas are supervised and awarded the Blue Flag. This flag is only given for exceptional quality and safety, thus signifying a certain level of quality at the bathing area. Lifeguards are also present at these locations. The Blue Flags are awarded anew each year (www.blueflag.org). Where no Blue Flag flies, but the bathing area is still supervised, colored bathing flags are displayed (green = okay, yellow = unsafe, red = prohibited). Anyone who simply jumps into the Atlantic should at least be careful, as there are areas with strong currents around all the islands. Inexperienced swimmers should therefore exercise caution and instead seek out a natural swimming pool, which is also popular with locals. Every year, there are several drownings in the sea.
On Sao Miguel and Graciosa There are also thermal baths and hot springs in the sea. The use of volcanic thermal springs is increasing. They are a genuine and pleasant alternative. São Miguel Are there thermal baths in Furnas and Caldeira Velha as well as a thermal bath at Ponta da Ferraria. On Graciosa The thermal baths are located in Carapace.
