Praia dos Moinhos

Praia dos Moinhos is located in the parish of Porto Formoso, in the municipality of Ribeira Grande, on the island of São Miguel. It is an open-sea bathing area, with a sandy bottom and fine sand, framed by cliffs and basalt rock formations. Official sources indicate the presence of lifeguard supervision, sanitary facilities, changing rooms, outdoor showers, cleaning and waste collection, a restaurant/bar, and paved, marked parking. The Porto Formoso parish council refers to major works carried out in 2009 by the Ribeira Grande municipal council, with the creation of changing rooms and support areas, including a space dedicated to the Instituto de Socorros a Náufragos. Coastal planning documentation identifies the beach as an Accessible Beach with an amphibious chair and Blue Flag; in 2026, the municipal council announced the raising of the Blue Flag at Praia dos Moinhos.