Formosa (Açores)
Portugal: Excellent water quality
Praia Formosa sits on the south coast of Santa Maria Island in Almagreira parish. High green hills ring the area, and the shoreline consists of three white sand beaches with clear waters suitable for water sports. The central beach has the official swimming zone and…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Formosa (Açores)
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Formosa (Açores)?
Praia Formosa sits on the south coast of Santa Maria Island in Almagreira parish. High green hills ring the area, and the shoreline consists of three white sand beaches with clear waters suitable for water sports.
The central beach has the official swimming zone and support facilities. The natural light here is particularly pleasant, and sunsets are smooth and gentle.
It is part of a wider group of Blue Flag certified beaches across Portugal that meet FEE's annual standards for water quality, safety, and environmental management.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Formosa (Açores) faces south toward Atlantic Ocean. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in June, September. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 18°C | Low |
| Feb | 17°C | Low |
| Mar | 17°C | Low |
| Apr | 17°C | Low |
| May | 18°C | Low |
| Jun | 20°C | Med |
| Jul | 23°C | High |
| Aug | 24°C | High |
| Sep | 24°C | Med |
| Oct | 22°C | Low |
| Nov | 20°C | Low |
| Dec | 19°C | Low |
When is the best time to visit Formosa (Açores)?
The best time to visit Formosa (Açores) is June, September. Peak water temperature reaches 22.5°C in July.
How crowded does Formosa (Açores) get?
Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Formosa (Açores) sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Formosa (Açores) open year-round?
The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (12-06 – 13-09). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Formosa (Açores)
Is Formosa (Açores) safe to swim?
Formosa (Açores) is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent.
What is the water temperature at Formosa (Açores)?
Peak water temperature at Formosa (Açores) reaches around 22.5°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months.
What is the beach like at Formosa (Açores)?
Formosa (Açores) is a sandy beach of Portugal. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Formosa (Açores) sits on the Atlantic Ocean: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Transport
Getting to Formosa (Açores)
How do I get to Formosa (Açores) by car?
Formosa (Açores) is located in Portugal. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Formosa (Açores)?
The nearest airport is Santa Maria Airport (SMA), approximately 6.8 km away.
Can I get to Formosa (Açores) by public transport?
Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Portugal.
Nearby
Near Formosa (Açores)
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Formosa (Açores). Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Cafés near Formosa (Açores)
- O Paquete Café 82 m
- Restaurante Praia Formosa Restaurant 273 m
Parking near Formosa (Açores)
- Parking Parking 46 m
- Parking Parking 148 m
- Parking Parking 342 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
On the beach
Facilities at Formosa (Açores)
- Lifeguards
- Yes, during the certified season
- Wheelchair access
- No dedicated disabled access listed
- Visual assistance
- No
- Parking
- 31 m away, no parking fee
- Surface
- White sand
- Entry
- Free to enter
These details can change. Check on arrival.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Official Season | 12 Jun – 13 Sep |
|---|---|
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 36.9510°N, 25.0979°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Formosa (Açores) FAQ
Is Formosa (Açores) suitable for children?
Formosa (Açores) has a child-friendly score of 4/10. It is Blue Flag certified in Portugal. Families should still check what is open on the day.
Is Formosa (Açores) free to access?
Access to Formosa (Açores) is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Portugal, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Formosa (Açores)?
The best time to visit Formosa (Açores) is June, September. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best.
Peak water temperature reaches around 22.5°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Formosa (Açores)?
Formosa (Açores) is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent.
Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Formosa (Açores)?
Formosa (Açores) is located in Portugal. The nearest airport is Santa Maria Airport (SMA), 6.8 km away.
By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Are there cafés near Formosa (Açores)?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 2 cafés or restaurants near Formosa (Açores), including O Paquete (82 m) and Restaurante Praia Formosa (273 m).
Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Formosa (Açores)?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 46 m from Formosa (Açores), with 3 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
What the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Formosa (Açores)
- ABAE (Associação Bandeira Azul da Europa)
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.