Poças da Ribeira Grande
Azores, Portugal: Excellent water quality
Poças da Ribeira Grande is a Blue Flag beach in Azores, Portugal. The Blue Flag operator is Ribeira Grande. July water temperature is 22.1°C. Nearest airport: João Paulo II Airport (PDL), 18 km. Recorded facilities: toilets and parking nearby. The European Environment Agency class for…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Poças da Ribeira Grande
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Poças da Ribeira Grande?
Poças da Ribeira Grande is a Blue Flag beach in Azores, Portugal. The Blue Flag operator is Ribeira Grande. July water temperature is 22.1°C.
Nearest airport: João Paulo II Airport (PDL), 18 km. Recorded facilities: toilets and parking nearby. The European Environment Agency class for 2025 is Excellent.
Earlier seasons: 2024 Excellent, 2023 Excellent, 2022 Excellent. OpenStreetMap lists Azores Spot (222 m), Ribeiramar (230 m), and Alabote (242 m) within 500 m.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in Azores, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Portugal certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Poças da Ribeira Grande faces south toward Atlantic Ocean. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in May, June, September. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 16°C | 17°C | Low |
| Feb | 15°C | 16°C | Low |
| Mar | 15°C | 16°C | Low |
| Apr | 16°C | 17°C | Low |
| May | 17°C | 18°C | Med |
| Jun | 19°C | 20°C | Med |
| Jul | 21°C | 22°C | High |
| Aug | 23°C | 24°C | High |
| Sep | 22°C | 23°C | Med |
| Oct | 20°C | 22°C | Low |
| Nov | 18°C | 20°C | Low |
| Dec | 16°C | 18°C | Low |
When is the best time to visit Poças da Ribeira Grande?
The best time to visit Poças da Ribeira Grande is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 21.3°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 22.1°C in July.
How crowded does Poças da Ribeira Grande get?
Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Poças da Ribeira Grande sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Poças da Ribeira Grande open year-round?
The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Poças da Ribeira Grande
Is Poças da Ribeira Grande safe to swim?
Poças da Ribeira Grande is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. The latest official class is Excellent (2025).
Water quality
Excellent (2025)
Earlier seasons: 2024 Excellent, 2023 Excellent, 2022 Excellent.
Excellent is the top class under the EU Bathing Water Directive. Recent samples stayed inside the strictest limits for bacteria.
Source: European Environment Agency
What is the water temperature at Poças da Ribeira Grande?
Peak water temperature at Poças da Ribeira Grande reaches around 22.1°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 15.6°C.
What is the beach like at Poças da Ribeira Grande?
Poças da Ribeira Grande on the Azores coast of Portugal. Swimmers should exercise appropriate caution. Potable drinking water is available on-site.
Poças da Ribeira Grande sits on the Atlantic Ocean: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Transport
Getting to Poças da Ribeira Grande
How do I get to Poças da Ribeira Grande by car?
Poças da Ribeira Grande is located in Azores, 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 Poças da Ribeira Grande?
The nearest airport is João Paulo II Airport (PDL), approximately 18.0 km away.
Can I get to Poças da Ribeira Grande by public transport?
Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Azores. The nearest recorded bus stop is 444 m from the beach.
Nearby
Near Poças da Ribeira Grande
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Poças da Ribeira Grande. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Toilets near Poças da Ribeira Grande
- Public toilets Public toilets 474 m
- Public toilets Public toilets 495 m
Bus near Poças da Ribeira Grande
- Bus stop Bus stop 444 m
- Estação da Ribeira Grande Bus station 465 m
Cafés near Poças da Ribeira Grande
- Azores Spot Restaurant 222 m
- Ribeiramar Restaurant 230 m
- Alabote Restaurant 242 m
- O Esgalha Restaurant 312 m
- o Correira Restaurant 407 m
Parking near Poças da Ribeira Grande
- Parking Parking 261 m
- Parking Parking 269 m
- Parking Parking 281 m
- Parking Parking 293 m
- Parking Parking 294 m
Supermarket near Poças da Ribeira Grande
- Frutaria Tutti Frittiert Supermarket 469 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
On the beach
Facilities at Poças da Ribeira Grande
- Toilets
- Yes
- Showers
- No
- Parking
- Available nearby (surface parking). 251 m away
These details can change. Check on arrival.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Official Season | June – December |
|---|---|
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Nearest supermarket | 570 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 444 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 37.8264°N, 25.5242°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (2025) (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Poças da Ribeira Grande FAQ
Is Poças da Ribeira Grande suitable for children?
Poças da Ribeira Grande has a child-friendly score of 3/10. It is Blue Flag certified in Portugal. Families should still check what is open on the day.
Is Poças da Ribeira Grande free to access?
An entry fee is not listed for Poças da Ribeira Grande. Check with the beach operator before you travel. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Azores, Portugal, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Poças da Ribeira Grande?
The best time to visit Poças da Ribeira Grande is May, 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 22.1°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Poças da Ribeira Grande?
Poças da Ribeira Grande is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. The latest official class is Excellent (2025).
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 Poças da Ribeira Grande?
Poças da Ribeira Grande is located in Azores, Portugal. The nearest airport is João Paulo II Airport (PDL), 18.0 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 toilets near Poças da Ribeira Grande?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps 2 toilet locations near Poças da Ribeira Grande, including 474 m away and 495 m away.
Distances are walking-line estimates within about 500 m of the beach pin. Confirm opening hours on site; some facilities are seasonal. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a bus near Poças da Ribeira Grande?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 444 m from Poças da Ribeira Grande (Bus stop), plus 1 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Poças da Ribeira Grande?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 5 cafés or restaurants near Poças da Ribeira Grande, including Azores Spot (222 m), Ribeiramar (230 m), Alabote (242 m), and O Esgalha (312 m).
Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Poças da Ribeira Grande?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 261 m from Poças da Ribeira Grande, with 5 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a supermarket near Poças da Ribeira Grande?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a supermarket 469 m from Poças da Ribeira Grande (Frutaria Tutti Frittiert). Walking-line distance; confirm opening hours locally. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
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 Poças da Ribeira Grande
- ABAE (Associação Bandeira Azul da Europa)
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.