Where can I swim in a natural lagoon in the Azores?

The Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo, off São Miguel's south coast, has a circular lagoon inside a volcanic islet used for swimming and snorkeling. Boats run seasonally, only 400 visitors a day are allowed, and there are no facilities on the islet.

What is the best sandy beach on this list?

Praia do Porto Santo has nine kilometers of golden sand and calm, shallow water, and a creator says it is the main reason people visit the island. For black sand instead, Praia dos Mosteiros on São Miguel is the sunset pick. Praia de São Vicente on Madeira suits surfers.

Beaches and Lakes in Portugal From TikTok: Azores and Madeira

Not one of these places is on mainland Portugal. Every entry sits on an Atlantic island, with São Miguel in the Azores contributing four: the twin-colored crater lake of Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, the islet lagoon off Vila Franca do Campo and the black sand of Mosteiros. Flores, further west, adds a waterfall amphitheater at Ribeira do Ferreiro.

The Madeira archipelago supplies the rest: a waterfall that pours onto an old coastal road, a surf beach at São Vicente, and on Porto Santo a nine-kilometer stretch of golden sand. One post sums up the theme with 'When people think Portugal is only Lisbon'. Everything here is free to visit, though the Vila Franca islet caps visitor numbers. Lagoa das Sete Cidades is the most posted, with two videos.

Written from public posts on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. Updated Oct 2026.

Where creators go

Lagoa das Sete CidadesLake · Arrifes
A freshwater lake in a dormant volcanic crater on São Miguel, split into blue and green sections, and the most posted place here with two videos. It is one of Portugal's Seven Natural Wonders, inside a protected landscape, with hiking trails and kayaking. A creator calls it a place to see at least once in your life.
Lagoa do FogoLake · Vila Franca do Campo
The 'Lake of Fire', a crater lake inside a stratovolcano on São Miguel, ringed by green cliffs. Its pumice beach is listed among the top wild beaches in Portugal, and trails cross the volcanic ground. A shuttle service handles visitor access. It shares a São Miguel guide post with Sete Cidades and Mosteiros.
Ilhéu de Vila Franca do CampoLagoon · Vila Franca do Campo
A protected volcanic islet off Vila Franca do Campo with a near-circular lagoon inside, used as a natural pool for swimming and snorkeling. Boats run seasonally, entry is limited to 400 visitors a day, and there are no facilities, so bring water and snacks. The creator who features it has returned to the Azores again and again.
Praia dos MosteirosBeach · Mosteiros
Black volcanic sand on São Miguel's west coast, framed by cliffs and offshore islets. It is a known sunset spot, with surf schools on the beach and public restrooms and showers. Good for an evening after a day at the lakes in the island's interior.
Praia do Porto SantoBeach · Camacha
Nine kilometers of fine golden sand along Porto Santo's south coast, with calm, shallow water and a place on the 7 Wonders of Portugal list. The creator says it is the main reason many people visit the island. The record also lists therapeutic sand qualities among its features.
Cascata dos AnjosWaterfall · Ponta do Sol
A waterfall near Ponta do Sol on Madeira that falls straight onto the old ER101 coast road, so water runs over the pavement and any car driving through. It is free and reachable by car. It comes from a Madeira itinerary from a travel couple who say the island caught them off guard.
Ribeira do FerreiroWaterfall · Fajazinha
A pond on Flores in the western Azores below a cliff wall streaked with waterfalls, reached on a hiking trail in a protected area near Fajãzinha. The post calls the Azores 'Europe's true Hawaii' and notes how few people make it there. Expect quiet and a walk in.
Praia de São VicenteBeach · São Vicente
A surf and bodyboard beach at Calhau, São Vicente, on Madeira's north side, with dramatic rocks, a 620-meter promenade to Baía do Mota and a natural pool nearby. A solarium, restaurant and bar sit on site, which makes it the most serviced stop on this list.

More beaches and lakes in Portugal

Praia da CalhetaBeach · Ponta

Porto Santo's calmer second beach

The same Porto Santo guide also features Praia da Calheta, a man-made beach with golden sand imported from Morocco and breakwaters that keep the water calm. Canoeing and windsurfing are popular, access is free, and loungers and parasols can be rented. It makes a pair with the long main beach for a family day.

Good to know

Lagoa das Sete Cidades on São Miguel is the most posted, for its blue and green halves inside a volcanic crater. Lagoa do Fogo, also on São Miguel, appears in the same guide, with a pumice beach and a shuttle for access. Both are free.