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🏝️ Beach💎 Hidden gem

Porto das Salemas

On the north coast, west of Fonte da Areia. At low tide the sea pulls back to reveal a multitude of vivid turquoise natural pools, some with sandy bottoms, in a small cove framed by rocks. Access on foot only: from Fonte da Areia follow the signs to Porto das Salemas, leave the car in the open space, then walk down a dirt track and a steep path with loose stones — closed shoes are essential. On site there are a few straw shelters, picnic tables and barbecue fireplaces. A designated bathing water from 1 June to 30 September 2026, but with no lifeguards: the Maritime Authority advises favouring supervised beaches and never lingering under unstable cliffs.

  • Natural pools
  • Low tide
  • North coast
  • On foot only
  • Volcanic
Price
Free
Duration
2h
Crowds
Quiet
GPS
33.09373, -16.34769
🧭 How to get there
The place stands 342 m from the sítio of Camacha, the nearest one (Porto Santo).
🅿️ Parking
The nearest car park is Lapa, 406 m away.
📖 History and nature
Fontinha and Cabeço da Ponta from 15 May to 31 October, Ribeiro Salgado from 1 May to 31 October. Penedo, Pedras Pretas, Ribeiro Cochino, Lagoa, Calheta and Porto das Salemas are designated bathing waters from 1 June to 30 September with no surveillance guaranteed by the national order: follow the flags and the "praia não vigiada" signs. On the north coast, a hard-to-reach corner reveals turquoise natural pools at low tide, below cliffs streaked with lava dykes.
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Good to know about Porto das Salemas2

  • Bathing season 2026 — Lifeguards guaranteed on 3 stretches

    Fontinha and Cabeço da Ponta from 15 May to 31 October, Ribeiro Salgado from 1 May to 31 October. Penedo, Pedras Pretas, Ribeiro Cochino, Lagoa, Calheta and Porto das Salemas are designated bathing waters from 1 June to 30 September with no surveillance guaranteed by the national order: follow the flags and the "praia não vigiada" signs.

  • Porto das Salemas — Turquoise natural pools at low tide

    On the north coast, a hard-to-reach corner reveals turquoise natural pools at low tide, below cliffs streaked with lava dykes.

Services within 1.5 km4

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