Praia da Fontinha

The town beach, in the busiest part of the island. It starts at the Cais Velho and stretches 720 m westwards, ending about 200 m beyond the Hotel Torre Praia, where Pedras Pretas begins (Rua Goulart Medeiros). Facilities: car park, toilets, changing rooms, lockers, a restaurant area, sunshades and sun loungers, and a first-aid post. Lifeguards guaranteed from 15 May to 31 October 2026. It is the most awarded beach in the region: it has flown the Blue Flag since 1989, missing only 1990 (an oil spill) and 1991–1992 (a strike by health technicians and no water analyses); in 2026 the flag flies from 5 June to 30 September. Turquoise water, and everything within walking distance of the centre.