12. Porto Martins and its Natural Pools

Porto Martins is a charming coastal parish that belongs to the municipality of Praia da Vitória. It is a peaceful area with a rocky coastline and sea views, ideal for strolling, relaxing, or enjoying a swim in its famous natural pools.

Porto Martins is best known for its natural pools. The Porto Martins Natural Pools are the largest and most popular, with stairs that make it easy to get into the water and plenty of space to sunbathe. Baía das Canas is quieter, with shallow water. And Poça do Porto de São Fernando is a smaller, more intimate and sheltered spot, where the waves break very gently.

If the weather is not great for swimming, we recommend walking along the coast on a very easy hiking trail that passes by the fishing port and runs alongside the natural pools. It is a short and pleasant walk of about 2.7 km, where you can enjoy the volcanic landscape and the ocean without having to get in the water.

Porto Martins is a must-stop on Terceira and is usually visited alongside other beaches and natural pools in the southeast of the island, such as Salgueiros Beach, Riviera Beach, and Praia da Vitória, so you can plan a full day across several beaches and swimming areas in this part of the island.

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