Beach · Velas · Azores

Poça dos Frades

Natural rock pool with concrete access west of Velas town on São Jorge, near the Arco Natural rock arch and Ponta das Eiras and a short distance from the centre.

  • Excellent water
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Forecast: Open-Meteo (model, indicative). Always check the flag. · Tides and detailed forecast

About the beach

Natural rock pool with concrete access west of Velas town on São Jorge, near the Arco Natural rock arch and Ponta das Eiras and a short distance from the centre. According to the official bathing-water profile, swimming is in the open sea over a basalt-slab seabed, with high exposure to the swell. It is a quieter alternative to the Preguiça pools when those are busy. In 2026 it is a bathing water from 15 June to 15 September, with no guaranteed lifeguard cover under the Portaria. Water quality was rated Excellent in 2025.

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Type
Sea beach
Town
Velas
Region
Azores
Water quality 2025
Excellent
Coordinates
38.6781, -28.2081

Poça dos Frades · Velas

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Water quality: official 2025 bathing-season classification (European Environment Agency / APA). Editorial description by Portal Turismo Portugal. Before you go, check lifeguard cover, the flag and access, especially outside the bathing season.