Praia de Chaves is the long beach running north from Sal Rei along the western coast. It is more accessible than Santa Mónica — reachable on foot or by short taxi ride — and the water here is generally calmer and better for swimming than the exposed eastern coast. The large resort hotels that have appeared in recent years are concentrated along this stretch, but the beach is wide enough that finding a quiet section is not difficult. The sunset views out over the Atlantic from here are among the best on the island.