A long, dark-sand surf beach on the north coast a couple of kilometres west of town — the best beach in this part of São Miguel and the island's main surf spot. Volcanic black sand, big Atlantic sets, a backdrop of green cliffs, and a slightly Wild West feel: the road down is short, the parking is dirt, and the wind comes in clean from the north.
It is not a swimming beach for casual bathers — the currents are strong and the waves often closed out — but for surfers and walkers it is the local favourite. The Santa Bárbara EcoBeach hotel and surf school at the eastern end runs lessons for beginners and rents boards by the day.