Praia do Pontal

The point of sand at the mouth of the Rio de Contas, across the river from the town centre. Reached by a five-minute crossing on one of the small ferry boats that line the Praia da Ribeira waterfront. The river mouth opens into a calm lagoon that is wonderful for kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, with the open Atlantic just beyond a final spit of sand.

A few simple restaurants serve fish moqueca and grilled prawns to a small daytime crowd. The crossing is part of the appeal — a brief, picturesque transit on the wide brown river with the town behind you and the wild beaches stretching away to the north.

things to do sight swimming