Ponta d'Areia is the closest beach to the city centre, a shorter stretch of sand at the western tip of the island where the bay meets the open sea. It's convenient and popular with locals who want a quick swim after work, and the collection of beach bars here are among the best in the city for grilled seafood and cold beer.
The beach faces west, which means it catches the afternoon light beautifully and offers good sunsets. The water can be murky at times — Ponta d'Areia sits near the mouth of the bay — but nobody seems to mind. This is more about the social experience than the swimming: a beer at one of the beachfront kiosks while watching the fishing boats go by is the main attraction.