Praia do Curral sits on the southern section of the western coast, about 15 kilometres from the ferry, and is the kind of beach that becomes a favourite for anyone who spends more than a day on the island. It's long enough to feel uncrowded even on busy weekends, the water is clear and sheltered from the open ocean swell, and the backdrop of forested hills gives it a setting that the northern beaches near town can't match. The waves are small enough for safe swimming but interesting enough to attract surfers looking for something gentler than Castelhanos.
A handful of beachfront restaurants and kiosks cater to visitors, with the usual mix of fried fish, cold beer, and fresh coconut water. The beach is reachable by bus from town — the main island road runs along the western coast — or by car. Nearby Cachoeira do Paquetá, a short walk inland, is worth the detour: a series of falls with a natural infinity-edge pool effect where the water appears to merge with the treetops below.