Formosa Beach – Santa Maria Island

Formosa Beach is located in the parish of Almagreira, in the municipality of Vila do Porto – Santa Maria Island. It stands out for its beauty, especially because its light sandy beach is different from other beaches in the archipelago.

It is internationally recognized for hosting the Maré de Agosto International Festival since 1984, a world-renowned music festival that takes place annually on Santa Maria Island, specifically at Formosa Beach. The festival features performances by major recognized artists.

Praia Formosa
Fotografia de Jorge Rodrigues

History

Formosa Beach appeared on the map of the Azores in the 16th century. In 1584, the beach was referred to by the royal cosmographer as “Praia Hermosa.”

(C) Carlos Luis M C da Cruz

In the 15th or 16th century, the Fort of São João Baptista da Praia Formosa, also known as Castle of the Beach, was erected for its protection. This fort is possibly the oldest in the Azores.

Importance of Formosa Beach

Formosa Beach is one of the most sought-after and beautiful beaches on the island. Its light-colored sand and nearly one-kilometer stretch are particularly noteworthy. Its waters are clear, warm, and shallow, making it one of the best bathing spots in the archipelago.

Praia Formosa
Fotografia de Helena Botelho

The bay of Formosa Beach is a protected area classified as a Natural Reserve. Surrounded by lush greenery, it stands out for its natural beauty.

The beach also offers good conditions for water sports, and it is common to see surfers and bodyboarders enjoying its waters.

Formosa Beach is easily accessible for visitors, with parking, restrooms, showers, a bar, lifeguard services, and accessibility for people with mobility difficulties.

Currently, the beach features a campground at its far end for those wishing to spend more time in the area seeking a more affordable and adventurous option.

Peaceful
Fotografia de Rodrigo Pereira Aguiar

The Maré de Agosto Festival

The Maré de Agosto Festival is the oldest and most prominent event in the archipelago. It is a music festival held annually at Formosa Beach. The event began modestly in 1984 when a group of Azorean artists came together to promote a musicians’ gathering on the island.

Some contacts were made, and they managed to gather a considerable number of musicians from the archipelago to perform at the event. The event was so well received and enjoyed by participants that it was not difficult to continue and hold it in subsequent years.

(C) Festival Maré de Agosto

The first editions were held in various locations on the island, including Formosa Beach, the Chaminé Disco, and the Airport Pool, which were the stages for the 1984 and 1985 editions. In 1986, they decided to choose a definitive location that met the necessary conditions for the event.

The chosen location was the Bay of Formosa Beach, about 20 meters from the sea, a magical and enchanting place.

As the editions progressed, they decided to expand the event and bring in artists who could contribute to the festival and share international experiences. That was when artists from mainland Portugal, Brazil, the United States, and other places began to participate in the event.

(C) Festival Maré de Agosto

In 1987, the Maré de Agosto Festival was officially established, and the A.C.M.A, the Cultural Association Maré de Agosto, was born. The main activity of this association is to annually organize the Maré de Agosto international music festival. Other activities, such as promoting artistic events, theater, visual arts, workshops, photography, and more, are also the responsibility of this association.

The Maré de Agosto Festival is a grand event given the size of Santa Maria Island, located in the middle of the North Atlantic. Although the event takes place on such a small island, it has become internationally known for its quality.

Curiosities

Some curiosities about Formosa Beach:

• Its lighter sandy beach, different from other beaches in the archipelago, is due to the presence of calcareous particles. This fact contributes to making the beach one of the most beautiful in the Azores.
• From the Miradouro da Macela (photo below), located at the western end of the bay, there is a beautiful panoramic view of the coast of Formosa Beach.
• Its classification as a Natural Reserve primarily pertains to its marine area.

Praia Formosa vista do Miradouro
Fotografia de Jorge Rodrigues

Video

Formosa Beach is a uniquely beautiful beach that captures the attention of visitors to the island. It is an ideal place for a peaceful swim, with all the necessary conditions for a relaxing holiday. Those who are on the island during the Maré de Agosto Festival will also have the chance to experience one of the most well-known and interesting music events in the world.