Porto Pim Beach – Faial Island

The Porto Pim Beach is located in the city of Horta, on the southeast coast of Faial Island. The beach has good support infrastructure, and its features create a pleasant leisure environment.

The area is notable for its natural beauty and the surrounding greenery. Also, the Monte da Guia stands out due to its imposing size.

Praia Porto Pim
Fotografia de Mário Andrade

History

The bay of Porto Pim has great importance on Faial Island, as it was here in the 15th century that the island began to be populated.

In the 17th century, King Philip II requested the construction of a port for docking. By the 19th century, the area began to serve as a stopover for fishing ships, leading to the development of the Porto Pim bay.

From the 19th century, the area became significant for the whaling industry in the Azores, and in the 20th century, submarine telecommunications cables connecting the United States and Europe were installed.

Horta
Fotografia de Rui Simas

In the mid-20th century, the Whale Factory was constructed, which remained active until the 1970s.

Porto Pim Beach holds such ecological value that it is included in the Protected Landscape Area of Monte da Guia and is part of the Faial Natural Park.

Characteristics

Porto Pim Beach is the most frequented beach on Faial Island. It has good visitor support infrastructure and a vast sandy area that offers more comfort, especially during the summer.

The beach stretches approximately 350 meters and features fine, soft sand. Its waters usually reach an average temperature of 22ºC in the summer. The beach meets all the conditions for excellent leisure activities and has received the Blue Flag, ensuring its quality. It has been highlighted for being a beach of excellent quality in terms of cleanliness, hygiene, and safety.

Sunset Porto Pim
Fotografia de Jorge Antunes

Along the beach, there are bars, restaurants, and cafés. Additionally, there are other important facilities such as showers, restrooms, surveillance, and accessibility for people with mobility difficulties.

Its waters are calmer with few waves, making it ideal for windsurfing and diving.

Curiosities

• The bay of Porto Pim has a set of dunes classified as part of the Natura 2000 Network. These dunes are of volcanic origin and are adjacent to two hills: Monte da Guia and Monte Queimado.
• Near Porto Pim Beach is the former Porto Pim Whale Factory, which operated until the 1970s and now serves as an interpretive center.

Praia Porto Pim
Fotografia de Mário Andrade

Location on the Map

Video

Porto Pim Beach is a location of great tourist interest and is highly sought after by tourists and locals, especially during the summer. Therefore, it is imperative to visit the beach, as it is a very pleasant and welcoming place.