São Lourenço Beach

São Lourenço Beach lies at the head of the bay of the same name on Santa Maria's eastern coast. The bay forms a natural amphitheatre surrounded by terraced vineyards protected by basalt walls known locally as quartéis. Built over generations on very steep slopes, this agricultural landscape is one of the island's most characteristic views and forms part of a Protected Landscape Area.

The beach and natural swimming areas sit between the sea and vineyards. Ilhéu do Romeiro rises opposite Ponta Negra, with an erosion cave accessible by boat and important nesting habitat for seabirds. The bay is also part of a geosite within the Azores UNESCO Global Geopark and connects with the island's walking-route network. This is a sensitive area, so visitors should respect farmland, coastal habitats, signs and sea conditions.