Porto Martins Natural Pools

Welcome to Porto Martins, a coastal gem on the eastern shore of Terceira that perfectly captures the 'authentic charm' of the Azores. As we stand here, overlook the small bay where the crystalline waters of the Atlantic meet the…

We begin at the heart of the complex, the main natural pool. This is the largest and most frequented area for swimming. …

We now walk along the coastal path toward a site of exceptional geological and biological richness: the basaltic fissures. This area is part of the island's most recent volcanic system and consists of various rock formations…

We move away from the immediate shoreline and walk into the village center to visit the small Parish Church of Porto Martins. This humble structure is the 'beating heart' of the community, where 'Azorean traditions are carefully…

We return to the water's edge at the small jetty that extends into the bay. This structure serves as a breakwater and a point of access for small fishing boats. …

Continuing along the coast, we arrive at a site known as the Balugo. This is an 'exceptional natural site' where volcanic rock formations have created a series of smaller, more secluded pools of crystalline seawater. …

Our final stop on the coastal path is the Ermida de Maria Vieira, a 'charming chapel' that invites us to pause and reflect. This small sanctuary is dedicated to the memory of a young girl, Maria Vieira, who was a victim of a…

Our journey through Porto Martins and its extraordinary natural pools draws to a close here, where the land meets the crystalline Atlantic. We have traversed the main pools, explored the geological complexity of the basaltic…