Moinhos Beach is in Porto Formoso, in a bay on the north coast of São Miguel. Its volcanic-sand shore is framed by green slopes and houses near the stream. The water can have good visibility, but the sandy seabed has a pronounced slope, a feature that calls for additional care when entering the sea.
The bathing area has parking, a bar, showers and toilets and is normally supervised during the official bathing season. These services are seasonal, and the bar's timetable is not an opening time for the beach itself. The north coast receives Atlantic swell, so check flags, warnings and lifeguard instructions before swimming. When no supervision is present, assess conditions conservatively and avoid entering alone. Access passes through the small coastal settlement of Porto Formoso, where parking space may be limited on busy summer days.