Praia do Lombo Gordo

Praia do Lombo Gordo is a unique beach on the island of São Miguel in the Azores that boasts black volcanic sand and spectacular cliff views.

This place has a fascinating feature - every 7 years the beach changes its size, expanding, only to then shrink by half over the next 7 years.

The beach is part of an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA), making it a unique place for nature lovers.

Despite the rocky sections, swimming conditions are excellent, and in the afternoons the beach is less crowded thanks to the shade cast by the surrounding cliffs.