Praia da Armação

Praia da Armacao is a curved beach strip on the southern coast with a crescent form and rocky outcrops at both ends. The shore combines open water sections with calmer zones and includes a river outlet that shapes the coastal layout.

The name comes from an 18th-century whaling station that operated there and produced whale oil for city lighting. This industry thrived into the early 20th century and left cultural marks that still shape the village today.

The Sant'Anna Church sits modestly in the village and serves as a gathering point where locals and visitors encounter the area's deep maritime roots. The building itself reflects how ocean life has shaped community identity and daily routines for centuries.

The beach is easily walkable and has open areas for water sports as well as calmer zones for swimming. Visitors should check conditions and watch for currents, as waves and water behavior shift with the time of day and season.

Local fishermen still use the beach daily and launch their boats directly from the sand into the water. This old practice is rare nowadays and gives visitors a glimpse into traditional fishing methods that are hard to find elsewhere.