Lagoinha do Leste
A wild beach with no road and nothing built on it, reached by a two-mile trail.
Duration
4 hrs – 6 hrs
Difficulty
●●○○○
Best time
Early morning
Open
Every day
Entry price
Free
Lagoinha do Leste is a wild beach in the south of the island, with no road, no building and no shop. It is protected as a municipal park, which forbids any development.
There are two ways in, both on foot. The path from Pântano do Sul is three kilometres and climbs a ridge before dropping — the shorter and steeper. The one from Matadeiro is longer and easier. A freshwater lagoon lies behind the dune ridge, which is where the name comes from.
Getting there
A three-kilometre path from Pântano do Sul in the south of the island, or from Matadeiro, which is longer.
What to bring
- Walking shoes
- 1.5 L of water
- Swimsuit
- Cap
Rules on site
There are no shops and no drinking water: bring everything, and take your rubbish out. The currents are strong and there is no lifeguard — the beach is isolated and rescue is slow.