Praia do Santinho
Praia do Santinho (Little Saint Beach) is a beach with two very distinct sides. One half is dominated by the longest stretch of sand dunes on the island, which start halfway down Praia Moçambique and continue past the headland before they reach the beach again at Santinho.
The northern end of this beach looks out over Ilhas das Aranhas (Islands of the Spiders), hence the alternative name. This wild side has no development at all, and a flat beach that reaches almost up to Praia dos Ingleses, separated by another small hill.
The other half of the beach is protected from the wind-blown dunes by the large rocky headland or costão, which also provides shelter for the huge resort of Costão do Santinho that dominates the southern end. There are other hotels in the area too, and more being built, which make it a very family orientated beach.
Praia do Santinho can be a good place to stay for those who enjoy the comforts of good quality hotels, and it will be an interesting battle between the dunes and the development.