Baia Azul

Baia Azul is a long open bay of pale sand and unusually clear blue water backed by low dry hills, and it is where Benguela goes at weekends. There are a handful of beach bars and restaurants along the front, and the water is calmer than the open coast further south. The surrounding country is arid, so the contrast between the desert scrub behind and the colour of the water is the thing people photograph.

What you actually see

• The bay - a long sweep of pale sand with clear blue water.
• The dry hills - arid scrub country running down to the shore.
• The beach bars - a handful of restaurants along the front.
• The calm water - sheltered swimming compared with the open coast.

When to go

May to October is the dry season and the best for the beach. Weekends are busy; weekdays are almost empty. The rains from November to April bring humidity and occasional storms.

Honest expectations

Facilities are basic and there are no lifeguards. Litter is a problem after busy weekends. The access road is rough in places and a high-clearance vehicle helps.

Nearby

Caotinha is further south along the coast, and Benguela is twenty kilometres north.