Getting to know the island of Santa Maria in the Azores is a must-see destination for those who like to explore the best that nature has to offer. This island is part of the Eastern Group of the Azores archipelago, 81 kilometers away from São Miguel.
Visiting the island of Santa Maria means wanting to get to know the green fields, the traditional cultures, and the typical houses that look like nativity scene figures. Let’s also not forget the wonderful white sand beaches and their crystalline waters!
Being the southernmost island of the Azores, Santa Maria has the hottest and driest climate of all the nine islands of the archipelago. This contributes to the fact that this island is more arid and has vegetation with a yellowish tint. For those who don’t know, Santa Maria Island is considered the sun island! It is perfect for those who want to get a tan.
So, if you are visiting São Miguel, don’t forget to take a trip to this small island that has so much to offer! A weekend in this island is all you need to know the best places to visit in Santa Maria. Check out our suggestion of places to visit. You can’t miss them!
1. Vila do Porto on the island of Santa Maria in the Azores
Entering the heart of the island of Santa Maria means visiting the small town of Vila do Porto. A place with many architectural details and a lot of history, Vila do Porto takes us back to the 15th century thanks to the beautiful facades of the historic center.
Throughout this tour, pay attention to every detail! Enjoy the silence of the village and visit one of the oldest churches in the Azores: the Hermitage of Nossa Senhora da Conceição. The Fort of São Brás is also one of the must-see places in this village. It provides a fantastic view of the harbor.
2. São Lourenço Bay
From above it is possible to see the entire landscape of the São Lourenço Bay. Formed by a volcanic crater, in this bay it is possible to practice diving and discover the great biodiversity that the Azorean sea offers. It is only 12 meters deep, but has a beauty without limits!
Along this bay, you can enjoy a landscape surrounded by vineyards and also enjoy a nice swim in the island’s only natural pool. This is why, in 1987, the Bay of São Lourenço was classified as a natural reserve, thanks to the fauna and flora that is duly protected. Its crystal clear waters and panoramic view make this place one of the most beautiful bays in the world!
It is to be kept in the memory of anyone. It is a unique landscape. A perfect moment that will never be forgotten.
3. Aveiro Waterfall
By the sea is this waterfall that is worth every tourist’s visit! Nature here is in its splendor. It is 100 meters high until the water reaches a small lake filled with dozens of ducks. Although there is not much water running through this waterfall, the landscape offers an admirable beauty and tranquility that is not easy to find anywhere.
Be sure to visit this little place. It’s simple, tranquil, and is one of the great sights to see on the island of Santa Maria!
4.“Red desert”
Have you ever heard of the Azores desert? Well, it is exactly on the island of Santa Maria that you can get to know the Barreiro da Faneca desert. It is a semi-desert area of volcanic origin, completely covered by a red clay soil. It is a unique landscape that contrasts with the green we are used to. There are more than 800 hectares of covered area, where the soil has an undulating relief caused by rain and wind.
5. Poço da Pedreira on the island of Santa Maria in the Azores
Located in the parish of Santa Bárbara, this is one of the unmissable places to visit on the island of Santa Maria in the Azores. Here you can feel the power of nature. Its walls mark the reddish color characteristic of the island. Around it, a pool of water accumulates in what is one of the most outstanding places in the Azores archipelago.
One can understand the force of nature through these vertical walls. For true lovers of geotourist attractions, this place is perfect for surrendering to the magic of Mother Nature!
6. Gonçalo Velho Lighthouse
It is impossible to come to Santa Maria and not visit this lighthouse! The Gonçalo Velho lighthouse, located in what we imagine to be the tip of the island, offers a landscape so perfect that it looks like a painting to the eye of the beholder.
The lighthouse was built in 1927 to aid maritime navigation between the United States of America and Europe. It is a square tower 14 meters high, with its facade painted red, contrasting with the green and blue landscape of nature.
Don’t waste any more time. There is a lot to do in both São Miguel and Santa Maria! At AzoresBeds there are plenty of local accommodations ready to welcome you to São Miguel! Enjoy these islands and fly through Azores Airlines. In 15 minutes you will travel from one island to the other. Don’t forget this: what to do in Santa Maria is up to you; but knowing these places is all you need to visit the island of Santa Maria in the Azores. Now that you know these six unforgettable places from one of the nine beautiful islands of the Azores, don’t forget to take the opportunity to visit Santa Maria when you come to the island of São Miguel. That way you’ll get to know the two islands of the eastern group and even more stunning scenery!