Santa Maria may be the oldest island of the Azores, but it remains a well-kept secret—an under-the-radar gem of golden beaches, red deserts, and whitewashed villages. Known as the “Ilha do Sol” (Island of the Sun) for its warmer, drier climate, Santa Maria greets travelers with a gentle charm that unfolds in subtle details.
💡 Quick Facts:
Location: The southernmost island in the Azores archipelago
Size: 97 km² (small enough to explore in a few days)
Population: ~5,500 residents
Main Town: Vila do Porto (the oldest settlement in the Azores)
Known for: Only white-sand beaches in the Azores, unique red desert, warmer climate
Imagine an island that packs an entire country’s landscapes into its small bounds: fertile green fields like the Minho, rolling plains recalling the Alentejo, terraced vineyards evoking the Douro, and sun-baked coves rivaling the Algarve. In Santa Maria, Portugal’s diverse beauty seems compiled in one place—a peaceful Atlantic refuge that rewards those who take the time to explore.
Despite being the first Azorean island discovered (way back in 1427) and home to the archipelago’s first settlers, Santa Maria feels blissfully removed from modern haste. Life moves at a relaxed pace set by the sunrise and ocean tides. Locals (the marienses) still greet strangers with a wave, and it’s not unusual to find yourself the only visitor at a viewpoint or on a country lane.
Santa Maria’s magic is subtle but enduring: it doesn’t flaunt towering volcanoes or big crater lakes like some of its siblings, but captivates with humble delights—a secret cove, a lone windmill on a hill, laughter at a village café.
🚗 GETTING THERE & GETTING AROUND
✈️ Arriving on Santa Maria
Reaching Santa Maria is an adventure in itself, as there are no international crowds funneling in. The island has a small airport (its runway a remnant of WWII-era transatlantic stopovers), with:
Regular 30-minute flights from São Miguel (Ponta Delgada)
Seasonal direct flights from Lisbon
Possible ferry connection from São Miguel in summer months (check schedules, as they change)
Flying in, you’ll glimpse the outline of the island’s south coast and the glittering sea—a fitting preview of the paradise to come. As your plane touches down at Vila do Porto’s airport, you immediately sense the slower tempo: the terminal is tiny, the welcome warm.
🚙 Getting Around the Island
Once on Santa Maria, options include:
🚗 Rental Car/Scooter: The best way to explore! Distances are short (the whole island is just 97 km²), traffic is almost non-existent, and each bend in the road can reveal a new panorama.
⚠️ Tip: If venturing onto dirt roads to reach trailheads or remote sites, heed local advice and go slow. Consider parking and walking if conditions look muddy, especially near the red desert or waterfalls.
🚶♂️ On Foot/Hitchhiking: For the more adventurous (or car-free) traveler, Santa Maria’s compact size makes it appealing to explore on foot and by hitchhiking. A 78 km Grande Trilho (Grand Trail) encircles the island in a multi-day loop, linking many villages and natural sites.
🚕 Taxis: Can be arranged in Vila do Porto for day tours.
🧭 Guided Excursions: Offered by local operators for specific activities (like diving or hiking).
However you get around, allow yourself to stray off the beaten path—down that side lane to a coastal lookout or into that tiny hamlet with a sun-bleached chapel. Santa Maria invites wandering, and you’re never truly “lost” if you find a smiling local to point you back.
🏖️ BEACHES & COASTAL DELIGHTS
If the Azores had an “Algarve of the Atlantic,” Santa Maria would be it. This island boasts the only white sand beaches in the entire archipelago, and they are nothing short of spectacular.
🌊 Praia Formosa
An aerial view of Praia Formosa’s silky sand and gentle surf—one of the Azores’ rare white-sand beaches.
Location: Parish of Almagreira, 5 km from Vila do Porto Why Visit: Often cited as the most beautiful beach in the Azores—even earning a spot on The Guardian’s list of the world’s top 20 beaches!
What to Expect:
A broad crescent of soft, tawny sand in a turquoise bay
Nearly a kilometer of beach with shallow, gentle waters perfect for kids
Unlike typical volcanic black sand elsewhere in the Azores, Formosa’s sand is golden and powdery
Crystal-clear and surprisingly warm water
In summer: lifeguards, beach bar with cold drinks and ice cream
Don’t Miss: The Miradouro da Macela viewpoint on the hill above—you get a postcard panorama of Praia Formosa’s bright strip and the verdant valley embracing it, with the bonus sight of Prainha (a smaller cove) on the opposite side.
Extra Experience: Each August, this beach comes alive after dark during the Maré de Agosto Festival, an international music festival held in the open air on the sands. For over 35 years, artists and revelers have gathered here under the stars for nights of world music and good vibes.
🏞️ Bay of São Lourenço
Location: Northeast side of the island Why Visit: Santa Maria’s most iconic landscape—a dramatic bay that feels like a secret Mediterranean cove.
What to Expect:
A sweeping amphitheater of cliffs encircling a half-moon beach
Brilliant blue-green waters
White cottages of the village with terraced vineyards zigzagging up the steep slopes
Rows of currais (stone-walled plots) making a maze on the hills, protecting the vines that produce Santa Maria’s earthy vinho de cheiro
Rocky islet and stacks rising from the water, sheltering the beach from big ocean swells
Best Views: Stop at the Miradouro do Espigão or other roadside pullouts for breathtaking views from above.
Perfect Timing: At sunset, the bay takes on a golden glow, and if you drive back up after dusk, you’ll catch the twinkle of village lights in one of the most romantic vistas on the island.
🏊♀️ Natural Swimming Pools
For a different kind of coastal swim, check out these natural pools:
Piscinas Naturais dos Anjos
Location: Village of Anjos, north coast What to Expect: Volcanic rocks forming protected pools where ocean water collects and warms. Concrete sun deck and ladder for easy access—Mother Nature’s infinity pool with a view of the sea and sky.
Natural Pools near Maia
Location: Below the old Fábrica da Baleia do Castelo (Whaling Factory of Castelo) What to Expect: Idyllic natural pools carved into the rocky shore. Crystal-clear tide pools perfect for snorkeling, with colorful fish and limpets. Backed by cliffs and the picturesque Ponta do Castelo topped with the red-roofed Gonçalo Velho lighthouse.
Tip: Bring a mask and snorkel to truly appreciate Maia’s underwater life!
Whether you’re sunbathing on Formosa’s soft sands, beachcombing for shells at remote coves like Praia da Maia, or cliff-jumping into the Atlantic at Anjos, Santa Maria’s coast will leave a lasting impression. The combination of clear warm seas and unique geology (white sands, basalt reefs, tide pools) make it a beach lover’s dream—yet one where you might have the whole bay to yourself.
🥾 HIKING THROUGH OTHERWORLDLY LANDSCAPES
Beyond its inviting beaches, Santa Maria’s interior holds a trove of natural wonders that beg to be explored on foot. The island’s age (it’s the oldest Azorean isle) means erosion and time have sculpted some truly surprising landscapes—including places you won’t find anywhere else in the Azores.
🔴 Barreiro da Faneca: The Red Desert
Location: Northern part of the island Why Visit: Nicknamed the “Red Desert of the Azores,” this unexpected expanse of baked clay and ochre earth looks like a slice of Mars dropped into a green island.
What to Expect:
Protected landscape covering about 8.5 square kilometers
Rolling hills of rust-colored soil, almost devoid of plants
Centuries of hot, humid climate weathered volcanic ash into bentonite clay, leaving a stark, otherworldly terrain
Earth that’s cracked and powdery, ranging from bright orange to deep red
Total contrast to the lush pastures you passed on the way
⚠️ Important: Be cautious if driving—stick to the main dirt road or park nearby, especially after rain, as the clay can turn into a slippery mud that has trapped many cars!
Best Time: Late afternoon when the sun gilds the landscape in fiery tones
🪨 Ribeira do Maloás
Location: A short trek from the Red Desert Trail: Follow the “Caminho do Gigante” (Giant’s Path) Why Visit: A geologic marvel resembling a giant’s stone organ
What to Expect:
A dried river gorge featuring a wall of vertical basalt columns, akin to a miniature Giant’s Causeway in waterfall form
In the rainy season, a 20-meter waterfall pours over these hexagonal columns into a pool
Rock columns, up to a meter in diameter each, formed by an ancient lava flow meeting the ocean
A natural cathedral of stone where you can feel small and awed
Access Note: Reaching the best viewpoint requires a short scramble, and the trail can be muddy, so wear decent shoes.
💦 Cascata do Aveiro
Location: Eastern flank of the island, near Santo Espírito parish Why Visit: An imposing waterfall nearly 100 meters tall that plummets down a forested cliff right into the sea
What to Expect:
After a rainy spell, impressive volume—you’ll hear the roar before you see it
The waterfall splits into delicate mist as it hits the rocky shoreline at Maia’s little bay
A gorge blanketed in green, with wildflowers and creepers thriving in the spray
Side Detour: A trail leads to the Farol de Gonçalo Velho (Gonçalo Velho Lighthouse), which has stood guard since 1927 on a dramatic headland at Ponta do Castelo. If it’s a Wednesday in summer, you might catch a tour inside the lighthouse.
🏔️ Pico Alto
Location: Central island Height: 587 meters (about 1,926 ft)—Santa Maria’s highest peak Why Visit: For panoramic views of the entire island
What to Expect:
A sweeping 360º view that will leave you speechless
Easy access—you can drive most of the way (a paved road leads to a short final hike)
From the summit viewpoint, see the southern coast’s beaches, the eastern highlands and peaks, and towards the west the pastoral plains around Vila do Porto
On a clear day, spot the neighboring island of São Miguel on the horizon
Notable Sight: The division of landscapes—you literally see the patchwork of green fields ending abruptly where the red barren earth of Barreiro da Faneca begins.
🌋 Poço da Pedreira
Location: Near Santa Bárbara village Why Visit: An abandoned quarry site that nature has transformed into something straight out of a postcard
What to Expect:
A bright reddish-orange cliff face rising from a jade-green pond, all surrounded by grass and woods
Sheer rock walls striated with hues of red, gold, and pink—remnants of the basalt that was extracted to build local houses
A fantastic spot for a picnic (there are tables) and photography
If you sit quietly, you’ll hear the croak of frogs and see dragonflies zipping above the water lilies
🥾 Grande Trilho de Santa Maria (GR01 SMA)
Length: ~78 km circular trail Duration: 4-5 days Established: 2016 Why Try It: The ultimate way to feel the soul of the island—at the slow pace of your own footsteps
What to Expect:
A trail that connects all the island’s major natural and historic sights
Divided into four stages linking different villages
Hits all the geosites of the Nature Park and every bay and beach along the way
Well-marked by red-and-white blazes
One day crossing sun-scorched fields in the south, another traversing the cloud-kissed peak of Pico Alto, and the next meandering through cool forests of the north
Accommodation: Stay in local B&Bs or camp (there’s an official campsite at Praia Formosa)
Whether you choose a quick 1-hour stroll or a week-long trek, Santa Maria’s trails offer something special: solitude and a sense of discovery. Pack water, sun protection, and perhaps a picnic of local cheese and bread, and set off. Around each bend could be a hidden miradouro (viewpoint) like Baía do Tagarete, where a wooden swing perches on a cliff edge inviting you to sway over the ocean’s expanse.
🐬 OCEAN ADVENTURES
For those enchanted by the sea, Santa Maria offers thrills that extend well beyond its shores. The island’s surrounding waters are a playground for divers, snorkelers, and ocean enthusiasts.
🤿 Diving with Rays
Prime Spot: Baixa do Ambrósio (Ambrosio’s Reef) Location: 3-5 miles off Santa Maria’s north coast Why It’s Special: This submerged seamount becomes a magnet for dozens of mobula rays (locally called jamantas) during summer months
The Experience:
Descend into the blue, and huge dark silhouettes appear, flying in formation underwater
Mobula birostris (essentially the Atlantic’s version of manta rays) with wingspans of 2-3 meters
They glide effortlessly, looping and somersaulting in the currents, often coming quite close out of curiosity
Imagine ten or twenty massive rays “dancing” around you, their fins flapping like birds in slow motion—an almost spiritual encounter
The rays are harmless filter feeders, and if you remain calm they might pass within a few meters
Best Time: July to early October when the ocean is warmest and calm Provider: Local dive operators like Mantamaria Dive Center run trips to Ambrósio and provide all gear and guidance
🦈 Formigas Islets & Marine Reserve
Location: About 37 km northeast of Santa Maria Difficulty: For advanced divers Why It’s Special: Pristine underwater landscapes and big fish in a protected marine reserve
The Experience:
Steep walls covered in black coral
Schools of barracuda and jacks swirling
Possible sightings of Galapagos sharks or even whale sharks
Visibility reaching 30+ meters on good days
Huge groupers, moray eels, turtles, stingrays
Special Note: Whale sharks—these gentle plankton-eating leviathans occasionally cruise Azorean waters, and Santa Maria has one of the highest sighting rates in late summer. Imagine snorkeling alongside a spotted giant the size of a bus, in the open ocean!
🐠 Snorkeling & Swimming
For a leisurely ocean experience, snorkeling and swimming are fantastic in Santa Maria:
Bay of São Lourenço: Reefs on the sides where you can observe reef fish and perhaps a curious octopus
Anjos Natural Pools: Snorkel around the edges to see small octopi, starfish, and schools of salemas (golden fish)
Ilhéu da Vila: The islet just off Praia Formosa, where you can do a relaxed snorkel amid reef fish and perhaps spot a seahorse in the seagrass
Unique Opportunity: Swimming with mobulas. When the jamantas are near the surface at Ambrósio, snorkelers can slip in (under guide supervision) and free-dive with them—an unforgettable wildlife interaction.
🐋 Other Ocean Activities
Whale & Dolphin Watching: Can be arranged, usually via a hop over to São Miguel or on special request from Vila do Porto’s marina
Coastal Boat Trips: Circle Santa Maria, visiting sea caves, hidden bays, and the dramatic ilhas das Formigas
Deep-Sea Fishing: The Azorean waters are rich in tuna, bluefish, and wahoo
Kayaking or Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Paddle in São Lourenço’s bay at sunrise or along the southern coast from Vila do Porto towards Praia Formosa, exploring little sea caves
In essence, Santa Maria’s relationship with the ocean is intimate and rich. This is an island where many locals still live by the sea’s rhythm—fishing, gathering shellfish, sailing. Join them, even briefly, and you’ll deepen your appreciation for this azure frontier.
🏛️ LOCAL CULTURE & ISLAND HERITAGE
While Santa Maria’s nature is magnificent, its human heritage and cultural warmth make the island experience truly complete. This little island has a big history and a living culture shaped by centuries of isolation and resilience.
🏙️ Vila do Porto: The Historic Capital
Founded: 15th century, making it the oldest settlement in the Azores What to See:
Round Chimneys (Chimeneas Redondas): Unique to Santa Maria and a beloved symbol of the island—cylindrical chimneys atop a square base with a pointed finial, said to resemble old steamship funnels
Municipal Museum of Santa Maria: Showcases artifacts from the island’s history
Dalberto Pombo Environmental Interpretation Center: Displays fossils and maritime relics
Forte de São Brás: Remains of a 17th-century fortress built to fend off pirate attacks
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Assunção: The main parish church with beautiful woodwork and azulejo tiles
Experience: Stroll the main street (Rue Teófilo Braga), where whitewashed buildings with basalt stone trim line the way. Enjoy the languid pace—old men sit on benches under shade trees, kids giggle on their way home from school, and the smell of fresh bread wafts from the bakery on the corner.
🧶 Traditional Crafts in Santo Espírito
Must-Visit: The Church of Nossa Senhora da Purificação—this 18th-century Baroque church boasts an elegant façade and contains a baptismal font with a 5-million-year-old sea urchin fossil embedded in its stone!
Highlight: Handicrafts Cooperative of Santo Espírito
Watch local artisans weaving the famous mantas marienses—thick woolen blankets with colorful stripes or patterns, made on old wooden looms
Meet elders like Dona Maria who have been weaving for decades
Purchase blankets, tapestries, or local treats like Biscoitos de Orelha (ear-shaped sugar cookies)
🕊️ Holy Spirit Festivals
When: April to June What: Like all Azorean islands, Santa Maria maintains this centuries-old religious tradition, where each parish takes turns hosting Impérios—lively feasts and street processions
The Experience:
Villagers decorate chapels with crowns and doves
Huge cauldrons of sopa do Espírito Santo (rich bread soup with meat) and alfenim sweets are cooked
Everyone (including visitors) is invited to partake in the communal meal
Children parade in white, a symbolic Emperor and Empress preside
After church mass, the food is distributed freely
Year-Round: Look for the tiny Império chapels in each locale—little white and red structures often with a crown symbol.
🧭 Christopher Columbus Connection
Location: Anjos, a small coastal village on the northwestern tip Historical Significance: Columbus stopped here in 1493 on his return from discovering the New World
What to See:
A graceful bronze statue of Columbus gazing seaward
The modest Ermida de Nossa Senhora dos Anjos—this little chapel is believed to be where Columbus and his crew prayed, making it one of the first places in Europe to hear news of the Americas
The newly opened Columbus Interpretation Centre
The scenic bay with black lava rocks and crystal natural pools
⛪ Unique Religious Sites
Ermida de Nossa Senhora de FátimaClaim to Fame: The oldest chapel in the world dedicated to Our Lady of Fátima (outside of Fátima itself), built in 1928 Location: Between São Pedro and Santa Bárbara The Experience: Climb an impressive staircase of 165 steps, each representing a Hail Mary of the Rosary, with a small landing every ten steps for an Our Father (and to catch your breath).
🎵 Music & Festivals
Maré de Agosto FestivalWhere: Praia Formosa beach When: August What: An international music festival held in the open air on the sands for over 35 years
Santa Maria BluesWhere: Anjos When: July Claim to Fame: The oldest blues festival in Portugal, running since 2004 Year-round: Visit the recently opened “Bar dos Blues” in Anjos—constructed from local stone and driftwood—for a cold beer and perhaps a live jam session.
🌅 Everyday Cultural Experiences
Drop by a café in Vila do Porto for a galão (milky coffee) and eavesdrop on lively morning debates
Visit the weekly farmers’ market (if available) for island honey, homemade jams, or the famous Santa Maria melons when in season
Admire the art of moleiros (millers)—old windmills across the island, their sails sometimes still turning in the breeze
Experience a Santa Maria sunset in a local setting, like the clifftop by Bar dos Anjos, where locals gather in the evening
Santa Maria’s culture isn’t served up in staged shows or contrived attractions; it’s organic and genuine, found in conversations, in shared food, in the gentle way time passes here. Embrace it, and you’ll carry a piece of the island’s soul with you long after you depart.
🍽️ FOOD & DRINK EXPERIENCES
Traveling through Santa Maria is also a journey for the taste buds. The island’s cuisine is hearty, homespun, and deeply rooted in local products—from the land and the sea.
🐟 Fresh Seafood
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled velvet fish or amberjack
Tender octopus stewed in wine
Lapas (limpets) grilled with garlic and lemon
Cracas—an odd-looking barnacle that is boiled and eaten by cracking the shell
Cavaco—the elusive slipper lobster native to these waters
Caldeirada de peixe—a fisherman’s fish stew with tomatoes, herbs, and multiple types of seafood
Recommended Spots:
Clube Naval Restaurant by Vila do Porto’s harbor
Bar do Peixe (if open in summer at São Lourenço)—literally next to the sand, offering super fresh grilled fish
🥩 Meat & Traditional Dishes
Island Specialties:
Alheira de Santa Maria—a unique smoked sausage loaded with meats like veal, duck, chicken, quail, or rabbit
Torresmos (fried pork bits in spice marinade)
Molhos de Santa Maria—a thick pork sauce or stew made with liver, blood, and spices
Caldo de Nabos—a hearty soup made from local turnip greens, potatoes, and usually a bit of pork or linguiça
“Chamarrita style” goat or lamb—slow-cooked with wine, garlic, and herbs
Santa Maria lamb—historically, flocks roamed the cliffs near São Lourenço
🍈 Farm-to-Table Goodies
Star Product: Meloa de Santa Maria—cantaloupe-style melons, extraordinarily fragrant and sweet, thanks to the warm climate and soil. They ripen in summer (July/August) and are sold at roadside stands and markets.
Other Local Produce:
Sweet potatoes
Yams
Corn
Figs
Grapes
Special Treat: “Bolo de Panela” (pan cake)—a type of dense bread/cake historically baked in iron pans; pairs wonderfully with cheese or butter.
🧀 Dairy & Cheese
Look for:
“Queijo de Ovelha” (sheep’s cheese)
Mixed milk cheeses from local co-op stores
Usually semi-firm, tangy, and great with Azorean pineapple jam
🍰 Bakery & Sweets
Local Treats:
Biscoitos de Orelha—crisp, ear-shaped sugar cookies
Bolo D. Amélia—small moist cakes with spices and treacle
Massa Sovada (sweet bread)—often served during Holy Ghost festivals
Arroz Doce (lemony rice pudding)
“Cavacas de Santa Maria”—a kind of meringue/puffed cookie
“Cuscuz de Santa Maria”—a traditional steamed cake made of cornmeal, sugar, and cinnamon
Where to Find Them: “O Cagarrita” bakery in Vila do Porto or local supermarkets
🍽️ Where to Eat
In Vila do Porto:
O Tiberio: Praised for local cuisine and affordable prices—grilled limpets, alheira sausage, fresh fish
A Travessa: Brewpub/restaurant in an old house with craft beers and petiscos
Central Pub: Casual spot for morning coffee to late-night sandwiches
Restaurante “Mad”: Modern twist on island ingredients—reserve for a more upscale dinner
In the Countryside:
Casa dos Poças in Santo Espírito: Known for traditional dishes served family-style
Seasonal seafood shacks in Anjos area
Quick Bites: Every village grocery doubles as a café where you can grab a prego (steak sandwich) or savory coxinha (chicken croquette) on the go.
🍷 Drinks
Local Specialties:
Kima or Brisa Maracujá—passionfruit sodas beloved in the Azores
Especial beer—brewed in São Miguel, available on tap widely
Vinho de cheiro from São Lourenço’s vineyards—made from American Concord grapes with a distinctive foxy aroma
Angelica liqueur—made from fortified wine and spices
Azorean tea (grown in São Miguel)—often served with a slice of bolo lêvedo
In Santa Maria, dining often feels like eating at a friend’s home—unpretentious, generous, and made with love. Service might be unhurried (island time applies at the table too!), but that’s just an opportunity to savor the moment.
🏡 WHERE TO STAY
Santa Maria’s accommodations reflect the island’s intimate scale—you won’t find massive resorts or international chains here. Instead, you’ll discover family-run guesthouses, restored farm cottages, and a few small hotels that blend nicely into the landscape.
🏨 Vila do Porto Accommodations
Hotel Charming Blue
Boutique hotel in the heart of Vila do Porto
Set in a refurbished historic building with nautical decor
Petite pool and excellent on-site restaurant
Walking distance to cafes, the museum, and harbor sunset views
Hotel Colombo
Larger property near the airport
Spacious rooms, pool, and easy parking
Good for families or those wanting modern amenities
Pensão Francisca
Old-school guesthouse above a bakery
Simple rooms, but you wake up to the smell of fresh bread
Friendly owner with plenty of local stories
Pousada de Juventude
Youth hostel (if operating)
Budget dorms/private rooms in Vila do Porto
🏠 Rural Tourism Options
Casa do Norte (Santa Bárbara)
White cottage with traditional round chimney
Rustic chic interior with panoramic views of sea and pastures
Perfect for watching sunset as cows graze nearby
Casa da Almagreira (near Praia Formosa)
Restored farmhouse with stone walls and garden
10-minute walk to the beach
Wake up to ocean waves and breakfast under a pergola
Village House Cabanas (Santo Espírito)
Cluster of cottages managed by a local family
Original basalt architecture with modern comforts
Experience authentic village life—church bells and roosters included!
São Lourenço Apartments
Balconies facing terraced vineyards and the beach below
Perfect for watching bay life unfold
Beach Cottages (Praia Formosa)
Seasonal rentals with sand at your doorstep
⛺ Camping & Budget Options
Campground at Praia Formosa
Basic facilities with showers and a small summer shop
Fall asleep to the sound of waves, wake up for sunrise swims
Lively during the music festival; otherwise low-key
Eco-Friendly Options
Keep an eye out for new sustainable lodging like the “Eco Pods” planned near Maia
Hospitality Notes: Hosts often welcome guests with a basket of local goodies—perhaps homemade jam, sweet bread, or fruits from their garden. Accommodation can book up in August when Portuguese families holiday, so reserve early for peak season or festival times.
Staying on Santa Maria, you won’t be in sterile tourist compounds. Instead, you’ll sleep in places that have soul—perhaps in a bedroom where generations have slept before, under a traditional crocheted bedspread and a roof of red tiles that has weathered many an Atlantic storm.
🧳 PRACTICAL TIPS
💼 Safety & Healthcare
Safety: Santa Maria is extremely safe. Crime is almost nonexistent; people often leave doors unlocked and car keys in the ignition. Just exercise basic common sense.
Healthcare: There is no full-service hospital on Santa Maria, only a basic health center for urgent care. For anything major, patients are transferred to São Miguel.
Preparation:
Bring necessary medications
Consider travel insurance
Pack a small first aid kit, especially for hiking
Natural Hazards:
Sunburn (high UV index—pack sunblock, hat, sunglasses)
Dehydration (carry water on hikes)
Twisted ankles on uneven terrain
Ocean conditions (respect the Atlantic’s power)
💶 Money & Connectivity
Currency: Euro (€)
ATMs: A couple in Vila do Porto (Millennium bank and airport)
Payment: Carry some cash, as small businesses may be cash-only
Mobile Coverage: Good around populated areas (4G in town), may lose signal in remote valleys
Wi-Fi: Available at most accommodations and some cafes
🗣️ Language
Official Language: Portuguese
English: Reasonably understood by younger people and those in tourism
Basic Phrases:
“Bom dia” (good morning)
“Obrigado/Obrigada” (thank you)
“Por favor” (please)
“Tudo bem?” (how are you?)
👤 Tips for Different Travelers
Solo Travelers
Safe environment for independent exploration
Hitchhiking is relatively normal
Limited nightlife outside festival times
Inform someone of your hiking plans
Consider joining dive or tour groups to meet others
Couples
Intimate setting with pristine beaches often to yourselves
Book rural cottages or seaview rooms for privacy
Plan picnics at viewpoints like Miradouro do Espigão
Evening strolls through Vila do Porto or sunset drives to Anjos
Casual dining atmosphere (few fancy options)
Families
Family-friendly environment with safe beaches
Calm shallows at Formosa and São Lourenço for children
Locals adore children
Natural entertainment: building sandcastles, exploring tide pools
Consider renting houses with kitchens and outdoor space
Be prepared with children’s medications
Adventure Seekers
Diving with giant rays or potential whale sharks
Trail-running the 78 km island loop
Paragliding options from Pico Alto or São Lourenço
Canyoning down waterfalls like Ribeira do Lemos
Exploring sea caves by boat or kayak
Surfing at Praia Formosa or São Lourenço in winter
Nature Lovers & Geologists
Birdwatching for migratory species (especially in fall)
Fossil hunting at Pedreira do Campo
Endemic plant species like Santa Maria heather
Excellent stargazing opportunities due to low light pollution
♻️ Sustainability & Etiquette
Environment:
Carry out your trash
Be mindful with plastic use
Never litter
Pocket cigarette butts
Stick to marked trails
Local Interaction:
Greet people when entering shops or restaurants
Drive slowly in villages
Consider donating at local festivals or events
Island Mindset: Embrace “devagar” (slowly). Things might not run with clockwork efficiency—your meal may take a while, shops might close for lunch. See it as an invitation to slow down yourself.
📅 WHEN TO VISIT
Best Time to Visit
Peak Season (July-August):
Warmest, sunniest weather (perfect for swimming)
Festivals bring extra fun
Accommodations can fill up (book ahead)
Special events:
Maré de Agosto Festival (late August)
Santa Maria Blues (July)
Shoulder Season (May-June, September-October):
Mild temperatures, still good for outdoor activities
Fewer visitors
Spring brings wildflowers across the countryside
Better accommodation availability and potentially lower prices
Off-Season (November-April):
Mix of mild days and cooler, rainy ones
Some businesses may close
Swimming is for the brave
Utter solitude on trails and beaches
Perfect for hiking enthusiasts who prefer cooler weather
Weather Expectations
Santa Maria’s nickname as the “Sun Island” means it’s generally warmer and drier than other Azores islands:
Summer (June-September): Average 22-26°C (72-79°F), minimal rain
Winter (December-March): 14-17°C (57-63°F), more frequent rain but still many clear days
Duration of Stay
Minimum Recommended: 3 full days
Ideal: 5-7 days to truly experience the island’s pace and variety
For Hikers/Divers: 7+ days to fully explore trails or dive sites
🌟 CONCLUSION: THE ALLURE OF SANTA MARIA
As your time on Santa Maria Island comes to an end, you might find it hard to say goodbye. In a short span, this unassuming island has a way of forming a deep connection with those who wander its shores and hills.
Perhaps it’s the gentle contrast it offers—adventurous yet safe, remote yet welcoming, simple yet profoundly beautiful. Santa Maria doesn’t overwhelm the senses with grand spectacles; instead, it enchants with authenticity. It’s in the laughter of children playing in a church square at dusk, the taste of that impossibly sweet melon shared by a farmer, the silhouette of a lone windmill against the purple twilight.
Travelers often remark that visiting Santa Maria is like visiting the “old” Azores—a glimpse into a more traditional, slow-paced island life that has vanished elsewhere. There are no traffic lights here, no shopping malls, no flashy resorts. But there are infinite stars overhead, genuine smiles at every turn, and a feeling of having discovered something precious and rare.
When you’re back home reminiscing, it might be the small moments that stand out: the cool relief of stepping into an old chapel on a hot day, the scent of sea salt and wildflowers on a coastal hike, the distant beacon of the lighthouse blinking goodnight. You’ll remember how bright the colors were—the red of the desert, the green of the vineyards, the turquoise of the bays, the white of the sand, the gold of the sun.
Santa Maria teaches the art of slow travel and the joy of discovery off the beaten path. It proves that an island doesn’t have to be large to be full of treasures; they’re just concentrated here, like a rich stew.
As you ferry or fly away, don’t be surprised if you catch yourself already plotting a return. Perhaps to show it to someone you love, or to catch that festival you missed, or simply to check if that secret cove you found is as magical as you remembered. Santa Maria has that pull.
It’s not goodbye, really—it’s até à próxima, until next time. And until that next time, the Sun Island will keep shining quietly in the Atlantic, awaiting your footprints on its sands and trails once more.
Boa viagem — have a great trip, and cherish every sunlit, soulful moment on Santa Maria Island, the Azores’ captivating little secret.
