Discover Santa Maria Island Azores: Best 2025

Santa Maria Island Azores : The Azores archipelago is a treasure in the Atlantic Ocean. Each island has its own charm, but Santa Maria is a hidden gem. It has beautiful beaches and hiking trails, perfect for sunny days.

Santa Maria is a paradise with untouched beauty. It has stunning beaches, rugged landscapes, and a rich history. It’s a place waiting to be discovered.

Key Takeaways

Santa Maria Island is the sunniest island in the Azores.
It offers clear waters and diverse diving sites, attracting visitors from around the world.
The island is known for its unique “Red Desert” landscape, Praia Formosa’s golden sands, and a 300-foot high waterfall.
Santa Maria boasts lush forests with endemic flora and two distinct sides – mountainous and vegetated, as well as flat with the striking Red Desert.
The island is often overlooked by tourists due to limited activities beyond relaxation, making it a hidden gem to explore.

Getting to Santa Maria Island

Getting to Santa Maria Island is easy. The island’s airport, Santa Maria Airport (SMA), has flights to Lisbon (LIS) and São Miguel (PDL). This makes it simple to get there from Portugal and other Azorean islands.

The AtlânticoLine ferries used to go from Santa Maria to São Miguel. They stopped during the pandemic. But, they might start again in 2024. This would make it easy to travel between islands in the Azores.

Santa Maria is small, so you can get anywhere in 20-30 minutes. Whether you fly in or take a ferry, the island’s beauty is waiting for you.

Route	Duration	Frequency
Flights from Lisbon (LIS) to Santa Maria (SMA)	1 hour 50 minutes	Daily
Flights from Ponta Delgada (PDL) to Santa Maria (SMA)	30 minutes	Daily
AtlânticoLine Ferries from São Miguel to Santa Maria	2 hours	Suspended (Rumored to resume in 2024)

Where to Stay in Santa Maria

Choosing where to stay on Santa Maria Island has limited options. But, the island’s small size makes it easy to get around. Staying near Vila do Porto gives you the best access to restaurants and amenities.

Charming Blue: A Cozy Hotel in Vila do Porto

The Charming Blue hotel is a top choice in Vila do Porto. It offers ocean view accommodations and a friendly atmosphere. It’s perfect for those looking for a home-away-from-home stays on the island.

With its central location, Charming Blue is close to many restaurants and local amenities. This makes it easy to explore Vila do Porto.

There are other hotels in santa maria too. You can find 4-star hotels like Hotel Colombo and Hotel Santa Maria. There are also cozy home-away-from-home stays like Casa dos Magalhães and Quinta Erva Doce.

Some places, like Casa da Ponta Negra and Villa Natura, are right by the beach. They offer ocean view accommodations and easy access to the stunning coastline.

If you’re on a budget, try the Pousada de Juventude de Santa Maria in Vila do Porto. It has shared and private rooms, communal bathrooms, and an outdoor pool.

No matter where you choose to stay, the island’s small size makes it easy to explore. You can see all of its natural wonders and attractions during your visit.

Must-Visit Attractions in Santa Maria

The island of Santa Maria in the Azores is full of natural wonders and cultural spots. It has towering peaks and calm beaches. Visitors have many attractions to choose from on this hidden gem. Let’s look at some top spots you should see.

Pico Alto Trail: Hiking to the Island’s Summit

The Pico Alto trail is a must for hikers. It takes you to the island’s highest point. There, you get amazing views of the landscapes below.

The trail is often misty, giving a unique feeling of being alone with nature.

Baía de São Lourenço: Stunning Vineyards by the Sea

The Baía de São Lourenço is a feast for the senses. It has clear waters and vineyards that go down the mountains. The sea and vineyards together make a stunning view.

Anjos: Christopher Columbus’s First Stop

Anjos village is important because Christopher Columbus stopped there in 1493. The chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Anjos is the oldest building in the Azores. It shows the island’s rich history.

Barreiro da Faneca: The “Red Desert” of the Azores

On Santa Maria’s northern shore is the Barreiro da Faneca. It’s called the “Red Desert” because of its orange color. This place looks like Mars and is very unique.

Praia Formosa: Golden Sandy Beach

Praia Formosa is the biggest sandy beach on the island. It’s perfect for beach lovers and surfers. It’s a peaceful place away from the island’s green areas.

Top Activities in santa maria island azores

Santa Maria Island, the oldest of the Azores archipelago, offers a wide range of activities. You can dive into underwater adventures or enjoy lively music festivals. This hidden gem in the Atlantic Ocean has something for everyone.

Diving and Snorkeling

The underwater landscapes of Santa Maria are unique, thanks to tectonic plate convergence. It’s a top spot for diving and snorkeling. You can see diverse marine life and historic shipwrecks in the clear waters.

Music Festivals

Santa Maria is known for its music festivals. The Columbus Festival in Anjos, the Maré de Agosto in Praia Formosa, and the Santa Maria Blues festival are highlights. These events let you dive into the island’s culture and hear local music talent.

Festival	Location	Time of Year
Columbus Festival	Anjos	Annually
Maré de Agosto	Praia Formosa	Annually
Santa Maria Blues	Various Venues	Annually

Looking for underwater adventures or cultural experiences? Santa Maria Island in the Azores has plenty. Explore its natural beauty and dive into the local festivals.

Culinary Delights of Santa Maria

Exploring Santa Maria Island is more than just seeing its beautiful views. It’s about tasting its amazing local cuisine. Be sure to try alheira sausage, limpets, fried mackerel, meloa, biscoitos de orelha, and Azorean cheeses.

For a true taste of Azores, visit Tibério. It serves traditional dishes with love. Mesa d’Oito offers a fancy twist on local food. Cantinho da Vila is cozy, and Central Pub is where locals and tourists meet.

Exploring Local Specialties

Alheira Sausage: A special sausage made from pork and chicken, served with fries and a fried egg.
Limpets: These small shellfish are a treat in Santa Maria, often grilled or in stews.
Fried Mackerel: Fresh mackerel from the sea, fried to a golden crisp.
Meloa: Santa Maria’s melons are sweet and fragrant, especially in summer.
Biscoitos de Orelha: These traditional cookies are a key part of the island’s culture.
Azorean Cheeses: Try the creamy cheeses, like Queijo de São Jorge, a special product.

Enjoy a warm stew, a glass of Vinho de Cheiro, or a rich dessert. The culinary delights of Santa Maria will amaze you and stay with you.

Exploring Vila do Porto Municipality

The Vila do Porto municipality is a gem on Santa Maria Island. It combines historic charm with natural wonders. Walking through the historic center, you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The old Forte de São Brás shows the island’s rich Azorean culture and history.

The natural beauty of Santa Maria island is breathtaking. The south coast cliffs, the Barreiro da Faneca “Red Desert,” and Praia Formosa beach are stunning. For those who love the outdoors, the Pico Alto hiking trail offers amazing views from the highest point. It lets you dive deep into the natural wonders of Santa Maria.

Attraction	Highlights
Historic Center of Vila do Porto	Explore the cobblestone streets and admire the historic Forte de São Brás, offering a glimpse into the island’s past.
Praia Formosa Beach	Enjoy the golden sands and crystal-clear waters of this stunning beach, perfect for snorkeling and diving.
Pico Alto Hiking Trail	Embark on a challenging hike to the island’s highest point, Pico Alto, and be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views.
Barreiro da Faneca “Red Desert”	Discover the unique geological wonder of this Martian-like landscape, a true highlight of the natural wonders of Santa Maria.

Visitors to the Vila do Porto municipality on Santa Maria Island will find something special. Whether it’s the historic center of Vila do Porto, the natural beauty, or the chance to explore Azorean culture and history, it’s an experience you won’t forget.

Discovering the Red Desert of Santa Maria

Nestled on the serene island of Santa Maria, a hidden gem of the Azores archipelago, lies a captivating natural wonder known as the Barreiro da Faneca, or the “Red Desert.” This extraordinary landscape stands in stark contrast to the lush greenery that typically defines the Azores, showcasing a vivid red soil that evokes a Martian-like atmosphere.

The Barreiro da Faneca, spanning an area of approximately 8.35 square kilometers, is a result of specific geological conditions that have shaped this unique terrain. The intense red color is a product of ancient basaltic lava flows, creating a captivating and otherworldly backdrop for nature enthusiasts and photography enthusiasts alike.

Exploring the Barreiro da Faneca is a truly remarkable experience, offering visitors a chance to witness the island’s unique geology and azores geological wonders firsthand. The martian landscape provides a visually stunning and unforgettable backdrop for hiking, photography, and simply immersing oneself in the island’s captivating natural beauty.

Barreiro da Faneca: A Martian-like Landscape

The barreiro da faneca, or the santa maria red desert, is a mesmerizing and awe-inspiring sight that has earned Santa Maria a reputation as a true geological wonder of the Azores. Visitors can witness the island’s stunning natural heritage and the unique geology that has shaped this extraordinary landscape.

Whether you’re a geology enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply someone seeking a truly unique travel experience, a visit to the Barreiro da Faneca on Santa Maria Island is sure to leave a lasting impression. Prepare to be captivated by the island’s azores geological wonders and the martian landscape that awaits you.

Natural Pools and Beaches Galore

Start an exciting journey to find the magical natural pools and beaches of Santa Maria. This island is a treasure trove of stunning coastal views. You’ll love Praia Formosa for its golden sands and clear waters. And don’t miss Maia Natural Pools, carved by volcanic rocks for a special swim.

But there’s more to Santa Maria Island than just beaches. It has a high peak and the Cascata do Aveiro waterfall, which drops 300 feet. Also, check out Baía de São Lourenço, where vineyards meet the sea in a stunning way.

Natural Attraction	Key Highlights
Praia Formosa	Golden sandy beach with crystal-clear waters
Maia Natural Pools	Volcanic rock formations creating natural swimming pools
Baía de São Lourenço	Stunning coastal landscapes with vineyards
Cascata do Aveiro	300-foot-tall waterfall

Looking for beaches, natural pools, or coastal views? Santa Maria Island has it all. Dive into the azores beaches and coastal landscapes of santa maria for a paradise experience.

Island Hopping from São Miguel

The Azores archipelago is home to many stunning islands, each with its own charm. Santa Maria Island is the closest to São Miguel. It’s easy to get to thanks to direct flights and good transport options.

Direct Flights and Easy Access

Visitors can easily move from São Miguel to Santa Maria’s beautiful shores in just 20 minutes. SATA Azores Airlines offers direct flights between the islands. The average one-way cost is about 90 Euros.

This makes island hopping azores easy and fun. You can see the different landscapes and attractions the archipelago offers.

The accessibility of santa maria is also great because of the Azores’ ferry system. Atlanticoline runs the ferry. It takes about 4 hours to travel from São Miguel to Santa Maria. This is a cheaper option, especially during peak season.

With flights from sao miguel to santa maria and good azores travel logistics, planning your trip is easy. You can explore the Azores without any hassle.

“The Azores is a true hidden gem, offering a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unparalleled opportunities for adventure. Island hopping is the best way to experience the full depth of this captivating archipelago.”

Conclusion

Santa Maria Island is a hidden gem in the Azores archipelago. It’s a place where you can find peace and quiet. Here, you can read a book by the beach or enjoy the stunning beauty around you.

The island has amazing natural wonders. You can see the Barreiro da Faneca, a place that looks like Mars. There are also natural pools and golden sandy beaches along the coast. Whether you want a relaxing beach holiday or an adventure, Santa Maria Island has it all.

When you visit Santa Maria, you’ll get to relax and enjoy the calm. This island is a true treasure waiting to be discovered. It’s a place where you can escape the busy world and find real beauty.

FAQ

What makes Santa Maria Island a hidden gem in the Azores?

Santa Maria Island is a hidden treasure in the Azores. It boasts stunning landscapes, untouched beaches, and a rich history. As the easternmost island, it’s a paradise waiting to be explored.

How can I reach Santa Maria Island?

You can only get to Santa Maria Island by air. Santa Maria Airport (SMA) offers flights to Lisbon (LIS) and Ponta Delgada (PDL) in São Miguel. AtlânticoLine ferries might start again in 2024, making island hopping easier.

Where should I stay on Santa Maria Island?

Stay near Vila do Porto for easy access and more dining options. You can choose from big hotels or cozy villas with ocean views. Charming Blue is a great choice in Vila do Porto.

What are the top attractions and activities on Santa Maria Island?

Must-see spots include the Pico Alto trail, Baía de São Lourenço, and Anjos village. Don’t miss the Barreiro da Faneca and Praia Formosa beach. Enjoy diving, snorkeling, and music festivals like Columbus Festival and Santa Maria Blues.

What are the culinary highlights of Santa Maria Island?

Santa Maria Island’s cuisine is a must-try. Try local dishes like alheira sausage, limpets, and artisanal cheeses. Top places to eat include Tibério, Mesa d’Oito, and Central Pub.