Ribeira do Maloás – Santa Maria Island

The Ribeira do Maloás is located in the parish of Santo Espírito and is a very important geosite for the Azores, representing one of the main geological points of interest on Santa Maria Island.

The Ribeira do Maloás features an impressive and interesting columnar jointing. The site boasts grand scenic beauty, where large prisms along with the waterfall contribute to the special landscape of the region, attracting the attention of all who pass by.

The location is easily accessible for observation, allowing visitors to have a broad perspective of the prismatic jointing. Visitors can observe it from both an upper angle and other viewpoints, making it a unique geological context on Santa Maria Island.

History of Ribeira do Maloás

The Ribeira do Maloás is a geological formation located in Malbusca. It is a massive outcrop of basalt columns, measuring 15 to 20 meters in height and approximately 220 meters in length.

This site is a priority geosite in the Azores Geopark and, in addition to its scientific and educational importance, attracts hundreds of tourists who choose Santa Maria Island as their destination.

This formation resulted from the contact of the sea with a subaerial basaltic lava flow from the Pico Alto volcanic complex. It also features a polygonal pavement similar to the famous “Giant’s Causeway” in Ireland.

The volcanic structure is one of the largest and most remarkable in the Azores, primarily known for its waterfall, which has a height of approximately 20 meters.

How to Get There

Ribeira do Maloás is easily accessible, with signs along the way leading to the site. A short hike along the municipal road is required to reach the location. During the journey, you can enjoy the stunning landscapes of the island’s southern coast.

Location on the Map

Photos

(C) Açores Geoparque[/caption>

Videos

Watch here

The Ribeira do Maloás is a site of great geological interest with unique characteristics on the island. Its imposing size and easy access have made it a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the island.

(C) Photos by Siaram