Baía dos Anjos – Santa Maria Island

The Baía dos Anjos is located in the municipality of Vila do Porto, on Santa Maria Island. It is a popular bathing area for tourists in the summer and is also visited by various species of migratory birds that use the location for rest and feeding.

Like many other attractions in the archipelago, Baía dos Anjos is formed by volcanic rocks. The region has good tourist infrastructure with a nearby parking lot, where visitors can rent umbrellas, use the changing rooms, and relax. There are also leisure areas and a bar with a terrace. The bay has been classified as a Natural and Ecological Reserve, and despite being a popular attraction, its natural elements are well-preserved and protected.

(C) emivel2003 – Flickr

Baía dos Anjos has waters with very attractive temperatures. Its mild waters are ideal for relaxing baths and even diving for those who enjoy the activity. The bay also has a small fishing port and a natural pool surrounded by volcanic rocks.

History of Anjos

Anjos is a quiet parish located on the northern coast of Santa Maria Island. Its bay is well-known among sea bathers and is also a resting spot for migratory birds that love the region.

Another highlight of Anjos is the statue of Christopher Columbus and the Ermida de Nossa Senhora dos Anjos, which dates back to the 19th century. This chapel still has an arch from the old chapel, believed to be the place where Christopher Columbus attended a mass after returning from his voyage of discovering America.

Photograph by Carlos Luis Cruz

According to local history, Columbus ordered a thanksgiving mass to be celebrated in the chapel as a gesture of gratitude for his return from his discovery voyage to America, and he disembarked at Baía dos Anjos upon his return.

Some houses in the parish are painted white with doors, window frames, and other details in yellow, corresponding to the parish of Saint Peter. Anjos is a quiet parish, but it maintains traditions and primarily survives on agriculture and fishing.

(C) Jean-Marie Prival – Flickr

Natural Pools of Anjos

The bathing area of Baía dos Anjos has a beautiful natural pool, ready to welcome tourists during their vacations. It is fully equipped to accommodate visitors, including those with reduced mobility. The area features amenities such as showers, restrooms, and a terrace bar.

The Natural Pools of Anjos have pleasant waters suitable for the whole family. Surrounded by rocks, it is sheltered from the wind. This is one of the best natural pools on Santa Maria Island.

(C) Vila do Porto Municipality

Curiosities of Baía dos Anjos

Baía dos Anjos offers some interesting curiosities worth noting:

• For birdwatching enthusiasts: If you want to observe the various species that visit the bay, it is recommended to visit during low tide.
• It is believed that the first settlers of the Azores may have initially settled on Santa Maria Island, specifically in the municipality of Vila do Porto, and they likely docked at Baía dos Anjos.
• The Ermida de Nossa Senhora dos Anjos was originally built in wood but was reconstructed in masonry during the early colonization of the territory in the 15th century. Since then, it has undergone several restoration and renovation works.

Video

Aerial footage by António Faria from August 2017:

Baía dos Anjos is not only a place of great natural beauty and historical importance but also ideal for those seeking a peaceful and relaxing vacation.