Beaches and Bathing Areas on Santa Maria Island

The Island of Santa Maria is located in the southeastern corner of the Azores and is also known as the Island of the Sun. This nickname comes from its southern location, giving it a warmer and drier climate compared to the other islands in the archipelago.

When the sun is shining and the weather is warm, beach lovers naturally want to enjoy beautiful beaches and bathing spots. Check out below the main beaches and bathing areas of Santa Maria – Azores.

Formosa Beach

Located in Almagreira, in Vila do Porto, Praia Formosa is one of the rare beaches in the entire archipelago, with clear, pure sands. Other beaches in the region are dominated by black sand due to volcanic activity.

Ideal for those who love swimming, the clear, shallow waters are popular with tourists. For the past 25 years, Praia Formosa has hosted the annual Maré de Agosto Festival, a major music event.

Praia Formosa is one of the most famous and beautiful beaches on the island. As previously mentioned, its extensive, almost one-kilometer stretch of shallow, clear sand stands out. The warm, clear waters make it one of the best bathing spots in the archipelago.

The beach also offers excellent conditions for water sports, with surfing and bodyboarding enthusiasts often seen in its waters. Praia Formosa provides good accessibility for tourists, including parking, restrooms, showers, a bar, and facilities for those with reduced mobility.

There is also a campsite at the end of the beach, perfect for those looking for affordable accommodation and adventure.

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São Lourenço Beach

In the northeastern part of Santa Maria Island, São Lourenço Beach attracts tourists with its magnificent amphitheater-like shape, offering a unique landscape.

Photography enthusiasts will enjoy the breathtaking view of the bay from above. As a nature reserve, it hosts various endemic plant species and is a habitat for seabirds like the Cory’s shearwater.

The sandy beach and warm, clear waters make it ideal for tourists, with all necessary amenities such as bars, showers, and bathrooms. São Lourenço Beach is definitely worth a visit!

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Anjos Bay

Anjos Bay offers a charming setup, with its main attraction being a natural pool considered one of the best on the island. Upon arriving at Anjos, you’ll notice the 15th-century Nossa Senhora dos Anjos chapel, celebrated for its simplicity and history.

You’ll also find the Hermida do Pilar church, dating back to the 18th century, featuring a charming baroque stone altar. Another historical attraction in Anjos is the original chapel arch, where Christopher Columbus prayed after returning from his 1493 voyage. This historic site is well worth a visit, along with its bathing area.

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Maia Natural Pool

Piscina da Maia
Fotografia de Carla Dias

Located on the southeastern coast of Santa Maria Island, the Maia natural pool is an enchanting place with white houses and green doors and windows, creating a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere for visitors.

The main feature of this spot is its natural beauty, nestled at the foot of a cliff, forming a beautiful bay designated as a natural reserve. One of the main attractions is its calm natural pool, offering breathtaking views.

For those seeking comfort and tranquility, the Maia natural pool is the perfect choice, with the green hills and the blue ocean as the background.

See also: Maia Bay

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Interested in snorkeling on Santa Maria Island? Check out this activity and book online

Other Must-See Spots in Santa Maria

Gonçalo Velho Lighthouse

Vista para o Farol da Maia (Farol de Gonçalo Velho)
Fotografia de Carla Dias

The Gonçalo Velho Lighthouse, located in Ponta do Castelo, Espírito Santo, was inaugurated on November 15, 1927, and named after the navigator who discovered the island. It has a unique architectural structure with a 14-meter masonry tower and an elevation of 114 meters.

The red lanterns installed on the top of the tower have a reach of 54 kilometers, visible from various points on the island at night. Besides its history, it offers excellent visibility and is a fantastic spot for photos.

Aveiro Waterfall

Cascata do Aveiro
Fotografia de Bárbara Silva

Located on the southeastern coast, the Aveiro Waterfall is considered one of the island’s most beautiful spots, standing around 100 meters tall. Visitors can explore Ribeira do Aveiro, surrounded by natural beauty and scenic views, making it an ideal spot for photographers. The local ducks also add charm to this attraction.

Pico Alto

Pico Alto is the highest point on the beautiful Island of Santa Maria, rising approximately 590 meters above sea level. Pico Alto offers a marvelous panoramic view.

The hiking trails to the peak are fascinating, surrounded by protected natural forests and natural viewpoints that provide diverse perspectives of the island. The trail starts at the Pico Alto parking area.