Santa Maria Island – What to Visit and Points of Interest

The Island of Santa Maria is located at the southeastern tip of the Azores archipelago and is part of the Eastern Group, along with São Miguel Island, which is 81 km away.

It measures 16.6 km in length, 9.1 km in width, and covers a total area of 97 km². The highest point on the island is Pico Alto, which is approximately 590 meters above sea level. It is popularly known as the Island of the Sun.

Arriving at Santa Maria
Fotografia de Rodrigo Pereira Aguiar

The main and only municipality on Santa Maria Island is Vila do Porto, the first place in the archipelago to receive the charter of a town in the 15th century, after the island was discovered between 1427 and 1432.

The colonization of this territory was carried out by Portuguese settlers from the Algarve, Alentejo, and Beiras, all under the command of Gonçalo Velho Cabral.

In 1493, Santa Maria Island made history when Christopher Columbus, on his return from his first voyage to America, landed in the region and attended a mass at the Chapel of Our Lady of Angels to fulfill a promise made while sailing across the ocean.

For a long time, the economy of Santa Maria Island was driven by the cultivation and export of cereals to mainland Portugal and Portuguese colonies in North Africa. However, pastel and urzela became the main exported products to countries such as Flanders, Spain, and England until the 18th century.

Atracando em Santa Maria
Fotografia de Rodrigo Pereira Aguiar

The region also experienced various attacks from privateers and pirates, who stole products and took inhabitants as slaves and hostages.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, agriculture became the strongest economic activity in Vila do Porto, with the cultivation of wheat, corn, vines, and citrus fruits, which remain important today. The first Municipal Chamber in the Azores was established in Vila do Porto in 1908.

Currently, the main features of Santa Maria Island are related to its beauty, as it is filled with geological riches, fine sandy beaches, a welcoming population, and various hiking trails that lead to fantastic places.

Come explore Santa Maria Island and let yourself be enchanted by all its splendor!

Check out some of the main points of interest to visit on Santa Maria Island below:

Vila do Porto

Photo by Armando Pacheco

Founded in 1432, Vila do Porto (Municipality) was the first settlement in the Azores.

What stands out most in this picturesque village is the historic center, where the main tourist attractions are located. The square Dr. Manuel Monteiro Velho Arruda is quite lively, with access to all shops, bars, and restaurants.

Credit: Depositphotos

The historical part includes the Chapel of Santo Antão, the Convent of São Francisco (now the Municipal Chamber), the Mother Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, the Fort of São Brás, and the Chapel of Conceição da Rocha.

It is a small village that offers much tranquility and warmth to all visitors. Therefore, the best way to explore the historic center is on foot.

Fort of São Brás

Photo by Carlos Luis M C da Cruz

Located in the parish and municipality of Vila do Porto, the Fort of São Brás was primarily designed to defend the area against attacks from pirates and privateers, which were frequent in this part of the Atlantic Ocean in the past.

Its construction took place at the end of the 16th century and the beginning of the 17th century, and centuries later, in the 1960s, it underwent restoration works.

The site is open for visitation, and its interior showcases historical artillery pieces. Outside, visitors will find excellent panoramas.

Marina de Vila do Porto
Fotografia de Helena Botelho

It includes a small bastion, the Command House and Troop Barracks, the Chapel of Our Lady of the Conception, and an obelisk designed by Raul Lino.

Santa Maria Crafts Cooperative

Photo by Rádio Atlântida

Located in the parish of Santo Espírito, the Santa Maria Crafts Cooperative is part of the history of Santa Maria Island.

The patchwork crafts have been around since the time of the island’s colonization in the 15th century, and the main activity is the production of quilts, rugs, runners, and carpets using fabric scraps on manual looms.

But the Cooperative doesn’t survive solely on patchwork. It also produces wool quilts, linen panels, and other handmade artifacts.

The Cooperative also makes traditional island sweets, such as “biscoitos de orelha,” chocolate, butter, corn and wheat bread, and aguardentes, among others.

Don’t forget to taste these delights when visiting the island, either by going to the Cooperative or finding the products in the shops of Vila do Porto or one of the parishes.

Contacts

Termo da Igreja de Santo Espírito, S/N
9580-238 Santo Espírito – Vila do Porto
Santa Maria – Açores
Tel: (+351) 296 884 888

Formosa Beach

Praia Formosa
Fotografia de Jorge Rodrigues

Formosa Beach is located in the parish of Almagreira, in the municipality of Vila do Porto, and is one of the rarities of the entire Azores archipelago, with light-colored sands that, due to their color, make the black sands formed by volcanic phenomena predominant in the area.

The beach is ideal for swimming, with clear and shallow waters, and is very popular among tourists. For more than 25 years, Formosa Beach has hosted the annual Maré de Agosto Festival, a major musical event and one of the oldest in all of Portugal.

Credit: Depositphotos

This year – 2018 – the festival will take place on August 23, 24, and 25, featuring various attractions such as Yarah Bravo, Camané, Linda Martini, and more.

Don’t miss out; it’s an unmissable party!

Pico Alto

Pico Alto is the highest point on the beautiful Island of Santa Maria, approximately 590 meters above sea level.

The Pico Alto offers a magnificent panoramic view of the entire island, with the green of São Miguel Island visible on clear sunny days.

The hiking trail to reach the highest point is fascinating, surrounded by a native forest that receives special protection from the Azorean government, as well as natural viewpoints that allow you to see the island from different angles.

The trail begins at the Pico Alto parking lot. Then, you need to climb the stairs next to a military building and continue forward. It may be tiring, but every step will be rewarded in the end.

Barreiro da Faneca

Considered the Red Desert of the Azores, Barreiro da Faneca is located on the northern coast of Santa Maria Island.

Formed by an arid, clayey, semi-desert landscape of a unique reddish color in the Azores, it is part of a Protected Landscape, with exotic vegetation where primitive flora species like heather, beech, and tamujos can be found, resembling a true oasis.

The flattened surface originated from an ancient basaltic lava flow covered by volcanic ash. There are several hiking trails through Barreiro da Faneca, offering breathtaking views. Enjoy!

Poço da Pedreira

Located in the parish of Santa Bárbara, the Poço da Pedreira is a priority geosite in the Azores that deserves your visit due to its scientific, educational, and geotouristic value.

It is an old quarry where ancient and altered basaltic scoria were exploited, carved from an ancient scoria cone known as Pico Vermelho.

The landscape captures the attention of all tourists who pass through, with different angles visible both from the top (at Pico Vermelho) and from the bottom (near the lake), making it a site of great scenic relevance, ideal for hiking.

There is a table with benches for recreation and rest.

Chapel of Our Lady of Fatima

Photo by Carlos Luis M C da Cruz

The Chapel of Our Lady of Fatima is located in the parish of São Pedro, on Alto das Feteiras, Vila do Porto.

Inaugurated in 1925, it was the first chapel built in recognition of the apparitions of Fatima outside the diocese of the city of Leiria.

Before the chapel was built, a large staircase was first constructed, which is the main characteristic of the site, dedicated to the Holy Rosary, featuring 150 steps, referencing the number of beads on a rosary, as well as 10 landings representing each of the Mysteries of the Rosary, invoking a “Our Father.”

This location is of great historical importance and also offers a charming panoramic view of Santa Maria Island.

Santa Maria Museum

Photo by Santa Maria Museum

The Santa Maria Museum is located in the center of the parish of Santo Espírito and has great ethnographic importance for the region, built in the 20th century with interesting architectural elements such as two tubular chimneys and the rounded shape of the oven, reminiscent of the typical traits of rural Mariaense architecture.

The main attraction of the museum is its ceramic collection, which refers to the history of ceramics throughout the Azores archipelago, composed of locally produced pieces used in kitchens and homes as well as in agricultural activities, all dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries.

It is a must-visit for everyone interested in the history of Santa Maria Island and the Azores, for the ethnographic treasures displayed there.

Opening Hours

Summer (April 1 to September 30): Tuesday to Sunday and holidays from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

Winter (October 1 to March 31) – Tuesday to Sunday and holidays from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

Closed on Mondays.

Address and Contacts

Rua do Museu s/n, Santo Espírito
9580-238, Vila do Porto
Santa Maria, Açores

Phone: (+351) 296 884 844
Email: museu.smaria.info@azores.gov.pt

Anjos

Photo by Carlos Luis M C da Cruz

Anjos is a historic location on Santa Maria Island, featuring a beautiful architectural ensemble, characterized by its white-painted houses, with yellow-painted doors, window frames, and corners, referring to the parish of São Pedro.

The main attraction of the site is the natural pool, considered one of the best on the island. Upon arriving in Anjos, the Chapel of Our Lady of Angels, built in the 15th century, draws attention with its simplicity and history.

Also visible is the Chapel of the Pillar, dated from the 18th century, with a fascinating baroque stone altar.

Another historical point of interest in Anjos is the arch of the original chapel where Christopher Columbus prayed after returning from his voyage of discovery to America in 1493. This historic site is definitely worth a visit.

Chapel of Our Lady of Angels

Photo by Carlos Luis Cruz

Located at the entrance of Anjos, the Chapel of Our Lady of Angels is part of the parish of São Pedro and was built in 1439, becoming famous due to Christopher Columbus’s presence after his return from America.

The original church was made of wood with a thatched roof; however, between 1460 and 1474, it underwent a significant renovation to transform into a stone masonry structure.

At the end of the 19th century, it underwent restoration works. It is classified by the government as a Property of Public Interest and holds significant historical value for the Azores. Annually, on August 21, the feast of the patron saint is celebrated.

Bay of São Lourenço

Photo by Ruben JC Furtado

Situated in the northeastern part of Santa Maria Island, the Bay of São Lourenço attracts visitors with its magnificent amphitheater shape, creating a unique landscape.

For all photography lovers, the bay viewed from above is splendid. The site is classified as a Regional Natural Reserve and Corine Biotope, with a variety of endemic plant species such as heather, pau-branco, malfurada, milkweed, laurel, and beech, and is also a habitat for seabirds like the cagarro and roseate tern.

The beaches are highlights in the area, featuring dark sand, warm and clear sea. Facilities for visitors include a bar, showers, and toilets. A visit to the Bay of São Lourenço is a must for the breathtaking landscape.

Gonçalo Velho Lighthouse

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

Located at the tip of Castelo, in the parish of Santo Espírito, the Gonçalo Velho Lighthouse was inaugurated on November 15, 1927, and is named in honor of the navigator who discovered the island.

Its architectural structure is quite interesting, consisting of a square tower 14 meters tall, made of stone masonry.

The red lantern fixed at the top of the tower has a luminosity that reaches 54 km, visible at night from various parts of the island.

The location offers visitors, in addition to its history, perfect visibility of the region, providing great photo opportunities.

Lugar da Maia

Pitoresca freguesia da Maia, Ilha de Santa Maria
Fotografia de Carla Dias

Located on the southeastern coast of Santa Maria Island, Lugar da Maia is a charming parish with white-painted houses and green doors, windows, and corners, conveying tranquility and peace to all visitors.

The main feature of the area is the natural beauty surrounding it, as it lies at the foot of a cliff that gives rise to a pleasant bay, classified as a Natural Reserve.

A tourist attraction that catches visitors’ attention is the natural pool, with calm waters and a beautiful natural landscape. For those who enjoy coziness and silence, Lugar da Maia is ideal, with the green of the mountains and the blue of the ocean predominating.

Piscina da Maia
Fotografia de Carla Dias

Head to the Lookout of Vigia da Baleia to fully appreciate this enchantment.

Aveiro Waterfall

Located on the southeastern coast of Santa Maria Island, in Lugar da Maia, the Aveiro Waterfall is considered one of the most beautiful spots on the island, reaching a height of about 100 meters.

To reach the Aveiro Waterfall, visitors enjoy a journey along the Ribeira do Aveiro, surrounded by natural beauty and excellent panoramas. It is recommended to explore the region on foot to better appreciate the benefits of the site.

The beauty attracts both professional and amateur photographers from all over the world. Another highlight is the ducks that inhabit the area, which are cared for by local residents.

Santo Espírito

The parish of Santo Espírito belongs to the municipality of Vila do Porto. The main tourist attractions in the area include the Mother Church, which features a very interesting facade, considered by many to be one of the most fascinating in the Azores, the Santa Maria Museum, of significant historical value to the region, and the Santa Maria Crafts Cooperative, ideal for purchasing handmade goods and regional sweets.

It is recommended to explore the parish on foot, walking through its calm streets that convey a bit of the history of the island and the Azores.

If you enjoy nature, heading towards Santa Bárbara, about 2 km away, is the Fontinhas Forest Park, filled with trees and plants and a recreational area.

Ribeira do Maloás

Photo by Dreizung

The Ribeira do Maloás has geological origins and is located in the parish of Santo Espírito, enchanting visitors with its natural beauty.

The site is the result of the sea’s contact with a lava flow, with the main highlight being a waterfall approximately 20 meters high. It is a must-visit for anyone strolling through Santa Maria Island.

Photo by Carlos Luis M C da Cruz

It is classified as a geosite of national relevance, with significant scientific, educational, and geotouristic value. The path allows for the observation of various aspects of the cliffs on the southern coast of Santa Maria Island and the vastness of the sea. It is an incredible experience!

Learn more about Santa Maria Island:
> Photos of Santa Maria
> Videos of Santa Maria
> Restaurants in Santa Maria
> Companies in Santa Maria
> Accommodations in Santa Maria

If you are planning to travel to the Azores archipelago, be sure to visit Santa Maria Island and explore this charming island, filled with points of interest. Book your trip now and come explore Santa Maria Island!