Santa Maria, Azores: The Sunny Island

Santa Maria is the Azores’ sunniest island and the oldest geologically. It has golden sandy beaches, white villages, vineyard terraces dropping to the sea, and a red-earth “desert”. It was the first island in the Azores to be settled, and it’s a short hop from São Miguel.

Quick answer: fly from Ponta Delgada (about 30 minutes) or take the summer ferry. Spend 2 to 3 days exploring the beaches of Praia Formosa and São Lourenço, the Barreiro da Faneca red desert, the Aveiro waterfall near Maia, and the main town, Vila do Porto. See places to stay on Santa Maria.

Things to do

• Praia Formosa: a sandy beach with warmer water than most of the Azores, and a summer music festival.
• São Lourenço Bay: a dramatic amphitheatre of vineyard terraces above a beach and natural pools.
• Barreiro da Faneca: a red clay landscape often called the “red desert”.
• Cascata do Aveiro: a tall waterfall near the village of Maia.
• Vila do Porto: the island’s small capital, with a fort and historic streets.
• Diving: the waters around Santa Maria are known for manta rays and other big marine life in summer.
• Walking: a coastal trail circles the island.

Getting there

Flights run from Ponta Delgada. In summer, ferries connect with São Miguel. See Azores island hopping and ferries in Portugal.

Tips

• Car: rent one to explore. The island is small but bus services are limited.
• Weather: the sunniest and driest of the islands.
• Combine with São Miguel. See the São Miguel itinerary.

More: where to stay in the Azores and the best time to visit the Azores.

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