Eastern group · The Azores

Santa Maria
A sunnier kind of escape.

Golden beaches, red-earth landscapes and some of the sunniest skies in the Azores.

Plan your visit

The sunshine island

An island of golden shores, red earth and Atlantic light.

Santa Maria feels different from the rest of the Azores. The archipelago's oldest island pairs rolling green countryside with warm-toned cliffs, whitewashed villages and beaches of unusually pale sand.

From the vineyards of São Lourenço to the red landscapes of Barreiro da Faneca, the waterfall at Maia and the historic streets of Vila do Porto, Santa Maria is made for slow days, scenic drives and discoveries around every bend. Vila do Porto is the main town and sits close to the island's airport (SMA); start with its old streets, then spend the afternoon on the golden sand of Praia Formosa. In the north-west, the red earth of Barreiro da Faneca and the village of Anjos meet a rugged Atlantic coast.

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In the east, terraced vineyards wrap around the bay of São Lourenço, while Maia and the Cascata do Aveiro show the island's greener side, and Pico Alto, its highest point, opens wide views over the island. Three to four days covers the main sights without rushing, ideally with a hire car or on a guided tour.

Why visit Santa Maria?

  • Praia Formosa: golden sand and clear Atlantic water
  • Baía de São Lourenço: terraced vineyards around a sweeping bay
  • Barreiro da Faneca: a red-earth landscape rare in the Azores
  • Cascata do Aveiro: a waterfall among the cliffs above Maia
  • Vila do Porto: historic streets and whitewashed houses
  • Pico Alto: wide views from the island's highest point

Santa Maria at a glance

Main town
Vila do Porto
Airport
SMA
Suggested stay
3–4 days
Getting around
Car or guided tours

Highlights

Places you'll remember

  • The terraced bay of São Lourenço
    Baía de São LourençoTerraced vineyards wrapped around one of the island's most beautiful bays.
  • The beach at Praia Formosa
    Praia FormosaGolden sand and clear Atlantic water beneath green volcanic slopes.
  • The red clay of Barreiro da Faneca
    Barreiro da FanecaA surreal landscape of red earth unlike anywhere else in the Azores.
  • The Cascata do Aveiro waterfall
    Cascata do AveiroA dramatic waterfall hidden among the lush cliffs above Maia.
  • The streets of Vila do Porto
    Vila do PortoHistoric streets, whitewashed houses and centuries of island life.

Suggested itinerary

Your first four days on Santa Maria

  1. Day 1

    Vila do Porto & the south

    Vila do Porto and the south

    Explore Santa Maria's historic capital, wander its old streets and finish the day beside the golden sands of Praia Formosa.

  2. Day 2

    Barreiro da Faneca & the west

    Barreiro da Faneca and the west

    Cross the island's striking red-earth landscape, visit Anjos and follow the rugged western Atlantic coast.

  3. Day 3

    São Lourenço & the east

    São Lourenço in the east

    Discover terraced vineyards, sweeping viewpoints and the crystal-clear waters of one of Santa Maria's most beautiful bays.

  4. Day 4

    Maia, Cascata do Aveiro & Pico Alto

    Maia and the Cascata do Aveiro

    See Santa Maria's greener side, visit its most famous waterfall and climb toward panoramic views from the island's highest point.

Make it your own — leave room for the beach, the weather and a little spontaneity.

On the map

Places to explore on Santa Maria

  • Praia Formosa

    Long sandy beach and one of the Azores' classic summer swimming spots.

  • Barreiro da Faneca

    Red clay landscape that contrasts sharply with the greener Azores islands.

  • São Lourenço

    Terraced bay with vineyards, swimming, and one of Santa Maria's signature views.

  • Maia

    Quiet east-coast village with terraces, waterfall access, and sea views.

  • Vila do Porto

    Oldest town in the Azores and the island's main practical base.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • When to visit

    Late spring through early autumn brings the warmest, driest days and the best beach weather. Santa Maria remains peaceful and rewarding throughout the year.

  • Getting here

    Fly into Santa Maria Airport (SMA). Connections with São Miguel and other islands vary throughout the year, so check schedules before you travel.

  • Getting around

    Hire a car for the most freedom or join a guided tour. The island is compact, making it easy to explore several landscapes in a single day.

  • Where to stay

    Choose Vila do Porto for convenience, Praia Formosa for beach days, or São Lourenço and Maia for a quieter stay close to nature.

Good to know

Good to know before you go

Three to four days gives you enough time to explore the island's main sights without rushing. Add an extra day if you want more time for beaches, hiking or simply slowing down.

Keep exploring

Discover another island

All nine islands
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    São Miguel

    The Green Island. Lakes, hot springs, and the biggest choice of tours.

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    UNESCO heritage, caves, and sea trips from Angra.

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  • Mount Pico above its stone-walled vineyards

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    Pico

    Mountain climbs, volcanic wine, lava tubes, and whale watching.

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