Santa Maria Island main highlights
Escape to Santa Maria, a captivating haven within the Azores renowned for its unparalleled natural beauty. With its golden beaches stretching along azure waters, verdant hills that seem to embrace the land, and a rich tapestry of vibrant flora, the island embodies a serene paradise for nature enthusiasts. From tranquil hikes through lush landscapes to moments of awe gazing at its dramatic coastal cliffs, Santa Maria promises an enchanting escape into untouched, breathtaking wilderness. These are the Santa Maria Island main highlights we think you should see when visiting the island in 2025:
Santa Maria Island main highlights: |
Farol de Gonçalo Velho
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Praia Formosa Beach
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Praia Formosa’s golden sands and crystal-clear waters create a picturesque scene that epitomizes the island’s beauty. The inviting beach and unique geological formations make it a natural oasis for relaxation.São Lourenço
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São Lourenço on Santa Maria Island, Azores, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and historical charm. With golden beaches, clear waters, and preserved architecture, this destination provides a serene beach getaway and a glimpse into Azorean heritage.Other highlights to consider
- Barreiro da Faneca (Red Desert) – Striking red clay landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity.
- Cascata do Aveiro – The tallest waterfall in the Azores, surrounded by lush greenery.
- Ribeira de Maloás – Impressive basalt columns resembling the Giant’s Causeway.
- Poço da Pedreira – Scenic former quarry with red rock walls and a tranquil pond.
- Fontinhas Forest Reserve – Peaceful woodland area ideal for picnics and birdwatching.
- Pico Alto – The island’s highest point with panoramic views across Santa Maria.
- Natural Pools of Maia – Volcanic pools perfect for a refreshing swim in a dramatic setting.
Santa Maria Island main highlights: our map
Our other articles
We have collected our articles about Portugal on our Portugal page. We have also dedicated a specific page on the Azores.
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Santa Maria Island main highlights: Plan your trip
Inspired to see the Santa Maria Island main highlights? Find your flight via Skyscanner. We use them all the time to compare flights between different operators.
We always look first on Booking.com for accommmodation. 99% of the the time we end up finding exactly what we want. Airbnb.com has all sorts of accomodations too.
Getting a rental car on the Azores is cheap and that flexibility to get you whenever and wherever you want is just adding so much to your holiday experience. In general, we always start our search at Rentalcars.com to find the best deal from a huge selection of rental agencies.
