Things to do on Santa Maria: from beaches to Maia Bay and Pico Alto
Santa Maria Island, located in the Azores archipelago, stands out for its stunning white-sand beaches, mild climate, and a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Known as the “Sun Island,” Santa Maria offers a range of activities, from water sports to hiking, and a rich cultural heritage.
Best beaches in Santa Maria Island
Praia Formosa
Renowned as one of the best beaches in the Azores, Praia Formosa is a long stretch of fine, yellow sand with calm, clear waters perfect for relaxing or enjoying water sports like windsurfing, surfing, water skiing, and sailing. It’s also an excellent spot for families.
São Lourenço Bay
This beautiful bay is surrounded by cliffs and terraced vineyards, creating a scenic backdrop. The beach offers bathing facilities and is ideal for water activities. With its sheltered waters, it’s great for swimming, water sports, and exploring natural rock pools.
Maia Bay
Another gorgeous location with cliff-side vineyards, Maia Bay provides a unique natural setting and bathing facilities, making it a popular destination for a relaxing day by the ocean.
Prainha and Xareus Cave
For divers, Prainha and Xareus Cave offer crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life, making them excellent spots for scuba diving and snorkeling.
What things should I do and see in Santa Maria?
Anjos Village
Anjos is a historically significant village where Christopher Columbus first made landfall on his return from the Americas. Here, you’ll find a monument and the Church of Nossa Senhora dos Anjos, adding historical depth to your visit.
Santo Espírito
This picturesque village, surrounded by green pastures, is known for its charming parish church. It’s a perfect spot for a quiet afternoon and offers insight into traditional Azorean village life.
Pico Alto
As the highest point on Santa Maria (587 meters), Pico Alto offers stunning panoramic views over the island, showcasing its varied landscapes, from lush valleys to rolling hills.
Scenic Viewpoints
Santa Maria has several breathtaking viewpoints, including Fontinhas, Lagoinhas, Espigão, and Picos. These spots are ideal for capturing the island’s natural beauty and dramatic landscapes.
Hiking and Nature Trails
Santa Maria offers a variety of hiking trails that let you explore diverse ecosystems and protected areas. The trails are well-maintained and allow visitors to experience the island’s flora and fauna up close, including endemic species. Hiking circuits cover areas of natural interest, making them perfect for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
Explore our active holidays’ tour packages for hiking lovers!
Fishing
For anglers, Santa Maria’s waters are rich with bluefish, amberjack, grouper, mackerel, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or a beginner, you can enjoy both coastal and deep-sea fishing around the island.
Know more about Santa Maria or the other Azores islands! Book your perfect vacation now with our tour packages for one or more islands!