Numerous shell fossils are visible on the walls and ceilings of the artificial Gruta do Figueiral. At the same time, the cave tells a story of work in the past: clay for roof tiles and limestone for lime production were extracted here. On Santa Maria, geological discoveries like these are inseparable from the island’s history; they connect the landscape, natural evidence and human use.

An Island of Distinctive Landscapes

At 96.87 km², Santa Maria is the southernmost and easternmost of the nine Azores islands. Its highest point is Pico Alto, at 586.84 metres. On the south coast, the Pedreira do Campo, Figueiral e Prainha Natural Monument covers around 230 hectares. It provides the wider landscape context for Gruta do Figueiral and is traversed in its entirety by the Costa Sul PR05SMA hiking trail. The trail ends at Praia Formosa.

Barreiro da Faneca offers a different impression: this protected landscape is red and semi-arid, and covers around 8.35 km². It includes the bays of Raposo, Tagarete and Cré. Its scale and the landscape features described show that Santa Maria offers more than a single coastal view. Visitors interested in geology and nature can see the cave fossils and protected landscapes as different ways of experiencing the island.

Coastal Trails and Seaside Places

Several hiking trails can be distinguished by their specific destinations. Costa Sul passes through the entire Pedreira do Campo, Figueiral e Prainha Natural Monument and ends at Praia Formosa. Areia Branca PR06SMA, by contrast, is a linear trail between Praia Formosa and Baía de São Lourenço. It crosses both the Pico Alto Special Area for the Management of Species or Habitats and the Baía de São Lourenço Protected Landscape Area.

The Great Route of Santa Maria is a circular hiking trail that starts at Forte de São Brás in Vila do Porto. Its coastal trails provide access to several bathing spots, including the white-sand beaches of São Lourenço and Praia Formosa. The routes described therefore offer different points of reference: a trail through a natural monument, a linear connection between two coastal places, and a circular route starting in Vila do Porto. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

Opposite Praia Formosa lies Baixa da Pedrinha, a marine protected area suitable for night diving and snorkelling. It can be reached by boat from Vila do Porto Marina in around ten minutes; journey time depends on the operator and sea conditions. Participation in diving and snorkelling excursions is also affected by sea conditions. The coastal trail and marine protected area thus offer two different ways to experience the surroundings of Praia Formosa.

Island History, Viticulture and Culture

Santa Maria was the first island in the Azores discovered and settled by Portuguese explorers. In Vila do Porto, the Núcleo de Vila do Porto do Museu de Santa Maria, housed in two buildings in the historic area, presents the island’s history from its discovery to the construction of its airport. The Centro de Interpretação Ambiental Dalberto Pombo complements this historical perspective with a permanent exhibition based on the naturalist’s estate. Its subjects include insects, the Santa-Maria-Estrelinha, sea turtles and fossils.

Viticulture is also part of the cultural landscape. The term “heroic viticulture” refers to wine production on the steep, terraced slopes of São Lourenço and Maia. Viticulture is thought to have been practised on Santa Maria since the beginning of the 15th century. Both details help put the connection between named places and agricultural tradition into context, without limiting it to a single area.

Fossils also feature in a culinary connection: the Route of the Volcanoes leads to “Sweet Fossils”, handcrafted biscuits made by the “A Cagarrita” bakery. Their shapes are inspired by the fossil-bearing deposits on Santa Maria. This brings the theme of fossils into a local product, as well as the cave and the exhibition.

Music and Events Throughout the Year

Several annual events offer different musical highlights. Maia Folk takes place in July in Baía da Maia and features folk music from different generations and cultures. Also in July, Santa Maria Blues in Anjos presents musical styles that grew out of blues and jazz. In August, the Maré de Agosto Festival takes place at Praia Formosa, with a range of music styles and activities. As event dates can change, it is worth checking them before your trip.

These aspects are easy to discover side by side on Santa Maria: fossils and protected landscapes, trails with different routes, the history of viticulture and music events. For your planning, you can start with whichever of these appeals to you most, and check current trail conditions or event dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Vila do Porto, Almagreira, São Pedro, Santo Espírito, Corvo, Faial, Faja De Baixo, Graciosa.

Return to the main travel overview: Azores.