{"id":19989,"date":"2024-10-24T08:36:03","date_gmt":"2024-10-24T08:36:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/?post_type=to-visit&#038;p=19989"},"modified":"2026-10-08T10:21:58","modified_gmt":"2026-10-08T10:21:58","slug":"santa-maria-island","status":"publish","type":"to-visit","link":"https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/it\/attractions-to-visit\/regions-of-portugal\/azores-region\/santa-maria-island\/","title":{"rendered":"Isola di Santa Maria"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Santa Maria is often referred to as the &#8220;Sun Island&#8221; due to its warm climate and drier terrain compared to the other islands in the Azores. With its rich maritime history, the island was the first in the archipelago to be discovered and settled by the Portuguese in the 15th century. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-main-points-of-interest\">Principali punti di interesse<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-formosa-beach\">Formosa beach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Renowned for its golden sands, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitportugal.com\/en\/node\/141792\">Praia Formosa<\/a> is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Azores. Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports, it\u2019s a favourite spot for both locals and visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"270\" data-id=\"21954\" src=\"https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-01.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21954\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"21955\" src=\"https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-02-1024x768.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21955\" srcset=\"https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-02-1024x768.webp 1024w, https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-02-768x576.webp 768w, https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-02.webp 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-anjos-bay\">Anjos Bay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Questo<a href=\"https:\/\/byacores.com\/en\/baia-dos-anjos\/\"> historical bay<\/a> is where Christopher Columbus is said to have anchored on his return from the Americas. Visit the small chapel, <em>Ermida de Nossa Senhora dos Anjos<\/em>, and enjoy the stunning coastal views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1108\" height=\"622\" data-id=\"21956\" src=\"https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-03.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21956\" srcset=\"https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-03.webp 1108w, https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-03-768x431.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1108px) 100vw, 1108px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"570\" height=\"350\" data-id=\"21957\" src=\"https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-04.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21957\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-barreiro-da-faneca\">Barreiro da Faneca<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Often called the &#8220;Red Desert of the Azores,&#8221; this<a href=\"https:\/\/parquesnaturais.azores.gov.pt\/en\/parques\/2\/areasprotegidas\/13\"> unique clay landscape<\/a> is a photographer&#8217;s dream. Its striking colours contrast dramatically with the island\u2019s greenery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"21958\" src=\"https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-05-1024x768.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21958\" srcset=\"https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-05-1024x768.webp 1024w, https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-05-768x576.webp 768w, https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-05.webp 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-id=\"21959\" src=\"https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-06.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21959\" srcset=\"https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-06.webp 1024w, https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-06-768x432.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-pico-alto\">Pico Alto<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The highest point on the island, <a href=\"https:\/\/parquesnaturais.azores.gov.pt\/en\/parques\/2\/areasprotegidas\/9\">Pico Alto<\/a> offers panoramic views of Santa Maria&#8217;s diverse terrain. On a clear day, you can see the neighbouring island of S\u00e3o Miguel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"619\" data-id=\"21960\" src=\"https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-07-1024x619.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21960\" srcset=\"https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-07-1024x619.webp 1024w, https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-07-768x464.webp 768w, https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-07.webp 1785w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"21961\" src=\"https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-08-1024x682.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21961\" srcset=\"https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-08-1024x682.webp 1024w, https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-08-768x511.webp 768w, https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-08.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-santa-maria-museum\">Santa Maria Museum <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Located in Vila do Porto, this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.museu-santamaria.azores.gov.pt\/\">museo <\/a>offers insights into the island&#8217;s history, culture, and traditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"21962\" src=\"https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-09-1024x768.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21962\" srcset=\"https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-09-1024x768.webp 1024w, https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-09-768x576.webp 768w, https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-09.webp 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" data-id=\"21963\" src=\"https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-10.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21963\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sao-lourenco-bay\">S\u00e3o Louren\u00e7o Bay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.destinazores.com\/en\/destination\/santa-maria-2\/vila-do-porto\/baia-de-sao-lourenco\/\">Famous <\/a>for its dramatic amphitheatre-like cliffs covered in vineyards. The white sandy beach and crystal-clear waters make it a picturesque spot for relaxation and snorkelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1764\" height=\"1080\" data-id=\"21964\" src=\"https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-11.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21964\" srcset=\"https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-11.webp 1764w, https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-11-768x470.webp 768w, https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-11-1022x626.webp 1022w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1764px) 100vw, 1764px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-poco-da-pedreira\">Po\u00e7o da Pedreira<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A striking quarry turned natural <a href=\"https:\/\/byacores.com\/en\/poco-da-pedreira-santa-maria-island\/\">attraction<\/a>, known for its reddish cliffs and serene atmosphere. It\u2019s a unique place for photography or a quiet walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"897\" data-id=\"21965\" src=\"https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-12.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21965\" srcset=\"https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-12.webp 1200w, https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-12-768x574.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"675\" data-id=\"21966\" src=\"https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-13.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21966\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-viewpoint-of-macela\">Viewpoint of Macela<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the island\u2019s most scenic <a href=\"https:\/\/viewpoints.azores.gov.pt\/viewpoint\/61?lang=en\">viewpoints<\/a>. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and lush greenery, perfect for photography enthusiasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"668\" height=\"434\" data-id=\"21967\" src=\"https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-14.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21967\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ponta-do-castelo\">Ponta do Castelo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A rugged coastal area where you can see the <em>Farol de Gon\u00e7alo Velho<\/em> lighthouse. It\u2019s a <a href=\"https:\/\/parquesnaturais.azores.gov.pt\/en\/\">peaceful spot<\/a> for watching the waves crash against the cliffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" data-id=\"21969\" src=\"https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-16-1024x512.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21969\" srcset=\"https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-16-1024x512.webp 1024w, https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-16-768x384.webp 768w, https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-16.webp 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1014\" data-id=\"21968\" src=\"https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-15.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21968\" srcset=\"https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-15.webp 1920w, https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-15-768x405.webp 768w, https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-15-1022x540.webp 1022w, https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-15-1536x811.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ribeira-de-maloas-waterfall\">Ribeira de Malo\u00e1s Waterfall<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A seasonal <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitazores.com\/en\/explore\/ribeira-de-maloas\">waterfall <\/a>surrounded by lush vegetation. It\u2019s particularly stunning after rainfall and accessible via a short hike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-10 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"21970\" src=\"https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-17-1024x768.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21970\" srcset=\"https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-17-1024x768.webp 1024w, https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-17-768x576.webp 768w, https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-17.webp 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-geoparque-acores-sites\">Geoparque A\u00e7ores Sites<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Santa Maria is part of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.azores.gov.pt\/Gra\/srrn-natureza\/menus\/secundario\/Geoparque+A%C3%A7ores\/\">Azores Geopark<\/a>, and several spots around the island highlight its volcanic heritage, such as fossil deposits and unique rock formations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-11 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"898\" height=\"602\" data-id=\"21971\" src=\"https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/real-dreams-to-visit-portugal-santa-maria-island-18.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21971\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"810\" height=\"443\" data-id=\"21972\" src=\"https:\/\/realdreams.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/geoparque-810x443-1.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21972\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-recommended-restaurants\">Ristoranti consigliati<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tripadvisor.pt\/Restaurant_Review-g1190886-d4611168-Reviews-Central_Pub-Vila_do_Porto_Santa_Maria_Azores.html\">Central Pub<\/a> (Vila do Porto): A local favourite for casual dining, offering a mix of traditional Azorean dishes and international cuisine. Try their seafood platters or grilled octopus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tripadvisor.pt\/Restaurant_Review-g189131-d13983592-Reviews-A_Travessa_Cafe_Snack_Bar-Santa_Maria_Azores.html\">A Travessa <\/a>(Vila do Porto): A great spot for hearty Azorean meals, featuring dishes such as caldeirada de peixe (fish stew) and grilled local fish. Their desserts, especially the queijadas, are a must-try.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/quintadomartelo.net\/site\/en\">Quinta do Martelo <\/a>(Almagreira): This rural restaurant offers a true taste of Santa Maria with its farm-to-table concept. Enjoy a mix of rustic Azorean flavours in a tranquil countryside setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-festivities\">Festivit\u00e0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mar\u00e9 de Agosto Festival: Held every August in Praia Formosa, this internationally renowned music festival brings together artists from around the world. It\u2019s a lively event with great performances, food stalls, and a vibrant atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Festas de Santo Cristo: Celebrated in May, this religious festival includes processions, traditional music, and local delicacies. It\u2019s a significant cultural event on the island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Festival de Gastronomia: A food festival showcasing the best of Santa Maria\u2019s cuisine, often held in Vila do Porto. Look out for dates in the late summer or early autumn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Carnaval: Like mainland Portugal, Santa Maria celebrates Carnival with parades, colourful costumes, and lively parties, typically in February or early March.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-useful-tips\">Consigli utili<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Come arrivare<\/strong>: Santa Maria has a small airport with flights connecting to S\u00e3o Miguel and other Azorean islands. Regular ferry services also operate during the summer months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Trasporto<\/strong>: Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore the island, as public transport is limited. Ensure you check road conditions, particularly if venturing into rural areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Alloggio<\/strong>: Options range from quaint guesthouses in Vila do Porto to beachfront resorts near Praia Formosa. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during the peak summer season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Festivals<\/strong>: Plan your visit around the <strong>Mar\u00e9 de Agosto Festival<\/strong>, held annually in August. This music festival attracts artists from around the globe and is a highlight of the island&#8217;s cultural calendar.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Santa Maria Island, the southernmost of the Azores archipelago, offers a tranquil escape amidst natural beauty and historical charm. Known for its golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unique landscapes, this island is a haven for those seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":21975,"parent":12469,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1074],"tags":[1164,1168],"attraction-categ":[1056],"localidade":[1201],"content-type":[],"grupo-de-experiencias":[],"experiencia-tipo":[],"gestao":[1102],"regioes_turisticas_term":[299],"class_list":["post-19989","to-visit","type-to-visit","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-city","tag-azores","tag-island","attraction-categ-city","localidade-santa-maria-island","gestao-56-publicado","regioes_turisticas_term-azores"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.8 (Yoast SEO v28.6) - 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