Santa Maria is the southern most island of the Azores with the most hours of sunshine per year. Due to the vicinity of the gulf stream and its low profile, the island is unique in the archipelago, being less influenced by humidity and having a more Mediterranean climate. In summer it is generally dry and warm, and in winter it is milder with less precipitation.
Activities
Next to the main activities of water sports (especially diving and freediving) like stand-up-paddeling, kayaking or even canyoning, there are several things to do on Santa Maria.
The healthy, unpolluted air invites extensive hiking tours around Pico Alto, along the shore line or into the canyons or along riverbeds.
Enjoy the nature & landscape
Several rock pools and natural swimming pools (Anjos, São Lourenço, Maia). The white sandy beach at Praia Formosa or São Lourenço which is unique in the Azores.
Other places of interest like the old whaling station and the light house in Maia. The „red desert“ («Barreiro da Faneca») or the museum of local history offers great opportunities to combine diving, freediving, relaxing and sightseeing for the whole family.
Diving & freediving
Accommodation
For individual travelers, families or groups, we are glad to help organize a suitable accommodation in a private cottage, apartment or hotel, book a rental car or find flights to Santa Maria.
Restaurants
There are several restaurants on the island, some close to the sea (Maia, São Lourenço and Praia). Besides local seafood restaurants, there are also hamburger bars and pizzerias.
Shopping
In Vila do Porto there is a daily market with fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and fish, and also local arts and crafts.
Bigger supermarkets are located in Vila do Porto, but there are smaller shops („minimercados“) in all parishes.
Santa Maria
Santa Maria is the southern most island of the Azores with the most hours of sunshine per year. Due to the vicinity of the gulf stream and its low profile, the island is unique in the archipelago, being less influenced by humidity and having a more Mediterranean climate. In summer it is generally dry and warm, and in winter it is milder with less precipitation.
Activities
Next to the main activities of water sports (especially diving and freediving) like stand-up-paddeling, kayaking or even canyoning, there are several things to do on Santa Maria. The healthy, unpolluted air invites extensive hiking tours around Pico Alto, along the shore line or into the canyons or along riverbeds.
Enjoy the nature & landscape
Several rock pools and natural swimming pools (Anjos, São Lourenço, Maia). The white sandy beach at Praia Formosa or São Lourenço which is unique in the Azores.
Other places of interest like the old whaling station and the light house in Maia. The „red desert“ («Barreiro da Faneca») or the museum of local history offers great opportunities to combine diving, freediving, relaxing and sightseeing for the whole family.
Diving & freediving
Accommodation
For individual travelers, families or groups, we are glad to help organize a suitable accommodation in a private cottage, apartment or hotel, book a rental car or find flights to Santa Maria.
Restaurants
There are several restaurants on the island, some close to the sea (Maia, São Lourenço and Praia). Besides local seafood restaurants, there are also hamburger bars and pizzerias.
Shopping
In Vila do Porto there is a daily market with fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and fish, and also local arts and crafts.
Bigger supermarkets are located in Vila do Porto, but there are smaller shops („minimercados“) in all parishes.
