Santa Maria
SĂŁo Miguel
Terceira
Graciosa
SĂŁo Jorge
Pico
Faial
Flores
Corvo
Real Estate
Activities
Activities
Bird Watching
Bird watching, a hobby in all islands
Whale Watching
Whale watchers paradise
A port of call for all yachtsmen
In Horta - Faial
Big Game Fishing
Best fishing in the Atlantic
Hiking
Excellent hiking and trekking
Whale Watching
Courtesy of Picos de Aventura
Golf
Golf in S. Miguel and Terceira
Santa Maria is best known for its white-sand beaches contrasting the dark-sand volcanic origin beaches found on the remaining islands of the Azores. The warm weather and beaches make Santa Maria’s activities revolve around water sports and activities. Praia Formosa and Sao Lourenço are the two best beaches due to their fine-grain sand and extension. These beaches are excellent for windsurfing, surfing, water-skiing and sailing. Skin and scuba diving can be better appreciated in Prainha and Xareus Cave.
Sportsfishing is also a popular activity where one can catch of bluefish bream, amberjack, conger eels, stone bass, grouper, mackerel, snapper and anchovies and many others.In addition to its great beaches Santa Maria’s coastline features natural swimming holes such as Sao Lourenço, Maia and Anjos swimming spots.
Hiking and trekking can also be done in the many pedestrian walking trails and hiking circuits featured all over the island. The hiking circuits allow the user to experience a range of diverse eco-systems and protected areas of the island that are not easily accessible to most tourists. Several natural landscapes have been preserved or designated points of natural interest by the Regional Government in order to foster conservation and support endemic species of flora and fauna, as well as provide communal forms of recreation and nature interpretation.
Santa Maria’s cultural heritage consists of many public buildings, churches and other structures such as military constructions that have been remodeled and preserved for their important historic and cultural significance. Since there is no historical volcanism and therefore fewer incidences of earthquakes, Santa Maria, which was the first island to be colonized, features older buildings and structures than any other island.
