As the Canary Islands and Tenerife in particular battle anti-tourism protests and locals’ discontent, a new option has arisen with incredible natural beauty without the hoards of tourists.
Santa Maria is a picturesque island located in the eastern group of the Azores archipelago in Portugal.
It lies south of Sao Miguel and holds the distinction of being the southernmost island in the Azores. The island is renowned for its white sandy beaches, unique chimneys, and warm, dry climate.
The Regional Government has taken significant steps to preserve several natural landscapes on the island, designating them as points of natural interest.
These measures aim to support conservation efforts, protect endemic flora and fauna species, and provide communal recreational spaces and opportunities for nature interpretation.
Santa Maria boasts a mild Mediterranean climate, courtesy of its location in the Atlantic Ocean and the influence of the Gulf Stream.
Summers are typically dry and warm, while winters bring most of the year’s rainfall, although temperatures remain pleasantly mild.
Santa Maria is drier than the rest of the islands in the archipelago, receiving less than half the precipitation of Flores Island in the west.
The island’s cultural heritage is evident in its public buildings, churches, auxiliary structures, and military constructions, many of which have been remodelled, conserved, and preserved for their historical and cultural value.
As Santa Maria was the first island in the Azores to be colonised, it boasts older examples of these structures that have stood the test of time, thanks to a lack of historical volcanic activity and fewer earthquakes.
One person who visited the area said on Tripadvisor: “This place is gorgeous. I went one day and it was too foggy to get the best view, so I went back on a clear day. The guide said that the Azores can experience four seasons in a day. Fog is common. It’s a breathtaking place to see!”
Another commented: “Beautiful area even in the fog. Dense foliage still flowering. The teahouse featured Azorean teas and fresh pineapple.
“The coffee and nut gelato was scrumptious. Lovely eating area. Lots of active activities available: rental of kayaks and bicycles at Lakeside.”
A third added: “Breathtaking – they use this awful word so much in tourist brochures, but this view really does do it. Get there mid-morning to get the sunlight fully on the hillside, the houses and the sea. Glorious.”
