The first records of a group of islands in the Atlantic (aside from the legends of Atlantis) came from the voyages of … See more

The island is located in the southeast corner of the Azores archipelago, 100 kilometres (62 mi) south of São Miguel, and 600 kilometres (370 mi) from the island of Flores (the westernmost island in the archipelago… See more

The island's economy passed through much of the cyclical evolution associated with the Azores. Initially, the economy was based on the production of wheat and woad, until the 16th century, evolving slowly to a subsistenc… See more

Direct flights to the continent (Lisbon) are provided primarily by Azores Airlines out of Santa Maria Airport located close to Vila do Porto. The airport also provides some direct connections to the rest of the archipelago through … See more

There are many examples (public buildings, churches and auxiliary structures, military constructions) of Santa Maria's cultural heritage that have been remodelled, conserved and preserved for their important histo-cultur… See more

Mariense culture, much like the rest of the Azores, is heavily influenced by traditional religious festivals and feasts. In particular, the festival of the Divine Holy Spirit, closely tied to the 14th-century Queen Elizabeth of Portugal, … See more

Tourists generally favour the white sand beaches and rock pools in the communities of Anjos (Vila do Porto), Praia Formosa (Almagreira), Maia (Santo Espírito) and São Lourenço (Santa Bárbara). Praia Formosa, i… See more