Santa Maria Island Map

Description:
This map shows towns, villages, main roads, points of interest, tourist attractions and sightseeings on Santa Maria Island.

About Santa Maria Island

Santa Maria Island is the southernmost island of the Azores archipelago, located in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is part of the Eastern Group of the Azores and has an area of 97 square kilometers (37 square miles). The island was discovered and settled by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century, making it the first of the Azores islands to be discovered.

The island's landscape is characterized by its unique geological features, including light-colored clay deposits and limestone formations, which are not found on other Azorean islands. The highest point is Pico Alto, reaching 587 meters (1,926 feet) above sea level. The climate is notably drier and warmer compared to other islands in the archipelago, earning it the nickname "The Sunshine Island."

The main town and administrative center is Vila do Porto, which is also home to the island's airport. The island's economy traditionally relied on agriculture, particularly wine production and wheat cultivation. Today, tourism plays an increasingly important role, with attractions such as Praia Formosa, the only white sand beach in the Azores, and São Lourenço Bay, known for its vineyards and scenic beauty. The island is also popular for diving, offering clear waters and rich marine life.

Historical sites include the Fort of São Brás, built in the 16th century to defend against pirate attacks, and the Church of Nossa Senhora da Assunção, the oldest religious building in the Azores. The island's population is approximately 5,500 residents, distributed across five civil parishes: Vila do Porto, São Pedro, Almagreira, Santa Bárbara, and Santo Espírito.