Santa Maria Island Holidays

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Things to do near Santa Maria Island

Santa Maria Island offers a delightful getaway for outdoor enthusiasts and couples seeking scenic beauty. Popular activities include hiking along picturesque trails, exploring educational sites, and enjoying fun tours. With its breathtaking seaside views, there's no shortage of things to do, making it an ideal destination for those looking to immerse themselves in nature and romance.

Shopping

On Santa Maria Island, visit the quaint local markets for unique crafts and handmade souvenirs. The charming shops in Vila do Porto offer delightful gifts, including traditional Azorean products. Experience the warm hospitality while browsing through local treasures that reflect the island’s rich culture.

Recreation

At Maia Pool, indulge in a serene spa experience just 9.7km from Santa Maria Island. Immerse yourself in soothing treatments and unwind in a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for rejuvenation and relaxation amidst the island's natural beauty.

Adventure

Explore the stunning Barreiro da Faneca, located 3.2km from Santa Maria Island, where you can immerse yourself in the breathtaking outdoor scenery. Experience hiking trails, birdwatching, and the diverse flora that this unique landscape offers, making it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

Nightlife

In Santa Maria Island, experience vibrant nightlife at Praia Formosa, where beach bars offer live music and cocktails. Explore Vila do Porto for cosy taverns and friendly bars, perfect for mingling with locals. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, stunning coastal views, and delightful culinary offerings late into the night.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Santa Maria Island

Santa Maria Island in the Azores offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures and romantic scenery, making it an ideal destination for travellers. Explore the stunning beaches, vibrant marina, and intriguing museums that highlight this beautiful archipelago. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, Santa Maria Island caters to all, providing a variety of experiences that showcase its natural beauty and charm.

  • Pico Alto: Ascend Pico Alto for breathtaking views and exhilarating outdoor adventures. Just 1.3km from Santa Maria Island, this mountain offers scenic hiking trails that cater to all levels, immersing you in the island's natural beauty and vibrant landscapes.
  • Raposo Bay Waterfall: Located 3.2km from the island, the enchanting Raposo Bay Waterfall presents a tranquil escape with its cascading waters surrounded by lush greenery. It's a perfect spot for photography and relaxation, allowing you to experience the serene allure of nature.
  • Formosa Beach: Formosa Beach, also 3.2km away, boasts soft golden sands and crystal-clear waters, ideal for sunbathing and swimming. With its laid-back vibe, it’s a delightful place to unwind and soak up the stunning coastal scenery.

Best time to go to Santa Maria Island

The best time to visit Santa Maria Island can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Santa Maria Island falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Santa Maria Island falls in February, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January61.7°F (16.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
February60.3°F (15.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March60.4°F (15.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageModerately Low
April61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighModerately Low
May63.7°F (17.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June67.1°F (19.5°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighModerately High
July70.7°F (21.5°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighModerately High
August73.6°F (23.1°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageModerately High
September72.5°F (22.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October69.4°F (20.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowModerately Low
November65.5°F (18.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December63.1°F (17.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Tips to save on your trip to Santa Maria Island

  • Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
  • Consider traveling to Santa Maria Island during the low season (March to April and October) for more affordable options.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Top hotels in Santa Maria Island

Hotel Colombo

Hotel Colombo

4 out of 5
Rua Cruz Teixeira Vila do Porto
The price is €75 per night from 27 Feb to 28 Feb
€75
27 Feb - 28 Feb
includes taxes & fees
7.8/10 Good! (139 reviews)
everything was execellent

Reviewed on 14 Nov 2025

Hotel Colombo
Azores Youth Hostels - Santa Maria

Azores Youth Hostels - Santa Maria

2 out of 5
Rua Frei Gonçalo Velho Vila do Porto
8/10 Very Good! (44 reviews)
Wonderfully clean hostel.

Reviewed on 12 Sept 2025

Get rates
Azores Youth Hostels - Santa Maria
Villa Mariense welcomes you in a landscape designed by nature!

Villa Mariense welcomes you in a landscape designed by nature!

Santa Barbara - Santa Maria - Azores Island Santa Maria Island - Azores
Get rates
Villa Mariense welcomes you in a landscape designed by nature!
See all 16 properties in Santa Maria Island
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Frequently asked questions

Can I cancel my flight booking to Santa Maria Island due to COVID-19?
In these times of uncertainty, many airlines are offering more flexibility. Click through to our Customer Service Portal for important information about cancelling or changing your flight due to COVID-19.
What's the best way to find cheap flights to Santa Maria Island that have flexible change policies?
We get that things can change very quickly, so locking in a flexible ticket with Expedia is always a wise idea. Tick the "No change fee" box under the "Flexible change policies" filter. Your well-priced and flexible flight to Santa Maria Island is only a few clicks away.
What are some of the general tips for travellers to Santa Maria Island during the COVID-19 outbreak?
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to dramatic changes to the way we travel. If you're planning a trip to Santa Maria Island, these tips will help you navigate the "new normal:"
  • Before committing to anything, see if any travel restrictions apply — in both your destination and origin. Get the latest updates by reviewing government and airport websites.
  • Requirements state that you must wear a face mask at the airport, including at screening checkpoints. You should be prepared to adjust your mask for ID purposes when asked.
  • To reduce the potential of cross-contamination, position your boarding pass on the scanner yourself and then hold it up for inspection. Do not hand your pass directly to a TSA agent.
  • TSA is now permitting passengers to take one container of hand sanitizer, up to 12 oz (350 ml) in size, in carry-on bags. This will have to be removed from your bag for scanning.
  • Put any personal items (phone, keys and wallet) in your carry-on instead of a bin to minimize handling during the screening process.
  • If you're taking food on the plane with you, place it in a clear plastic bag and then into a scanning bin. This reduces the likelihood that a TSA employee will need to touch your carry-on bag or food container for inspection.

Which airlines fly to Santa Maria Island?
Arrange your ticket with SATA Air Acores and start working on your Santa Maria Island travel agenda. This leading airline provides 78 flights each month to Vila Do Porto Airport (SMA), a main gateway.
How can I find cheap tickets to Santa Maria Island?
Book well in advance, fly in or out of nearby airports, avoid holiday periods — there are loads of ways! Another one is to make use of Expedia's "flexible dates" function. Search for a Santa Maria Island flight, then check out the cheapest prices for nearby dates. In the last seven days, the best price for a flight to Santa Maria Island was .
How much is a flight to Santa Maria Island?
If you were travelling one way from (), you could've snapped up a bargain fare for in the last seven days. Round-trip journeys to Santa Maria Island ranged from to over the same period.
What are the most popular airports to fly into in Santa Maria Island?
Get set to pack your bags and fly into Vila Do Porto Airport (SMA), Santa Maria Island's leading flight hub. Lock in a seat on one of the 86 flights that touch down at this awesome destination every month.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Santa Maria Island?
Leave early in the week to land a bargain fare to Santa Maria Island. Tuesday is commonly the most cost-effective day to fly, with Monday right behind it. Saturday typically has the highest prices. This is because a lot of travellers prefer to begin their getaway on a weekend.
How much is a plane ticket to Santa Maria Island?
In the last seven days, airfares to Santa Maria Island ranged between and . Prices generally depend on the departure time, airline, cabin class and when you make your booking.
Which airlines with flights to Santa Maria Island employ COVID-19 cleanliness policies?
Board a plane now and you're likely to notice some changes. For instance, most reputable carriers have introduced social distancing and improved hygiene measures. Two great examples are:
  • SATA Air Acores - this airline is known for cleaning with disinfectant and providing passenger masks.
  • Azores Airlines - this airline is known for providing passenger masks and capped capacity flights.

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* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.