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Portugal's flavours, place by place.
SANTA MARIA ISLAND · PORTUGAL
Santa Maria
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Known as the Sunshine Island, Santa Maria combines fertile land, Atlantic fish and distinctive traditional recipes, including dishes found nowhere else in the Azores.See what to eat↓
RegionAzoresLocal picks06Coordinates36.97° N · 25.10° WCome hungry. Leave with stories.
A sense of place, in words
«Santa Maria desvenda-se entre as névoas»Raul BrandãoAs Ilhas Desconhecidas — De Lisboa ao Corvo
Arriving at Santa Maria, Brandão describes the island emerging from the sea, with Vila do Porto standing out.
THE ISLAND AT THE TABLE
Taste the island
What to taste across Santa Maria?
Specialities associated with the island's places and local traditions.
At the table
Savoury dishes associated with places across this island.
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Sopa do Império
A festive bread-based soup traditionally served during the Holy Spirit celebrations.Guide entryMeat03
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Caçoila
Slow-cooked marinated meat, traditionally prepared with aromatic spices and wine.Guide entryLocal sweets
Pastries and traditional sweets worth making room for.
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Biscoitos de Orelha
Crisp traditional biscuits from Santa Maria, easily recognised by their characteristic twisted shape.Guide entrySweets05
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Melindres
Small traditional biscuits with a light texture and a sweet glazed finish.Guide entryIn the glass
The local drink that completes the experience.
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Vinho de Santa Maria
Island wine produced in Santa Maria’s distinctive vineyards, particularly around São Lourenço.Guide entryBEYOND THE TABLE
Living traditions
Festivals & traditions
Celebrations, pilgrimages and historical gatherings that reveal another side of local identity.
Praia Formosa · August
Maré de Agosto
When: August
Parishes across Santa Maria · Pentecost season
Holy Spirit Festivities
When: May to September
Vila do Porto · island and religious celebration
Feast of Our Lady of the Assumption
When: around 15 August
Praia Formosa · music and cultural festival
Maré de Agosto Festival
When: August
WALK THE LANDSCAPE
Notable routes
Trails worth following
A short selection of established trails. Check the official route conditions before setting out.
8.4km
PLAN THE JOURNEY
Read the complete guide to travelling around PortugalPublic transport
Getting there and around
Local transport serves the main centres but may be infrequent elsewhere. Renting a car is often the most practical way to reach trails, viewpoints and rural areas with flexibility.
SLEEP OUTDOORS
Official campsites
Where to camp
A selection of officially listed campsites. Check the linked website for current opening, prices, availability and services.
Praia Formosa · Vila do Porto
Parque de Campismo da Praia Formosa
Coordinates36.95042° N · 25.09206° W
Visit campsite website