About Santa Maria

Santa Maria is the oldest and southernmost island of the Portuguese Azores archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean. Known locally as ‘the island of the sun’ and ‘the yellow island’, Santa Maria boasts the sunniest climate of the Azores and a landscape characterised by dry vegetation and sandy shorelines. The island has a rich cultural heritage, too, which is evident in the town of Anjos, the first landfall of Christopher Columbus on his return voyage from the Americas. Also, each traditional home in Santa Maria’s villages has a distinctively coloured chimney in order to contrast with the whitewashed masonry. Santa Maria also claims the best swimming spots in the archipelago, with a wide choice of stunning beaches and refreshing tidal pools. The most popular beach is Praia Formosa on the south coast which also offers excellent surfing, water skiing and sailing conditions. Santa Maria is well connected to the other Azorean islands by ferry, with numerous routes provided from its port on the southwest coast to almost every island.

About Flores

Flores forms part of the Western Group in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores, a group of small islands spread across the North Atlantic. The island gets its name from the prevalence of wild flowers, mostly blue or pink in colour, and many other indigenous botanical species. The floral population also earned Flores a place on the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve list in 2009, so you’re guaranteed some breath-taking scenic walks. Flores also has plenty of exciting opportunities for climbers and mountaineers. Particularly the Groto de Enxareus, a vast cavern measuring fifty metres long and twenty five metres wide. Morro Alto is the highest point, reaching over nine hundred metres, offering wonderful views of the crater lakes as well. In terms of cultural appeal, Flores is home to the westernmost town in Europe, Faja Grande, whilst the small town of Fajazinha on the west coast is known for its pretty, ruinous water mills and white washed houses. You can reach Flores from every island in the Azores by ferry, arriving in Lajes Das Flores on the south coast. There are slightly more sailings from the neighbouring island of Corvo to the north. Ferries on this route also dock in Santa Cruz, found just up the coast.