Vila do Porto Landmarks and Monuments

(Vila do Porto, Azores, Portugal)



Vila Do Porto has relatively few landmarks, and most of them are naturally occurring. Pico Alto is the highest hilltop on Santa Maria, and the vistas from this high vantage point are certainly impressive.

There are also many impressive historical sights east of Vila Do Porto, around Santo Espirito and Santa Barbara. One of the best ways to take in the plentiful churches on the eastern side of the island is to organise or join a walking tour from Santa Barbara.


Bay of St. Lawrence

Address: Sao Lourenco, Azores, Portugal, PT
Walled in by steep cliffs, the Bay of St. Lawrence is one of the most impressive landmarks on Santa Maria. The cliffs are dotted with terraced vineyards that have been in operation for centuries. The bay is sited on the east coast of the island and the approaching road stops at the top of the cliff. While walking down to the town, it is almost impossible not to pause to view the spectacular panoramas of the sea.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 19:00
Admission: free

Historic Churches and Chapels

Address: Around Santa Barbara, Azores, Portugal, PT
Several scenic churches lie in the eastern quadrant of Santa Maria, near the villages of Santa Barbara and Santo Espirito. Built in the 15th century, Our Lady of the Ascension is the most important church. Others include the Our Lady of Angels Chapel in Anjos, built on the spot where Christopher Columbus offered the first prayer in the Azores, the 17th-century Convent of St. Francis and the Igreja da Miseriocórdia. Our Lady of Pilar, Our Lady of Fatima and St. Peter's Church are also in the vicinity.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 19:00
Admission: free

Pico Alto

Address: Santa Barbara, Azores, Portugal, PT
Pico Alto is the highest peak on the island of Santa Maria. This is a particularly popular place to visit early in the morning, when the sun is first rising over the Azores archipelago and the resultant photo opportunities are quite special. The mountain measures in at almost 600 metres / 2,000 feet high, and the panoramic views over Santa Maria's countryside and coast are simply spectacular. The surrounding area is rich in island flora and fauna, and known for its high humidity.
Open hours: daily - 07:00 to 19:00
Admission: free

Regional Natural Monument of Pedreira do Campo

Address: Regional Nature Reserve of Figueiral and Prainha, Azores, Portugal, PT
Pedreira do Campo literally translates from Portuguese as 'field quarry' and this area is to be found on the western side of both Ponta do Figueiral and Pico do Facho. The Regional Natural Monument of Pedreira do Campo is a rock formation known for its rich fossil deposits of primitive aquatic life as long ago as the 1500s. Now protected and open to tourists, the Pedreira do Campo is well worth visiting.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

Fontinhas Forest Reserve / Recreational Forest Reserve of Fontinhas

Address: Santo Espirito, Azores, Portugal, PT
This forest reserve (the Reserva Florestal de Recreio de Fontinhas) is located right in the centre of Santa Maria island. The lush forests include a few exotic tree species, such as towering sequoias and large cryptomerias. The reserve is equipped with walking trails, BBQ facilities and a few picnic shelters, as well as the occasional play area for younger visitors. However, the main draws here are the tall trees and countryside scenery.
Open hours: daily - 07:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge

Valverde Forest Reserve / Recreational Forest Reserve of Valverde

Address: Salvaterra, Vila Do Porto, Azores, Portugal, PT
Another of Santa Maria's popular forest monuments, the Recreational Forest Reserve of Valverde features cypress and eucalyptus trees, and encompasses an area of approximately ten acres / four hectares. Outfitted with walking trails and picnic facilities, the Valverde also has wildlife exhibitions. As it's close to the resort town of Vila Do Porto, this forest reserve is particularly popular, with many visitors coming here to see the deer enclosures and indigenous wildlife.
Open hours: daily - 07:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge