Atlantic Islander
03-14-2014, 08:00 PM
http://i.imgur.com/LK16nUZ.jpg
My top things to do in St Maria Island are mostly linked to the natural beauty of the Island and to its unique geographical and geological characteristics.
Top things to do in St Maria Island are linked to the incredible natural beauty of the island.
St Maria Island is much different from the other Azorean islands, like Faial, for instance.
Due to its geographical position further south and east, St Maria has a dryer and warmer climate. This leads to lower levels of rain which influence the aridity of the landscape in certain areas of the Island.
Its volcanic origins also shaped the islands character. The west half of the island is flatter while the eastern side is hilly. There you may find Pico Alto. Climbing it is one of my top things to do in St Maria Island.
Astonishing top things to do in St Maria Island.
To go for a swim in one of the tidal swimming pools at Maia or Anjos is definitely one of the top things to do in St Maria Island. The feeling of diving in the warm waters of the Atlantic in swimming pools formed by the volcanic rocks is indescribable.
Amazing is also the landscape of the clay terrains (Barreiros) of Santa Maria. The different “Barreiros” are characterized by their colours ranging from reddish to bright orange. The most famed “Barreiro” is Barreiro da Faneca, nicknamed as the “Red Desert”. It charms all who visit due to the different colours its surface acquires depending on the time of the day. Visiting it had to be on my top things to do in St Maria Island.
http://i.imgur.com/NVqq30X.jpg
Don’t miss the chance to discover Cabrestantes Bay, the oldest geological formation of Santa Maria and of the whole archipelago.
The impressive 110 meters high waterfall Cascata do Aveiro is another highlight commendatory on this list of top things to do in St Maria Island.
One of the most interesting top things to do in St Maria Island is to explore its caves. You just need the right equipment and an experienced guide. Furna de Santana, Furna Velha and the manmade Gruta do Figueiral are the most sought caves on the Island.
Breath taking bays like Cré, Raposo or Tagarete are other stars of this Azorean Island. The bays are nestled among high rocky headlands. The contrast of the harsh ground with the quiet crystalline waters of the Atlantic is incredible.
This list of top things to do in St Maria Island wasn’t completed without a day on one of the local beaches. Formosa Beach is known as “the clearest beach of the Azores” thanks to its white sand and the intensity of the sun. However, beaches like Figueiral, Baia dos Lobos, Praínha and Sul also deserve your attention.
source (http://www.all-about-portugal.com/top-things-to-do-in-st-maria-island/)
St Maria Island history - All About Portugal
http://i.imgur.com/HVijkw1.jpg
St Maria Island is one of the nine volcanic islands of the Azores archipelago. Officially was the first one to be discovered. Natural beauty is the island’s main highlight.
St Maria Island was the first island of the Azores to be officially discovered around 1427 by the Portuguese discover Diogo Silves.
The capital was established at Vila do Porto, the oldest Azorean village.
The early settlers came from Alentejo and the Algarve. This fact influenced the architecture of the Island. Even today buildings are characterized by their white façades and colourful stripes, framing doors and windows.
The development of St Maria Island
Since the early years agriculture has been the main activity of St Maria Island. The fertile soils also boosted cattle farming. Until the 18th century the growing of dye plants for Flanders dye industry and of wheat were essential for the Island’s economy. The wheat was exported both for Continental Portugal as for the Portuguese strongholds in North Africa.
Then, in the 18th and 19th centuries St Maria Island’s agriculture was dominated by the growing of vineyards, wheat, corn, potatoes, yams and fruit. Cattle farming and the production of dairy products also played an important role.
http://i.imgur.com/PcL3TF3.jpg
The pacefulness of St Maria Island was only interrupted during the 16th and 17th centuries due to corsair attacks. The pirates took the Island’s inhabitants and turned them into slaves and hostages.
During the 20th century, St Maria Island gained a new strategic importance, especially during the World War II. The airport, built in 1944, was crucial for the Atlantic routes until the 60’s.
Nowadays, tourism is growing in importance. Natural wonders are one of the highlights of St Maria Island. The yellow and ochre colours of the soil and crops contrast with the green of nature and the deep blue of the ocean, originating a breath taking landscape.
St Maria Island has some of the best beaches of the Azores. They are perfect not just for those willing to relax under the sun but also for surfers, windsurfers, divers and fishermen.
However, visitors also come looking for the Island’s well-preserved Heritage as well as for its gastronomy.
source (http://www.all-about-portugal.com/st-maria-island-history/)
My top things to do in St Maria Island are mostly linked to the natural beauty of the Island and to its unique geographical and geological characteristics.
Top things to do in St Maria Island are linked to the incredible natural beauty of the island.
St Maria Island is much different from the other Azorean islands, like Faial, for instance.
Due to its geographical position further south and east, St Maria has a dryer and warmer climate. This leads to lower levels of rain which influence the aridity of the landscape in certain areas of the Island.
Its volcanic origins also shaped the islands character. The west half of the island is flatter while the eastern side is hilly. There you may find Pico Alto. Climbing it is one of my top things to do in St Maria Island.
Astonishing top things to do in St Maria Island.
To go for a swim in one of the tidal swimming pools at Maia or Anjos is definitely one of the top things to do in St Maria Island. The feeling of diving in the warm waters of the Atlantic in swimming pools formed by the volcanic rocks is indescribable.
Amazing is also the landscape of the clay terrains (Barreiros) of Santa Maria. The different “Barreiros” are characterized by their colours ranging from reddish to bright orange. The most famed “Barreiro” is Barreiro da Faneca, nicknamed as the “Red Desert”. It charms all who visit due to the different colours its surface acquires depending on the time of the day. Visiting it had to be on my top things to do in St Maria Island.
http://i.imgur.com/NVqq30X.jpg
Don’t miss the chance to discover Cabrestantes Bay, the oldest geological formation of Santa Maria and of the whole archipelago.
The impressive 110 meters high waterfall Cascata do Aveiro is another highlight commendatory on this list of top things to do in St Maria Island.
One of the most interesting top things to do in St Maria Island is to explore its caves. You just need the right equipment and an experienced guide. Furna de Santana, Furna Velha and the manmade Gruta do Figueiral are the most sought caves on the Island.
Breath taking bays like Cré, Raposo or Tagarete are other stars of this Azorean Island. The bays are nestled among high rocky headlands. The contrast of the harsh ground with the quiet crystalline waters of the Atlantic is incredible.
This list of top things to do in St Maria Island wasn’t completed without a day on one of the local beaches. Formosa Beach is known as “the clearest beach of the Azores” thanks to its white sand and the intensity of the sun. However, beaches like Figueiral, Baia dos Lobos, Praínha and Sul also deserve your attention.
source (http://www.all-about-portugal.com/top-things-to-do-in-st-maria-island/)
St Maria Island history - All About Portugal
http://i.imgur.com/HVijkw1.jpg
St Maria Island is one of the nine volcanic islands of the Azores archipelago. Officially was the first one to be discovered. Natural beauty is the island’s main highlight.
St Maria Island was the first island of the Azores to be officially discovered around 1427 by the Portuguese discover Diogo Silves.
The capital was established at Vila do Porto, the oldest Azorean village.
The early settlers came from Alentejo and the Algarve. This fact influenced the architecture of the Island. Even today buildings are characterized by their white façades and colourful stripes, framing doors and windows.
The development of St Maria Island
Since the early years agriculture has been the main activity of St Maria Island. The fertile soils also boosted cattle farming. Until the 18th century the growing of dye plants for Flanders dye industry and of wheat were essential for the Island’s economy. The wheat was exported both for Continental Portugal as for the Portuguese strongholds in North Africa.
Then, in the 18th and 19th centuries St Maria Island’s agriculture was dominated by the growing of vineyards, wheat, corn, potatoes, yams and fruit. Cattle farming and the production of dairy products also played an important role.
http://i.imgur.com/PcL3TF3.jpg
The pacefulness of St Maria Island was only interrupted during the 16th and 17th centuries due to corsair attacks. The pirates took the Island’s inhabitants and turned them into slaves and hostages.
During the 20th century, St Maria Island gained a new strategic importance, especially during the World War II. The airport, built in 1944, was crucial for the Atlantic routes until the 60’s.
Nowadays, tourism is growing in importance. Natural wonders are one of the highlights of St Maria Island. The yellow and ochre colours of the soil and crops contrast with the green of nature and the deep blue of the ocean, originating a breath taking landscape.
St Maria Island has some of the best beaches of the Azores. They are perfect not just for those willing to relax under the sun but also for surfers, windsurfers, divers and fishermen.
However, visitors also come looking for the Island’s well-preserved Heritage as well as for its gastronomy.
source (http://www.all-about-portugal.com/st-maria-island-history/)