Arriving in Santa Maria: Your Journey from Sao Miguel

Leaving Sao Miguel behind, the crossing to Santa Maria takes you across open Atlantic water before the sunniest, driest island in the Azores comes into view. The golden sand beach at Praia Formosa, unusual for the volcanic Azores, is the island's signature draw once you've docked. The Barreiro da Faneca's red-and-white lunar landscape, a striking contrast to the rest of the Azores' green terrain, is a worthwhile detour for those exploring further.