Exploring the Rich History and Vibrant Culture of Santa Maria Island
Santa Maria in the Azores is a rare gem of a vacation destination. A peaceful and quiet island retreat with natural beauty beyond all imagination, the Azores Island is a unique Portuguese archipelago that is earning a name for being a true paradise. And while you will feel as if you have escaped a world away from your daily grind and the busyness of your regular life, Santa Maria in the Azores is surprisingly easy to reach, with direct flight options to the main island of São Miguel, Azores you are just one short less than an hour flight to stunning Santa Maria Island.
Santa Maria Island is best known perhaps for the pristine natural beauty and wealth of outdoor options for nature lovers it affords, but we wanted to highlight the amazingly rich history and culture of this lovely island haven as well.
Time-Honored Traditions in Santa Maria Island
Santa Maria Island in the Azores is an ideal vacation spot for travelers who are seeking to learn all about a new and intriguing culture that is rich with time-honored traditions and offers an abundance of awe-inspiring history. But before we jump into the myriad traditions you can look forward to discovering during your Santa Maria Island vacation, let’s take a closer peek at the fascinating history of Santa Maria in the Azores, from which each of these fascinating traditions originated!
A Tale of Discovery
Far too few know about the real origins of Santa Maria, but it was first placed on record by Portuguese sailors way back in the late 1200s and early 1300s during the reign of King Dinis. However, since such records were not deemed official until substantiated by the Portuguese crown, the first “official” account of Santa Maria's discovery came about in 1432, by Goncalo Velho Cabral. According to local lore, it is said that on the very day that they discovered the islands, Cabral and his crew were celebrating mass, on the feast day of the Virgin Mary, so they derived the name “Santa Maria” to commemorate the blessed occasion truly. Cabral would later return in 1439 as Captain-major of the island (a title and role bestowed on him by Queen Isabel herself). Upon his arrival in 1439, he brought colonists, including whole families, as well as some cattle.
A History Filled with Pirates, Privateers, and Forts
However, it was not all smooth sailing for the island inhabitants, as attacks from privateers and pirates were a constant fear and plague upon them. For this reason, the island was always on constant alert and quite weary of wayfaring strangers — including Christopher Columbus himself (more on him a bit later). Among the plethora of pirates and privateers that besieged the cozy little tucked away oasis of Santa Maria over the years included: French pirates in 1553, French troops in 1576, the English in 1589, and the Moors in both 1616 and again in 1675. After so many onslaughts of unwarranted invasion, Santa Maria's inhabitants knew they had to find ways to protect themselves, so they constructed numerous fortifications along the shores to be better prepared to defend themselves. Such fortifications — which include Fort de São Bras and Fort of São João Baptista — may still be seen today in Santa Maria, although the latter is merely ruins.
Santa Maria, Azores' Surprising Ties to Christopher Columbus
As mentioned briefly above, it may surprise you to discover that Santa Maria in the Azores has a curious link to the intrepid explorer Christopher Columbus! Columbus made a pit stop in Santa Maria while en route back to Spain to announce his incredible discovery of the new world. One can only imagine the joy and relief the sailors and Columbus felt when they touched down on Santa Maria's peaceful shores after such a long and arduous journey. And, as you might guess, it is no coincidence that Santa Maria was also the moniker of one of Columbus' three famous ships he sailed back to Spain upon as he would arrive to a hero’s welcome and go down in history. Any ideas where that inspiration came from? Santa Maria in the Azores, of course!
An Island for Music Lovers
Santa Maria Island in the Azores is renowned for its deep connection to music, hosting one of the archipelago's largest music festivals, the International Music Festival Maré de Agosto. This annual summer event, held every August, turns Santa Maria into a vibrant hub, especially at Praia Formosa, a popular beach spot. The festival draws over 5,000 music lovers from around the world, offering a lively atmosphere with some of the best international performers. The rich history and unique musical experiences of Santa Maria make it an irresistible destination, now more accessible than ever, appealing to anyone looking for an idyllic blend of culture and natural beauty.
If you desire to visit Santa Maria, Azores, you will be happy to hear that it is surprisingly easy! Travelers arriving from Canada and America can take advantage of the following direct flight options: NYC to Ponta Delgada (the island of São Miguel, Azore's main city), JFK to Ponta Delgada, Boston to Ponta Delgada and Toronto to Ponta Delgada. Then, once you are in Ponta Delgada, Santa Maria in the Azores is a short 25-minute flight, then your magical Santa Maria Island vacation is officially in full swing!
Are you already in love with the Azores? Take a look at our stress-free packages that allow you to book your ultimate island adventure. All our packages are carefully curated by our team of local Azorean Experts so that you don’t need to worry about any details – just enjoy your trip!
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