Every official hiking trail on Santa Maria, Azores: PR codes, distances, difficulty, the 78 km Grande Rota, which trails are closed, and guided options.

A practical 3-day Santa Maria itinerary: Vila do Porto, Praia Formosa, Maia, São Lourenço, Pico Alto, Barreiro da Faneca and Anjos, with flights and tours.

Santa Maria Azores beaches and swim spots: Praia Formosa, São Lourenço bay, the Anjos and Maia natural pools, plus surf, snorkelling with rays and diving.

What Santa Maria in the Azores is known for: first island settled (1432), Columbus in 1493, pirates and forts, the 1944 airport, chimneys, festivals, wine.

Where to stay in Santa Maria, Azores: Vila do Porto hotels, Praia Formosa beach houses and rural quintas, with what each area is good for and what to book.

Tours and activities to book on Santa Maria, Azores: island tours, guided hikes, Ambrósio diving, snorkelling with mobula rays, whale watching, packages.

Santa Maria's food: smoked alheira, IGP meloa, sopas do Espírito Santo, biscoitos de orelha, plus where to eat in Vila do Porto and by the sea.

Santa Maria Island, Azores: the sunniest island, with pale-sand beaches, a red clay desert, fossils and vineyard bays. 15 places to visit and how to plan.