Santa Maria
The oldest geologically and the sunniest. White sand beaches (Praia Formosa), amber cliffs and terraced vineyards. An unexpected Mediterranean flavour in the heart of the Atlantic.
Santa Maria is the archipelago's surprise. The oldest geologically, it has had time to erode, soften its relief, and reveal white sand beaches — a genuine rarity in the Azores where black volcanic rock dominates everywhere else.
The crossing from São Miguel, around 50 miles, introduces real offshore sailing. Watch organisation, compass bearing, reading currents — Santa Maria is often the crew's first true inter-island passage. The anchorage off Praia Formosa, the archipelago's only large white sand beach, is a well-earned reward.
Ashore, amber cliffs, terraced vineyards and whitewashed villages give an unexpectedly Mediterranean feel — a sunnier, more gentle Atlantic than its northern neighbours.
Sandy beaches · Local wines · São Lourenço bay
Terceira
Its baroque capital Angra do Heroísmo is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Inside the island, Algar do Carvão reveals a spectacular underground volcanic chamber.
The big islandSão Miguel
The largest and most populated. Ponta Delgada is the capital and ideal starting point. The twin calderas of Sete Cidades, the Furnas thermal springs and its electric-green lakes are breathtaking.
The white islandGraciosa
The flattest and most peaceful of the archipelago. Windmills, vineyards and the Furna do Enxofre — a volcanic cave housing an underground lake — give it a timeless charm.
Does this island call you?
Book your berth and join this offshore sailing course.
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