South Coast Trail

The South Coast Trail is the most iconic hiking route on Santa Maria and one of the most rewarding in the Azores archipelago. With about 10 kilometres in length and rated as easy to moderate difficulty, this linear trail travels the south coast of the island — the sunniest in the Azores —, offering constant views over the cobalt-blue Atlantic, limestone and sandstone cliffs, and slopes covered with Mediterranean vegetation. The presence of fossiliferous limestone in coastal outcrops is unique testimony to the geological age of Santa Maria among the Azores islands.

The trail begins next to Praia Formosa and follows the coast to Ponta do Castelo, passing natural viewpoints that reveal the grandeur of the south coast. The vegetation is dominated by fennel, pepper tree and several endemic Azores species. Coastal fauna includes terns, cagarro and, in summer months, it is possible to spot dolphins offshore. Trekking shoes are recommended, as is sunscreen and sufficient water, as there are few shaded spots along the route. The best time to start is early morning, before the day's heat.

Average duration is 3 hours without stops, but allow yourself more time to explore coastal corners and take photographs. For those who enjoy hiking, Santa Maria has much to offer — consult all available trails in the Azores and discover other unmissable routes in the archipelago. The trail is marked and is maintained by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment, so ground markings are generally in good condition.