Santa Maria, geologically the oldest island of the archipelago, therefore presents distinctive and unique characteristics when compared to the other islands.
This island, formed over a period approximately between 8 and 3 million years ago, reveals itself as a truly unique and fascinating territory. Understanding its morphology and the richness of the materials resulting from its volcanic origin is essential for us to fully appreciate its landscapes and numerous geosites.
We begin by visiting the Casa dos Fósseis – Dalberto Pombo Environmental Interpretation Centre, a museum space that houses the collection of the naturalist Dalberto Pombo, a pioneer in the study of the geological and biological diversity of the island. Here, through numerous educational resources, visitors will also be able to understand, including through a 3D journey, the origins of the island of Santa Maria.
We continue to the Pedreira do Campo, an old quarry site carved into submarine basaltic lava flows, where crushed stone was extracted. This demonstrates the adaptability and resilience of the Azorean people through the use of locally available natural resources.
Along a walking trail overlooking the sea, we continue to the Gruta do Figueiral, an old gallery used for the extraction of limestone and clay—limestone for lime production and clay for tile manufacturing—two other natural resources that once played an important role in the economy of the island of Santa Maria.
After lunch, and with renewed energy, we continue to the Barreiro da Piedade (Malbusca) to admire one of the most striking landscapes on the island and walk across this clay-rich area, characterised by its intense and striking red colour.
We end the visit at the Ribeira do Maloás, a prismatic jointing associated with a basaltic lava flow, whose remarkable hexagonal columns are reminiscent of the famous Giant’s Causeway in Ireland. An unmissable landscape.
