Almagreira: Coast, Geology and Island History

On the south side of Santa Maria, Almagreira combines a striking coastal landscape with traces of geology and architectural history. Praia Formosa has light-coloured, calcareous sand and clear, warm, shallow water; other points of interest range from submarine rocks to historic architectural styles. When choosing a holiday rental on Santa Maria, you can consider whether the coast, island history or walking routes should shape your stay.

Praia Formosa and the Geology of the South Coast

Praia Formosa is in the parish of Almagreira on the south side of Santa Maria. Its beach is about one kilometre long. The light-coloured sands are rare in the Azores because of their calcareous particles; the clear, warm, shallow water adds to this distinctive coastal setting.

The Pedreira do Campo, Figueiral e Prainha Natural Monument covers about 230 hectares on the south coast of Santa Maria. One of its geological features is Pedreira do Campo, where rare submarine volcanic rocks occur alongside fossil-bearing marine sediments. This combination is unique in the Azores. Beyond the beach landscape, it offers another perspective on the island: the juxtaposition of volcanic material and fossil-bearing marine sediments makes geology a subject in its own right.

The protected area also includes the artificial Gruta do Figueiral. Clay for roof tiles and limestone for lime production were once extracted there; both were used in the construction of Santa Maria’s traditional houses. The cave thus links the area’s geological features with the historic use of its raw materials.

Traces of Defence and Architectural History

At the western end of Praia Formosa lie the ruins of Forte de São João Baptista da Praia Formosa. The fort is also known as Prédio Militar n.º 1/Vila do Porto, Castelo de São João Baptista and Castelo da Praia. It was built in a strategic position on the south coast to defend against the frequent attacks by pirates and corsairs at the time. Its location and defensive purpose give the building a different historical context from the extraction of raw materials at Gruta do Figueiral.

The Ermida de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, also called Ermida de Santo Amaro, was rebuilt in 1868. Its main façade faces Miradouro da Praia Formosa. The houses reveal another aspect of the island’s architecture: they are traditionally white, while in the parish of Almagreira, red-ochre bands called “vermelho-almagre” frame the doors and windows. These surrounds are known as “vistas”.

Island Traditions and Different Routes

The terms used for traditional food storage are also part of Santa Maria’s cultural heritage. Pits dug into the ground to store wheat are called “atamorras”, “matamorras” or “matmorras” on the island. These terms refer to a specific tradition on Santa Maria; it is not limited to Almagreira.

The routes offer different ways to explore the area. PR05 SMA Costa Sul connects Vila do Porto with Praia Formosa in Almagreira and ends at the Praia Formosa car park. Percurso 51 is a circular route of low difficulty. It follows the western side of the island, where the terrain is flatter, and passes through the parishes of Almagreira and São Pedro. PR06 SMA Areia Branca, by contrast, is a linear route connecting Praia Formosa on the south coast with Baía de São Lourenço on the northeast coast.

At the time, PR05 SMA Costa Sul was closed, while Percurso 51 and PR06 SMA Areia Branca were open. Check current access conditions before planning a route. When choosing a holiday rental, you can make Almagreira’s coast and architectural history your focus or consider routes that extend beyond the area.

Discover more destinations: Vila Do Porto, São Pedro, Santo Espírito

For the main travel overview: Santa Maria.