Romeiro Islet / São Lourenço Islet
Located in front of São Lourenço beach, this islet is an excellent example of the natural beauty of the Azores. Not only is it home to different animal species, including the only endemic mammal of the archipelago, the Morcego-dos-Açores (Azores bat), but it also has a curious surprise. In its “hidden side”, the islet presents an extensive cave, with a natural pier, where it is possible to observe a great variety of stalactites and stalagmites. It is truly an experience not to be missed.
Campo’s Quarry
The Campo Quarry is an old exploration site, where the extraction of volcanic aggregates was done, which, in turn, would later be used in the production of gravel. It is about 260 meters long and has a great variety of fossils, something unique in the Region. It is also of enormous importance in the scientific context, since its study allows for a better interpretation and understanding of marine processes in the North Atlantic.
Photograph: SIARAM | Pedreira do Campo
Dalberto Pombo Environmental Interpretation Center
The Dalberto Pombo Environmental Interpretation Center presents the estate of Dalberto Teixeira Pombo, naturalist and researcher. In the museum, visitors can have direct contact with the animals on display, from butterflies to migratory birds and even turtles. Also found here is the House of Fossils, which provides an in-depth look at the island’s geological formation.
Thus, the Dalberto Pombo Environmental Interpretation Center is a fascinating, fun and educational visit that you won’t want to miss.
Photograph: SIARAM | Casa dos Fósseis // Centro de Interpretação Ambiental Dalberto Pombo
Nossa Senhora de Fátima Hermitage
Having begun construction in 1925, the wayside shrine of Our Lady of Fatima only received its immense and characteristic staircase in 1928. Its 150 steps allude to the Holy Rosary and its beads. The stairs also have 10 landings, which in turn make reference to each of the Mysteries of the Rosary. The cost of each of the steps was divided by 150 subscribers from a public subscription.
From the top of these stairs there is a fantastic view, marked by a verdant landscape.
Raposo Bays (Baías do Raposo)
Located in the parish of São Pedro, this beautiful waterfall belongs to the Natural Park of Santa Maria Island and is considered an Area of Protected Landscape of Barreiro da Faneca and North Coast. It also belongs to the North Coast Trail (PR01 SMA), which takes you to visit two water mills, the levada that feeds them, a lagar (olive press) and even the Barreiro da Faneca, thus being a route that allows you to see a little bit of everything.
Cover photograph: SIARAM