Azores Youth Hostels Santa Maria

Santa Maria attracts divers from all over the world due to its temperate climate, crystal clear waters, high visibility and its strategic location at the doorstep of the natural reserve of Formigas and Dollabarat bank, a rock formation northeast of the island that is considered by many as the best diving location in Europe. Santa Maria is a small island, but it’s packed with many unique sights that are well worth a visit, such as the Barreiro da Faneca - the Red Desert of the Azores, São Lourenço Bay, Praia Formosa, Cascata do Aveiro and the iconic Gonçalo Velho lighthouse.