Santa Maria Airport (SMA) - Aeroporto de Santa Maria - is on the west coast of Santa Maria island, approximately 5km from Vila do Porto, the island’s capital. It is the oldest airport in the Azores, built in 1944 with a long runway originally designed for transatlantic aviation. Today it serves internal Azores connections (primarily from Ponta Delgada, PDL) and seasonal direct flights from Lisbon during summer. Santa Maria is the southernmost and sunniest island in the Azores - it receives less rainfall than any other island in the archipelago and has the warmest, most reliable summer weather in the group.
Taxi From Santa Maria Airport
Taxis are typically available at SMA. Vila do Porto is a small, walkable town; most hotels and guesthouses are within 10 minutes of the airport by car.
| Destination | Approximate Cost (2026) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Vila do Porto (centre) | €8–12 | 8–10 min |
| Praia Formosa (main beach) | €10–14 | 10–12 min |
| Maia (north coast beach) | €14–20 | 15 min |
| Bay of São Lourenço (east coast) | €16–22 | 18–20 min |
Night rates (21:00–06:00) typically add around 20%. The island is small enough that no single destination is more than 20–25 minutes by taxi.
Private Airport Transfers
Pre-arranged private transfers are a reliable option on Santa Maria, especially for groups or families with young children.
- Cost: approximately €12–20 to Vila do Porto as of 2026
- Booking: Compare Santa Maria transfer options
- Best for: arrivals outside normal taxi hours, groups with significant luggage, or visitors heading directly to accommodation outside town
Some hotels on Santa Maria offer complimentary pick-up for guests - check when booking, as the island’s accommodation providers often include this for longer stays.
Car Hire at Santa Maria Airport
Car hire desks are available at SMA. Given that Santa Maria’s beaches and natural sites are spread across the island, a hire car is the most flexible option for visitors who want to make the most of the island’s sunshine and distinctive landscape.
- Cost: from approximately €30–50/day in low season; from €55–75/day in July and August as of 2026
- Book in advance: Santa Maria has fewer hire cars than São Miguel or Terceira; summer demand can exhaust the fleet
- Roads: good paved roads throughout the island; the south coast route around Praia Formosa and towards São Lourenço is particularly scenic and easy to drive
Compare Santa Maria car hire rates
Exploring Santa Maria
Santa Maria is distinct from the other Azores islands in its geography and microclimate. The north coast is rugged and green; the south coast is drier, sunnier, and has the island’s best beaches. Key destinations from Vila do Porto:
- Praia Formosa: the largest and most popular beach in the Azores, a long crescent of golden sand that is rare in the Azores (most beaches are black volcanic rock). 10 minutes from Vila do Porto
- Maia: a pretty fishing village on the north coast with a colourful harbour. 15 minutes
- Bay of São Lourenço (Baia de São Lourenço): a dramatic wide bay on the east coast with a beach and snorkelling. 18–20 minutes
- Pico Alto (587m): the island’s highest point, with views over the whole island on clear days. 15 minutes
- Anjos: a small village on the north coast containing a chapel associated with Columbus - he is said to have stopped here on his return from the Americas. 15 minutes
Which Option Is Right For You?
| Situation | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Staying in Vila do Porto only | Taxi from airport |
| Beach-hopping around the island | Car hire |
| Arriving with a group | Private transfer or car hire |
| Budget-conscious, staying close to town | Taxi; then rent a car for day trips |
Plan Your Trip
🏨 Search hotels in Santa Maria Azores on Booking.com
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