Excursions / Van Tours / Sightseeing

Exploring Santa Maria, Portugal, becomes an enriching experience with this full-day guided tour offered by Paraiso Radical. Priced at $126.40 per person, the tour spans 8 to 9 hours, making it ideal for those who want a rundown of the island’s natural wonders. With pickup included and options for group discounts, this private tour promises personalized attention and a flexible schedule. The highly positive reviews, with a perfect 5.0 rating from 10 reviews, highlight the quality of the guided experience, especially the knowledgeable local guide, Marco.

This tour is designed for travelers eager to see iconic sights like waterfalls, arid landscapes, and spectacular viewpoints. It is best suited for those who prefer a well-organized day that balances cultural learning with stunning scenery, all at an accessible price point. The tour also includes a lunch featuring either meat or fish with drinks and coffee, adding a satisfying culinary touch to the day. One consideration is that breakfast and dinner are not included, so plan accordingly.

Key Points

• Duration: 8 to 9 hours, providing ample time to explore without feeling rushed
• Price: $126.40 per person, including transportation, guide, lunch, and entry fees for stops
• Highlights: Waterfalls, unique landscapes like Barreiro da Faneca, and cultural sites like the Dalberto Pombo Environmental Interpretation Centre
• Guides: Local, knowledgeable, with a reputation for friendly and informative narration
• Stops: Four main locations, each offering different natural and cultural insights
• Booking: Usually booked 111 days in advance, signaling high interest

Starting Point and Daily Schedule in Santa Maria

The tour begins at Tv. do Mercado 2, 9580 Vila do Porto, with pickup offered, making it easy to start your day. The trip kicks off at 9:00 am, with the tour ending back at the same meeting point, simplifying logistics. The private nature of the tour ensures an exclusive experience, tailored to your group’s pace and interests.

The day is carefully timed, with each stop lasting between 30 minutes and an hour, allowing for photo opportunities, short walks, or simply soaking in the views. This pacing helps balance sightseeing with relaxation.

Visiting the Dalberto Pombo Environmental Interpretation Centre

The tour’s first stop at Dalberto Pombo Environmental Interpretation Centre offers a fascinating introduction to Santa Maria’s natural heritage. Housed in a reconstructed historic building, the center showcases Dalberto Pombo’s estate, dedicated to the geological and biological diversity of the island.

Admission is included, and visitors learn about the island’s natural environment through interactive displays. The center’s educational and scientific focus makes it a great starting point for understanding the island’s unique ecosystems. The visit lasts about an hour, giving ample opportunity to explore the exhibits and get acclimated to the island’s natural landscape.

Exploring the Unique Landscape of Barreiro da Faneca

Next, the tour visits Barreiro da Faneca, a semi-desert landscape characterized by yellow-reddish arid terrain. This area is part of the Feteiras formation, offering a striking contrast to lush greenery elsewhere on the island.

The 30-minute stop is free of charge and provides excellent photo opportunities of this unusual, almost Martian-like scenery. It’s a must-see for lovers of geology and unusual landscapes, with its clayey terrain lending a distinctive color palette to the scenery.

The Enchanting Ribeira do Maloás Waterfall

The third stop takes you to Ribeira do Maloás, where a spectacular basaltic waterfall cascades from an extensive basaltic outcrop. The 15 to 20-meter-high waterfall stands on a 220-meter stretch of basalt columns, which are hexagonally shaped, reminiscent of Ireland’s Calçada de Gigantes.

This site is notable for its impressive geological features and provides opportunities for short walks and photos. It’s a free stop, but the natural beauty is undeniable. The columnar basalt formations make this a highlight for geology enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Marveling at Cascata do Aveiro

One of Portugal’s largest waterfalls, Cascata do Aveiro is a dramatic sight where water plunges over a hundred meters into a shallow lake. The shallow lake at the base offers a peaceful setting for a picnic or a quick break.

This 30-minute stop allows visitors to appreciate the power of nature and enjoy the breathtaking views. It is a favorite among reviews, praised for the stunning scenery and the ample space for relaxing or taking photographs.

Inclusive Lunch with Local Flavors

A highlight of the tour is the lunch break, which features a meat or fish dish, drink, and coffee. The meal provides a satisfying pause amid the sightseeing, with options that cater to different tastes. Since dinner and breakfast are not included, this lunch serves as a key meal for the day.

The lunch is included in the price, adding excellent value to the overall experience. It also offers an opportunity to enjoy local flavors in a comfortable setting.

Practicality and Group Size

This is a private tour, meaning only your group participates, which allows for customized pacing and personalized attention from the guide. The pickup service simplifies logistics, especially for those arriving at the airport.

Most travelers find this tour suitable, as it caters to a wide range of physical abilities and does not specify strenuous activities. The most important requirement is good weather, as the stops are primarily outdoor-focused.

The Knowledgeable Local Guide Marco

Guests consistently praise Marco, the local guide, for his friendly demeanor and extensive knowledge. He answers questions thoroughly and shares interesting insights about each site, making the experience both educational and engaging.

Reviews mention Marco’s willingness to go wherever the group wants and his familiarity with the island, which enhances the overall experience. His storytelling helps bring Santa Maria’s natural and cultural history to life.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for travelers. Once booked, confirmation is immediate, and service animals are allowed. The small group size boosts comfort and personalized service, making it an ideal choice for those wanting a tailored experience of Santa Maria.

Final Thoughts on the Santa Maria Guided Tour

This full-day sightseeing trip covers key natural highlights and cultural sites of Santa Maria, making it perfect for first-time visitors or those wanting to see the island’s most iconic spots in a single day. The private format and local guide ensure a warm, informative experience, praised for stunning views and geological wonders.

While the tour does not include dinner or breakfast, the lunch provided enriches the day, and the value for price is compelling. Travelers looking for a well-organized, scenic, and educational tour with flexible timing will find this an excellent choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup is offered from the meeting point in Vila do Porto, and transportation is included for the entire day.

How long does the tour last?
The average duration is 8 to 9 hours, allowing plenty of time at each stop without rushing.

Are there any physical requirements?
The tour is suitable for most travelers, with no strenuous activities explicitly mentioned, but outdoor stops are involved, so comfortable footwear is recommended.

What is included in the price?
The price covers guiding services, admission to Dalberto Pombo Interpretation Center, lunch (meat or fish) with drinks and coffee, and transportation.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, offering peace of mind for planning.

This guided tour provides a comprehensive look at Santa Maria’s natural beauty and cultural sites, with personalized service and stunning vistas. It suits those seeking an enriching, well-paced day exploring the island’s most memorable locations.