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Santa Maria Island facts for kids

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Santa Maria Island
Santa Maria-pos.png
Geography
Location Atlantic Ocean
Archipelago Azores Islands
Administration
Portugal
Demographics
Population 5,511

Santa Maria Island is a beautiful island in the Azores, a group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Its name means "Saint Mary" in Portuguese. It is the southernmost island in the Azores and was the very first one discovered.

A brave explorer named Diogo de Silves found Santa Maria in 1427. He was on a journey to Madeira at the time. Later, Gonçalo Velho Cabral brought the first families and farm animals to live on the island.

Discovering Santa Maria Island

Santa Maria was the first island in the Azores to be found. This happened in 1427 by Diogo de Silves. He was a Portuguese navigator. His discovery marked the beginning of exploring the Azores.

Who Settled Santa Maria?

After its discovery, Gonçalo Velho Cabral led the first settlers to Santa Maria. These brave people brought their families and cattle to start a new life. They built the first homes and farms on the island.

Geography of Santa Maria

Santa Maria is known for its unique landscape. It has a mix of green hills and beautiful beaches. The island is relatively small, covering about 97 square kilometers.

What is the Highest Point?

The highest point on Santa Maria Island is Pico Alto. This peak reaches about 590 meters (1,936 feet) above sea level. From the top, you can see amazing views of the island and the ocean.

Main Town: Vila do Porto

The largest town on Santa Maria is Vila do Porto. It is also the main port of the island. Most of the island's population, around 5,511 people, live here. Vila do Porto is an important center for daily life and activities.

Images for kids

  • Fte da praia 14

    Prainha Fort, an early 18th century fort in Almagreira

  • R f r valverde 3

    The headquarters building for the Direcção Regional de Recursos Florestais in the Recreational Forest Reserve of Valverde

  • Ribeira do Maloás SMA 5

    Ribeira do Maloás, 15 to 20 m tall basalt columns forming a waterfall

  • Poço da Pedreira, Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal (PPL3-Altered) julesvernex2

    Poço da Pedreira

  • S lourenço 055

    São Lourenço Islet.

  • Sma vpo feto arboreo (2)

    Recreational Forest Reserve of Fontinhas

  • Calhau da roupa

    Calhau da Roupa, the old port of Vila do Porto, and the natural terminus of the Regional Natural Monument of Pedreira do Campo, Figueiral and Prainha

  • Barreiro da faneca 2

    Barreiro da Faneca.

  • SMA VPO baia de s lourenco

    Bay of São Lourenço

  • Santo cristo v porto 2008

    The image of the Lord Holy Christ of the Miracles: although smaller than celebrations on neighbouring São Miguel island, the festival is still the largest event of religious year in Azores.

  • Bisc orelha 1

    Biscoitos de Orelha (literally Ear Cookies) a regional specialty of the island of Santa Maria

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Isla de Santa María (Azores) para niños

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Santa Maria Island Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.