Vila Do Porto offers the best selection of hotels on the island of Santa Maria, and most of accommodation is in reach of the marina and central restaurants. Overall, there are relatively few options on the entire island, but there are more than enough to accommodate the light throughput of tourists passing through each year.
Aside from a few major hotels, there are many more options in the countryside. One of the most satisfying aspects of visiting Santa Maria is the chance to get out into the countryside, where you can enjoy old-world hospitality. A selection of farmhouses and vineyards are on hand to offer lodging to tourists, and most are run by private families that have been living near Vila Do Porto for generations.
Where to Stay
The nicest hotel in Vila Do Porto is the Colombo. This four-star property comes with solid facilities that include Turkish baths, a health club and babysitting services. The Hotel Praia dos Lobos is a little smaller and only offers basic facilities, much like the Hotel Santa Maria. All of these units are within a short drive of the airport.
Azorean houses are another popular accommodation option on Santa Maria and provide an appealing alternative to Vila Do Porto hotels. This lodging is part of a network of houses across the countryside, being administered by the Association of Rural Accommodation in Azores. These houses are traditionally white-washed, and most are strung with vineyards. Some offer bed-and-breakfast (B&B) boarding, and a few even operate their own wineries. There is no better way to plug into the authentic Santa Maria lifestyle.
