Explore the best places
Natural Resources in Vila do Porto
Reserva Natural da Baía de São Lourenço
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São Lourenço
9580-114, Vila do Porto
The Bay of San Lorenzo, also known as Bay of "rising sun", is a beautiful area surrounded by vineyards, meadows and separated the blue sea as a backdrop. The Green and the blue of the Ocean create a truly enchanting surroundings. In total there are approximately 113 acres, classified as a nature reserve since 1987. Have free access to anyone who wants to visit.
Barreiro da Faneca e Costa Norte
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São Pedro
9580-322, Vila do Porto
The North Coast is a protected landscape of regional interest, a huge green stain with the blue of the sky as a backdrop. Also includes the area of Barreiro da Faneca, an area known as the "Red Desert", to characterize by its undulating relief formed by Red clays.
Reserva Natural da Baía da Maia
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ER 1-2
9580-228, Vila do Porto
In this Bay, classified as a nature reserve, a unique and pleasant natural swimming pool, lined with cliffs that protect it from wind. A spectacle of outstanding natural beauty, where the calm waters, along with the rock formations of volcanic origin surrounding, invite you to a day of rest.
Pico Alto
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Pico Alto
9580-012, Vila do Porto
This elevation reaches its highest point about 587 metres, having an abundant vegetation resulting from the high rainfall that occurs here. From its top you can get fantastic views of the entire island.
Cascata da Foz da Ribeira Grande
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ER1-2
9580-228, Vila do Porto
Large waterfall, surrounded by a landscape of great natural beauty. At the bottom of the waterfall we find a small lake where some ducks. A breathtaking landscape.
Zona Especial de Conservação da Ponta do Castelo
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ER 1-2
9580-228, Vila do Porto
The site of Community interest of the tip of the castle is also classified as a special area of conservation, comprising an area of 153 hectares on land and 164 acres in sea. Reaches maximum attitude to 310 metres and, at sea, a maximum depth of 30 meters.
Reserva Natural da Baía dos Anjos
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Anjos
9580-470, Vila do Porto
In this pleasant green area we find a small fishing port and a natural pool. Classified as a Natural Reserve, is surrounded by volcanic rocks, protecting holidaymakers from the wind. This is where lies the chapel of our Lady of the angels, the famous place where Christopher Columbus stopped to pray during the return voyage of the discovery of America in 1493.
Ilhéu de São Lourenço
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São Lourenço
9580-114, Vila do Porto
Along the coast of Santa Maria island there are several islets of considerable dimensions, most notably the Ilhéu de São Lourenço, accessible only by boat.
Reserva Natural Regional Figueiral - Prainha
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Praia Formosa
9580-030, Vila do Porto
The area consists of the coves and cliffs on the coast and Prainha Regional is classified as a nature reserve by the existence of sedimentary formations and marine fossils. For anyone who wants to visit the reserve can do it, until a certain point, by car. The remaining path is done on foot.
Zona de Protecção Especial do Ilhéu da Vila e Costa Adjacente
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Vila do Porto
9580, Vila do Porto
This Special Protection Zone has a total length of 48 hectares, having been integrated into the Natura 2000 Network. Extending from the from the tip of the Malmerendo to the Atlantic Cory's Shearwater, its most important area for birds is the islet of Vila, where the endangered migratory shorebirds nest. In addition to migratory marine fauna, this zone features perennial vegetation still pebble beaches and cliffs with endemic flora of the Macaronesian coasts.