Area surrounding the airport

The area surrounding the Airport of Santa Maria covers the entire west coast of the island, stretching from Ponta do Malmerendo to Baía dos Cabrestantes. It is a vast area with predominantly clayey soils and sparse tree cover, located beyond the airport runway, which is off-limits.

Despite limited accessibility, this area is of particular importance for birdwatching, with several points of interest along the coast and in adjacent wetlands. Notable sites include the Ponta do Malmerendo Lighthouse, which also offers prime views of Ilhéu da Vila, Ribeira Seca, the area south and west of the airport, as well as Lagoa do Ginjal, Abegoaria Grande, and Cova do Areão.
These areas serve as feeding, resting and migration routes for numerous bird species, underscoring the ecological importance of the island’s western coast and its value for those who enjoy observing nature and wildlife in largely unspoilt environments.