Santa Maria is a small, friendly, relaxed island. Geologically it’s the oldest in the Azores and was first inhabited in 1427. Vila do Porto has a small marina with an even smaller entrance. It’s a steep climb up to the fort (with cannons) behind which is the town. The place had been assailed by pirates – Moorish, French, English throughout its history. At the moment it is very green and lush with pretty flowers – apparently there’s been an unusual amount of rain, but not always so – there are many succulents, huge cactus and Mother in law’s tongue bigger than me. Lots of cows and pretty coloured horses, donkeys, geese, chickens on the countryside – or even in the town. Attractive inlaid pavements, narrow streets and pretty churches in the town. Fish is landed at the harbour, there is a ferry/cruise ship terminal but we saw no sign of either during the 5 days we were there. Like much of mainland Portugal there is building work going on – here on the harbour walls.