BARREIRO DA FANECA

It's known as the red desert of the Azores. An arid, clayey terrain, intensely red in color. In fact, it's an ancient lava flow covered by a layer of volcanic ash, which time and climate have transformed into clay. This is one of Santa Maria's most remarkable geosites. Leaving São Pedro, head for Anjos Bay. Follow the signs. Don't expect a huge desert - the site isn't very big, but it's worth the detour for the beauty of its various shades of red, ochre and yellow.