Originally called "Lhana" because of its extremely flat, the island later adopted its current name after finding the large amount of salt that it contenait.”Les Saline de Pedra Lume”, located in the crater ancient volcano, are the best example, and well worth a visit. Their only access is curious, since it is through a tunnel that seems to separate two different worlds. The view is unique and the color of the ground covered with salt, ranging from turquoise blue, white and pink. However, this industry has been abandoned for many years, and the island is now famous for its tourist resort of qualité.At the southern tip of this island an unusual beauty where the turquoise sea and beaches golden sand are superimposed on a dry and barren nature, that is its most beautiful paradise. In the small town of Santa Maria is situated the beach of the same name which is also in the archipelago, the best known and most exploited in tourism.