Festa da Maçã (Apple Festival, Camacha)
Traditional apple harvest festival in Camacha organised by the local Junta de Freguesia — apple picking, cider tasting, apple-based pastries, folk groups and craft stalls. 2026 edition: 2–4 October.
About Festa da Maçã (Apple Festival, Camacha)
Festa da Maçã (Apple Festival, Camacha) unfolds across Camacha, Santa Cruz each October, drawing a mix of islanders and visitors who plan their year around it.
Expect Camacha, Santa Cruz to feel transformed: extra flights land full, cruise arrivals cluster around the dates, and even the smaller guesthouses raise rates. Book early and be flexible with arrival day — the atmosphere spills over into the days either side.
What to know before you go
- Stay near Camacha, Santa Cruz if you can — the closest guesthouses go first, and driving in on the day means slow traffic and scarce parking.
- Public transport runs extra services on the main event days, but parking near Camacha, Santa Cruz becomes very limited — arrive early or plan to walk in.
- Street programming is free. Paid elements — grandstand seats, gala dinners, indoor concerts — release in waves and disappear quickly once the dates are official.
- Photograph early. The best light and the smallest crowds are usually in the first hour of the programme, not the headline slot.
Best time to visit
The main programme runs around October. Arrive a day early to settle in and see the build-up — set-up day is often the most photogenic.
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Frequently asked
When is Festa da Maçã (Apple Festival, Camacha)?+
Festa da Maçã (Apple Festival, Camacha) runs from 2026-10-02 through 2026-10-04. It returns to the same window each year, though exact dates can shift by a week.
Where does Festa da Maçã (Apple Festival, Camacha) take place?+
The event is centred on Camacha, Santa Cruz, with the main programme within walking distance of the town centre.
Is Festa da Maçã (Apple Festival, Camacha) free?+
Free to attend for the most part. The paid tier covers premium viewing, seated shows and any official gala — worth budgeting for if those matter to you.