Graciosa Travel Guide
Vineyards, windmills and whale rock!
- Ratings:
- Be the first to rate this.
-
Reviews:
-
Be the first to write a review
Known as the White Island, Graciosa has a gentle rolling landscape, dotted with windmills and traditional whitewashed houses. The island’s peaceful, rural charm is perfect for a truly relaxing break. It is an island which has kept its farming roots and still important to the island’s economy is the production of wine. The patchwork of vineyards bordered by the low black walls of hardened lava is characteristic of the landscape.
Graciosa is just 12km long and lies 48 nautical miles NW of Terceira. Its capital is Santa Cruz where most of the accommodation for visitors is but the lovely seaside village of Praia with its sandy beach is also worth a visit.
It was populated around the same time as Terceira(1450) and is the smallest of the central group reaching a height of 400m. Its rural landscape is dotted with Flemish style windmills, many of which are still used.
Attractions in Graciosa
One of the most impressive sights on the island is the Furna do Enxofre, an 80m high underground vault covered with stalactites and with an underground sulphurous lake. Also not to be missed are the various wine cooperatives and a visit to the spa at Carapahco.
Activities in Graciosa
There are some gentle walks on Graciosa but a highlight is a trip out on a boat to see the amazing bird and marine life around the islets just offshore.
Relaxing
Relax in the pretty square in the centre of Santa Cruz.
Getting Around
There are regular inter island flights from Terceira to Graciosa and once on the island, you are best to either hire a car or use taxis which are very reasonable.
Graciosa Reviews
Why not be the first and add your review below?
