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Graciosa

Overview

Introduction

The White Island - With an area of 61 sq. km, Graciosa lies 20 minutes by air northwest of Terceira. It is the second smallest island in the archipelago, only 12.5km long and 7km wide and has a gentle, low-lying landscape that is relatively untouched by time.

The 39km coastline of Graciosa offers a sand beach at Praia and natural rock pools at Carapacho, as well as many picturesque bays and offshore islets that provide a sanctuary for an abundance of sea birds, including the grebe and red-billed tern.

On the north east coast is Santa Cruz, the capital of Graciosa; an attractive town with many 18th and 19th century manor houses and a cobbled central square. From the Monte de Nossa Senhora da Ajuda an excellent view of the town and the vineyards which cover the north of the island can be observed.

Another fine view - of the central islands of Faial, Pico, Sao Jorge and Terceira – can be enjoyed from Pico on a clear day. Classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO this peak is the highest on the island measuring 398m.

A must for any visitor to Graciosa is an exploration of the Furna do Enxofre, an impressive lava cave which stretches 194m in length and 40m in height. Accessed by a narrow funnel and 184 steps, this volcanic phenomenon is part of a much larger caldeira whose fertile lands can be explored by a 9km circular trail.

For those wishing to unwind and step back in time, look no further. Graciosa is an island where tranquility reigns and where age-old traditions remain.      

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About Graciosa

Area: 61 sq. km
Length: 12.5 km (8 miles)
Width: 7 (4 miles)
Population: 4,800 inhabitants
Capital: Santa Cruz

Highlights

Furna do Enxofre
The best time to visit this volcanic phenomenon is between 11am and 2pm when sunlight penetrates the narrow funnel by which the cave is entered.

Ilheu da Baleia
This dramic rocky outcrop, located near Santa Cruz, is shaped like a whale hence the name islet of whales.

Shopping
Graciosa produces its own wine, cheese and traditional cakes – the ‘Queijadas da Graciosa’ are a sweet, treacle-like pastry made in Praia. Fresh fish and shellfish are also available in abundance.

Festivals

  • Espírito Santo (7 weeks after Easter)

Activities

Diving

The Azores are increasingly becoming known for their excellent diving possibilities. Graciosa is a perfect base, with its abundance of fish, fascinating wrecks and 20-30m visibility.

This activity is bookable locally.

Private Taxi Tour
Sunvil is able to pre-book the following private taxi tours on Graciosa with English speaking driver. Tours can also be
tailor-made to suit the individual requirements of our clients, please telephone us for a quotation.


Graciosa (Half Day)
Depart from Santa Cruz da Graciosa towards the caldeira where you will visit the Furna do Enxofre or sulphur cavern
located at the base of the crater. The view from the caldeira, overlooking small meadows and forests, is spectacular.
Continue to the fishing village of Praia, Fenais and on to Carapacho to visit the thermal baths. Return to Santa Cruz da
Graciosa via the west coast, stopping at Monte da Ajuda to enjoy the view over the capital.

Price is £129 per taxi

Notes

  • Excursion provider: Melo
  • Pick-up from hotels in Santa Cruz at 09:00
  • Prices are based on a maximum of 3 people per taxi
  • Half day (3 hours 30 minutes)
  • A qualified English speaking guide can be provided at a supplement on request
  • The Furna do Enxofre may be closed to public visits without prior notice
  • Lunch and entrance fees to museums and parks are not included
  • Itinerary subject to change

View Point

Of all the walking trails, the highlight is the road around the Caldeira, which may also be experienced by bicycle, mountain bike, on horseback or by car. Whichever means of transport one uses, there is a stunning panoramic view over rocky cliffs and white houses amongst green pastures.

Useful information

Talk to one of our experts

020 8758 4722

We're open tomorrow at 9:00 AM

Get in touch
Rosanna Melaragni
Rosanna Melaragni
Best time to go
  • JAN
  • FEB
  • MAR
  • APR
  • MAY
  • JUN
  • JUL
  • AUG
  • SEP
  • OCT
  • NOV
  • DEC
Time Difference

GMT - 1 hour

Currency

Euro

Language

Portuguese

Average flight times

4 hours 5 minutes

  • Average temperature

    Average rainfall

  • JAN
  • FEB
  • MAR
  • APR
  • MAY
  • JUN
  • JUL
  • AUG
  • SEP
  • OCT
  • NOV
  • DEC
Note: Map is for guidance purposes only.
Rosanna Melaragni

Talk to our The Azores expert

Rosanna Melaragni
Rosanna Melaragni

Rosanna is the head of our Discovery Department which covers tailor made holidays to Portugal and the Azores, Italy and Sicily, Scandinavia and the new programme to Spain. She is our longest serving member of staff having joined in 1994 after completing an honours degree in French and Italian and subsequently working for a tour operator in Yorkshire. She is responsible for brochure writing, contracting accommodation, programme costing, computer inputting and generally troubleshoots where necessary. She has global knowledge of our tailor made programme.

Call one of our experts to discuss your next holiday with Sunvil on

020 8758 4722

We're open tomorrow at 9:00 AM

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Graciosa

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We promise that a member of our specialist reservation teams will reply personally to your holiday enquiry before 5.30pm if received before 12.00pm (Monday to Friday). Enquiries received after 12.00pm will be replied to within 24-hours (excluding Sundays).

If your enquiry is of an urgent nature, please telephone our dedicated reservation teams on the numbers listed below.

Our lines are open from 9.00am to 5.30pm Monday-Friday and from 9.30am to 4.30pm Saturday.

  • Greece: 020 8758 4758
  • Cyprus: 020 8758 4759
  • Portugal, the Azores, Spain, Italy, Sicily and Scandinavia: 020 8758 4722
  • Latin America: 020 8758 4774

Required Information

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If your enquiry is of an urgent nature, please telephone our dedicated reservation teams on the numbers listed below.

Our lines are open from 9.00am to 5.30pm Monday-Friday and from 9.30am to 4.30pm Saturday.

  • Greece: 020 8758 4758
  • Cyprus: 020 8758 4759
  • Portugal, the Azores, Italy, Sicily and Scandinavia: 020 8758 4722
  • Latin America: 020 8758 4774

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