"A small island with a secret interior"
Part of the central island group, Graciosa (White Island) being 12.5 km long and 8.5 km at its widest is the second smallest island in the Azores. Although in close proximity to Sao Jorge, Graciosa is difficult to reach and as such has remained relatively untouched by tourism by today's standards, giving rise to quotes such as "the land that time forgot".
Although forgotten by many tourists who visit the archipelago, Graciosa has a charm and tranquility that is difficult to match elsewhere. It is also home to one of the most important, impressive and least visited attractions within the archipelago.
Towards the southeast side of the island, hidden within its interior, you will find a huge volcanic crater, containing an unexpected heavenly oasis of vegetation and wildlife that seems devoid in the rest of the island. Further exploration within the crater takes you to the Furna do Enxofre, (sulphur cavern) home to a huge, geologically unique lava cave and underground crater lake.
We spent 2 days hiking and exploring the sites and sounds of Graciosa, and although the weather was not as kind to us as with the other islands, our adventures were unique and exceptionally enjoyable.
Day one of our Graciosa journey took us to the breathtaking interior of the Caldeira, around the outside of the Caldeira, affording wonderful views of the coast and islands nearby, to the Furna da Maria Encantada - an impressive and intact two meter high lava tunnel, and back to Carapacho for a highly recommended 15 minute soak in the renowned thermal baths. Read more about our adventures in Graciosa.
For more information on Graciosa see the Graciosa Facts and Stats
Although forgotten by many tourists who visit the archipelago, Graciosa has a charm and tranquility that is difficult to match elsewhere. It is also home to one of the most important, impressive and least visited attractions within the archipelago.
Towards the southeast side of the island, hidden within its interior, you will find a huge volcanic crater, containing an unexpected heavenly oasis of vegetation and wildlife that seems devoid in the rest of the island. Further exploration within the crater takes you to the Furna do Enxofre, (sulphur cavern) home to a huge, geologically unique lava cave and underground crater lake.
We spent 2 days hiking and exploring the sites and sounds of Graciosa, and although the weather was not as kind to us as with the other islands, our adventures were unique and exceptionally enjoyable.
Day one of our Graciosa journey took us to the breathtaking interior of the Caldeira, around the outside of the Caldeira, affording wonderful views of the coast and islands nearby, to the Furna da Maria Encantada - an impressive and intact two meter high lava tunnel, and back to Carapacho for a highly recommended 15 minute soak in the renowned thermal baths. Read more about our adventures in Graciosa.
For more information on Graciosa see the Graciosa Facts and Stats
© COPYRIGHT 2007 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED AZOREANADVENTURES.COM
