PLACES AND CLIMATE: 
In an oval shape, Graciosa surface is 61,66 km2, 12,5 km long and 8,5 km wide. Not very hilly, flat and low in the North and Northeast, slowly rises up to the altitude of 398 m at Pico Timão. It is located at 28º 05' longitude west and 39º 05' latitude north. Of mild climate, it is the least humid island of the Archipelago.
BRIEF ISLAND STORIES:
It is known that Infante D. Henrique, the Navigator – released cattle on the island, as it had been done in the other Azorean islands – Vasco Gil Sodré, born at Montemor-o-Novo, accompanied by his family and servants, started colonizing the island in the mid XV century. He arrived at Carapacho, where the first houses were built. In spite of all his tries, the island ownership was given to another two Portuguese men.
The arrival of more people – coming from Beiras, Minho and some from Flanders – it allowed the quick deforesting and culture of Graciosa which, in the beginning of the XVI century, already exported cereal, wine and “Aguardente”.
The end of the XVI century and the XVII century is a difficult time for the Azores , due to the pirates' pillages. Graciosa is equally attacked, which obligates them to build fortifications along the island, for its defense. These times are followed by quiet times, with an economy based on agriculture and, from the end of the XIX century to mid XX century, completed with products coming from whale hunting. The commercial trades were done almost exclusively with Terceira , economic and administrative center, with a port used by big ships. The port of Praia , and the new airport opened Graciosa to the world, without losing the characteristics of a rural and quiet island where, agriculture, cattle herding and dairy are the supports of progress.
PLACES TO VISIT:
Gracefulness is a constant of the landscape and sights, which explains the name of the island – Graciosa. Its is equally called The White Island, due to its toponymics, Pedras Brancas, Serra Branca, Barro Branco.
Furna do Enxofre , in the southeast, at Caldeira, it is a place of exceptional interest, constituting a very rare volcanic phenomenon. A circular stairwell, in between the rocky scarps, leads to an enormous volcanic arched roof, where bellow is a warm sulphur water lagoon, called Furna do Enxofre (130 m diameter by 80 high, 100 m deep). It should be visited, especially between 11:00 and 14:00 , time when the sun light easily penetrates through the narrow opening which leads to the surface, illuminating its beautiful interior. From the top of Caldeira you can enjoy several sights, including the other islands in the central group.
Beside Furna do Enxofre, the islands' insides have other points of interest, although less spectacular. Here and there are openings, more or less deep, inviting the brave to uncover the secrets of the volcanic formation of Graciosa. Acommpanied by a guide and with the right equipment you may visit Furnas dos Bolos, Manuel de Ávila, Furada, Linheiro, Lembradeira, Cardo, Cão, Gato, Queimado, Labarda, Castelo, Calcinhas, Vermelho, Urze and Luís.
Monte de Nossa Senhora da Ajuda , over Vila de Santa Cruz, offers a vast panoramic, not only of the village and the north side of the island, covered by vineyards, but also over the vast prairy in Guadalupe. Still there, you can see the three churches built on the highest points of the hill, dedicated to S. João, S. Salvador and Nossa Senhora da Ajuda.
Caldeirinha , at the entrance of Serra Branca, with vast panoramic sights over the island and the rest of the central group – Terceira, S. Jorge, Pico e Faial .
Of high altitude, Pico Timão (398 m ) and Pico do Facho (375 m ), with curvy and soft lines, covered in primitive vegetation, are quiet, natural trails for relaxing walks.
Termas do Carapacho deserve equal special reference, because of its rich, sulphur waters, used for therapeutic purposes (rheumatism and skin problems)
Rising from the ocean and colonized by birds, the different isles, disseminated along shore, are one of the charms of Graciosa. Ilhéu da Praia , covered by vegetation, deserves a visit. But the most suggestive one is Baleia , named like that because it resembles a gigantic whale, anchored by the sea.
The windmills , with red or blue doors and white walls, unique in the Azores , offer its sails as open arms to whoever arrives on the island.
Vila de Santa Cruz with its two churches Matriz and Santo Cris to, both built in the XVI century, this village presents its best examples of erudite architecture.
MUSEUMS AND LIBRARIES:
- Museu da Graciosa
FESTIVALS:
Festas do Senhor Santo Cris to dos Milagres – 2nd week of August at Vila de Santa Cruz
SPORTS AND LEASURE:
- The limpid waters of the ocean invite you for a swim. We recommend the beach of Praia and the natural swimming pool of Carapacho, for those who are looking for a calm place to swim and relax in the sun.
- Water Sports: the Santa Cruz and Praia bays offer great conditions for the practice of windsurf, sailing and water ski.
- Scuba d iving: the sea bottoms and the transparent waters, the strangely shaped rocks and the shoals are a temptation to whoever likes underwater observation. All of the coast offers good conditions for the practice of diving.
- Fishing: fisherman have in the sea endless resources, because of the abundance of fish and shellfish in the waters.
- Snorkeling
- Fishing sites – rock or boat fishing allows for a variety of interesting captures like conger, atherine, porkfish, grouper, barracuda, etc. We recommend the fishing sites of Carapacho and Barro Vermelho.
- Hunting – it is varied and rich, being the most common rabbits and quail.
- Hiking all over the island .
ARTS AND CRAFTS:
-Corn leafs' tapestry
- Braded rag tapestry
- Rag tapestry
-Agricultural Implements
- Guitar Miniatures
- String and wicker musical instruments
GASTRONOMY:
Typical dishes – It is the fish, which is abundant in our waters, that makes us proud of the Graciosa cuisine with the delicious fish stews and baked fish recipes.
To these dishes, we add the delicious tender beef recipes, pork blood and meat sausages and the cabbage and meat soup.
Shellfish - Lobster , different size crab, mussels, etc constitute a refined meal.
Pastry - The pastry is varied and rich. There are “queijadas da Graciosa” , “pasteis de arroz”, “capuchas”, “escomilhas”, “encharcados d'ovos”, “cavacas”, “massa sovada”, “barriga-de-freira”.
Wines – Graciosa is famous for its vineyards. We recommend the white wine, light, dry and with a fruity aroma, to accompany meals.
As an after meal drink, the “aguardente”, aged in wooden barrels, or, for those who like a sweet drink, we recommend “angelica”.
RESTAURANTS:
Restaurante A Coluna - specialties: traditional Azorean and Brazilian dishes - St. Cruz da Graciosa
Restaurante Costa do Sol - specialties: fish, meat and shellfish - St. Cruz da Graciosa
Restaurante da Folga - specialties: fresh fish, shellfish - St. Cruz da Graciosa
Restaurante Apolo 80 - specialties: Seafood rice, “Alcatra”, “Molho à Pescador”, Pork Loin with clams, island meat sausage - St. Cruz da Graciosa
Golden King - specialties: meat, fish and shellfish - St. Cruz da Graciosa
Dolphin Snack Bar Restaurante - specialties: fresh fish, shellfish – Carapacho
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Versão Portuguesa
