Graciosa Island
Graciosa Island, also known as White
Island, is the northernmost of the Central Group of the Azores Islands. The
island has an area of 60.84 km² in an oval form, with a length of 10 km and a
width of 7 km. The entire island is a large stratovolcano which rises from the
floor of the Atlantic Ocean. The southeastern end is dominated by a 1.6 km wide
caldera, known as Caldeira.
The landscape of Graciosa (meaning enchanting) mixes the green of the pastures
with the white of the villages and isolated houses. It has fertile fields that
produce various fruits, wine, grass fed beef and dairy cattle as well as award
winning cheese and other dairy products.
The "formerones" of Graciosa is a rocky formation of great dimensions located
near the Vila de Santa Cruz, with a configuration that resembles a whale.
Of volcanic origin, Graciosa Island has a very pronounced relief in the south,
where Caldeira peak reaches 402 meters. It has the "Furna do Enxofre" (Sulphur
Cavern). This is practically a unique phenomenon in the whole world.
Graciosa has only one municipality, Santa Cruz da Graciosa with almost 4,780
inhabitants (2001 census).
Graciosa Island was discovered in May 2, 1450 Its first settler was from
Montemor-o-Velho and his name was Vasco Gil Sodré. He came from Terceira Island
and settled forever on Graciosa with his family. Graciosa has a school, a
lyceum, a gymnasia, a church and a square (praça).
Text from Wikipedia
