Graciosa, similarly, to the other islands of the archipelago is of volcanic origin, despite not presenting a rugged relief, which makes it the least mountainous island of the Azores. This is a characteristic factor that provides the island with low rainfall, thus contributing to a slight dryness and whitish tone that, together with the mostly white-colored houses, is known as Ilha Branca (White Island).
Geologically, this island is composed by 5 volcanic complexes that were formed with low explosiveness, being them: the Serra das Fontes complex; the Baía do Filipe complex, which is verified by the small rocks that exist along the Baía do Filipe; the Serra Branca and the Serra Dormida complex; the basaltic cover complex; and the Maciço da Caldeira, which is constituted by a volcano with a central caldera, where we can find the Furna do Enxofre. This Furna is a present factor of the volcanism of Graciosa Island, whose inside has a small lake and a fumarolic field, being possible to access through the opening in its roof, allowing the visit to this space, where great quantities of gases are released. Being part of this Maciço da Caldeira, in Carapacho, it is possible to find a thermal water spring, among others that exist in this southeast coast of the island, which is used in the Termas do Carapacho, a beautiful thermal establishment in Graciosa.
Currently, Graciosa is classified as a Biosphere Reserve, by UNESCO, due to the quality of its biosphere, characterized by having a typical Macaronesian forest. In this context, the creation of the Graciosa Natural Park was indispensable to guarantee the preservation of its nature, in which the Ilhéu de Baixo, the Ilhéu da Praia, the Caldeira da Graciosa, among other zones that intend to protect the habitats and species of the island are inserted. This small island, besides the majestic natural landscapes that attract many visitors, also offers beautiful leisure places, where contact with the ocean is always present, namely the famous São Mateus beach and the bathing areas of Barro Vermelho and Boqueirão.
Last modified: 16 de February, 2022
