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Just outside the central triangle islands of Pico, Faial and São Jorge, you will find the somewhat hidden gem of Graciosa. Graciosa is a wonderful blend of beautiful landscapes, historical treasures, and authentic Azorean culture. Graciosa offers it all, whether you’re looking for relaxation, culture, or adventure. Since this is one of the two islands we haven’t been to yet, we did extensive research on the top things to do there. These best things to do in Graciosa, Azores are the ones we added to our own itinerary for next summer!
Explore the main town of Santa Cruz da Graciosa
Graciosa’s main town, Santa Cruz, is a great place to begin and end any adventure on the island. Home to traditional buildings and architecture, as well as great restaurants and cafes, you would be remiss not to spend some time visiting this beautiful town. Whether you want to stroll down the town’s coastline or learn more about the island’s history at the Museu da Graciosa, Santa Cruz is a must-visit for travelers to Graciosa.
Explore the Caldeira da Graciosa
Arguably one of the top sights, the Caldeira da Graciosa is the island’s geological centerpiece. Visitors can hike around the rim of the crater and enjoy amazing views of the surrounding area. On a clear day, you can even see São Jorge and Faial from the top!
Visit the Furna do Enxofre
Another volcanic attraction, the Furna do Enxofre is a cave system with an underground lake. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cave to learn about the geological history of the island. You can even take a boat ride on the underground lake to marvel at the cave’s many stalagmites and stalactites. This feature of the cave makes it unique from the volcanic cave systems found on other Azores islands.
Relax on Graciosa’s Beaches
The Azores is not well-known for its sandy beaches, with few spread between the nine islands. But never fear, for Graciosa boasts one of the nicest of the few beaches among the islands, Praia. While yes, “praia” literally means beach in Portuguese, it is also the name of this particular beach (which can be a bit confusing). With its golden sands and crystal-clear water, Praia is the perfect place for visitors to sunbathe, swim, or take a relaxing walk along the shoreline.
Hike Pico Timão
Pico Timão, the highest point on Graciosa, is the perfect spot for good hiking and even a nice picnic. From the top, you can get great views of the island and all its beauty. You may even get a good look at the surrounding islands on a clear day. It is an ideal place to enjoy the natural beauty of Graciosa and get an understanding of the beauty of the entire Azores chain.
Learn the Maritime History of Graciosa
Like a lot of the other nine islands, whaling was a very important industry to Graciosa. The Whaling Museum in Santa Cruz is incredible for learning about it. Visitors can gain a better understanding of the seafaring traditions of the island and the impact whaling had on the culture and economy.
Take a relaxing dip in the thermal baths
São Miguel may be known for its thermal baths, but it’s not the only island that features them. Graciosa’s Termas do Carapacho offers a wonderful relaxing experience you can only get a few places in the Azores. The Termas offers several experiences, including baths at different temperatures, massages, facials, and other self-care amenities. Residents of Graciosa have been using the thermal baths since the 18th century, so it is worth a visit to do as locals do.
Enjoy a Queijada da Graciosa
Queijadas are a traditional Portuguese pastry that is a must-try food when in the Azores. There are several varieties, with one of the most popular being those from Graciosa. The Fábrica das Queijadas da Graciosa, located in Praia, is a great place to try this delectable treat. The factory stays true to the traditional way of making queijadas making it an authentic and delicious experience that everyone should try.
I don’t know about you, but learning about these best things to do in Graciosa makes me that much more excited to visit. As I’ve learned, each Azores island has something special about it. I can’t wait to experience the parts of Graciosa that make it unique. We hope you get the chance to experience the magic of this island and that this list helps you along the way.