All the islands of the Azores are an excellent choice for your family vacation, so after visiting the islands of Santa Maria, São Miguel, Terceira, Pico and Faial, we head to the pleasant island of Graciosa.
Classified by Unesco as a World Biosphere Reserve, Graciosa is known as the white island and is the northernmost island of the five that make up the Central Group of the Azores archipelago. To make the most of your family vacation, we give you six activities to enjoy as a family.
1. Enjoy the natural pools and spa of Carapacho – The natural pools of Carapacho, located by the sea, are one of the most popular attractions on the island of Graciosa.
The spa offers thermal water baths at a temperature between 35 and 40 degrees, highly mineralized and indicated for preventing and treating rheumatological pathologies, but also great for relaxation, well-being and family leisure.
2. Savor the Queijadas da Graciosa – The quality of Queijadas da Graciosa is highly praised and its manufacture relies on natural products, always respecting the standards of confectionery in the region. They are known for their star shape, thin and crispy outer dough, stuffed with the result of a preparation with eggs and milk.
3. Visit Furna do Enxofre – Located inside the Caldeira da Graciosa, Furna do Enxofre is a unique place not to be missed, which will impress both kids and adults. It is a spectacular volcanic cavity in a perfect vault, with a maximum length of 194 m and a maximum height of 40 m.
Access is via a 37 m-high tower built in the early 20th century. Inside, you can appreciate the greatness of the cavity and the beauty of the stalactites. At the bottom of the cavity there is a cold water lagoon and a fumarolic field, with carbon dioxide emissions and a mud fumarole. The concentration of carbon dioxide is measured inside, and at certain times of the year it is too high, so visits are suspended.
4. Visit Ponta da Barca – In Ponta da Barca is the Ponta da Barca Lighthouse, dating from 1930 and which has the highest tower in the Azores, providing spectacular views of the coast. Take the opportunity to contemplate the sunset looking at the turquoise waters of Ponta da Barca Bay.
5. Marvel at the peculiar Praia do Bairro Vermelho – On the north coast of the island, Praia do Barro Vermelho is a very pleasant and beautiful beach, with sand and small red stones, which make it quite unusual.
6. Explore the famous windmills of Graciosa – Windmills are characteristic of the island of Graciosa, and were fundamental for its agriculture. Today they are a very beautiful element in the landscape and attract many tourists.
Also read “6 activities for families with children not to be missed on Pico Island“, “5 activities for families with children not to be missed on Terceira island“, “5 activities for families with children not to be missed in São Miguel”, “5 activities for families with children that you must do in Santa Maria“, and “6 activities for families with children not to be missed on Faial island”.
