Graciosa, the second smallest of the archipelago, is an island full of incredible places to discover, where you are able to enjoy stunning landscapes and experience its very particular charm, without any hurry.

Our itinerary starts in Caldeirinha Pêro Botelho, stopping by the viewpoint to enjoy different perspectives of this crater, and contemplate the surrounding landscape. It is also possible to do a short walking trail around this caldera.

We proceed to the Baía da Folga, where we can observe a submarine pyroclastic deposit, associated with the volcanic activity that characterized the earliest stages of the Caldeira Volcano, when it emerged from the ocean.

Between Ponta da Arrochela and the sand beach of Vila da Praia, we can observe a protruding area in comparison with the remaining coastline, formed by the thick lava flows emitted by Pico Timão. Due to its strategic position, a lighthouse was built in Arrochela with the purpose of defending this anchorage from pirate or privateer attacks, which were frequent in this region.

After lunch, we visit two of Graciosa's landmarks, in close proximity to eachother: the Furna do Abel and the Gruta da Maria Encantada. Furna do Abel is a lava tube with about 96.3 m long, one of the largest inventoried on the island, also known as Furna de Lavar, meaning washing cave, as the population used to use its natural source of water as a washing tank. The Gruta da Maria Encantada, with about 56.5m long, is located on the summit of the Caldeira da Graciosa and was, surprisingly, originated by the overflow of lava on the edge of this crater.

Up next, we visit the Furna do Enxofre Visitors Centre, a must-visit for anyone who wants to learn more about the volcanic processes that gave rise to Furna, Caldeira, as well as Graciosa Island. We make a descent to its interior to visit Furna do Enxofre, with a perfect vaulted ceiling, where we can find a cold water lake, along with a fumarolic field, a significant example of secondary volcanism in Graciosa.

We end the day in Ponta do Carapacho, onde temos a possibilidade de escolher ou combinar um mergulho nas águas límpidas e frescas do mar com uma experiência termal ímpar, nas águas terapêuticas das Termas do Carapacho. Um final imperdível!