Graciosa, Azores: Windmills and the Sulphur Cave

Graciosa is the Azores’ gentlest island: low hills, windmills, vineyards and white villages, with a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status. Its star attraction is the Furna do Enxofre, a vast cave inside a volcanic crater with a sulphur lake. It’s perfect for a peaceful few days.

Quick answer: fly from Terceira or Ponta Delgada. Spend 1 to 2 days seeing the Furna do Enxofre cave, the Caldeira crater, the windmills, the thermal spa at Carapacho and the main town, Santa Cruz da Graciosa. See places to stay on Graciosa.

Things to do

• Furna do Enxofre: walk down a spiral stone staircase in a tower into a huge lava cave with a sulphurous lake. Opening hours are limited, so check before you go.
• The Caldeira: the crater around the cave, with a walking trail along the rim.
• Windmills: traditional mills with red onion-shaped tops dot the island.
• Termas do Carapacho: a small thermal spa by the sea.
• Santa Cruz da Graciosa: a pretty town with ponds and whitewashed houses.
• Local food: queijadas da Graciosa, small sweet pastries.

Getting there

Flights connect with Terceira and Ponta Delgada. Seasonal ferries link Graciosa with the central islands. See Azores island hopping.

Tips

• Car: handy for a day exploring the island.
• Combine with Terceira. See Terceira.

More: where to stay in the Azores and Portugal’s hidden gems.

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