Graciosa Island
The Graciosa Island, also known as White Island, belongs to the Central Group of the Archipelago of the Azores. The island has an area of 60,84 km2 in a oval form. It measures 10 km of length and 7 km width.
The formerones of Graciosa is a rocky formation of great dimensions existing close to the Vila de Santa Cruz, with a configuration very similar to a whale.
Of volcanic origin, the Gracious Island has a very accented relief in the southern part, where the peak of the Cadeira has 402 meters. It has rare furmas of sulphur. This is pratically unique fenomenom in the whole world.
The landscape
The landscape of Graciosa (meaning Gracious) mixes the green of the trees with the white of the villages and isolated houses. It possesss fertile fields that produce cereals, fruit and wine and bovine cattle.Municipalities
Graciosa has only one municipality, Santa Cruz da Graciosa with almost 4,780 inhabitants (2001 census).The discovery
Graciosa Island was discovered in May, 2nd 1450 being its first settler from Montemor-o-Velho. His name was Vasco Gil Sodré. He came from Terceira Island and settled forever on Graciosa with his family.
