Pico Timeao, the highest point, rises to 398 metres. Santa Cruz, the main town on the island is peaceful and well preserved with many 18th and 19th century manor houses. The island’s only black sand beach is at Praia and at Carapacho, the volcanic rocks form a natural swimming pool. The coastline has many bays and the small off-shore islands provide a sanctuary for the grebe and red-billed tern.
The island has fresh fish and shellfish in abundance and is famous for its cakes – in particular the Queijadas da Graciosa – and sweets. Windmills and vineyards abound. There is a huge volcanic crater with lush vegetation and a spectacular lake beneath vaulted rocks in the very heart of the volcano.
Festivals on Graciosa
- Espirito Santo (Holy Ghost Festival)
Held Seven Weeks after Easter 2009
- Festival of Santo Cristo
Religious, musical and boating events, joined with bull flighting.
Held in early August 2009.
