The White Island
The second smallest island, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with characteristic windmills and the Furna do Enxofre cave.
Population
4,070
Area
61 km²
Parishes
4
Agriculture (wine, grain, dairy farming), Tourism, Fishing
Furna do Enxofre (sulfur cave with underground lake), Caldeira da Graciosa, Museu da Graciosa, Termas do Carapacho (hot springs), Praia da Graciosa, Windmills
Santa Cruz da Graciosa was founded in the 15th century and received city rights in 1486. The island was settled by colonists from northern Portugal and Flanders. The municipality has a rich agricultural history, especially viticulture and grain cultivation.
Graciosa was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2007. The island is known for its characteristic windmills with red domes. The Furna do Enxofre contains one of the largest lava chambers in the world with an underground sulfurous water lake.