Azores - Flores and Corvo 2012

7/31/2019 Azores - Flores and Corvo 2012

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Real Azores | 59

Azores | Flores & Corvo

Flores & CorvoThe Atlantics Garden & The Black Island

FLORESArea: 143 sq. kmLength: 17 km (11 miles)Width: 11.5 km (7 miles)Population: 4,500 inhabitantsCapital: Santa Cruz das Flores

CORVOArea: 17 sq. kmLength: 6.5 km (4 miles)Width: 4 km (2.5 miles)Population: 488 inhabitantsCapital: Vila Nova do Corvo

Flores and Corvo, the

westernmost islands of the

Azores archipelago, willmesmerise any visitor who

travels to their shores.

Flores

Away from the beaten path, 321 miles

(517km) from Sao Miguel 1 hours

flight, the island of flowers is a land

of spectacular natural beauty and a

real find for nature enthusiasts.

Towering cliffs, a multitude of lakes,

waterfalls, small pastures bordered

by mile after mile of hydrangea

hedges and spectacular views await

at every turn.

Santa Cruz, located on the east coast

of Flores, is a small village of narrow

streets, local snack bars and natural

rock pools. The capital is an ideal

base from which to explore the island.

Situated on the seashore of a coastal

plain, Faja Grande is enclosed by a

high cliff with about 20 waterfalls.

The village is also home to a small

pebble beach and is a noted area for

Nearctic land birds.

This peaceful settlement of some 200

inhabitants attracts walkers from allover the world. Two marked trails,

8.5km and 11km respectively, finish in

the village and the combination of

the two equates to walking the length

of the continents westernmost

coastline. A unique opportunity!

HighlightsI Rocha dos Bordoes (Flores)

Of particular interest is the organ

pipes a geological phenomenon

formed by the solidification of basalt

in high vertical channels which

dominates the landscape above the

village of Mosteiro on the west coast.

I Birdlife (Corvo)Corvo is an ideal island to observe birds

migrating from Canada and the US to

Africa from mid October until the 1st

week in November.

I Traditional dishes (Corvo)

The local gastronomy reflects the

abundance of sea food tuna,

anchovy, turbot, sword fish sea bream,

grouper, moray and conger. Tortas de

ervas do calhau (vegetable pie),

couves da barca, couves fritas (fried

cabbage) and liver sauce are all local

specialties. Try the island cheese

served with corn bread which has a

unique tasty flavour.

Festival(Flores & Corvo)

I Festival of Sao Joao (last week of June)

Note: Date is subject to change.

Activities (page 60)Flores

I Island tours

IJeep safaris see page 61

I Kayaking see page 61

I Natural rock swimming pools

I Scuba diving

I

Walking (non guided)I Boat trips

Corvo

I Natural rock swimming pools

I Scuba diving

I Walking (non guided)

Corvo

Approaching from the sea (available

from Flores during the summer

months) or by air, you reach the

village of Vila Nova do Corvo, the only

settlement on the island and home to

488 people. With lush, fertile fields as

its backdrop, this picturesque village

is a maze of cobbled streets and

traditional stone houses each

pathway depicting the history and

development of Corvo and its people.

A vast caldera measuring 3.5km wide

and 300m deep dominates the

central landscape and from its

summit wonderful countryside and

ocean views abound.

Faja Grande

Cuada

Lagoas

Lagoas

Lajes dasFlores

F L O R E S

Santa Cruzdas Flores

Vila Nova do

Corvo

C O R V O

Caldeiro

Opposite page: Hydrangeas in bloom on Flores (top) and the Caldeira on Corvo (bottom).


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Azores | Flores & Corvo

60 | Sunvil Discovery

Non Guided WalksFlores

Ponta do Albarnaz is a 2 hour 30 minutes

(11km) walk on Flores west coast. The

route is bordered by hydrangeas and

descends and crosses several rivulets

before reaching your first view point. Here

you can enjoy spectacular views over Maria

Vaz islet, Ponta do Albarnaz lighthouse

and, on a clear day, the tiny island of

Corvo. Continuing on an unmade track youwill then descend towards Ponta da Faja

and the quaint village of Faja Grande,

where the walk comes to an end. Grade 2

Miradouro das Lagoas is a 3 hour (7km)

walk offering spectacular views along the

west coast of Flores and descending to the

pretty village of Ribeira das Casas with its

gurgling stream. The walk ends at the pool

and waterfall of Poa do Bacalhau in Faja

Grande offering the perfect opportunity

for a refreshing swim. Grade 2

Corvo

Cova Vermelha is a 1 hour (3.5km) walk

along pretty country lanes lined with old

stone dykes to Vila Nova do Corvo the

only inhabited town on the island. The

fabulous views along the way are

complemented by the interesting

geological formations, a striking rock

carving of an Indian head and the profuse

covering of junipers on the island. Grade 1

Flores Island TourHalf dayDepart from Santa Cruz towards the west

coast of the island on the interior road. En

route you will stop at the Ribeira da Cruz

belvedere and visit the lakes of Lomba,

Funda and Rasa. Continue to Fajazinha and

Ponta da Faja Grande. Return to Santa Cruz

stopping at the Caveira belvedere to admire

the view over Santa Cruz, the principal town

of the island and the west coast.From Santa Cruz

Price is 130 per taxi

Notes

I Prices are based on a maximum of 3

people per taxiI Lunch and entrance fees

to museums and parks are not includedI

Pick up/drop off from hotels outside of

Santa Cruz at a supplement please

telephone us for a quotationI Itinerary

subject to change.

Corvo Boat TripsA boat tour around the island of Flores

can be arranged locally. During the

summer months (May-Sep), when the

weather is settled, it is also possible to

visit the neighbouring island of Corvo.

Trip to Corvo (45 minutes by Zodiac)

Price is c.35 Euros per person

(minimum of 6 people).

Boat trip around the island (half day)

Price is c.47.50 Euros per person

(minimum of 6 people).

What to see and do on Flores & CorvoA variety of activities can be booked locally including walks and boat trips as shown below. Sunvil is able to pre-book the island tour on Flores.

Grading of Walks

1 for Easy

2 for Medium


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Azores | Flores | Faja Grande

Real Azores | 61Please turn to pages 70-71 for Prices

Argonauta (Main Building)

Casa Via dAgua

Patio (Main Building)

Casa Via dAgua

Situated on a coastal plain (Faja) and

enclosed by high cliffs with many

cascading waterfalls, the sleepy, white-

washed village of Faja Grande is Europes

most western point. Located in the heart

of Faja Grandes historical centre, close to

the church, the Argonauta first opened its

doors to guests in 1991. Pierluigi Bragaglia,

the Italian owner of this delightful

guesthouse, fell in love with the

enchanting island of Flores whilst

researching his book Portugal Azoresthe first guidebook on the Azores in Italy.

The main building, dating back to the

1700s, was renovated in 2000 with careful

consideration in preserving the buildings

original features. There are many floral oil

frescoes drawn in the early 1930s and

wood furnishings and timbers salvaged

from the shipwreck of the Norwegian

Lugger Brilliant in 1899.

Accommodation

Main Building BB

There is one bedroom (rock room) located

on the ground floor, two bedrooms

(Courelas and Patio) on the first floor and,

a further two suites (Northwest and

Southwest suites) on the second floor.

Rock room (sleep 2) BB

Double room with writing desk and

bathroom (shower and hairdryer). This

room may be darker than the other rooms

and has an asymmetrical window.

Courelas (sleep 2) BB

Double room with mini-cooler, writing desk

and bathroom (shower and hairdryer).

Patio (sleeps 2+1) BB

Double room with a mini-fridge, designated

lounge area with a sofa bed for a child and

rocking chair, bathroom (shower and

hairdryer) and direct access to a communal

patio.

Argonauta, Faja Grande

Airport: 22km FloresI Guesthouse I Bed & Breakfast (BB) I Self Catering (SC)

I Car hire recommended

Suite Northwest and Suite Southwest

(sleeps 2+3) BB

Large, open-plan double room (60m2)

with two large skylights, bathroom

(shower and hairdryer suite Southwest

also has a hip bath) designated living

area with double sofa bed, CD player,

mini-fridge and an electric kettle with

tea/coffee making facilities and telescope

for star-gazing. The suites can

accommodate two extra beds for

adults/children.Casa Via dAgua A detached 2-

bedroom house (sleeps 4+2) - SC

Two large double bedrooms, each with

ensuite bathroom (bath and shower),

hairdryer, CD player, sofa bed and

separate entrances to the garden. One

bedroom connects to a large, fully fitted

kitchen (4 gas hobs and oven, double sink,

fridge-freezer and toaster) with wood-

burning stove. The second bedroom

connects to a lounge with two sofas, CD

player, DVD player with a selection of

films, satellite TV, games (cards,

backgammon, chess and draughts) which

opens up on to a small patio area with

access to the kitchen. The house issupplied with basic cooking ingredients

including herbs (guests are invited to use

herbs from the herb garden), homemade

jams (orange, honey and strawberry),

cooking oil, vinegar, local tea and cocoa.

Two minutes walk uphill to the main house

of Argonauta, two mini-markets and two

restaurants (one serving Italian cuisine).

Amenities/LeisureBuffet breakfastI Communal patio with

barbecue area and tables and chairs I

Packed lunches and evening meals can be

provided locally on requestI Sitting room

with comfortable seating area, CD player,

TV, books, games (cards, backgammon and

chess), internet connection (free of charge)

and payphoneI Faja Grande has two

restaurants, one snack-bar, three mini-

markets, a handful of cafes and a black

pebble beach with natural rock pools I

One restaurant is located in the

neighbouring town FajazinhaI Free

parking 40 metres away I Car or kayak

tours, kayak fishing and guided hiking

can be arranged locally.

Minimum stay: 3 nights


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Aldeia da Cuada, CuadaAldeia da Cuada, Cuada

Azores | Flores | Santa Cruz & Cuada

62 | Sunvil Discovery

The village of Cuada is located on a small

plateau 2km from the coastal resort of Faja

Grande, a popular base for walkers owing

to the beautiful scenery and impressive

waterfalls. In the 1960s the village was

virtually abandoned by the weaving

community emigrating to the New World.

After 15 years of devoted and painstaking

work, the new owners, Carlos and Teotonia

Silva, have successfully renovated and

modernised the houses in keeping with the

rural features of the original stonebuildings. The cottages and gardens are

linked together by cobbled paths and, as a

result, are unsuitable for clients with

walking difficulties. A unique tranquil

paradise for those who enjoy walking or

simply wish to get away from the hustle

and bustle of everyday life. Recommended.

Accommodation

13 cottages including seven 1-bedroom

(sleep 2+1) and six 2-bedroom units (sleep

4+1) simply and traditionally furnished I

All units have a bathroom (shower), stereo,

telephone, kitchen (2 gas hobs and fridge),

electric heaters and a small terrace with

barbecue, tables and chairsI 10 cottages

have a fireplace I Cleaning at end of stay

IWelcome pack included (local wine,

water, bread, butter, cheese, coffee/tea,

biscuits, sugar, 6 eggs, milk, juice,salt/pepper and 2 rolls of toilet paper).

Amenities/LeisureBed linen and towels changed weekly I

Reception and lounge decorated with

antiques and with a coffee machine and

fridge filled with cold drinks I Free parking

I 2km (20-minutes downhill walk) to Faja

Grande (closest restaurants/shops). Faja

Grande has two restaurants, three mini

markets, a handful of cafs and offers a

good area for swimming I 9-hole rustic

golf courseI Two resident pets

Florentina the donkey and Bambi the

sheep.

Aldeia da Cuada, Cuada

Airport: 20km FloresI Rustic cottages (Turismo Rural) I Self Catering I Car hire recommended

The Hotel das Flores is built on a headland

on the outskirts of Santa Cruz (1.5km) and

affords uninterrupted ocean views across

to Corvo, the smallest island of the

archipelago. Many of the hotels bedrooms

as well as the restaurant and pool enjoy

this wonderful panorama. The hotel,

fashioned in a contemporary style, also has

a beautiful display of black and white prints

adorning the walls.

Guests can relax in the hotels garden with

its poolside terrace and barbeque area

overlooking the Atlantic or walk (20-

minutes) to the natural swimming pool and

village of Santa Cruz. Alternatively there are

some pretty hiking trails nearby and the

Calderas National Park is a 30-minute drive

away.

Accommodation

26 air-conditioned rooms including

standard rooms, superior rooms and a

suite I All rooms have bathroom (bath &

shower), hairdryer, satellite TV, telephone

and minibarI The Superior rooms and

suites have a balcony and ocean view.

Amenities/LeisureContinental breakfastI Panoramic

restaurant serving international dishes and

local specialtiesI Safe deposit box at

reception I Complimentary WIFI internet

connection in the public areas IMini gym

I Games room (pool table) I Swimming

pool (8 x 13m) open Jun-Sep I Opposite

the hotel is a good local restaurant and

cake shopI 20-minutes walk to Santa

Cruz centre (two restaurants) and its

harbourI Free parking.

Note: Sunvil recommends the Superior

rooms with ocean view.

Hotel das Flores, Santa Cruz

Airport: 500m FloresI 4-star hotel I Bed & Breakfast I Swimming pool I Air-conditioning

I Car hire recommended


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Natural rock pools

Vila Nova do Corvo

Azores | Corvo | Vila Nova do Corvo

Real Azores | 63

The Comodoro is centrally located in Vila

Nova do Corvo, a few minutes drive from

the airport or port. The property, owner-

managed by a charming Azorean couple,

was converted from a modest family

home in to a modern and comfortable

guesthouse and offers a warm and

personal service to visitors venturing out

to the picturesque western most island of

Europe.

Approximately 400 inhabitants live on the

tiny island of Corvo and all areconcentrated in the town of Vila Nova do

Corvo. This south facing, coastal town is

composed of a short airport runway which

has three flights a week during low season

and daily flights during the summer

months (18 or 61-seater planes), three

restaurants and narrow streets called

canadas. The most prominent structure in

the town is the church of Nossa Senhora

dos Milagres (the islands patron saint)

built during the 16th century and

influenced by contemporary Flemish

design.

Accommodation

8 air-conditioned rooms, located on the

first floor (no lift), all with bathroom

(shower), hairdryer, satellite TV and free

internet connection I Three rooms will

accommodate an extra bed for an adult or

a child.

Amenities/LeisureLounge where a buffet breakfast is served

and where guests are free to use the

kitchen facilities (fridge, microwave, grill,

dishwasher, toaster, tea/coffee making

facilities) to prepare light snacks. The TV

lounge has a bar, complimentary internet

connection, various guide books on the

island and an open-air terrace with views

towards the oceanI Small garden facing

the oceanI Three restaurants within easy

walking distanceI 15 nautical miles from

FloresI Doctor/pharmacy on the island.

Note: Minimum stay in October is 7-nights.

Comodoro, Vila Nova do Corvo

Airport: 400m CorvoI Guesthouse (2 star equivalent hotel) I Bed & Breakfast

I Air-conditioning

Documents

Azores - Flores and Corvo 2012