In Praia on Graciosa, churches, coast and nature come together in different ways. Vila da Praia is home to several named religious buildings, while Praia de São Mateus is the island’s only sandy beach. The Ilhéu da Praia, with its diverse breeding birdlife, is part of the natural landscape. A section of the Grande Rota da Graciosa can also be appreciated for its scenery. Another subject, Arquitetura da Água, concerns Graciosa as a whole and offers a glimpse into how the population has dealt with water scarcity.

Churches and architectural history in Vila da Praia

The Igreja de São Mateus is located in Vila da Praia and is the tallest building on Graciosa. It was originally built in the 16th century and rebuilt in the 19th century. Its features include gilded wood carvings on the main altar and side altars, Flemish images of saints from the 16th century, and a cabinet organ from the late 18th century. Its architectural history and furnishings span several centuries: the original construction and later rebuilding are notable milestones, as are the images and the instrument.

The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, also called Igreja da Misericórdia da Vila da Praia, is located in the center of Vila da Praia. The Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Guia is beside the port of Praia.

Beach and nature at Ilhéu da Praia

Praia de São Mateus is the only sandy beach on Graciosa. If a sandy beach is a factor in choosing your destination, this is a distinctive feature of Praia compared with other places on the island. Ilhéu da Praia lies 1.3 kilometers from Vila da Praia’s coastline and is one of the larger islets in the archipelago. Its breeding birdlife is especially diverse. The endemic Monteiro’s storm petrel (Hydrobates monteiroi) was discovered on the islet; it breeds only on Graciosa’s islets. Access to Ilhéu is regulated by Portaria No. 65/2018 of June 20. Check the current implementation of the access rules before visiting.

Coastal stretches and a subject for all of Graciosa

The section of the Grande Rota da Graciosa in the Praia area is gentler in character than the higher, more rugged coastal stretches near Ponta da Restinga.

Arquitetura da Água is a subject concerning Graciosa as a whole, not just Praia. It is regarded as an important testament to the island’s identity and to the population’s efforts and ingenuity in dealing with water scarcity. It complements the subjects of churches and the coast with a glimpse into the island’s history.

Discover more destinations: Faja, Luz, Santa Cruz da Graciosa, Feiteira, Guadalupe, Covas

Go to the main travel overview: Graciosa.