Vila Nova can be explored through three distinct travel interests: time by the water at Escaleiras, Bodo tradition and historic buildings. The bathing area is defined by its beach, natural pools and striking coastal formations; Bodos and dated architectural history offer different focal points. When choosing accommodation in Vila Nova, this distinction can serve as a first point of reference.
Swimming and coastal formations at Escaleiras
The Escaleiras bathing area is designated in Vila Nova and offers a beach and natural pools for swimming. Its coastal landscape features black rock, rounded pebbles and steep cliffs; one pool is open to the sea. The beach and natural pools offer different ways to swim at the same bathing area. Black rock and rounded pebbles shape the shore, while the cliffs and the pool open to the sea give the coast further clearly distinct forms. For comparing destinations, the combination of both aspects is useful: Escaleiras offers a specific place to swim as well as distinctive coastal formations.
Another nature focus
Baixa da Vila Nova is designated by BirdLife International as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA). The protected-area designation comes from the Azores Nature Park Authority. Compared with Escaleiras, this is a different nature focus: the IBA designation relates to birds and biodiversity, while Escaleiras is about swimming and coastal formations. These themes can be distinguished when planning a trip: the IBA draws attention to biodiversity, while Escaleiras offers a specific bathing area.
Bodos and festival tradition
On Bodo Sundays, decorated ox carts with fabric-covered canopies stand in the square in front of the Império of Vila Nova. Bodos also include coronations and a brass band. The tradition therefore encompasses both specific festival details in the square and ceremonial and musical elements. The ox carts are specifically associated with Bodo Sundays; coronations and the brass band are other parts of the Bodos. Travelers who give cultural themes greater weight when making their decision will find several specific facets of the festival tradition here.
Religious buildings and historic dates
The ImpĂ©rio do EspĂrito Santo da Vila Nova was built in 1894. The Church of the Divine Holy Spirit is Vila Nova’s present-day religious building and was built as early as the 15th century. The Nossa Senhora da Ajuda Chapel was consecrated on February 4, 1542. The dates refer to different events: for the ImpĂ©rio, the year of construction; for the church, the century in which it was built; and for the chapel, the exact date of its consecration. This makes it possible to place the three buildings in context using their respective historical reference points.
Which focus suits your stay?
Escaleiras is the reference point for swimming and coastal formations; the Bodos represent festival tradition, while the church, chapel and Império offer historical reference points. Consider which of these aspects matters most to you during your stay, and choose Vila Nova according to your travel interests.
Discover more destinations: Ribeirinha, Porto Martins, Agualva, Cabo Da Praia, Praia Da VitĂłria, Quatro Ribeiras, Fontinhas, Altares
For the broader travel overview: Terceira.
