Afonso Port – Graciosa Island

The Afonso Port is located in the parish of Guadalupe, municipality of Santa Cruz da Graciosa, on Graciosa Island. This fishing port was formerly known as Afonso do Porto because, at the beginning of the island’s settlement, the burnt lands belonged to someone by that name.

Afonso Port is one of the geosites of the Natural Park of Graciosa, renowned for its spectacular beauty at sunset, when the rocks shine with the last rays of sunlight. The sunset here is breathtaking.

History

Afonso Port is one of the most extraordinary places on the island. Its towering cliffs, once scorched and sculpted by volcanoes, combined with the sea and strong winds, create a landscape with a uniquely aggressive touch on Graciosa Island.

The colors vary according to the volcanic materials that formed it, ranging from the dark gray of the rock to the reddish hues of the scoria. The various layers reveal how the island was formed.

In some areas of the coastal cliffs, marine erosion has exposed the chimneys and veins of volcanic cones. The bay of Afonso Port boasts the second most sought-after volcanic chimney, a resting place for the garajaus (a type of seabird).

The landscape of Afonso Port can be quite contradictory depending on the time of visit. The calm and transparent sea can be very inviting on hot summer days. However, the intensity of the wind and the turbulent sea that erode the cliffs lends an immense aggression to the place.

The inconsistency of the bagacinas (volcanic rocks) creates natural caves that are used as shelter for boats and fishing gear during strong winds. In the higher parts, birds find refuge in these same caves.

Intense erosion caused by the sea and strong winds has led to the retreat of the coastline, creating space for the bay, which has historically served as a fishing port and a point of entry for corsairs and pirates.

À espera….(Porto Afonso, Graciosa)
Fotografia de Manuela Juliano

In the summer, the small bay of Afonso Port is frequented by bathers due to the tranquility and clarity of the sea. Access can be made on foot, by bike, or by car. During the day, garajaus can be seen in the sky, and at night, the sounds of Cagarros (another seabird) can be heard. Across the sea, the outlines of São Jorge Island can be glimpsed.

When visiting, it is important to consider the weather conditions and take special care on days of strong winds.

Curiosities

Fort of Afonso do Porto and Chapel of Our Lady of Victories

The Fort of Afonso do Porto was located where Afonso Port now stands. This fortification was intended to defend the anchorage from pirate attacks. According to tradition, the port was targeted in an attack in 1623, where the local residents managed to kill the leader of the assault.

During this period, the fortification was constructed. It is referenced in the War of Spanish Succession from 1702-1714, and in 1884, it was noted as having disappeared. The Fort of Afonso do Porto has not survived to this day.

(C) José Luís Ávila Silveira/Pedro Noronha e Costa

In commemoration of the expulsion of pirates during the attack in 1623, the Chapel of Our Lady of Victories was built near this site. According to tradition, one of the hostages was Captain Pedro Cunha Ávila, who begged for alms in Lisbon after being freed, purchased an image of Our Lady of Victories, and returned to the island to build the church with the help of the faithful.

Location on the Map

Photos

Baia do Porto Afonso, Graciosa
Fotografia de Manuela Juliano

Porto Afonso
Fotografia de Paulo Branco

Video

Watch it here

With a unique and picturesque landscape, Afonso Port is a must-visit place on Graciosa Island. This geosite of the Azores Geopark has national relevance, highlighting the astonishing geological features, with the different colors of the cliffs clearly showing the origin and transformation the island has undergone.

Also see: Places to visit on Graciosa Island >

Photos (C) SIARAM