IN the middle of the Atlantic Ocean is a Portuguese island that is one of the most remote in Europe.
The island that’s just 6.5km long and 4km wide is incredibly beautiful, full of nature, is home to just 500 residents, and is very hard to get to.
6
6
Corvo is around 1,180 miles off the coast of mainland Portugal – and the northernmost island in the Azores archipelago.
Because of its location in the middle of the Atlantic, it’s widely considered Europe‘s most remote inhabited island.
The island has a population of around 400 residents and doesn’t see a lot of tourists because of how few people live there.
The main attraction on the island is the Caldeirão crater that formed millions of years ago.
It’s more than two miles in diameter and nearly 1,000 feet deep, its slopes covered in vivid green grass and blue lagoons that one visitor described as looking like a ‘fantasy movie’.
When there’s a postcard or image of Azores, it’s likely to be a picture of the Caldeirão.
Scattered around it are plenty of waterfalls which you’re likely to see on a boat trip around the island – there are also lots of sea caves too.
And if you go on a trip between the islands of Flores and Corvo, you’re likely to spot Atlantic bottlenose or common dolphins – especially between May and September.
Also on the island are a group of rustic windmills, these are on the eastern edge, and of the original seven that were built, only three remain.
You can get a cab around Corvo, but one of the best ways to see all the island has to offer is by hiking or even renting a bike and cycling.
6
6
There’s lots to spot as well, as Corvo has a high number of rare species, so much so that the island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
For anyone seeking a beach, head to Praia da Areia, it’s known for being a quiet and peaceful swim spot with volcanic black sand.
The island offers a lot for nature lovers, but apart from that, you won’t find much there.
There’s only one spot where residents live which is Vila do Corvo village and nearby are a few restaurants, a hotel, a couple of shops and a port.
6
The Azores archipelago has nine islands in total found in the Atlantic Ocean.
The islands are divided into three groups, the Eastern Group with São Miguel and Santa Maria, the Central Group which is Terceira, Graciosa, Faial, São Jorge, and Pico, and the Western Group which is Corvo and Flores.
You can visit Corvo Island by first travelling to neighbouring islands like Horta, Ponta Delgada and Flores and taking a flight from there.
Or hop on the small ferry that makes the 24km trip between Flores and Corvo a couple of times a day.
Plus, the five lesser-known places where the Portuguese always go on holiday… and where they avoid.
And check out Portugal’s lesser-visited areas including Algarve-alternative beaches where you can stay from £19 a night.
6
