Volcanic in origin, Corvo is the smallest island in the Archipelago, with an area of 7 square miles (17.5 Km2) and 400 inhabitants. The municipal center is at Vila do Corvo. Corvo is the smallest municipality in the archipelago of the Azores constituting the island of Corvo in its entirety. The island living area is essencially formed by the airport a main street and a plaza.
The bottom of volcanic cones with legends that speak of the unknown; Houses piled up the side of a ravine facing the sea; The vastness of the views; The simple, calm life of a small Corvo community; The charms of Corvo, a tiny island, a green drop in the greatness of a turquoise ocean.
Although being a place surrounded by steep cliffs, isolated and with a small population, it was at the mercy of North Atlantic piracy. The settlement and its small chapel was located along the coast, close to a loose beach called Porto da Casa (an area that was easily accessible by pirates). In one account, while the men were in the hills looking after their flocks and the women were in their homes, a large group of pirates arrived in the vicinty of the settlement. The pirates fired on the settlement, and were met by rocks thrown from the cliff-tops. During the battle, the local vicar carried his small image of Nossa Senhora do Rosario (Our Lady of the Rosary) into the battle. The statue had for many years been placed in the area of Porto da Casa, but had recently been placed on the altar of the small chapel on the cliff. The battle was arduous, but the Corvinos were able to defeat the pirates, capturing many weapons, without a loss of life and while capturing a Moor. It is said, that the victory was credited to the statue, which was the patron saint of Corvo, and had deflected and duplicated many of the pirates rounds. The pirates retreated, and did not return to the smallest island stating: We won't return to Corvo, because there is a 'Margarida' that stops rounds. Our people fired one shot, and she returned seven on board and killed seven at one time! That "Margarida", which referred to was Nossa Senhora do Rosario, was eventually referred to as Nossa Senhora dos Milagres (Our Lady of the Miracles). Today the statue is located in the parochial church.
The Caldeirao - situated on Monte Grosso, crater of the volcano which gave origin to the island. At the crater's bottom are two lakes dotted with tiny islets.
Small windmills. Stout buildings in black stone, they have an ingenious mechanism in their interiors which turns the cupola so that its triangular sails are constantly in the wind. Corvo's windmills are different from windmills on the other islands, and are more like those left by the Moors on the Portuguese continent.
The smallest island of the Azores Archipelago is also rich in handicrafts. These are represented by the traditional wool hats and bonnets, with the most typical color being dark blue with a white stripe.
Corvo is a very small island and thus activities are reduced to hiking and fishing. Peak “Morro dos Homens” is the highest elevation at 718 meters and quick hike away from the village. One can also visit the Cauldron of Monte Gordo, a large crater 300 meters deep and with s circumference of 3.4 Km, home to two lagoons.
IRC Rally Azores
S. Miguel island is part of the IRC car rally circuit happening annually
Senhor Santo Cristo
Arguably the biggest religious festivities in Azores, happens annually on the fifth weekend after Easter
Bull Fights (bull on rope)
People waiting for bull - Typical of Terceira island it happens in many places throughout the island from May to September
Limas water battles
Ponta Delgada - Traditional battle of limas happens during carnival
Flower street carpets
Traditional flower carpets adorn the way for processions in religious festivities
Festival of lights
Convento da Esperanca - One of the highlights of religious festivals are the amazing light displays
Selling the typical tremoco (lupinus) and candy
Always a hit with young and old carousels are part of the festivities fabric
Corvo celebrates de festivities of the Holy Spirit (Festas do Espirito Santo) thus keeping up with an Azorean tradition.
The festivities of Sao Pedro are held on the last Sunday of June with a procession down the main artery of Vila Nova do Corvo. Night festivities are held at the Outeiro plaza (Largo do Outeiro).
The third Sunday of July is celebrated with a procession in honor of the Holy Family followed by the traditional nightly festival. The largest festival is held on August 15th in honor of Our Lady of Miracles the patron Saint of Corvo.
Traditional Holy Ghost Sopas from Santa Maria
Dill & Mint
Dill is specific of Santa Maria. Mint is used in all Sopas
Lining up for Sopas
Long lines demonstrate the popularity of Sopas feasts
Sopas a tradition shared in every Azorean community
Corvo is home to the famous locks and keys made completely out of wood. Handcrafted wooden canes are also a local craft.
Sheep wool bonnets and caps are crafted in Corvo where the traditional color is dark blue with a white band. Traditional weaver's loom is used to manufacture fabrics for clothes, sheets, blankets, rugs and quilts.
Azores flowers for all tastes
Pineapple of S. Miguel
Pineapples are grown in green houses and are only a product of S. Miguel
In Terceira, for example, cows outnumber people 2:1, thus the abundance of dairy and meat
Fish, abundant and varied, is an essential ingredient in the Azorean diet
Cheese - A Specialty
Cheese from S. Miguel, S. Jorge, Faial and Pico are world renowned
A variety of vegetables can be found in the Azoes including the local inhame (yam)