Portugal is a country full of striking scenarios, from the golden beaches of the Algarve to the green saws of the North, passing through the quiet plains of Alentejo and the cities loaded with history. But beyond the continent, there are islands where life takes place at its own pace. One of them is the Portuguese island we will speak below, a territory little spoken and situated in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, but deeply special for several reasons.
COLVO ISLAND
Corvo Island is the smallest and smallest of the Azores archipelago. With about 17 square kilometers and approximately 400 inhabitants, this piece of land seems forgotten on the map, but keeps traditions, landscapes and ways of life that make it unique to many. There are no crowds there, no big resorts. What exists is a preserved nature, a cohesive community and a tranquility difficult to find in other destinations, according to the Portuguese Blog on the trip.
The island has only one village: the village of Corvo. This is where all the inhabitants reside, where the narrow streets intersect with greetings between neighbors and where the days run without haste. Life is simple, marked by old routines and a very strong connection to the sea and earth, refers to the same blog.
Roads almost without traffic
Traffic lights? Do not exist. Only one main road connects the essential points of the island, including the small airport. The travels are most often on foot, by bicycle or in open cash vans. Traffic is almost nonexistent and the environment is of total serenity.
A Portuguese with its own accent
Geographic isolation contributed to the preservation of a particular way of speaking. The speech of the corvines maintains expressions and old pronunciations of Portuguese, missing in other regions, as the same source refers.
The Cauldron: The Natural Jewel of the Crow
In the heart of the island is the Cauldron, a large volcanic crater that impresses those who visit it for its beauty. Inside, ponds and small green islets covered with green creates a postcard scenario, the same source refers. It is the most visited point and a paradise for walking lovers.
The climb to the cauldron reveals views considered by many to be breathed, showing the wilder face of the crow. There, the only sound is the wind, the birds and the steps on the earth. It is an invitation to disconnect from the outside world.
A people who receive with open arms
Despite its size, this Portuguese island has a very strong identity. The inhabitants are known for the spirit of ajuda and the warm hospitality. It is still common to knock on the neighbor’s door to ask for help or exchange some words. According to the same blog, visitors are received with genuine sympathy, creating a natural coexistence with the local population.
The relationship between the community and the surrounding environment is deep. Nature dictates the rhythm and human impact is reduced, helping to preserve landscapes. Visiting the crow is like ‘traveling in time’ and returning to a simple way of life, where priorities change and the essentials are always around.
The most preserved place of the Azores
In the context of the archipelago, each island offers unique experiences, but Crow stands out to keep its essence intact.
While São Miguel, Pico or Third receive more tourists and have more infrastructure, Crow chooses to preserve human proximity and direct contact with whoever arrives.
The Azores are also celebrated by volcanic landscapes and traditions that cross generations. In the crow, all this happens on an intimate scale, says the blog. The greatest wealth of the island is simplicity. There are no queues, noise or excess distractions. There is time to walk, listen and breathe. For those seeking rest and authenticity, this is a rare refuge.
Authenticity to the last detail
The number of tourists is still reduced, reinforcing the feeling of discovery. Each step gives the impression of exploring a genuine place where nothing was artificially created to impress.
As a matter of curiosity, be aware that Crow is the only Portuguese island where virtually every door of the houses remain unlocked during the day, symbol of local confidence and security. It is also the only island of the archipelago with international certification of “Biosphere” by UNESCO, due to its exceptional environmental preservation.
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