Velas
Portugal is the
county where Angra do Heroismo, the capital of Terceira Island is found.
Terceira Island is the second largest island of the Azores but was
the third to have been colonized by the Flemish Jacome de Bruges under
the command of the Infant Dom Henrique in 1450. Praia, on the north
coast, was the first capital on this island but was later moved to
Angra do Heroismo in the county of Velas.
Just sitting
on the dock of the velas bay
The county of
Velas is well hidden from the open ocean thanks to a natural dock
forming an inner harbour, closed in by an isthmus and by the volcanic
rock called Mount Brazil. On the isthmus that joins the Mount de
Brazil to the city and limits the bay of Angra, two robust walls
stand straight up against the sky showing the Castle of Saint John
the Baptist. It was built by the Spanish under the name of Saint
Philip in the 16th and 17th century as a threat and protection,
with the cannons facing the dock and its huddles houses that were
around it. This was a precaution against the rebellious islanders
who fought until the end against Spanish domain. Not in vane, it
was Terceira the last fortress to fall under the foreign crown.
The castle itself cannot be visited as it seems to be still completing
its job as a military garrison but with you hire
a car or on foot,
you can cross the walls to climb up to the top of the mountain.
This peak is a set of various cone shaped volcanoes with a maximum
altitude of 205 metres. For an enjoyable day stay, the terraced
sides are conditioned with recreation areas allowing barbecues
shades by eucalyptus trees and a home made zoo.
Waterfront accomodation in Velas
Being as Velas is the county where the capital is, accomodation
in four and three star hotels either in the city or around the waterfront
are easy to find. There is excellent meat such as stroganoff, a very
good wine and an even better beer. The Azores are known for having
plump goose barnacles, lobsters and spider crabs. There is a scrumptious
meat stew with vegetables, another made from codfish and a soup made
from wide green beans, meat and potatoes. Two of the best cheese
in Portugal come from Sao Jorge and Pico island but due to its popularity
is now being made on Terceira, too. There is a dessert made from
these cheese not to be forgotten, the cornucopias ( long tube like
sponge cake filled with creamy cheese). If you venture around the
island, there are many hostals, inns and private homes offering friendly
service with home cooking.
The islands such as Sao Miguel and Terceira are connected between
them by the company SATA; the TAP flies daily from Lisbon to Santa
maria and various times a week to Ponta Delgada and Angra do Heroismo
in Velas. On the other hand, the cruise company CPTM join the islands
with boats two or three times a week, doing the route of Lisbon-Ponta
Delgada. Then you fly on over to Terceira.
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