Ribeira Grande

This town is the 2nd largest after Ponta Delgada and Doug and I were both impressed with the main square and lovely ravine community park boasting waterfall, tennis court, children's playground, garden and walking paths. Given the proximity to Ponta Delgada we thought the charm might make it just a bit nicer to stay in than the main city. We did not go into the church but had a birds eye view of the square which Manuel explained was the way all Portuguese towns are laid out all over the world, even in Macau. Church at the high point to add to the majesty, the square below with patterning of white and black and if there was news to give the people they would meet there in the bandstand. Large Australian "Christmas trees" (deciduous) were planted to provide shelter from both rain and sun.Read more