Praia da Vitória

Tucked away on the eastern side of Terceira Island in the Azores Islands is the picturesque port town of Praia da Vitória. It has a large bay with a long sandy beach and a modern marina that is popular with ocean-crossing vessels.

The town had a famous victory in 1581 when Spanish troops attempted to seize the island. They were prevented from being successful and eventually driven away by the release of a large herd of cattle onto the sea’s shore. Can you imagine this as a way to stop a battle?

Our hostal is very close to the airport and just on the outskirts of this little town with a population of 21,000 people. We took a short taxi ride and were thrilled by how warm it was and how clean the air was. Our room is spacious and clean and the common areas that we can use are lovely. Breakfast will be available at 8 a.m. tomorrow.

We had time to do a little walkabout to the beach area that is one block away and get a simple chicken, fries and salad dinner. It is so quiet here. What a different place from the big city of Madrid. And, a plus…it is much warmer here!!!

Before going back to the hostel, we noticed a statue high up on a hill. We knew what we were going to do on Sunday. Heading up!

There is a two hour time difference between Spain and the Azores so soon we were ready for bed. Even though time changes in Ontario today, it doesn’t change here yet.

In the morning, we met the other people who were staying here. We thought that we were the only ones here as it was so quiet but we were mistaken. There must have been about 12 of us from all over - Spain, Germany, China, Denmark, Canada and somewhere else. We had great breakfast conversations with these interesting people.

The morning was so nice and warm - T-shirt weather and hats. We went down to the pale- coloured beach towards the harbour, passed the remains of the old fort and took the road up to the monument at the top of a high hill. The views along the way were beautiful.

Coming down, we took the uneven volcanic stairs. About three hundred of them. It was fun to observe the various activities in the town and in the marina. There was a kids’ bicycle race and diehard people sunning and swimming on the beach. We walked on the beach and got our feet wet but the water seemed pretty cold to us.

We walked through the pretty town. It is Sunday and people were in the cathedral. Few stores were open and it was quiet. The whole town only has a population of 21,000 people.

We had a late lunch of two very traditional dishes from Terceira - limpets and alcatra, a beef rump that is slow-cooked in a clay pot with red wine, onions, garlic, cloves, and black peppercorns until it's practically falling-apart tender. Both were delicious!

Flying to Faial Island tomorrow, but we will be back to Terceira later for a week and with a car. The other guests have kindly filled us in with what to see.Lue lisää