Praia de Vitoria

Praia de Vitoria is a town on an island called Terceira. This was not on our itinerary, but with storms in our way, the Captain decided to try this island, where Holland American had never been.

Terceira (Portuguese pronunciation: [tɨɾˈsɐjɾɐ]) is a volcanic island in the Azores archipelago, in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the larger islands of the archipelago, with a population of 56,000 inhabitants in an area of approximately 396.75 square kilometres (153.19 square miles). It is the location of the Azores’ oldest city, Angra do Heroísmo, the historical capital of the archipelago and UNESCO World Heritage Site; the seat of the judicial system (Supreme Court); and the main Air Force base, Base Aérea nº 4 at Lajesse, with a United States Air Force detachment.

Port
City
Our ship is enormous in this small town.
Radio station on the top of a mountain.
Airport
Almost all the land is farmed.
Some kind of ground cover.
Little farms everywhere.
Volcanic rock is a garden to some.
They are famous for their clay.
While waiting for a tour I checked out a little park.
If you’ve seen the various tiles pictures around Terceira and would like to have one, you can buy one at Ceramica da Praia or if you have a picture or photograph you’d like to have made into a tile picture this is the place to visit. The owner is Mario and he is a very friendly man who speaks English very well.
It would be best to go early in your trip if you want to have something made that’s a special order. They are able to create your picture before you leave the island. The actual shop is on the premises and Mario will give you a tour. There also a shop to buy souvenirs that are already finished such as magnets, bowls, bread plates, mugs, tile pictures and so much more. Mario is also a publisher so there are books available mainly about Terceira and its people and festivals. And, by the way, the prices are quite reasonable. Mario is passionate about creating art and his business is a way to share that passion.
Our first time on the island we ordered a smaller work and our last time there they created a larger original work for us. They can frame it for you or if size is a concern for travel, you can assemble it at your home. Ceramica da Praia makes great souvenirs that will last longer than a lifetime.
They said that they smoked the pineapple which makes them bloom and make fruit. Today São Miguel by most estimated has about 6,000 greenhouses. It takes 2 years to raise the pineapple from flower to fruit, and lots of smoke to fertilize the plant as it grows. And, the Ananaz – or Azorean pineapple is unique with its small crown and intense flavor.

And, not only are there pineapple cakes, sugared pineapple, pineapple liqueur, but pineapple jams and pineapple garnish on roasted meats. Want to see for yourself, just visit the open-to-the-public A. Arruda Pineapple Plantation on Sao Miguel – just a few minutes from downtown Ponta Delgada. Rue Drº Augusto Arruda – Fajã Baixo – 351-296 384 438