Corvo, considered by UNESCO a World Biosphere Reserve, forms, together with the island of Flores, the Western Group of the Azores archipelago. Originated from only one volcano, it is the smallest of the nine islands, with an area of only 17.1km2 and the northernmost island of the archipelago.
These nice Corvo island cards were sent by Lurdes who was born on Flores island but who lives now on Terceira island.
© VerAçor Lda * Nuno Sá
Corvo’s discovery is closely linked with that of its bigger sister Flores, which is said to have taken place around 1450. Yet, its settlement only started in the 16th century, as the island was too isolated and in lack of a secure harbour. Over the centuries, Corvo became known as a favourite refuge for corsairs, as, for a matter of survival, the inhabitants provided water and food and repaired their ships in exchange for their protection. Vila Nova do Corvo, the island’s administrative centre, is the smallest community Europe’s with a town charter, which it received in 1832 from King Pedro IV in gratitude for their support during the conflicts between the Liberals and the Absolutists.
During the island’s heydays at the end of the 19th century, it counted more than 1,000 inhabitants. The main income sources for the remaining approx. 400 inhabitants are still agriculture and cattle raising, with the resulting cheese production leading the list today. As a matter of fact, the number of cows living on the island outnumbers by two and a half times the population.
© VerAçor Lda * Nuno Sá
The people of Corvo are genuinely friendly and regard the arrival of a stranger as a welcome interruption in their daily monotony. As everybody knows everybody and nobody can hide anything, doors are generally not even locked! - in: http://www.azores-islands.info/uk/places/corvo/corvo.html
These three XIX century windmills are one of the attractions of the island. From this location, it is possible to see Flores island, which is at a distance of 17.9 kms.
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