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North & Northeast of Vila do Porto
North of Vila do Porto, across the western plain, which makes a striking contrast to the hilly and green eastern plateau, lies the tiny, historic village of Anjos, situated on the deserted, treeless and barren north coast. This village has gained its place in the history of the island, as it boasts the Capela Nossa Senhora dos Anjos, which is considered the oldest place of worship in the Azores and it is also the place, where Christopher Columbus and his crew - when he landed on the island on the return from his first voyage to the Americas - went to pray. This whitewashed chapel, whose bell tower is overshadowed by a magnificent araucaria, boasts an altar that is adorned with a painted 15th-century triptych depicting the Holy Family, which – according to the legend – originates from one of Christopher Columbus’ fleet. Weather permitting, the village of Anjos is a good place for bathing, as there are two natural swimming pools with crystal-clear water as well as changing rooms, showers and even a small snack-bar.
Northeast of Vila do Porto, marking the middle of the island, is the village of São Pedro. Standing on extremely fertile land, surrounded by numerous trees and a huge palm tree in its centre, this tiny village boasts a 17th-century church, the Igreja de São Pedro with a portal and a large window sculptured in stone. In its interior, it features an interesting arch covered with carvings displaying the Portuguese royal coat of arms in the sacristy of one nave as well as beautiful multi-coloured glazed tiles.
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