Mariana's Pool

Category: Nature > Pond

District: Açores > Santa Cruz da Graciosa > Guadalupe

Location

Poça das Marianas is located on Graciosa Island, within the municipality of Santa Cruz da Graciosa, specifically in the locality of Guadalupe. This natural site is situated along the coast, where the island's volcanic landscape meets the Atlantic.

Its location offers a serene setting, characterized by the proximity of the ocean and the rocky formations that shape the coastline of this part of Graciosa.

The Essence of the Pool

This natural pool is a remarkable example of how ancient volcanic activity sculpted the island's coastal landscape. Its edges are defined by dark rock formations, resulting from the solidification of old lava flows that, over time, were shaped by marine erosion.

The water filling the pool is predominantly marine, renewed by the tides, and its clarity invites observation of the rocky bottom and the marine life that sometimes shelters in its nooks.

A Natural Refuge

The surrounding environment of Poça das Marianas offers an experience of quietude and connection with nature. The view extends over the vast Atlantic Ocean, punctuated by the horizon, and the sound of waves breaking on the coast contributes to an atmosphere of profound tranquility.

It is a place where the simplicity of Azorean nature reveals itself, allowing visitors to appreciate the untouched beauty of Graciosa Island and the serenity of its coast.

Connection to Island Culture

Natural pools, like Poça das Marianas, are intrinsic elements of Azorean life and landscape, historically serving as meeting and leisure places for local communities. They represent an ingenious adaptation to the rocky coastline, offering protected spaces for bathing.

Their existence dates back to a lasting relationship between the inhabitants of Graciosa and their maritime environment, where the island's geology provided natural shelters for moments of social interaction and refreshment over generations.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt