Corvo, the smallest island in the Azores archipelago - located in its extreme northwest - was recognised as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MaB) programme in September 2007. This international distinction recognises the value of its natural, cultural and environmental heritage, emphasising the importance of preserving and enhancing it.

The Reserve covers the entire land area of the island, as well as a vast surrounding marine area, totalling 25,853 ha, where the balance between natural ecosystems and sustainable human presence stands out.

The island's most emblematic natural feature is the Caldeirão, an imposing volcanic crater. Inside, small lagoons and extensive tuffs of peatland, creating a landscape of unique beauty and a habitat for several endemic species of fauna and flora.

Corvo is also a privileged stopover point for migratory birds from North America and the Arctic, which makes the island a favourite spot for birdwatchers from all over the world. These birds find a safe haven here to rest and feed during their long migratory routes.

Vila do Corvo, the only existing town, peculiar for its proximity and the hospitality of its inhabitants, is an example of harmony between human beings and nature, preserving a sustainable and enduring lifestyle.

The recognition of the island of Corvo as a Biosphere Reserve symbolises the acknowledgement of a unique territory where nature preservation, cultural identity and sustainable development coexist in balance.

Links:

• • Portugal Biosphere Reserves
  • SIARAM

During the Portuguese expansion of the Atlantic, it is known that it was Diogo de Teive who found the islands of the Western Group of the Azores - Flores and Corvo - on his return from his second voyage of explorer in 1452. The island of Corvo was probably discovered at the same time as the island of Flores, since they were visible to each other.

The island of Corvo was given the name of Santa Iria Island, and has also been called Flores Islet, Estátua Island, Farol Island, São Tomás Island and Marco Island, the latter name having persisted for some centuries because, for some, the hill of Caldeirão served as a geographical reference for sailors or, more probably, because there was a small promontory on the island - which was given the name of Ponta do Marco - where a landmark was placed, as was customary in newly discovered lands.
Although the date of the Portuguese discovery of the island is uncertain, it certainly dates back to 20th January 1453, when King Afonso V of Portugal granted it and the neighbouring island of Flores to his uncle Afonso of Portugal, Duke of Barcelos.

After several attempts at settlement, which began in the 1510s, on 12th November 1548, Gonçalo de Sousa, the second Captain Donatory of the islands of Flores and Corvo, was authorised to send slaves (mixed-race person, probably from the island of Santo Antão in the Cape Verde archipelago) he trusted to the island as farmers and cattle breeders.

On 20th June 1832, the Prince Regent, Pedro IV, elevated the village of Corvo to the category of town and county seat. The decree ordered that the new town be called Vila do Corvo, not Vila Nova as it was sometimes written. Previously, it had been under the jurisdiction of Santa Cruz das Flores and was one of the parishes of that municipality. Today, 20th June is a municipal holiday.

From the beginning of the 19th century, there was a steady increase in emigration to the United States of America and Canada, with an interval between 1925 and 1955, in a process that lasted until the mid-1980s.

With the inauguration of commercial air traffic at Flores airport on 27th April 1972, the people of Flores began to feel less isolated from the rest of the world.

On 28th September 1983, the Corvo aerodrome was inaugurated, with an 800-metre runway. Initially, air links between Corvo and Terceira were provided by a Portuguese Air Force C-212 Aviocar aircraft. In 1991, it was replaced by the Dornier 228-212 aircraft and, in 2009, by the Bombardier Dash Q200, both operated by Sata Azores Airlines, making direct connections with the islands of Flores and Faial, and occasionally with the islands of Terceira and São Miguel. The island of Corvo also has a ferry connection with the island of Flores.

Couves da Barça
Cabbage soup with potatoes and salted pork. Its name comes from the container in which the pork used to be kept.

Linguiça com Inhame
Typical sausage, served with yams

Tortas de Erva do Calhau
Pebble grass is a seaweed and is mixed with egg, chives and flour to make the shape of a pie, which is then fried.

Festa de Nossa Senhora dos Milagres / Festival dos Moinhos
A festival in honour of the island's patron saint, jointly held with the Mills Festival. This festival brings people from all over to Corvo and presents a diversified programme.

Location: Vila do Corvo;
Date: Week before or after 15th August;
Responsible Entity: Comissão da Festa de Nossa Senhora/Associação de Juventude do Corvo.

Festa do Espírito Santo
The Holy Spirit Festival, on the island of Corvo, takes place on the second weekend of July and is the second biggest festival on the island, after the patron saint festival. Although the Soups of the Holy Spirit are prepared after Easter and, for eight weeks, the Holy Spirit visits the homes of eight members from the church, chosen at random, it is on the second weekend of July that the popular festival in honour of the Divine Holy Spirit takes place.

Location: Vila do Corvo
Date: Second weekend of July
Responsible Entity: Festa do Espírito Santo Committee

Festa de São Pedro
A festival in honour of São Pedro, the patron saint of fishermen, where, in addition to the feast, the mass sermon is held on the pier, followed by a procession of several boats along the island's coast.

Location: Vila do Corvo
Date: Last weekend of June
Responsible Entity: Festa de São Pedro Committee

Festa da Sagrada Família
A festival in honour of the Holy Family, with a religious and profane component, in which music serves as an accompanying element to the traditional snacks and food offered to festivalgoers by the typical taverns. Unlike traditional festival committees, this event is mostly organised by women.

Location: Vila do Corvo;
Date: Last weekend of July;
Authority Responsible: Festa da Sagrada Família Committee.