Where are the Azores. All about the rest in the Azores. What are marketing cookies

On the edge of Europe, 1460 km from the coast of Portugal, there is a picturesque archipelago consisting of 9 lovely islands. This is the last bastion of Europe, then the Atlantic and America. The Azores is a tasty morsel for a serene vacation amid unspoiled nature. Geographically, these green parts of the land are located at the latitude of the capital of Portugal - Lisbon. They are of volcanic origin - there are 1,766 volcanoes in the archipelago, including 9 active ones.

Azores on the world map on Google Earth:

Azores climate and vegetation

This region is subtropics, moreover, there is an ocean around it, therefore, sea air. All together creates an extremely comfortable atmosphere for relaxation, in summer the air temperature is kept at a pleasant + 20 ° С, rarely when the thermometer exceeds + 25 ° С. In autumn and winter, there are often prolonged rains, and thick fogs are characteristic, especially on the western islands. The coastal waters are quite comfortable for swimming: in summer the water heats up to + 23 ° С, and in winter it rarely drops below + 17 ° С. The beaches covered with black volcanic sand are always packed with tourists.

In ancient times, all the islands were covered with relict trees. Now evergreen forests cover only the slopes of volcanoes with a dense carpet, where you can find quite valuable trees: English holly, laurel, cedar, Japanese cherry and pine.

9 pearls of Azor

The largest island is called São Miguel (747 km²), and the smallest is Corvo (17 km²). The capital of the Azores is the city of Ponta Delgada. At the end of the 20th century, the archipelago was awarded the European Union Prize for its contribution to the preservation of pristine nature and the development of ecological tourism.

Sao Miguel: the green island

It is the largest island (64 km long and 8 km wide) and is home to the capital of the Azor, Ponta Delgada. This is a very picturesque piece of land that delights the eyes with its green landscapes. Its highest point is Mount Pico da Vara (height 1105 m), at its foot dense forests grow, in which a valuable endemic lives - the Azores bullfinch.

This bird is recognized as an endangered species, therefore it is under special protection, in the middle of the 20th century there were only about 100 individuals, but as a result of the conservation program, the population of bullfinches is increasing.

But its main attraction is a mountain lake, the Lagoa do Fogo nature reserve (947 m above sea level). The lake lies in the hollow of an extinct volcano and can be reached by hiking trails. There are hot springs near the lake.

Pico: an island volcano

The second largest is Pico (447 km²) with the mountain of the same name with a height of 2351 m, which can be seen from afar. The island is located in the central part of the archipelago (40 km long, 15 wide). Mount Pico is an active volcano, it is unique and listed in the Guinness Book of Records. This is the highest mountain in Portugal, and, in addition to the terrestrial part, it also has an underwater one with a length of 6098 meters!

Terceira: lilac island

It is the third largest (402 km²) and the third in discovery, hence the name. Terceira lies on the westernmost part of the Azores (29 km in length and 19 in width), there are 4 volcanoes on it, the oldest, Cinque Pisch, is 300 thousand years old, and the youngest, Santa Barbara, is active.

Terceira has beautiful beaches and the waves are high enough for surfers. In summer, there is entertainment with bulls, which are released into the street on weak ropes. They also organize festivals and celebrations.

Sao Jorge: the island of the farmers

Located in the center of the archipelago (area 237 km², 53 km long and 8 km wide), forms a triangle with Faial and Pico. The surface of the land is adorned with Mount Esperanza. This is the land of farmers, its useful areas are occupied by agricultural land - grain and citrus. The population catches fish, grows grapes and produces wine. Until the middle of the 20th century, São Jorge was practically isolated from other islands, until in the 1980s an airstrip and two seaports were built on it.

Faial: the blue (beech) island

The next in descending order is Faial, with an area of ​​172 km², a narrow strait separates it from Pico. Faial can also boast of its own mountain - Gorda rises above the ground at 1043 m. Faial is remarkable in that the main seaport is located in the city of Horta, where ships call on the way from America to Europe. In the center is the crater of the ancient volcano Caldeira with a wide basin, but Capelinhos volcano is a potential hazard. In the middle of the 20th century, it erupted for 13 months, as a result, almost all houses were destroyed, and the surface of the earth was covered with lava. Fortunately, they managed to evacuate the residents. Many of them, taking advantage of the force majeure situation, emigrated to America.

Diving is developed on Faial, tourists are invited to look at sperm whales and dolphins coming close to the shore, snorkel and take a horse ride inland.

Other islands of the archipelago

The 4 remaining islands are smaller - Floris, Santa Maria, Graciosa and Corvo. What you can look at them:

• Floris - Ribeira Grande waterfall, ethnographic museum, visit thermal springs;
• Santa Maria - Christopher Columbus set foot on the "yellow" island. The old mills, the Temple of the Holy Spirit and the chapel are must-see. Santa Maria is notable for its special weather - if the sun is shining at one end of it, it will rain on the other at this time;
• Graciosa is a "white" island, and there is indeed a lot of white here, from beach sand to whitewashed houses. You can climb to the crater of an old volcano and explore the sulfur cave. There is also a sanatorium on sulfur springs. Graciosa was designated a Biosphere Island by UNESCO in 2008;
• Corvo is the smallest in the archipelago, notable for two lovely lakes in the crater of the volcano. In the tiny village of Vila Nova, it is curious to look at the volcanic tuff mills, their blades covered with fabric. The mills are made in the likeness of a weather vane - they turn following the direction of the wind.

How to get to the Azores

There are no direct flights to the Azores, there will definitely be a transfer in Lisbon. It is better to book tickets 3-5 months in advance, so there is an opportunity to buy them at a very attractive price. In addition, you will be able to track price fluctuations, as well as buy tickets for the promotion.

The capital of Portugal is a very pleasant and atmospheric city. If you plan your trip so that you can spend at least one day between flights on it, it will not disappoint you. And the very feeling of the road in terms of the feeling of fatigue will be smoothed out and dispersed, because you will be walking on solid ground, and not all the time being in the air.

Aircraft run regularly from Ponta Deglada Airport in San Miguel, on average 2 flights daily, morning and evening, and ferry services are established between the islands. Please note that at Lisbon Airport, domestic flights operate from Terminal 2, while passengers on international flights go through Terminal 1. Therefore, you need to take the airport bus to the terminal number 2.

The flight time to the islands is just over 2 hours. The cost of a ticket for different carriers varies greatly, it depends on the level of comfort, time of year and other conditions, on average up to € 100 round trip. The time difference between the mainland and the islands is 1 hour. The most profitable is to fly to the Azores with SATA, they provide discount discounts on domestic flights.

Where to stay in the Azores

All islands of the archipelago have a developed infrastructure and are happy to provide guests with hotels of different price levels. But this does not mean that cheap hotels are not very suitable for living, they just have fewer rooms and a more modest package of services. No matter what hotel you live in, you will still not be able to sit in your room, but go on the development of unfamiliar paths, to the expanses fragrant with hydrangea aromas, blown by the ocean winds. You are on the last bastion of Europe, on the edge of the earth, beyond - only the ocean.

The Azores, located in a group in the Atlantic Ocean, invariably attract travelers with the possibility of an excellent holiday in silence, solitude and tranquility. Each island is a wonderful world of picturesque flora, unique natural monuments, wide opportunities for sea fishing, sailing, surfing, diving. The attractions of the Azores are primarily associated with natural phenomena and beach activities.

The amazing beauty of the island of San Miguel

This is the largest São Miguel (Azores), the sights of which are simply amazing, boasting lush vegetation, the purest natural lakes and thermal springs. The unique landscape of the Terra Noshtra Nature Reserve is preserved on 12 hectares. Tourists gaze in all its glory Lagoa do Fogo - a lake stretched in the depths of a volcanic crater. Hence the second name of the lake - "fiery".

The Vale das Furnas valley attracts travelers with thermal springs and a sky-blue lake, freely located in an open space. The insular monasteries carefully preserve the culture and history of San Miguel:

• In the monastery of St. Andrew (Ponta Delgada), a museum has been established, which displays valuable ethnographic and biological exhibits.
• The Esparanc Monastery is famous for its original 17th century tiles and the statue of Christ the Wonderworker, the patroness of the grand annual religious festival.

South Island Santa Maria

At a distance of 82 kilometers south of San Miguel is the small island of Santa Maria. Here was formed one of the very first settlements of the discoverers who settled the Azores. The sights of the island confirm the ancient origins of the village of Vila Do Porto.

Here you can see ancient houses built in the 15th century, unique ancient mills, a chapel and a temple of the Holy Spirit against the backdrop of the mighty Atlantic Ocean. Santa Maria is famous for the fact that famous rock festivals are held here every August.

Faial Island in the heart of the archipelago

The sights of the Azores in the central part of the archipelago are concentrated on the Faial island. A relict beech forest has been preserved here. Whales and sperm whales swim to the shores of Faial, dolphins freely frolic along the coastline. The coastal area provides an excellent opportunity for diving and underwater photography. On the island, conditions for equestrian sports and golf are created at a high level.

Pico: a unique volcano on the island of the same name

7 kilometers from Faial is the island of Pico, 42 km long and 15 km wide. The top of the volcano from the Guinness Book of Records soars over the island. Its height above the surface of the island is small - only 2351 meters. But the underwater part is truly gigantic - 6098 meters. The volcano is active. Despite the fact that it erupted in 1963, fresh traces of lava flows are visible on the slopes.

Pico is a real asset that the Azores can boast of. The sights, photos of which are presented in the article, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the unique landscape of volcanic origin and unique vineyards.

Sao Jorge

Located in the middle of the São Jorge archipelago, together with the islands of Pico and Faial, it forms a kind of triangle. Elongated in length for 53 km (with a width of 8 km), the island looks like a ship cutting through the waters of the Atlantic. On São Jorge, the sights of the Azores are represented by ancient buildings built in the 17th-18th centuries. The island towns and villages greet tourists with narrow streets, where ancient temples, churches, and a town hall are located. In coastal Urselina, a bell tower rises from solidified lava. It was built on the site of a church that was buried in fiery lava during a violent volcanic eruption.

Paradise for lovers - Graciosa

Graciosa, opened in the 15th century, is small and cozy. Its remoteness is the main value for tourists who dream of a calm, secluded vacation. Here you can safely hide from civilization and from people. The only settlement is Santa Cruz Da Gracioza.

The landscape dazzling with its whiteness, the white walls of old houses sparkling in the sun - the world around gives travelers a feeling of joy and delight. A striking silence accompanies tourists. Lush greenery, a sparkling world against the backdrop of a boundless ocean, a bottomless sky overhead - a true paradise for couples in love, romantics.

The sights of the Azores are concentrated here under the status of a biosphere reserve, where you can see from the outside and from the inside the Furna Da Caldeira volcano crater with an underground lake, visit the incredibly bizarre Sulfur Cave, thermal and hydrogen sulphide springs.

Terceira - island treasure

Terceira Island, one of the first discovered by Europeans, appeared as a result of the eruption of four volcanoes. One of them - Santa Barbara - is still active. The island town of Angra Do Heroismo is the historical capital for which the Azores are famous. Sights associated with the old buildings of the city are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The magnificent island beaches are ideal for a relaxing holiday, the big waves attract surfers and yachtsmen. There are a lot of beautiful places on the island. Among them are the 100-meter depth Algar Do Carvao cave with an internal lake, stalactites and stalagmites, natural parks, the Misterio Dos Negros lake reserve, and Monte Brasil mountain. The island is famous for its colorful festivals and festive processions.

Flores Island

The western island of Flores was one of the last to be discovered by Europeans. It is interesting for its popular thermal springs among tourists, lakes in the craters of dormant volcanoes. Ribeira Grande falls picturesquely from the mountain slopes. Among the natural monuments is the Enshareush grotto. On the island throughout the summer, the feast of the Holy Spirit is held on Sundays.

Corvo island

To the north of the island of Flores is Corvo (in translation - "raven"), which is home to 430 people. The natural feature of the island is two bright blue lakes that spill over into the old crater of the volcano. On the island, tourists can visit the church of the XVI century, stroll along the old streets, admire the delightful panorama from a high hill.

Old mills are lined up along the coast. They are built of volcanic tuff - black as a raven's wing, and the triangular blades are sewn from canvas. The unique design of the windmills follows the wind from whichever side it blows.

The Azores through the eyes of travelers

Tourists who have visited attractions in the Azores leave only enthusiastic reviews:

• Stunning impressions remain from the Piku volcano on the island of the same name. The view from the top is breathtaking.
• It is impossible to admire the play of dolphins in the coastal waters of Faial.
• Despite the problems with infrastructure and minimal comfort, the Azores are admirable and leave only positive emotions.
• Mega-stunning ocean views that will be remembered for a lifetime.

A traveler experiences true bliss at the end of the earth, on the shores of the great Atlantic Ocean under a clear blue sky. A unique and rare corner of nature - the Azores. Sights, photos and descriptions of the natural and cultural resources of the archipelago will forever remain in the memory of tourists, causing a feeling of joy and happiness.

The Azores is an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, which consists of 9 islands and attracts many tourists. It has amazing nature and views, many attractions. The TOP-10 of the best objects in different directions deserves special attention.

It is located on the island of the same name and is its main attraction. The height of the volcano is 2.35 km, and it goes under the water for 6 km - this is a mountain with the largest underwater part, which is noted in the Guinness Book of Records. The diameter of the volcanic crater is 0.5 km, the depth is 30 m.

This active stratovolcano is the highest point in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The last eruption was in 1963.

From a distance, the volcano looks magical - it is shrouded in clouds, so it seems that the mountain is floating in the air. You can climb it in 2-4 hours, depending on your physical fitness. Having overcome half the way, tourists come to the forester's house. Here you need to leave a small fee, in exchange for which they show a 10-minute themed film and give out a GPS tracker.

On the way to the top, lava flows are seen, frozen in bizarre shapes. A unique view opens from the top - this is a real ocean made of clouds. On the way back, a dated certificate is issued - an excellent souvenir.

In addition to the volcano, the island has several nature reserves and picturesque lakes. Tourists are also attracted by vast fields with solidified lava and a lava corridor - a whole network of tunnels and grottoes.

This settlement is located on the island of Santa Maria. It occupies 100 sq. km, and it is inhabited by 5.5 thousand people. This oldest settlement has many charming houses and mansions.

Several interesting objects are concentrated here at once:

• Chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Anjos... The facility is located in the village of Anzhush. It was here that Christopher Columbus prayed when he returned from America. There is also a bronze statue of him.
• Church of the Holy Spirit... Building in baroque style.
• Santa Maria Museum... The collection is represented by paintings by local artists, ceramics, samples of weaving.

This sulfur cave is located on the island of Graciosa and is considered to be one of its most attractive places. It is located in the crater of an extinct volcano. Its grotto forms an impressive vault, under which a sulphurous lake has emerged in a deep tunnel.

It is better to visit this place during the day, when sunlight penetrates into the cave. You can get to the grotto by a spiral staircase - you have to climb about 200 steps.

The cave was formed by volcanic lava - it made a passage right over the hill. In addition to the sulfur lake, there are seething mud geysers here.

The island of Graciosa is notable not only for its sulfur cave, but also for its nature in general. It has the status of a biosphere reserve (UNESCO).

This city is located on the island of Terceira and occupies 237.5 square meters. km. It is inhabited by 35.5 thousand people. The central part of the city, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an attraction. This status was obtained thanks to the following locations:

• Cathedral Se de Sao Salvador... The building was erected in the 16th century and is made in the Gothic style.
• Fort San Sebastian... This is a 16th century building. A fort was built on the eastern side of the city port.
• Fort São João Batista... It is a wide wall that stretches for 4 km. This is only a part of the fortifications erected here earlier during the Spanish rule.
• Churches of Sao Gonçalo and Colegio dos Jesuitas... Both buildings date back to the 17th century.
• Palace Capitaes-Generais.
• Betancourt Palace... Baroque building.
• Council House on Restoration Square... The building was erected in the 19th century.

There is a Public Garden to the north of the main town square. It is located on the side of a mountain. At its top, there is an obelisk to King Pedro IV and an observation deck with excellent panoramic views.

This huge natural park is located on the island of San Miguel in the Furnas Valley. This place is often referred to as the Green Island.

The park was founded by a merchant from Boston in the 19th century. It occupied 12 hectares, but expanded over time. Many green plantings are concentrated in this area. Particularly noteworthy are the magnificent hydrangeas - the symbol of the Azores. Large ferns, evergreen tropical plants, camellias are also planted here. The names of flowers and trees are signed (Portuguese and Latin).

Terra Nostra Park is also notable for Lake Furnas with its hot springs. Water has a reddish color due to its iron saturation. Its temperature is 40 degrees. Swimming in the lake is considered healthy. Afterwards, you can rinse in a specially equipped shower.

Another attraction of the park is the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel. This hotel was opened in 1934 and is known throughout the world. Its highlight is the local cuisine. Dishes are prepared in underground volcanic sand - the products are laid out in special containers and placed deep into the ground on the lake shore early in the morning. By noon they are taken out and served on the table.

This facility is also located on the island of São Miguel and is the second largest lake on it. It has been considered a nature reserve for 45 years. Its depth reaches 40 m, its area is almost 14 square meters. km.

The lake was named fiery because of the history of its origin. It is located in the crater of an extinct volcano that arose about 15 thousand years ago (Mesolithic). The volcano last erupted in the 16th century. Then a mountain range was formed, in the center of which there is a lake.

This place is striking in its beauty. The crater is buried in greenery, which starts from the water itself. There are many hiking trails and observation platforms. You can get here along the mountain serpentine.

Manadash and the Church of St. Barbara

Manadash is a small village on the island of São Jorge. It is attractive for its nature and the parish of St. Barbara, which is considered one of the oldest on the island. The exact year of construction is unknown, but it is believed that the building was erected before the middle of the 16th century.

The Church of St. Barbara is a magnificent example of the Baroque style. The building was built on the site of another church, which was supposedly built in the 15th century.

The modern church of St. Barbara is an imposing structure. It is decorated with the famous Portuguese tiles azuleijos. The building is decorated with gilded elements. The parish of Saint Barbara today includes three chapels: Santo Cristo, Senhora da Guadeloupe and Santa Rita de Cassia.

This small island is a tourist attraction. Its area is 142 sq. km. Tourists are attracted here by the local landscapes. These are blue lakes with shores covered with emerald greenery, waterfalls, bright flowers. Blue hydrangea hedges can be found throughout the island.

During a tour of the island, you should visit the villages of Lajes and Santa Cruz, which were founded in the 15th century. Flourish includes other attractions:

• 7 lakes... They are located in the craters of extinct volcanoes. The Blue Lake deserves special attention - the place is very picturesque.
• Rocha dos Bordoes rocks... It is a group of huge basalt boulders that resemble organ pipes. Rocks are covered with mosses, lichens and other vegetation. The site is recognized by the government of the Azores as a natural monument.
• Ribera Grande waterfall... This is a whole group of waterfalls - there are about 20 of them in total. The place is surrounded by lush vegetation. Ribera Grande is the most remarkable waterfall - an impressive 300-meter cascade of water. It can be seen entirely from the observation deck.

This facility is located on the island of San Miguel. The crater of an inactive volcano is huge. It contains the double lake Sete Cidades. It looks like two separate reservoirs, since the color of the water is different. Locals call them Blue and Green Lake.

This attraction is one of the most unusual in the country. You can fully appreciate it from the observation deck Miradouro da Boca do Inferno. From here you can see the cave with the entrance to the Boca do Inferno bay. This place is unique in its nature; anyone can get here.

On the island, in addition to nature, some buildings are also noteworthy. These are palaces of the 17-19 centuries, the Church of St. Peter (16th century), the Church of St. Sebastian and its treasury, the old house of Carlos Bucidu and the Museum of Carlos Mochado.

Capelinhos volcano and lighthouse

The facility is located on Faial Island. The volcano is notable for the fact that at the end of the 50s of the last century it erupted for more than a year. As a result, the geography of the island has changed - it has become several kilometers longer. The former length of the island can be judged by the lighthouse - it used to stand right by the ocean.

Lava formed a whole peninsula - the youngest land in Europe. This place is popular in cinematography for filming scenes after large-scale disasters. Tourists are attracted here by impressions - in this place you can fully experience the scale of the elements and the power of nature.

You can climb to the crater of the volcano on foot. A museum has been organized under the lighthouse today - here you can find out all the details of the eruption, get acquainted with a map of the world's volcanoes.

For information on how you can spend 3 days in the Azores, see the following video:

The Azores is an archipelago that attracts many tourists. There are a lot of picturesque places, monuments of nature and architecture. In the Azores, you can find many secluded corners with magnificent nature, go fishing, diving, get acquainted with local traditions.

Azores landscape with Pico mountain in the background

The total area of ​​the Azores is 2333 km². The largest island in the archipelago is São Miguel with an area of ​​747 km², and the smallest in size is Corvo (17 km²). The highest point is the volcano on Pico Island, which rises to a height of over 2350 meters above sea level.

About 240 thousand people live in the Azores. The island of São Miguel has the largest population, and the largest population lives in the administrative capital of the island archipelago - Ponta Delgada. Since the Azores is an autonomous region of the country, it is governed by its own government and legislature.

The archipelago has an amazingly beautiful nature. Many endemics have survived here: a bell-like evergreen shrub - azorina, reminiscent of Marsilia Azores clover, the daytime butterfly Hipparchia azorina, the Azores nocturnal bat and the Azores bullfinch. Local residents strive to preserve the pristine natural landscape, and therefore ecological tourism is very popular here.

There is no consensus regarding the origin of the name of the Azores. According to one of the versions, the island archipelago got its name from the Spanish word "azul" or the Italian word "azzurre", which mean "blue" or "blue".

According to another assumption, the first sailors saw the islands, following the goshawks returning to their nests. In Portuguese, these birds are called "açor". The inhabitants of the archipelago like this version the most, despite the doubts of bird watchers, who claim that hawks have never been found in these places.

There is also speculation that the islands were named after a Christian saint by the sailor Gonçalo Velho Cabral. She was revered in the sailor's homeland - in the village of Açor, located in the central part of Portugal, as the patroness of the local people.

History of the Azores

It is not known exactly when the Azores were discovered. They were first noted on the maps of the Genoese in the XIV century. It is believed that both Portuguese sailors and Genoese sailors who were in the service of Portugal at the beginning of the 14th century could have been the discoverers.

In 1432, the ship of the navigator Gonçalo Velho Cabral sailed to the archipelago. The Portuguese left small cattle on one of the islands. When they visited the island a few years later, they were convinced that the animals had survived. Portugal recognized the area as suitable for human life, and its settlement began in 1439. At first, everyone was convinced that the archipelago consisted of seven islands, but in 1452 two more islands were discovered - Corvo and Flourish, distant from the main islands to the west.

In the following centuries, the Azores began to play an important role in the shipping routes from Europe to America. Many slaves were brought here, naval battles took place for the possession of the archipelago, and the islands were more than once attacked by sea pirates. The palaces, mansions, fortresses and temples that have survived to this day remind of those times.

In the Azores, wheat was grown by selling flour to ships that ply the Atlantic Ocean. Viticulture, sugarcane, pineapple and tobacco cultivation were developed here. And the heather growing on the slopes of the mountains was in great demand among the Flemish dyers.

Agriculture, animal husbandry and fishing provided income for the islanders in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today tourism plays an important role in the economy of the archipelago. In addition, the locals are engaged in the cultivation of tea, tobacco, coffee, cereals and greenhouse pineapples. The Azores make excellent wines and cheeses.

Nature and climate

Before Europeans settled in the Azores, they were covered with evergreen forests. Most of the relict forests were then destroyed, but their place was taken by modern plantations. Plots of ancient forests have survived only on the slopes of volcanoes. Here grow mahogany, cedars, laurels, English holly, Japanese pine and cherry. There are 560 species of flora in total, 200 of which are trees. Among the flowering plants, the hydrangea has become the symbol of the Azores.

The rich vegetation of the archipelago is due to its subtropical marine climate. The average temperature in winter is +14 ... + 15 ° С, and in summer +25 ° С. The temperature of sea water in the cold season does not drop below + 17 ° С, and in the middle of summer it is very comfortable for swimming +23 ... + 24 ° С. Despite the warm climate, tourists are advised to take warm clothes with them at any time of the year, as it can be chilly on the coast at night from the fresh ocean breeze.

From October to April, the Azores is the rainy season, with up to 110 mm of precipitation per month. There are frequent fogs during the rainy season. It is noteworthy that more precipitation falls in the western part of the islands. The island of Santa Maria is distinguished by a special weather. While the sun always shines on one half of the island, it rains almost all the time on the other side.

Dry sunny weather comes in May and lasts until September. This is the time of the high tourist season. Many fans of sea swimming come to the Azores, who spend most of their time on the black beaches covered with volcanic sand.

Tourism in the Azores

The wonderful warm climate of the Azores is very healthy. There are no large enterprises in the archipelago, so lovers of nature and beach pleasures prefer rest in the Azores. The tourist infrastructure of the archipelago is under development. However, it is already easy to find a high level of service on the islands today. Many good hotels and restaurants have been built here in recent years.

Many travelers come to the Azores to admire the picturesque nature and local natural monuments. The islands also offer diving, sailing, surfing, snorkelling and sea fishing.

Sao Miguel Island

Sao Miguel is the largest island in the archipelago. It lies in the east of the Azores. About 140 thousand people live here. Sao Miguel is 60 kilometers long and 14 kilometers wide. For its luxurious vegetation, he was awarded the title of "green island".

Local attractions are several natural lakes, the most beautiful of which - the "lake of fire" or Lagoa do Fogo - located in a large volcanic crankcase. Picturesque landscapes on an area of ​​12 hectares make up the protected area of ​​the Terra Noshtra Natural Park. Many travelers come to San Miguel to visit the Vale das Furnas, where there is a blue lake and thermal springs.

In addition to natural wonders, there are many historical monuments on the island of San Miguel - palaces and temples of the 17th-19th centuries. In Ponta Delgada, you can visit the Carlos Mochado Museum, located in the Monastery of Saint Andrew. Rich biological and ethnographic collections are exhibited here. People come to the ancient monastery of Esparanç to see the beautiful tiles of the 17th century, as well as the sculpture of Christ the Wonderworker, which came to the Azores, thanks to members of the Catholic Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Santa Maria Island

Santa Maria or "yellow island" is the southernmost of the Azores. It is located 82 km from San Miguel and is connected to it by ferry service. It is believed that the island of Santa Maria was discovered the very first, and therefore the oldest settlement of Vila do Porto is located on it.

The island became famous for being visited by Christopher Columbus. True, when the famous navigator moored ashore, he was mistaken for a pirate and placed in custody. However, Columbus managed to prove that he was not a sea corsair.

Several houses of the 15th century, picturesque mills, the old chapel Ermida de Nossa Senhora dos Anjos and the Temple of the Holy Spirit have survived here. Every year, many tourists come to Santa Maria for the popular car races.

Faial Island

One of the islands in the central part of the archipelago is often called the "blue island", and the name "Fayal" itself means "beech forest". On the southeast coast of the island is the town of Horta, as well as a large seaport.

Faial is home to about 15 thousand people. They grow crops, bananas and citrus fruits, livestock and fish. Of all the Azores, tourists choose Faial to see sperm whales, whales and dolphins swimming ashore. The coastal area is popular for diving and underwater photography. In addition, many fans of golf and equestrian sports rest on Faial.

Pico Island

A 7 km wide sea strait separates Faial from another island. The pico stretches for 42 km and reaches a width of 15 km. The peak of an active volcano, the highest point of the Azores, is visible from everywhere. This giant is noted in the Guinness Book of Records, as it rises above the earth's surface only 2351 meters, but has the largest underwater part on the planet - 6098 m.The last time the volcano erupted was in 1963. Its high activity over the past 500 years is evidenced by traces of lava flows that are clearly visible on the slopes.

For a long time, the inhabitants of the island of Pico were engaged in whaling, and today they grow grapes and serve tourists here. The unique volcanic landscape and beautiful vineyards are included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

Graciosa island

In the center of the Azores rises a small Graciosa, which is also called the "white island". Here, like nowhere else, you can feel all the delights of a secluded vacation. White dominates the island landscapes, old houses are painted in snow-white, and, in addition, the word "white" is found in many local place names.

Graciosa has a population of 4,600. The main natural monuments of the island are the volcano crater with the bizarre "Sulfur Cave", as well as hot and sulfur springs. It even has its own thermal spa. In 2007, UNESCO gave the island the status of a biosphere reserve. In the local capital, you can see old mansions, mills and churches, as well as visit the local history museum.

Sao Jorge Island

In the center of the archipelago is the island of São Jorge. He, Pica and Fayal are often referred to as the "Triangle". São Jorge has an oblong, ship-like shape, reaching 53 km in length and 8 km in width. It is home to just over 9,000 people who grow tropical fruits, vegetables, coffee and sweet potatoes. Gourmets appreciate the local spicy cheese Queijo da Ilha.

Sao Jorge is called "the island of coastal cities". In the town of Calheta, the old church of St. Catharine has been preserved. The main town of Velas island welcomes guests with old temples, narrow streets and the picturesque Town Hall building.

The history of São Jorge began in the island village of Topo. The first Europeans who sailed to the island set foot on this coast. Topo features a picturesque fishing port, as well as temples and houses from the 17th and 18th centuries.

The coastal village of Urzelina was rebuilt in 1808 after a violent volcanic eruption. It is interesting to see the bell tower growing out of lava, which marks the place of the church buried during the eruption. The settlements of Manadas and Ribeira Seca also boast beautiful temples and old houses.

Terceira Island

The name of the island in translation means "third", because Terceira became the third of the Azores open. It is located 140 km away from San Miguel and received the name of the "purple (or lilac) island" from the inhabitants of the archipelago. Terceira emerged from the eruption of four volcanoes, the youngest of which, Santa Barbara, remains active today.

On the island of Terceira it is interesting to see the historical capital of the archipelago - the city of Angra do Heroísmo. Its old buildings are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In addition, Terceira is famous for its magnificent beaches, which are suitable for a leisurely vacation, as well as for surfing and yachting. The island is also famous for its holidays. A large number of travelers come here for the festival of the Holy Spirit and the "Festival of the City".

Florish Island

Located in the west, Florish was discovered later than the other Azores. When the first Europeans landed on the green coast, they initially called it the island of St. Thomas. From 1962 to 1994, a French military base was located on Floriche, and then the island was opened to tourists.

Many churches and mansions built in the Baroque style have survived in the island capital. There is also a large ethnographic museum. The thermal springs, the Enshareus grotto, the picturesque mountain waterfall Ribeira Grande and several small lakes that fill the craters of dormant volcanoes are popular among the natural monuments of the island.

Corvo island

The name of Florish's neighbor - Corvo - means "raven" in translation. It is the northernmost and smallest island in the archipelago, with only 430 inhabitants. Two blue lakes, located in the old crater of the volcano, have become a natural symbol of Corvo.

In the tiny town of Vila Nova, you can see a church built in the 16th century. And on the outskirts of the city, the Morro do Pão Açucar hill rises, from which a wonderful view of the old buildings and streets opens. Along the coast there are old mills, which are made of black volcanic tuff, and their triangular blades are made of cloth. The structure of the windmills of the island of Corvo is remarkable: wherever the wind blows, they always turn behind it.

Azores transport

To travel between the islands of the archipelago, you can use local flights. However, transporting passengers on small planes is not cheap. Another, more popular option in the Azores is ferry crossings. Ferry tickets are cheaper than plane tickets, however, due to the high demand, they should be bought in advance.

The islands travel by buses, the schedule of which can be found in hotels and tourist centers. In addition, it is possible to rent a car in the Azores. The roads are decent, and parking and petrol are inexpensive. Disadvantages include limited parking in urban areas and many one-way streets.

How to get there

The most convenient way to get to the Azores is by air. Regular flights to the archipelago are carried out from the Portuguese cities of Lisbon and Porto, as well as from London. Airports accepting international flights are located on three islands - San Miguel, Santa Maria and Terceira.

The Azores archipelago is a group of 9 islands lost between Portugal and America. The Atlantic Ocean, washing the Azores, has created picturesque lagoons on the island shores. Crater lakes and hidden grottoes are the result of the volcanic nature of the islands. And all this natural splendor is complemented by the cultural heritage created by people over the centuries.

Beaches, eco-tourism, contemplation of historical sights are the reason why many tourists choose a vacation in the Azores in Portugal.

The capital of the archipelago is Ponta Delgada, located on the island of San Miguel. The entire island group can be divided into three geographic parts:
1. Eastern part. These include the islands of Santa Maria, San Miguel and several islets called Formigas.
2. The central part, including the islands of Graciosa, Faial, Sao Giorgi, Pico and Terceira.
3. Northwest part. Islands of Corvo and Florish.

We go to the islands

There are only three islands in the Azores international airports: San Miguel, Santa Maria and Faial. The largest is Joao Paulo II on San Miguel. The most convenient flight option from Russia is a flight with a transfer at Lisbon airport to Joao Paulo II airport.

How to get from Lisbon to the Azores?

The main airlines serving the Lisbon-Ponta Delgada route are SATA and TAP Portugal. The cost of a round-trip ticket is from 80 euros. You can get from the airport to the capital by bus. The ticket price is 5 euros on average.

By the way. Information about the cost of the trip can be read directly at the bus stop at a special stand. It is worth considering that buses on San Miguel, as well as on other islands, run irregularly, despite the available timetable.

Therefore, it is a good alternative to get from the airport to the city by taxi. A trip to the center of Ponta Delgada will cost no more than 10 euros.

Transport in the Azores

Bus traffic is organized on the territory of all the islands of the group. The exception is the island of Corvo. But, as already noted, public transport does not work here regularly. Therefore, using it as the main means of transportation and visiting tourist sites is unlikely to be convenient. The ticket is usually sold by the driver.

Taxi:
Local taxi drivers are quite sociable. And if a tourist speaks English, then he has every chance not only to get to his destination, but also to learn interesting facts about the cities and islands of the Azores. It is worth knowing that in the Azores it is not customary to catch a taxi on the streets. A common practice is to pre-order a taxi by phone. Moreover, it costs about 1 euro in addition to the cost of the trip.

By the way, ordering a tour of the island is a common occurrence in the Azores. It will cost you 30-50 euros. The cost of the trip, be it an excursion or a regular trip, must be agreed with the taxi driver in advance.

If you have an international driving license, and during a trip to the islands you are planning not just a beach vacation, but an active acquaintance with the island territories, then the best option would be to rent a car. You can book a car in advance on available Internet resources or directly at the airport of arrival.

Moving between islands

You can get from one island to another by plane or ferry.

By plane:
The largest airport in the Joao Paulo II archipelago is connected by air to the main islands. And directly on each island there is a local airport serving the nearby islands.

On a ferryboat:
Ferry service is a cheaper option, but more time consuming. Ferry travel is the best route between Faial - Pico - San Giorgi islands. The reason for this is their small distance from each other. The duration of the ferry trip in this triangle is from half an hour to 2.5 hours. The ticket price is 13-50 euros.

Traveling between other islands in the archipelago can take over 10 hours and is more expensive.

Important features of a beach holiday in the Azores

Speaking of an island beach vacation, it should be noted that the level of infrastructure is insufficiently developed by European standards. However, the tranquility and not crowdedness on the local coasts, surrounded by picturesque landscapes, attract people who appreciate this type of rest.

Islands offering the best beach holiday

Faial.
Beaches here deserve attention:
Porto Pim, characterized by light sand, rare for Azor.
Praia de Pedro Miguel is one of the most suitable for a secluded pastime.
Castelo Branco is an isolated beach surrounded by rocks.
Comprido - an opportunity to spend time at the very foot of the volcano.
Porta da Eira is suitable for outdoor enthusiasts, those who are ready to overcome the mountain range on the way to the coast.

San Miguel Island.
The West Island Coast is a prime destination for those who like to relax by the ocean's edge.

Santa Maria.
It is here that one of the best and most popular beaches of the Azores archipelago, Praia Formosa, is located. The beach strip is covered with golden sand, unique to Azor.

Pico Island.
Those who prefer scuba diving to a lazy beach vacation should pay attention to the coast of this island. The most interesting place for divers is the vicinity of the village of Punto Topo. Here, not far from the coast, you can see coral reefs with colorful fish living there. There are frequent encounters with dolphins and whales.

The best time of the year for a beach holiday in the Azores is from June to the end of September. The air temperature during this period is within 25 degrees, the water is warmed up to +220. Precipitation is rare.

What to see?

Despite the fact that beach holidays are one of the main tourist destinations in the Azores, the main attraction of the islands is the unique natural landscapes.

There are no large factories, megalopolises, or a large congestion of vehicles. But there are places where the rarest birds build their nests. And in the Atlantic basin of the archipelago is the migratory route of whales. Each island is only its inherent natural attractions.

So on the island of San Miguel there are hot springs. Thermal spas are also equipped here.

Teseira Island is an opportunity to visit the sulfur caves. There is also a volcano with the widest crater in the entire archipelago.
Those who want to see the highest volcano in the archipelago should go to Pica. Here you can also visit the wine museum, get acquainted with the island architecture of the 17-18 centuries.

During a trip to San Giorgi, you must taste the local type of cheese of the same name.

Florish Island got its name from the lush vegetation that makes it look like a lush garden surrounded by ocean waters. The local Deep Lake is worth a visit.

Corvo is the most compact island in the archipelago. There are no buses here, the locals are welcoming and open. Those who seek silence and complete detachment from the dynamic reality go here.

Entertainment in the Azores

While relaxing on the coasts of the Azores, you can try various water sports. Among them: paragliding, windsurfing, boating, diving. Sports fishing is organized. At the same time, the prices of such entertainments are pleasantly different from other European beach resorts.

For hikers, descents into caves, walks, hikes in gorges and foothills are suitable.

Another pleasant side of relaxation that does not require physical strength is the opportunity to soak up the hot springs, taste local cheeses and wines.

If the time of your trip falls at the end of June, then you can take part in the celebrations organized in honor of the celebration of St. John's Day - June 24. On this day, the main square of all island cities is illuminated by the light of the fires kindled there. Colorful processions take place everywhere.

A vacation in the Azores, Portugal is an unforgettable journey. A riot of colors of untouched nature, picturesque beaches and friendly residents will remain for a long time in the memory of those who have visited this unique archipelago at least once.