Somewhere over the rainbow, far far away from the European continent, in the middle of the ocean you will find a treasure. But pssst…! It’s a secret, share it only with your best people 😉.
Archipelago of Azores is made of 9 volcanic islands, each one different from another. What they all have in common is the magic of the nature.
The Archipelago of Azores is an ideal place for nature lovers and hikers, and those who are not afraid of weather changes during the day. The islands, although distant from Portugal by about 1500 km, belong to it administratively and can be easily reached by plane from Lisbon. Portuguese islands pride themselves on sustainable and ecological tourism, traditional production of cheese, dairy products, wine and organic fruit cultivation. Azores are a touristic destination focused mainly on nature and admiring the landscape. Local life has a relaxed rhythm. We will not find here any giant touristic resorts or discos.
Are you going to the Azores and want to plan your vacation well so that you don’t miss the most beautiful and interesting places? Are you looking for practical advice and first-hand information? You want to know where to eat and what to try? On my blog you will read about the places that I have checked by myself and advices from my Portuguese friends living in the Azores.
São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island is the biggest one from the archipelago, it will surprise you with all of the possible shades of green. Also it has the biggest variety of touristic activities.
São Miguel island, the largest of the archipelago (745 km2), will enchant you with a thousand shades of green and blue-purple hydrangea flowers that grow along the roads or separate the fields from each other. There is a reason why São Miguel is called by the locals the green island (ilha verde). Peacefully grazing cows look at us from the pastures – also an inseparable symbol of the island. São Miguel also has the richest tourist offer: thermal springs, the only tea plantations in Europe, pineapple farms, hiking trails, beautiful waterfalls, volcano craters, unforgettable views, tasty food. When visiting São Miguel, it is worth stopping in the capital of the island: Ponta Delgada and making it an accommodation base from where you can start your trips.
Santa Maria Island
Santa Maria, discovered as the first of all islands of the archipelago (by Portuguese sailors in 1472). It hides a red desert in the interior, among greenery. Currently, less than 6,000 Portuguese live there. The southernmost position guarantees Santa Maria the best weather in the Azores.
Faial island is a volcanic masterpiece also called a Blue Island because of the blue hydrangea plants growing all around.
Pico is famous for it’s volcano (Pico 2351 m) and for delicious red wine.
São Jorge island has picturesque fajãs: coastal features occurring on the toe of the cliffs, made of landslides or lava flows. Oh, and the spicy cheese is made there (queijo da Ilha de São Jorge)!
Graciosa is the flattest from all of the islands, with beautiful white rustical houses and Flemish windmills that mark the landscape.
Terceira island is beautiful and welcoming. It had an important role in Portuguese history.
Flores is the island where Europe begins and ends, it’s so easy to fal in love with it’s charming landscape.
Corvo is the smallest island from the whole archipelago. But it’s 17 km2 are full of natural beauty.
Which island do you plan to visit or have visited and which one already stole your heart?
More amazing pictures from Pedro silva:
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