Sights of the Azores: descriptions and reviews. Azores: the last bastion of Europe Azores where
And look what an island I found! Otherwise, everyone is used to the fact that there are interesting coral islands in the Great Barrier Reef area, but here it turns out that there are interesting specimens near Portugal.
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Vila Franca- an uninhabited volcanic island in the Azores. It is located 0.5 km south of the island of São Miguel, near the village of Vila Franca do Campo. Area 95 hectares (of which 62 are underwater). Since 1993 it has been a nature reserve.
Vila Franca is one of the most popular summer holiday destinations. It attracts people with its natural beauty. Boats to San Miguel run from June to September. The island has several beaches and provides conditions for all types of water sports.
The island is a natural pool consisting of a submerged volcanic cauldron with a maximum depth of 20 m. It has the shape of a large semicircle, creating a kind of atoll. The flora and fauna are represented by several species, for the preservation of which the reserve was created.
Vila Franca, also a town with interesting story. Previously, it was the capital of Sao Miguel and the entire archipelago, but after a major earthquake in 1522, the city was almost destroyed and then Ponta Delgada took first place. With particular pride, local residents mention “their” island “Ilheu da Vila Franca”, to which in the summer they take both tourists and Azoreans who want to swim in the bay of an uninhabited island and feel like the heroes of Stevenson’s novel.
In general, the Azores are also an interesting territory
The Azores archipelago, consisting of 9 islands, is located in the very center of the Atlantic, 1460 km from the coast of Europe. The Azores are divided into three groups: eastern (the islands of Sao Miguel, Santa Maria and the islets below common name Formigas), central (islands of Faial, Pico, São Jorge, Terceira and Graciosa) and northwestern (islands of Flores and Corvo).
There is no developed tourist infrastructure in the Azores. Therefore, the majority of guests of the archipelago are sophisticated tourists who have traveled halfway around the world and have made a conscious choice in favor of peace and tranquility.
In the Azores you can combine beach holidays, eco-tourism and active recreation (diving, snorkeling, fishing, etc.).
The capital is Ponta Delgada on the island of Sao Miguel.
Population - about 25 thousand people.
Well, you can tell us more about the largest island. Maybe you'll be planning a trip there :-)
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São Miguel, located in the eastern part of the archipelago, is the largest of the nine islands. It reaches 69 kilometers in length and 14 in width, and its area is about 750 square meters. km. This is the most beautiful island with amazing, unique nature. It is ideal for a long stay and getting to know each other - it has something to show and surprise.
In the western part of the island, among a string of small villages, the settlement of Sete Cidades stands apart. Its lakes, one blue and the other green, are located in the crater of a volcano with an area of 40 square meters. kilometers, always cause genuine delight among tourists, and the local population loves this place for Sunday picnics.
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Even further west, on the very coast, is Mosteiros. Once upon a time, a volcanic eruption occurred here and lava, flowing down the slopes to the ocean, froze right next to the water, forming small natural pools among the black layers of boiling mass that once swept away everything in its path.
But let's return to the south coast. Here is Ponta Delgada, the largest city and administrative center of the archipelago.
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, panorama.
Walking along the ancient streets paved with paving stones, enjoying cleanest air, “salty” due to the proximity of the ocean, and admiring the architectural ensemble of the past centuries, you begin to feel like a part of this world of harmony with its measured flow of life. This is one of those places about which, tired of the everyday bustle, you can say: “Eeh, I should drop everything and leave! To the Azores!”
The next municipality is Lagoa, with its center in the town of the same name. It combines villages located mainly along the coast and borders on settlements dating back to Vila Franque do Campo. Bananas and citrus fruits are grown here. If you have time, visit the natural pools of Lagoa.
Almost parallel to Lagoa, but on the northern coast, lies the town of Ribeira Grande, surrounded by pastures, potato fields and tea and tobacco plantations.
From Ribeira Grande you can get to the observation deck of the so popular “Lake of Fire” (Lagoa do Fogo) - an indescribably beautiful landscape and a sea of impressions are guaranteed!
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The northeastern part of the island is less populated and used - forests and rocks dominate here. A high, steep rocky shore crashes into the blue ocean, forcing tourists to click their cameras for a long time.
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In the southeast is the municipality of Povoasau. Here you can visit very beautiful parks. The town of Furnas also belongs to this municipality, with its green lake, valley of geysers and a beautiful botanical park of international importance, spread over 30 acres of volcanic land.
Here, on the shores of Lagoa das Furnas, they prepare a local delicacy - "Cozido das Furnas". Vegetables, meat, chicken, local pork sausage are placed in a saucepan and then they are lowered into specially dug wells and covered with earth. At a shallow depth, the earth warms up so much that the dish is cooked in this improvised bathhouse for 6-8 hours, while you get to know the city and the park. It turns out to be a very tasty, healthy and satisfying lunch. Well, where else can you cook lunch “on a volcano”? :)
The entire eastern coast of the island is called Nordeste, although in fact it is a whole network of small villages centered on the town of the same name. The nature in this part of the island is a little more harsh and wild, but indescribably beautiful! And what about the observation decks, buried in flowers and towering above the ocean? This is a favorite place for Azoreans to watch the dawn - whole families come and spend the whole night pleasantly waiting for the play of light.
Who wants to know more - .
Sao Miguel really has something to show and surprise you with. Therefore, when planning your trip, pay special attention to this island - you need to get to know it slowly, enjoying each new discovery.
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based on materials from azores-ru.com
Spends time in the Azores and calls them his second home. For everyone who is also going there, the guys have collected 34 life hacks on how to make your trip comfortable and memorable.
1. The Azores are a remote, but still part of Portugal, so a regular Schengen visa is required to enter.
2. Best time to visit the Azores: autumn and spring. It is at this time that migrating pods of a wide variety of whales pass through the Azores - the chances of seeing the largest animal in the world will be maximum.
3. The main airport of the Azores is Ponta Delgada on the island of Sao Miguel. Most airlines in the world fly here. We highly recommend starting your trip from San Miguel - this is the largest and one of the most interesting islands of the archipelago. This is where you have every chance of seeing whales.
4. There are no direct flights to the Azores from the CIS countries, so be prepared for transfers. The most convenient way to get there is through Lisbon, Porto or Frankfurt. If you have a British visa, take a connection in London. Ryanair flies to the Azores from all these cities, so if you look, you can find tickets for just pennies.
5. Sometimes a flight to the Azores may consist of two connections - in this case better plan a long connection with an overnight stay in Lisbon or Porto. You will relax and at the same time take a walk around one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
7. There is nowhere on the islands without a car. In San Miguel alone, attractions are scattered across the island, and the coolest guesthouses and hotels are located in places far from the cities.
8. The islands have a well-developed infrastructure, in large cities there are supermarkets of the large Portuguese chain Continente. We recommend purchasing groceries there.
9. Azores – Mecca of green tourism. It is here that you have the chance to live on a real farm, converted into a guesthouse (we are not talking about a “farm for tourists”, but about a real one - with cows, donkeys and fresh milk in the morning). Do not neglect the opportunity to plunge into such an authentic atmosphere if your budget allows or you are traveling with a large group.
10. There are practically no pickpockets or other thieves here. You can leave things on the beach, carry the latest iPhone with you - no one will care about your treasures.
11. Take a drinking water bottle with you. Water in the Azores can (and should) be drunk from any tap.
12. Try local cow cheese in pucks. This is the most local food possible, because there are exactly as many cows as there are people. Azorean cows live free-grazing all year round and eat lush green grass. Local cheese is environmentally friendly, non-GMO, 100% farm product.
13. On the first clear, calm day, go to the whales. The fact is that you don’t go out looking for whales every day. Whales are much calmer in calm waters with minimal waves. Good visibility is also important, because it is much easier to spot whales if you can see over long distances.
14. Going out to sea to see the whales on your own is not particularly promising. It is very important to negotiate with an experienced local who is well acquainted with the peculiarities of the region and has all the knowledge necessary equipment. You can find such a partner only by trial and error or by personal recommendation. TripAdvisor won't help here.
15. If you want to get as close to whales as possible - choose the Zodiac boat. If comfort is important, you can go whale watching on a catamaran. Even newborn children are allowed there, and the viewing angle on a large boat is wider.
16. Be sure to take an anti-sickness pill before going into the ocean. Even if you think you don't have seasickness.
17. No special clothing is required to go into the ocean– it will be issued on the spot (thick raincoat and life jacket).
18. You can dive into the water to see whales in the Azores only in accordance with a specially obtained license. It is issued only to professionals. Those who want to plunge into the ocean and swim with a whale, rather than look at it from a boat, must obtain a special permit.
19. Accept the fact that the ocean is a separate free world. And on the day you decide to go on a date with the whales, they may have their own plans. It is very rare, but it happens that a trip to the whales turns out to be unsuccessful. This should be taken philosophically.
20. Before diving with whales or dolphins It's worth practicing your freediving skills. It's cool if you can swim fast without creating splashes or bubbles.
21. Whale watching is completely safe if you follow the boat captain's instructions and directions. If you don't jump out of the boat while it's moving, nothing will happen. Over the past 100 years, not a single case of a whale attacking a person has been recorded.
22. If you are not a professional photographer, but just want to see a whale, do yourself a favor and put your phone aside. Look at the whale in the ocean, not at the screen. It's rare that amateurs get truly great shots. And the memories in your head will be preserved for life in maximum quality.
23. If your goal is to photograph a whale, listen to the biologist in the boat. He will tell you when to take out the camera. By the way, all known photographs of whale tails are of sperm whales. Before showing its tail, the sperm whale characteristically sways. If you want such a photo for your collection, when you hear the command “Tail!”, take a photo.
24. Be sure to swim with the dolphins. There are a lot of them here and they are really friendly, not like in dolphinariums. The rules are still the same: mask, fins, wetsuit and ability to swim.
25. Try the local national dish - Cozido das Furnas. You can order it in restaurants or cook it yourself in a steaming furmarole near the town of Furnas (but you need a special pan and a trained person).
26. The above-mentioned is brought as souvenirs from the Azores cheese, local jam and pineapple chutney(there is a plantation here), tea (there is also the only plantation in Europe where you can walk freely), and also bracelets and other lava crafts. And, of course, all sorts of variations on the theme of whales - on T-shirts, in the form of figurines, toys and other things.
27. In the town of Furnas, find a stall with boiled corn– it is prepared directly in boiling mineral springs.
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 consequences of the volcanic nature of the islands. And all this natural splendor is complemented by the cultural heritage created by people over many centuries.
Beaches, eco-tourism, contemplation of historical sights are the reason why many tourists choose a holiday 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 geographical parts:
1. Eastern part. These include the islands of Santa Maria, San Miguel and several islets united by the name Formigas.
2. The central part, including the islands of Graciosa, Faial, São Jorge, Pico and Terceira.
3. Northwestern part. Islands of Corvo and Flores.
Let's go to the islands
There are Azores international airports on only three islands: Sao Miguel, Santa Maria and Faial. The largest is Joao Paulo II, on Sao Miguel. Most convenient option air travel from Russia – 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. Ticket price is on average 5 euros.
By the way. Information about the cost of the trip can be read directly at the bus stop on a special stand. It is worth considering that buses on San Miguel, as on other islands, do not run regularly, despite the existing schedule.
Therefore, a good alternative is 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 islands of the group. The exception is the island of Corvo. But, as already noted, public transport here operates irregularly. Therefore, using it as the main means of transportation and visiting tourist sites is unlikely to be convenient. The driver most often sells the ticket.
Taxi:
Local taxi drivers are quite sociable. And if a tourist speaks English, then he has every chance of not only getting to his destination, but also learning 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 around the island is a common occurrence in the Azores. It will cost 30-50 euros. The cost of the trip, be it an excursion or a regular trip, must be agreed upon with the taxi driver in advance.
If you have an international driving license, and during your trip to the islands you plan not just a beach holiday, 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 online resources or directly at the airport of arrival.
Travel between islands
You can get from one island to another by plane or ferry.
By plane:
The largest airport in the archipelago, Joao Paulo II, is connected by air to the main islands. And directly on each island there is a local airport serving nearby islands.
By ferry:
Ferry service is a cheaper option, but more time consuming. Traveling by ferry is the optimal route between the islands of Faial - Pico - San Giorgi. The reason for this is their small distance from each other. The duration of the ferry ride in this triangle is from half an hour to 2.5 hours. Ticket price – 13-50 euros.
Traveling between other islands of the archipelago can take over 10 hours and will cost more.
Important features of a beach holiday in the Azores
Speaking about island beach holidays, it should be noted that the level of infrastructure is insufficiently developed by European standards. However, the tranquility and uncrowded nature of the local coasts, surrounded by picturesque landscapes, attract people who value this type of holiday.
Islands offering the best beach holidays
Faial.
The beaches here deserve attention:
Porto Pim, distinguished by its light sand, rare for the Azores.
Praia de Pedro Miguel is one of the most suitable for a secluded pastime.
Castelo Branco is a separate beach surrounded by rocks.
Comprido is an opportunity to spend time at the very foot of the volcano.
Porta da Eira – suitable for lovers active recreation, for those who are ready to overcome the mountain range on the way to the coast.
San Miguel Island.
The western island coast is the main destination for those who like to relax at the edge of the ocean.
Santa Maria.
This is where one of the best and most popular beaches of the Azores archipelago, Praia Formosa, is located. The beach is covered with golden sand, unique to the Azores.
Pico Island.
The coast of this island is worth paying attention to those who prefer scuba diving to a lazy beach holiday. The most interesting place for divers is the area around the village of Punto Topo. Here, not far from the shore, you can see coral reefs with colorful fish living there. Encounters with dolphins and whales are common.
The best time of 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 heated 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, megacities, or large concentrations of vehicles here. But there are places where the rarest birds build their nests. And in the Atlantic basin of the archipelago there is a migration route of whales. Each island has its own natural attractions.
So on the island of San Miguel there are hot springs. There are also thermal spas here.
Theseira 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 Pico. Here you can also visit the wine museum and get acquainted with the island architecture of the 17-18 centuries.
During a trip to San Giorgi, you must try the local type of cheese of the same name.
The island of Flores gets its name from its lush vegetation, making it look like luxurious garden washed by ocean waters. The local Deep Lake is worth visiting.
Corvo is the most compact island of the archipelago. There are no buses here, the locals are welcoming and open. Those who seek silence and complete separation from dynamic reality go here.
Entertainment in the Azores
While relaxing on the coasts of the Azores, you can engage in various water sports. Among them: paragliding, windsurfing, boating, diving. Sport fishing is organized. At the same time, the prices of such entertainment are pleasantly different from other European beach resorts.
Hiking lovers will enjoy descents into caves, walks, and hikes along gorges and foothills.
Another pleasant aspect of relaxation that does not require physical strength is the opportunity to soak in hot springs and taste local cheeses and wines.
If your trip falls at the end of June, 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 bonfires lit there. Colorful processions take place everywhere.
Holidays in the Azores, Portugal are an unforgettable trip. The riot of colors of untouched nature, picturesque beaches and friendly residents will long remain in the memory of those who have ever visited this unique archipelago.
Azores landscape with Mount Pico in the backgroundThe total area of the Azores is 2333 km². The largest island of the archipelago is Sao Miguel with an area of 747 km², and the smallest island is Corvo (17 km²). The highest point is the volcano on the island of Pico, which rises to a height of more than 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 are an autonomous region of the country, they are governed by their own government and legislative assembly.
The archipelago has amazingly beautiful nature. There are many endemics preserved here: bell-shaped evergreen shrub- the azorina, the clover-like Marsilia Azores, the day butterfly Hipparchia azorina, the Azorean bat and the Azores bullfinch. Local residents strive to preserve the pristine natural landscape, and therefore eco-tourism is very popular here.
There is no information regarding the origin of the name Azores consensus. According to one version, the island archipelago received its name from the Spanish word “azul” or the Italian “azzurre”, which mean “blue” or “blue”.
According to another assumption, the first sailors saw the islands while following goshawks returning to their nests. In Portuguese these birds are called "açor". Residents of the archipelago like this version best, despite the doubts of ornithologists who claim that hawks have never been found in these places.
There is also an assumption that the islands were named by the navigator Gonçalo Velho Cabral in honor of a Christian saint. She was revered in the sailor's homeland - in the village of Açor, located in central Portugal, as the patroness of the local residents.
History of the Azores
It is not known exactly when the Azores Islands were discovered. They were first noted on Genoese maps in the 14th century. It is believed that the discoverers could have been both Portuguese sailors and Genoese sailors who were in the service of Portugal at the beginning of the 14th century.
In 1432, the ship of the sailor Gonçalo Velho Cabral sailed to the archipelago. The Portuguese left a small one on one of the islands cattle. When they visited the island a few years later, they were convinced that the animals had managed to survive. Portugal recognized the area as suitable for human life, and settlement began in 1439. At first, everyone was sure that the archipelago consisted of seven islands, but in 1452 two more islands were discovered - Corvo and Flores, distant from the main islands to the west.
In the following centuries, the Azores began to play important role on shipping routes from Europe to America. Many slaves were brought here, naval battles took place over 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 us of those times.
Wheat was grown in the Azores and the flour was sold to ships that sailed the Atlantic Ocean. Viticulture, sugar cane, pineapple and tobacco cultivation were developed here. And the heather growing on the mountain slopes was in great demand among Flemish dyers.
Farming, livestock farming and fishing provided income for the islanders in the 19th and 20th centuries. Nowadays tourism plays a large role in the economy of the archipelago. In addition, local residents grow tea, tobacco, coffee, cereals and greenhouse pineapples. The Azores make excellent wine and cheeses.
Nature and climate
Before Europeans settled, the Azores were covered with evergreen forests. Most of the relict forests were later destroyed, but their place was taken by modern plantings. Areas of ancient forests have been preserved only on the slopes of volcanoes. Redwood, cedars, laurels, English holly, Japanese pine and cherry trees grow here. There are a total of 560 species of flora, 200 of which are trees. Among flowering plants, hydrangea has become the symbol of the Azores.
The rich vegetation of the archipelago arose due to the marine subtropical climate. The average temperature here in winter is +14...+15 °C, and in summer +25 °C. The sea water temperature in the cold season does not fall below +17 °C, and in mid-summer it is very comfortable for swimming +23...+24 °C. Despite the warm climate, tourists are advised to take warm clothes with them at any time of the year, as the fresh ocean breeze on the coast can make it cool at night.
From October to April, the rainy season begins in the Azores, when up to 110 mm of precipitation falls per month. During the rainy season there is frequent fog. It is noteworthy that more precipitation falls in the western part of the islands. The island of Santa Maria has special weather. While on one half of the island the sun always shines, in the other part it rains almost all the time.
Dry sunny weather begins in May and lasts until September. This is the time of high tourist season. Many sea-swimming enthusiasts come to the Azores to most of spend time on black, volcanic sand beaches.
Tourism in the Azores
The wonderful warm climate of the Azores is very beneficial for your health. There are no large enterprises on the archipelago, so holidays in the Azores are preferred by lovers of nature and beach pleasures. The tourism infrastructure of the archipelago is under development. However, today on the islands it is not difficult to find high level service. For recent years a lot has been built here good hotels and restaurants.
Many travelers come to the Azores to admire the picturesque nature and see local natural monuments. Other activities on the islands include diving, sailing, surfing, snorkeling and sea fishing.
Sao Miguel Island
San Miguel is the largest island of the archipelago. It lies in the east of the Azores. About 140 thousand people live here. San Miguel stretches for 60 kilometers and reaches a width of 14 km. For its luxurious vegetation it was awarded the title of “green island”.
Several natural lakes are considered local attractions, the most beautiful of which, the “lake of fire” or Lagoa do Fogo, is located in a large volcanic sump. Picturesque landscapes covering an area of 12 hectares form the protected area of the Terra Nostra Natural Park. Many travelers come to Sao Miguel to visit the Vale das Furnas valley, where there is a blue lake and thermal springs.
In addition to natural wonders, the island of San Miguel has many historical monuments - palaces and temples of the 17th-19th centuries. In Ponta Delgada you can visit the Carlos Mochado Museum, located in the monastery of St. Andrew. Rich biological and ethnographic collections are exhibited here. People come to the ancient monastery of Esparanç to see beautiful tiles from 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 the "yellow island" is the southernmost of the Azores islands. It is 82 km from San Miguel and is connected to it by ferry. It is believed that the island of Santa Maria was the first to be discovered, and therefore the oldest settlement of Vila do Porto is located on it.
The island became famous because Christopher Columbus visited it. True, when the famous navigator landed on the shore, he was mistaken for a pirate and placed in custody. However, Columbus managed to prove that he was not a sea corsair.
Several 15th-century houses, picturesque mills, the ancient chapel of Ermida de Nossa Senhora dos Anjos and the Temple of the Holy Spirit have been preserved here. Every year, many tourists come to Santa Maria during 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 southeastern coast of the island there is the town of Orta, and there is also a large seaport.
About 15 thousand people live on Faial. They grow grain crops, bananas and citrus fruits, and engage in livestock farming and fishing. Of all the Azores islands, tourists choose Faial to see sperm whales, whales and dolphins swimming ashore. Diving and underwater photography are popular activities in the coastal area. In addition, many fans of golf and equestrian sports vacation on Faial.
Pico Island
A 7 km wide sea strait separates Faial from another island. Pico stretches for 42 km and reaches a width of 15 km. The peak of an active volcano rising above the island is visible from everywhere - the highest point of the Azores. This giant is noted in the Guinness Book of Records, as it rises above the surface of the earth only 2351 meters, but has the largest underwater part on the planet - 6098 m. Last time the volcano erupted in 1963. Its high activity over the past 500 years is evidenced by clearly visible traces of lava flows on the slopes.
For a long time, the inhabitants of Pico Island were engaged in whaling, and today they grow grapes here and serve tourists. 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 the small Graciosa, which is also called the “white island”. Here, like nowhere else, you can feel all the delights of a secluded holiday. White dominates the island landscapes, old houses are painted snow-white, and, in addition, the word “white” is found in many local place names.
4,600 people live on Graciosa. 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 biosphere reserve status. In the local capital you can see ancient mansions, mills and churches, and also visit the local history museum.
Sao Jorge Island
In the center of the archipelago is the island of São Jorge. It, Piku and Faial are often referred to as the "Triangle". São Jorge has an oblong, ship-like shape, reaching a length of 53 km and a width of 8 km. It is home to just over 9,000 people who grow tropical fruits, vegetables, coffee and sweet potatoes. Gourmets really appreciate the local spicy cheese Queijo da Ilha.
São Jorge is called the “island of coastal cities.” In the town of Calheta, the ancient Church of St. Catharine has been preserved. The main city of the island, Velas, 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 shore. In Topo you can see a picturesque fishing port, as well as temples and houses from the 17th-18th centuries.
The coastal village of Urzelina was rebuilt in 1808 after a massive volcanic eruption. It is interesting to see the bell tower growing out of the lava, which marks the site of the church buried during the eruption. The settlements of Manadas and Ribeira Seca can also boast beautiful temples and old houses.
Terceira Island
The name of the island means “third” because Terceira became the third of the Azores to be discovered. It is located 140 km from San Miguel and received the name “purple (or lilac) island” from the inhabitants of the archipelago. Terceira arose 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 both leisurely relaxation and surfing and yachting. The island is also famous for its holidays. A large number of travelers come here for the Holy Spirit Festival and the City Festival.
Flores Island
Located in the west, Flores was discovered later than the other Azores islands. When the first Europeans landed on the green coast, they initially called it St. Thomas Island. From 1962 to 1994, there was a French military base on Floriche, and then the island was opened to tourists.
The island capital has preserved many temples and mansions built in the Baroque style. There is also a large ethnographic museum here. Popular natural monuments on the island include thermal springs, the Enshareus grotto, the picturesque mountain waterfall of Ribeira Grande and several small lakes that filled the craters of dormant volcanoes.
Corvo Island
The name of Florish's neighbor, Corvo, means "raven". It is the northernmost and smaller island of the archipelago, with only 430 people living on it. The natural symbol of Corvo are two blue lakes lying in the old crater of the volcano.
In the tiny town of Vila Nova you can see a church built in the 16th century. And on the outskirts of the city rises the Morro do Pão Açucar hill, which offers a wonderful view of the old buildings and streets. Along the coast there are old mills, which are made of black volcanic tuff, and their triangular blades are made of cloth. The design of the windmills on the island of Corvo is remarkable: wherever the wind blows, they always turn after it.
Transport Azores
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, but due to high demand they are worth purchasing in advance.
You can get around the islands by buses, the schedule of which can be found in hotels and tourist centers. In addition, in the Azores it is possible to rent a car. The roads here are quite decent, and parking and gas 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 operate from the Portuguese cities of Lisbon and Porto, as well as from London. Airports accepting international flights are located on three islands - Sao Miguel, Santa Maria and Terceira.
