Azores

The Azores is a picturesque archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean consisting of nine green islands. The Azores belong to Portugal and lie at the latitude of the city of Lisbon between Europe and North America. They are 1460 km away from Portugal and 3900 km from New York and have the status of the westernmost point of the European continent. The archipelago has resulted from volcanic activity and is home to 1,766 volcanoes, 9 of which are active.

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Highlights

‘ History of the Azores

When exactly the Azores were discovered is unknown. They were first noted on Genoese maps in the 14th century. It is believed that the discoverers may have been Portuguese sailors or Genoese navigators in the service of Portugal in the early fourteenth century.

In 1432, the navigator Gonçalo Velho Cabral’s ship sailed to the archipelago. The Portuguese left small cattle on one of the islands. When they visited the island a few years later, they found that the animals had survived. Portugal recognized the area as suitable for human habitation, 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 Floris, distant from the main islands to the west.

In the following centuries, the Azores became important on the shipping routes from Europe to the Americas. Many slaves were brought here, naval battles were fought over the possession of the archipelago, and the islands were repeatedly attacked by sea pirates. The palaces, mansions, fortresses and temples that have survived to this day are reminders of those times.

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The Azores grew wheat, selling the flour to ships that traveled the Atlantic Ocean. Viticulture, sugar cane, pineapples and tobacco cultivation were developed here. And the heather growing on the mountainsides was in great demand by Flemish dyers.

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Farming, cattle breeding and fishing brought income to the islanders in the XIX and XX centuries. Nowadays, tourism plays a major role in the economy of the archipelago. In addition, locals are engaged in the cultivation of tea, tobacco, coffee, cereals and greenhouse pineapples. The Azores make fine wine and cheeses.

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Nature and climate

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

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The rich vegetation of the archipelago has arisen, thanks to the marine subtropical climate. The average temperature in winter here is +14…+15 ° C, and in summer +25 ° C. The temperature of sea water in the cold season does not fall below +17 °С, and in the middle of summer it is very comfortable for bathing +23…+24 °С. Despite the warm climate, tourists are recommended to take warm clothes at any time of the year, as nights from the fresh ocean breeze on the coast can be chilly.

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From October to April in the Azores comes the rainy season, when up to 110 mm of rain falls in a 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 has a special weather pattern. While one half of the island is always sunny, the other half of the island is rainy almost all the time.

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

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Tourism in the Azores

The beautiful warm climate of the Azores is very healthy. There are no large enterprises in the archipelago, so vacation in the Azores is preferred by lovers of nature and beach pleasures. Tourist infrastructure of the archipelago is still under development. However, even today it is not difficult to find a high level of service on the islands. In recent years, many good hotels and restaurants have been built here.

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Many travelers come to the Azores to admire the picturesque nature and see local natural monuments. In addition, the islands offer diving, sailing, surfing, snorkeling and sea fishing.

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San Miguel Island

São Miguel is the largest island in the archipelago. It lies in the east of the Azores. It is home to about 140,000 people. São Miguel stretches for 60 kilometers and reaches a width of 14 km. It has been awarded the title of “green island” for its luxuriant vegetation.

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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. The picturesque landscapes in an area of 12 hectares make up the protected area of the Terra Nostra Natural Park. Many travelers come to São Miguel to visit the Vale das Furnas Valley, where the blue lake is located and thermal springs flow.

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Apart from natural wonders, São Miguel Island has quite a few historical monuments – palaces and temples from the 17th to 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 on display here. The ancient Esparanç Monastery is visited to see the beautiful 17th century tiles, as well as the sculpture of Christ the Miracle Worker, which came to the Azores thanks to members of the Catholic Order of the Virgin Mary.

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Santa Maria Island

Santa Maria or “yellow island” is the southernmost of the Azores. It is 82 km away from São Miguel and is connected to it by ferry. It is believed that Santa Maria Island was the first to be discovered and therefore has the oldest settlement of Vila do Porto.

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

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There are several 15th century houses, picturesque mills, the ancient chapel Ermida de Nossa Senhora dos Anjos and the Shrine of the Holy Spirit. Every year, many tourists come to Santa Maria during the popular car races.

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Fayal Island

One of the islands in the central part of the archipelago is often referred to as the “blue island”, and the name Fayal itself means “beech forest”. The town of Orta stands on the southeastern coast of the island, and there is also a major seaport.

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Fayal is home to about 15,000 people. They grow cereal crops, bananas and citrus fruits, are engaged in animal husbandry and fishing. Of all the Azores, tourists choose Fayal to see sperm whales, whales and dolphins coming to shore. Diving and underwater photography are popular in the coastal area. There are also many golf and equestrian enthusiasts vacationing in Faiala.

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Piku Island

A 7 km wide sea strait separates Faial from the other island. Piku stretches for 42 km and reaches a width of 15 km. From everywhere you can see the peak of an active volcano towering over the island, 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 at 2351 meters, but has the largest underwater part on the planet – 6098 meters. The volcano last erupted in 1963. Its high activity over the past 500 years is evidenced by clearly visible traces of lava flows on the slopes.

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For a long time the inhabitants of Piku Island were engaged in whaling, and today they grow grapes and cater to tourists. The unique volcanic landscape and beautiful vineyards are listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

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Graciosa Island

In the center of the Azores rises the small Graciosa, also called the “white island”. Here, more than anywhere else, you can feel all the charms of a secluded vacation. White color dominates the island landscapes, old houses are painted in snow-white color, and, in addition, the word “white” is found in many local toponyms.

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There are 4,600 people living on Graciosa. The main natural monuments of the island are the volcano crater with the bizarre “Sulphur Cave”, as well as hot and sulphur springs. It even has its own thermal sanatorium. In 2007 UNESCO gave the island the status of biosphere reserve. In the local capital you can see old mansions, mills and churches, as well as visit the local history museum.

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São Jorge Island

At the center of the archipelago is the island of São Jorgey. It, Piku and Faial are often referred to as the “Triangle”. São Jorgey has an oblong, ship-like shape, reaching 53 km long and 8 km wide. It is home to a little over 9,000 people who grow tropical fruits, vegetables, coffee and sweet potatoes. Foodies greatly appreciate the local savory cheese Queijo da Ilha.

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São Jorge is called “the island of coastal cities.” In the town of Calheta, the ancient church of St. Katharina has been preserved. Velas, the main town of the island, welcomes visitors with old temples, narrow streets and a picturesque Town Hall.

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In the island village of Topo, the history of São Jorge began. The first Europeans who sailed to the island set foot on this shore. In Topo you can see the picturesque fishing port, as well as temples and houses from the 17th to 18th century.

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

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Terceira Island

The island’s name translates to “third” because Terceira was the third of the Azores islands to be discovered. It is 140 kilometers away from São Miguel and has been given the name “purple (or lilac) island” by the inhabitants of the archipelago. Terceira originated from the eruption of four volcanoes, the youngest of which, Santa Barbara, remains active today.

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On the island of Terceira, it is interesting to see the historic capital of the archipelago, Angra do Heroísmo. Its old buildings are listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In addition, Terceira is famous for its magnificent beaches, which are suitable for leisurely vacations, as well as for surfing and yachting. The island is also famous for its festivals. A large number of travelers come here for the Festival of the Holy Spirit and the “Festival of the City.”

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Florish Island

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

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The island capital has preserved many churches and mansions built in the Baroque style. There is also a large ethnographic museum. Among the natural monuments of the island are popular thermal springs, grotto Enshareush, picturesque mountain waterfall Ribeira Grande and several small lakes that filled the craters of dormant volcanoes.

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Corvu Island

The name of Florish’s neighbor, Corvu, means “raven” in translation. It is the northernmost and smaller island of the archipelago, with only 430 inhabitants. Corvu’s natural symbol are two blue lakes lying in an old volcano crater.

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In the tiny town of Vila Nova you can see a church built in the 16th century. And on the outskirts of the town rises the Morro do Pão Açucar hill, which offers a great view of the old buildings and streets. Along the coast are old windmills, which are made of black volcanic tuff and their triangular blades are made of cloth. The design of Corvus Island’s windmills is remarkable: no matter where the wind blows, they always turn behind it.

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Transportation of the Azores

Local flights can be used to travel between the islands of the archipelago. However, transporting passengers on small planes is expensive. Another, more popular option in the Azores is ferry transportation. Ferry tickets are cheaper than airplane tickets, however, due to high demand, they are worth buying in advance.

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On the islands move by buses, the schedule of which can be found in hotels and tourist centers. In addition, in the Azores there is an opportunity to rent a car. The roads here are quite decent, and parking and gasoline are inexpensive. The disadvantages include limited parking in urban settlements and many one-way streets.

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How to get there

The most convenient way to get to the Azores is by air. There are regular air services to the archipelago from the Portuguese cities of Lisbon and Porto, as well as from London. Airports receiving international flights are located on three islands, São Miguel, Santa Maria and Terceira.