Azores

1500 kilometres off the coast of Lisbon, a group of Portuguese islands are found.  These islands are the Azores.  Although the Azores are Portuguese islands, they are independent from Portugal and have their own Government.

There are nine islands in the group and what makes these beautiful islands unique, is that they were formed by volcanic activity.  The nine islands consist of Pico, Sao Miguel, Terceira, Graciosa, Sao Jorge, Faial, Flores, Santa Maria and Corvo.

Attractions

Each island has its own unique features and interesting attractions and activities.

Sao Miguel offers many jewels.  The Lagoa das Sete Citatdes is a lagoon formed by twin freshwater volcanic lakes with a mystic cloud covering the lakes.  Lagoa da Fogo, or Lake of Fires were formed and surrounded by lava formations.

Lake Lagoa das Furnas is a volcanic crater and supplies water to geysers and hot springs, named the Furnas.

Sao Miguel houses the Museum Carlos Machado.  Once a former convent, it now holds an array of arts to indicate the evolution of local sculptures, art, toys and jewellery.

Pico Island has viniculture terrain that is declared by UNESCO as a World heritage Site.  This site is the Landscape of Pico Island Vineyard Culture.  Here grapes are cultured on the slopes of the volcano, Ponta do Pico.  This is highest point in Portugal and the Azores, so add this mountain to your activity list.  While in Pico, visit some of the cellars and do some wine tasting and view the Manors of Heritage.

Visit Corvo, the smallest of the islands, which is a mere 17 square kilometres. The locals have a proud history of agriculture and fishery, for necessity and for the love of it.

Cedros is a small parish in Horta, on the island of Faial.  Here you will find many heritage sites, such as the Museum da Cedros, the Casa do Capito and the Church of Nossa Senhora de Fatima.  Also visit the Scrimshaw Museum. It contains artworks made from teeth, bone and baleen of whales.

Flores is the island of flowers.  Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, it boasts with landscapes full of indigenous flowers.

The Central Zone of the Town of Angra do Heroismo on the island of Terceira, is an old town and declared a World Heritage site due to the many historic buildings here such as Castello de Sao Sebastiao, Palacio dos Bettencourts and Fortalezo do Monte Brasil

Activities

The island atmosphere and Mediterranean Sea sets the front pace for activities.  Sailing, yachting, surfing and deep sea diving are some of the aquatic activities.  Qualified and experienced guides are ready to help you with the activities you desire.  Fully equipped boats and yachts are available for renting if you do not own your own equipment.

Whale watching is available where you go out on boats and guides take you as close as 10 feet from the whales.  While in the water: go swim with the dolphins.  You can swim between these loving mammals, but according to regulations you may not touch them.

Tourists can sign up for horse riding courses or join groups and tours through the countryside while exploring the islands.  Or go on a hiking trail through the beauty the islands offer.

As the islands are formed by volcanoes, explore the natural wonders created by the volcanoes. You will find underground lakes and grottos on Graciosa and basaltic columns on Flores.

Transportation

For transportation on the islands, tourists can make use of busses and mini-busses.   The smallest island, Corvo does not have bus facilities, but do provide taxi and sightseeing services.

Inter island transportation are mainly by ferry.  It is the most popular and affordable and two major companies provide ferry services between the islands.

Plane flights are available and each island has an airfield.  Flights are mostly used for trips from the main lands to the islands.

Accommodation

Many top rated hotels are available for accommodation.  These hotels are located in sought after areas optimising the natural beauty the islands have to offer.

Another popular type of accommodation is private holiday rentals.  These include villas, houses, apartments and bungalows.  The private accommodation is of highest standard and creates a personal touch and homely atmosphere to your holiday.

The Azores are truly a secret jewel hidden by Portugal.  Enjoy the breathtaking landscapes in a unique setting of civilisation built on historic volcanic activity.  Be a part of this hidden treasure.