The Azores, located in a group in the Atlantic Ocean, invariably attract travelers with the opportunity for an excellent holiday in peace, solitude, and tranquility. Each island is an amazing world of picturesque flora, unique natural monuments, wide opportunities for sea fishing, sailing, surfing, diving. The attractions of the Azores are associated primarily with natural phenomena and beach activities.
The amazing beauty of Sao Miguel Island
This is the largest island in the archipelago. Sao Miguel (Azores), whose sights are simply amazing, boasts lush vegetation, the purest natural lakes and thermal springs. The unique landscape of the Terra Nostra Nature Park is preserved on 12 hectares. The sight of tourists in all its glory appears Lagoa do Fogo - a lake that lies in the depths of a volcanic crater. Hence the second name of the lake is “fiery”.
The Vale das Furnas valley attracts travelers with thermal springs and a sky-blue lake, freely located in an open space. Island monasteries carefully preserve the culture and history of San Miguel:
- In the monastery of St. Andrew (Ponta Delgada), a museum has been formed, which presents valuable ethnographic and biological exhibits.
- The Esparanc Monastery is famous for its authentic 17th-century tiles and the statue of Christ the Wonderworker, the patroness of the grandiose annual religious festival.
South Santa Maria Island
At a distance of 82 kilometers south of San Miguel is the small island of Santa Maria. One of the very first settlements of the discoverers who settled the Azores was formed here. The sights of the island confirm the ancient origin of the village of Vila Do Porto.
Here you can see ancient houses built in the 15th century, unique old 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.
Fayal Island in the heart of the archipelago
Sights of the Azores in the central part of the archipelago are concentrated on the island of Faial. A relic beech forest has been preserved here. Whales and sperm whales swim to the shores of Faial, and dolphins freely frolic near the coastline. The coastal zone provides an excellent opportunity for diving andunderwater photography. The island has high-level conditions for equestrian sports and golf.
Pico: a unique volcano on the island of the same name
Seven kilometers from Faial lies Pico Island, 42 km long and 15 km wide. The peak of the volcano from the Guinness Book of Records rises above 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. Although 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 Sao Jorge archipelago, together with the islands of Pico and Faial, it forms a kind of triangle. Elongated for 53 km (with a width of 8 km), the island looks like a ship cutting through the waters of the Atlantic. On Sao Jorge, the sights of the Azores are represented by ancient buildings built in the 17th-18th centuries. Island towns and villages meet tourists with narrow streets, where ancient temples, churches, and the 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 by fiery lava during a massive volcanic eruption.
Paradise forlovers – Graciosa
The snow-white island of Graciosa, discovered 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 dazzling whiteness of the landscape, the white walls of old houses sparkling in the sun - the world around us gives travelers a feeling of joy and delight. Amazing silence accompanies tourists. Lush greenery, a sparkling world against the backdrop of a vast ocean, a bottomless sky above your head - 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 the Furna Da Caldeira volcano crater with an underground lake from the outside and inside, visit the incredibly bizarre Sulfur Cave, thermal and hydrogen sulfide 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 city of Angra Do Heroismo is the historic capital for which the Azores are famous. Sights associated with the ancient buildings of the city are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Magnificent island beaches are conducive to a relaxing holiday, big waves attractsurfers and yachtsmen. There are a lot of beautiful places on the island. Among them are the 100-meter-deep Algar Do Carvao cave with an internal lake, stalactites and stalagmites, natural parks, the Misterio Dos Negros lake reserve, Monte Brasil mountain. The island is also famous for its bright festivals and festive processions.
Flores Island
The Western island of Flores was one of the last Europeans to discover. It is interesting for its thermal springs, lakes in the craters of dormant volcanoes, which are popular among tourists. The Ribeira Grande falls picturesquely from the mountain slopes. Among the natural monuments is the grotto of Enshareush. The island celebrates the feast of the Holy Spirit on Sundays throughout the summer.
Corvo Island
To the north of the island of Flores is Corvo (translated as "raven"), which is home to 430 people. The natural feature of the island is two bright blue lakes that overflowed in the old crater of the volcano. On the island, tourists can visit the churches of the 16th century, walk along the ancient streets, admire the amazing panorama from a high hill.
Ancient windmills lined up along the coast. They are built of volcanic tuff - black as a raven's wing, and the triangular-shaped blades are sewn from canvas. The unique design of windmills that turn after the wind, no matter which direction it blows.
Azores through the eyes of travelers
Tourists visiting the Azoresattractions, reviews leave only enthusiastic:
- Amazing impressions remain from the Pico volcano on the island of the same name. The view from the top is breathtaking.
- It is impossible not to admire the game of dolphins in the coastal waters of Faial.
- Despite infrastructure problems and minimal comfort, the Azores are admirable and leave only positive emotions.
- A mega stunning ocean view to remember for a lifetime.
True bliss is experienced by a traveler 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 riches of the archipelago remain forever in the memory of tourists, causing a feeling of joy and happiness.
