All about holidays in the Azores. Holidays in the Azores: features, prices, reviews A brief excursion into history
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. The most convenient option for air travel from Russia is a 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.
On a ferryboat:
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 is suitable for lovers of active recreation, 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.
Flores Island got its name due to its lush vegetation, making it look like a 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.
The most important things about holidays in the Azores in 2019: weather, how to get there, visa, prices for hotels and food, beaches.
Where are the Azores? This is an archipelago of nine volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean, owned by Portugal. The islands are divided into three groups: eastern, central and western. The largest island is Sao Miguel, where the capital of the autonomous region of Portugal is located - Ponta Delgada. And the highest point of the islands is the Pico volcano on the island of the same name (2351 m).
Things to do? The Azores Islands are unique in their own way: here you are guaranteed privacy and tranquility. There are no factories on the archipelago, virgin nature, varied landscape. Most people go to the Azores for active recreation and ecotourism: trekking, diving, surfing, and so on. But the islands are not without beaches, where you can relax after climbing a volcano or mountain biking. In general, a holiday in the Azores is suitable for both beach lovers and travelers seeking to experience new vivid experiences.
Cost of holiday. A holiday on the fabulous Azores is not as expensive as it seems. If you wish, you can fly inexpensively on European low-cost airlines, eat on a budget and find a not too expensive hotel - read about all this below.
You may also be interested in reading about another volcanic island in the Atlantic Ocean, owned by Portugal.
Weather in the Azores
The climate in the Azores is subtropical marine. On average, the temperature in winter stays at +18...+19°C, in summer - about +24...+25°C. The best time to visit the Azores is from June to September, as there is precipitation in winter, autumn and spring, and dry and mostly clear weather in the summer months. Although the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean makes the weather in the Azores unstable and changeable - it can change several times a day. The ocean is refreshing even in summer - the water temperature is approximately +21...+22°C, and there are often waves.
(photo © stefanhaubold / flickr.com)
How to get to the Azores
The cheapest flight to the Azores - from Moscow to San Miguel (Ponta Delgada) - costs from 22-24 thousand rubles round trip. You will need to fly through Barcelona and Lisbon on flights of Vueling and Ryanair airlines. Another option is to fly to London or Manchester on EasyJet (UK visa required), from there to Lisbon, and from there on Ryanair to your destination.
You can fly from Moscow to Terceira and back from 26 thousand rubles (with two transfers - in Amsterdam and Lisbon). For about the same price you can fly to Pico Island. The price of a flight to Santa Maria is slightly higher - from 30 thousand rubles. The cost of a flight from Moscow to the island of Saint-Georges is even higher - tickets cost from 45 thousand rubles, to the island of Graciosa - from 55-60 thousand rubles.
Thus, the cheapest of all the Azores islands is to fly to Sao Miguel, and from there to get to the island you need either by local airlines or by ferry.
Food prices in the Azores - 2019
Food prices in the Azores are not much different from those in Portugal and are quite reasonable. So, dinner for two with a bottle of wine in a restaurant will cost no more than 35 euros. You can eat in an inexpensive restaurant for 6 euros per person. Local beer in a restaurant costs about 1 euro per 0.5 liter, a cup of coffee - from 1.10 euros. Well, if you have a kitchen, you can cook yourself - food in stores is not too expensive either.
Product prices in supermarkets it’s something like this:
- milk (1 l) - about 0.5 euros;
- loaf of bread (500 g) - 1.5 euros;
- eggs (12 pcs) - 2.5 euros;
- local cheese (kg) - 7 euros;
- rice (kg) - 1.2 euros;
- chicken breasts (kg) - 7.5 euros;
- fish and seafood (kg) - from 2.5 to 10 euros;
- oranges (kg) - from 1.5 euros;
- water (1.5 l) - from 0.5 euros;
- bottle of wine - from 4 euros;
- local beer (0.5 l) - from 0.8 euros.
(photo © Artur Tomaz / flickr.com)
Hotel prices in the Azores - 2019
On the island of San Miguel you can find rooms for two from 21 euros per night and above, on the island of Pico - from 40 euros, on the island of Faial - from 33 euros. Hotels, compared to private housing, tend to be more expensive - from 38 euros for a double room. It is better to book accommodation in advance if you are planning a trip to the Azores during high season.
Search for hotels on the search engine Roomguru.ru - it looks for advantageous offers among several booking systems and agencies.
Beaches in the Azores
A large number of beaches in the Azores are concentrated on Faial; there is also a beach with light sand - Porto Pim (almost all beaches have black volcanic sand). The secluded beaches of Praia de Pedro Miguel and Castelo Branco, fenced with rocks, as well as Comprido beach at the foot of the volcano, are interesting for relaxation. The inaccessible Porta da Eira beach is not for the lazy, because to get there you need to overcome a mountain range.
The island of San Miguel also has beaches - on the west coast of the island. The beaches of the island of Santa Maria are impressive: there is one of the most popular and beautiful beaches of the Azores - Praia Formosa (with golden sand). And divers should go to Pico Island - especially near the village of Punta Topo, where you can see not only coral reefs and fish, but also whales and dolphins.
Azores - the name of the islands most likely comes from the obsolete Portuguese word “azures” (similar to the Russian “azur”)
The Azores Islands are a small archipelago located off the coast of Portugal. To find the Azores on a world map, you need to look at the central Atlantic Ocean, near the coast of Europe. Today this archipelago is an autonomous region of Portugal.
Story
It is not known for certain who and when discovered the Azores, but the fact that they were known to ancient sailors is beyond any doubt. The ancient Carthaginians, who were great navigators and traders, knew about the existence of this archipelago. Archaeologists have discovered ancient coins from Carthage on the islands. The Normans also entered these waters, and Arab sailors also visited here.
Medieval authors can find numerous references to the Western Islands, but it is not entirely clear what they meant: the Azores or the Canary Islands. For the first time, images of the Azores appear on medieval maps in the 13th century. The development of this archipelago is associated with the name of the legendary Portuguese geographer and discoverer Henry the Navigator. A letter from the Portuguese king, dated 1439, has been preserved, in which he instructs Prince Henry to begin the development and colonization of these lands.
These islands played an important role in the discovery of new lands during the Age of Discovery. The Azores, due to its location in the center of the Atlantic, became a kind of base for Portuguese and Spanish sailors.
Thanks to this, people from different parts of the Old World arrived on the islands: adventurers and impoverished aristocrats, Jews, Moors, representatives of various religious movements, immigrants from Africa and Flanders. All of them brought their customs, beliefs, habits to the archipelago and created on the islands the original culture that we can see today.
Prince Henry received these islands into his possession, and after the death of this extraordinary man, the archipelago came under the control of the Jesuits.
The history of the archipelago is sparse in events; the last bright page was the “Carnation Revolution”, which happened in 1974. After her, the Azores received autonomy status.
General information
The Azores Islands are located in the central part of the Atlantic Ocean and are of volcanic origin. The archipelago includes nine islands, which are divided into three groups: eastern, central and northwestern. The total area of Azores is 2322 km². The archipelago is separated from the European coast by just under 1,500 kilometers, and from the American coast by 3,900 kilometers. The archipelago is not easy to find on the map. The largest island is San Miguel.
These islands were created as a result of volcanic activity; the active volcano Pico, located in the archipelago, is the highest point in Portugal.
The climate of the archipelago is subtropical marine. In summer the average temperature is 24-25 °C, in winter - 18-19 °C. There is relatively little precipitation.
The weather is hot and dry. It can change very quickly.
The flora and fauna of the islands is quite rich, there are species that are found only here, for example, the Azorina and the Azorean bullfinch.
The economy of the archipelago is dominated by agriculture. The meat and dairy industry is developed, residents grow grain crops, citrus fruits, and bananas. Also, a large number of the local population are traditionally employed in fishing.
The capital of the archipelago is the city of Ponta Delgade, located on the island of Sao Miguel. The population of the archipelago is 25 thousand people.
In recent decades, tourism has played an increasingly important role in the economy of the Azores.
Tourism and attractions
Sometimes holidays in the Azores are put on a par with the Maldives, Bahamas and Seychelles. But this is not entirely true. The tourist infrastructure in the archipelago is poorly developed, you will not find luxury five-star hotels here, it is quite difficult to get here, and on excursions through the most beautiful and wild landscapes, only the wind will be your guide and companion. But, believe me, you will not regret the time and effort spent once you get here.
Holidays in the Azores are more suitable for sophisticated tourists who have visited many places and are already fed up with the monotony of the world's tourist centers. The archipelago is also a great place for those who dream of escaping modern civilization.
There is a very measured and calm rhythm of life here, an atmosphere of peace and self-sufficiency reigns. There is a desire to leave everything and settle in this blessed place forever.
Green hills overgrown with fragrant flowers, vineyards, numerous thermal springs, windmills, ancient seaside towns that have survived many centuries - these are the main attractions of the Azores.
The islands offer beach holidays, eco-tourism, as well as diving, excellent fishing and snorkeling. Azores has very unusual culinary traditions.
You can get to the Azores from Russia through Lisbon. You will then need to transfer to a local airline flight.
What to see
There are quite a few sandy beaches on the archipelago, most of them are covered with solidified lava, although it should be noted that this does not particularly bother vacationers. There are a large number of picturesque lagoons nestled in the rocks.
Tourists should visit the town of Ponta Delgada, which is considered the capital of the archipelago. The visiting card of the city are water mills. You can explore the crater of the Sete Cidades volcano, which is impressive in size. The pride of the island is the beautiful Terra Nostra Park.
Santa Maria Island has the best beaches and most picturesque landscapes. There are excellent conditions for diving and surfing. You can also try your hand at fishing or just stroll through the streets of the oldest settlement in the archipelago - the city of Vila do Porto. There are also many mineral water springs on this island.
The island of Terceira has been declared a heritage of humanity by UNESCO. It has unique nature, magnificent caves with geysers. There are also many ancient churches, forts, and a beautiful old palace. The unique Lake of Fire is located here. It is worth visiting the Algar do Carvao cave with stalactites and stalagmites and a picturesque lake. Most of Terceira's territory is a nature reserve.
On Pico Island there is an active volcano of the same name, and you can also visit a very interesting wine museum. The island has excellent conditions for diving. There is a very rich fauna here. In coastal waters there are a large number of sperm whales, as well as other whales and dolphins. One of the favorite activities of tourists who come to the archipelago is swimming with dolphins in the coastal waters of this island.
On the island of Flores there is the beautiful Ribeira Grande waterfall and seven unique lakes.
What a tourist needs to know
Holidays in the Azores are not cheap. Although, it should be noted that prices here are the same as in Portugal. Here you can find a double room for 30 euros and have lunch for two for 15 euros. However, the road to the archipelago is quite expensive, and in addition, a lot of money is spent on traveling within the archipelago.
You can purchase a tour of all the islands of the archipelago. This can be done on site or in Lisbon. You can also book a tour that will include prices for flights to Portugal and the archipelago. This option is the most convenient.
The usual means of transportation is a bus, but you can also rent a car. Small ships constantly ply between the islands.
The 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: the bell-like evergreen shrub Azorina, the clover-like Azorean Marsilia, the day butterfly Hipparchia azorina, the Azorean bat and the Azorean bullfinch. Local residents strive to preserve the pristine natural landscape, and therefore eco-tourism is very popular here.
There is no consensus regarding the origin of the name Azores. 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 small cattle on one of the islands. 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 an important role on the 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 major 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 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, spending most of their time on black beaches covered with volcanic sand.
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 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.
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. The last time the volcano erupted was 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 color 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 to sail 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 of 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.
- an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, located 1,460 kilometers from Europe. Geographically, the archipelago is an autonomous region.
Peculiarities
The Azores archipelago includes 9 islands divided into 3 groups. The eastern group consists of the islands of San Miguel, Santa Maria and small island formations called Formigas. The central group includes the islands of Pico, São Jorge, Faial, Graciosa and Terceira. The islands of Corvo and Flores form the northwestern group. The administrative center of the Azores archipelago, Ponta Delgada, is located on the island of Sao Miguel. The main sources of income for the Azores are fishing, farming and cattle breeding. There are practically no industrial enterprises on the islands, which has a beneficial effect on their ecology.
You rarely see our tourists in the Azores. The beauty is that the Azores does not have such a tourist boom as the Canaries, Bermuda or Seychelles. Basically, these wonderful islands were chosen as a vacation spot by tourists from Northern Europe, Danes, Swedes, and Norwegians.
general information
The Azores Islands cover an area of 2322 square meters. km, the highest point is 2351 m. The population is 246.7 thousand people. Time zone is UTC+0, local time is 3 hours behind Moscow.
A brief excursion into history
The Azores Islands were known back in ancient times. Presumably they were discovered by Phoenician sailors; later the Azores were visited by the Carthaginians, as evidenced by those found on the island. Corva coins of Carthaginian mintage. The Azores were also known to Arab sailors, and in the 9th century the island was visited by Norman ships. The Azores archipelago was first marked on Spanish and Italian nautical charts dating back to the 13th century. The first of the Portuguese navigators to land on the shores of the Azores in 1427 was Captain Diogo Silves. At that time, the islands were still uninhabited. The settlement of the Azores began in 1439, mainly by immigrants from Portugal and Spain; later, settlers from Flanders and France appeared there.
Christopher Columbus also visited the island of Santa Maria in 1493 while returning from America. He even attended mass at a local church. There, the famous navigator was even arrested; at first, local authorities mistook him for a pirate. When the mistake became clear, the famous navigator was released. The favorable location of the archipelago led to the fact that in the 17th century the Azores acquired important trade and economic importance, being located at the intersection of trade routes between America, India and Europe. A large concentration of various ships with valuable cargo became the reason for frequent attacks by pirates on the coast of the islands. Since 1976, the Azores received autonomous status within Portugal.
Climate
The archipelago is dominated by a marine subtropical climate with moderate rainfall. On average, the temperature in summer is +24..+26 °C. Winter is mild and comfortable +17..+20 °C. In winter the water temperature is +17° in the summer +23..+24°C. The best time to visit the islands is June-September; dry, partly cloudy weather prevails during this period.
How to get there
There are no direct flights from Russia to the Azores, to get there, you must first get to, and then take a flight for about two hours to fly to your desired vacation spot.
Transport
On most islands you can rent a car or take advantage of public transport that runs between the islands' major population centers. You can move between the islands by boat; almost every coastal city has a port, pier or harbor for mooring yachts. The island of File is home to one of the most famous sailing ports in the world - Horta.
Attractions and entertainment
The Azores archipelago is of volcanic origin, which greatly influenced the nature of the islands. The landscape of the islands is bizarre and varied: black rivers of solidified lava are combined with exotic vegetation and the beauty of sky-blue lakes formed in the craters of extinct volcanoes. Nature in its original form with its wild and virgin beauty, not yet touched by civilization - these are the Azores! Tropical and subtropical vegetation here is adjacent to vegetation of temperate latitudes. The valleys of the islands are surrounded by bright tropical greenery, often diluted with the bright colors of exotic flowers, the mountain slopes are covered with majestic cedars, pines and sequoias.
The Azores are an eco-tourism paradise. Even a poorly developed recreation infrastructure will not prevent you from feeling all the charm of the Azores. Most tourists vacationing here know what they are looking for. First of all, peace, quiet, the opportunity to be alone with nature and enjoy its beauty and the unique exoticism inherent in these islands. The Azores are a dream for lovers of diving, surfing, spearfishing, fishing and eco-tourism.
Accommodation
There are many good quality 4* hotels on the seashore in the Azores, some of the most popular are Hotel Apartamentos Gaivota 4*, Terra Nostra Garden Hotel 4*, Hotel Marina Atlantico 4*.