True feats of nature, The Azoresthese nine idyllic Portuguese islands that rise from the Atlantic Ocean, guide travelers inside a volcano, within a whale sanctuary, along horseback trails, in hot springs.. So that everyone, alone, with the family, sporty or contemplative, can live great adventures there!
The spectacular nature of the Azores archipelago is marked by its volcanic origins, its verdant mountains, its lakes in the hollow of craters, its sandy beaches and the unique riches of each of its islands. Its paradisiacal setting is conducive to multiple getaways on land or in the water and to meeting the welcoming inhabitants who bring its picturesque European-style towns and villages to life, free from mass tourism.
There is no more beautiful invitation card for families, solo travelers or couples, nature lovers, ecotourism enthusiasts or adventurers looking for new challenges. Faced with so many beauties and attractions, some may be tempted by a long-term stay, where the climate is mild year-round!
After all, it is the number one destination for adventure tourism in Europe (World Travel Awards), in addition to being one of the safest destinations in Europe and the first leading sustainable tourist destination in the world. world!
Live the Azores
Courtesy: Explore the Azores
Forged by volcanoes, this archipelago of 2,333 km2 turns out to be a majestic and unique playground full of adventures including these ten essentials:
– Live one of the rarest experiences on earth, to explore the interior of a volcano.
– Swim in volcanic craters or soak in a hot volcanic spring.
– Dive with sharks and Manta rays in sites known for their underwater fauna, flora and architecture.
– Observe more than twenty different types of whales and species of dolphins in the largest whale sanctuary in the world.
– Explore 80 ancient trails on foot, by bike or on horseback around the islands.
– Visit caves and craters born from volcanic activity.
– Experience strong emotions during extreme hiking and canyoning activity.
– Discover the rich historical and cultural heritage of this island region in the museums.
– Start on one of the two golf clubs of the islands with atypical reliefs.
– Take advantage of the festivals that enliven the Azores throughout the year.
Gourmet Archipelago
Courtesy: Explore the Azores
Resulting from the work of local farmers and fishermen who cultivate land of volcanic origin and get their supplies from the ocean, the gastronomy of the Azores is always generous and full of freshness. Here’s what’s on offer:
– Dishes cooked in the heat of the volcanic earth, including the cozido das Furnas, this stew traditional combining meat (or fish) and vegetables, cooked gently in pots buried near the geysers.
– Freshly caught fish and seafood (cod, sardines, tuna, octopus, molluscs, etc.)
– Sausages, ham, chorizo, black pudding and beef from the Azores which has a protected geographical indication.
– The most famous of the cheeses of the archipelago: the Queijo Sao Jorge also named Quejo da Ilha.
– Tropical fruits (pineapple, passion fruit, guava, citrus, papaya, custard apple, etc.) and vegetables (yam, sweet potato, etc.)
– Teas from the only plantation in Europe, located in the Azores, as well as local and organic wines concocted from vines grown in volcanic soil.
Visiting card of the Azores
Courtesy: Explore the Azores
The islands: Sao Miguel, Terceira, Santa Maria, Faial, Sao Jorge, Graciosa, Pico, Corvo and Flores
The capital: Ponta Delgada, located on the entrance island São Miguel
Currency: Euro
Language: Portuguese and an island dialect
Names of inhabitants: Azoreans or Azoreans
Population: 236,657 inhabitants (2021)
Getting around the Azores: bus, car rental, plane, boat
Best time to go: from May to September
Time required to visit the whole archipelago: three weeks, but smaller getaways also promise great discoveries
For a taste of adventure, visit the exploreterceira.com !