The Azores, located in a group in the Atlantic Ocean, invariably attract travelers with the opportunity of an excellent holiday in silence, solitude, tranquility. Each island is an amazing world of picturesque flora, unique natural monuments, wide opportunities for sea fishing, sailing, surfing, diving. The sights of the Azores are associated, first of all, with natural phenomena and beach activities.
The amazing beauty of the island of San Miguel
This is the largest island of the archipelago. San Miguel (Azores), whose attractions are simply amazing, boasts lush vegetation, pristine natural lakes and thermal springs. On 12 hectares, the unique landscape of the Terra Noshtra conservation park is preserved. Lagoa do Fogu, a lake that lies deep in a volcanic crater, appears to tourists in all its glory. Hence the second name of the lake - "fiery".
The Vale dash Furnas Valley attracts travelers with thermal springs and a sky-blue lake, which is freely located in open space. Island monasteries carefully preserve the culture and history of San Miguel:
- In the monastery of St. Andrew (Ponta Delgada), a museum was formed, which presents valuable ethnographic and biological exhibits.
- Esparanc Monastery is famous for its authentic 17th-century tiles and the statue of Christ the Wonderworker, the patroness of the grand annual religious festival.
South Island Santa Maria
At a distance of 82 kilometers south of San Miguel is the small island of Santa Maria. Here was formed one of the very first settlements of the discoverers who settled the Azores. 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 the Church of the Holy Spirit on the background of the mighty Atlantic Ocean. Santa Maria is famous for hosting famous rock festivals every year in August.
Faial 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 relict beech forest has been preserved here. Whales and sperm whales come to the shores of Faial, and dolphins frolic along the coastline freely. The coastal zone provides an excellent opportunity for diving and underwater photography. The island has a high level of conditions for equestrian sports and golf.
Pico: a unique volcano on the island of the same name
At 7 kilometers from Faial lies the island of Pico 42 km long and 15 km wide. The top of the volcano from the Guinness Book of Records soars up 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. Despite the fact that its eruption occurred in 1963, fresh traces of lava flows are visible on the slopes.
Pico is a real treasure that the Azores can boast of. The sights, the 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.
San jorge
Located in the middle of the São Jorge archipelago, together with the islands of Pico and Faill, it forms a peculiar triangle. Elongated 53 km (with a width of 8 km), the island looks like a ship cutting the waters of the Atlantic. In São Jorge, the sights of the Azores are represented by ancient buildings built in the XVII-XVIII centuries. Island cities and villages greet tourists with narrow streets, on which ancient temples, churches, and the town hall are located. In the coastal Urselin, a bell tower rises from the frozen lava. It was built on the site of the church, which was buried by lava of fire during the strongest eruption of the volcano.
Paradise for lovers - Graciosa
The snow-white island of Graciosa, opened 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 town is Santa Cruz Da Gracioza.
The landscape is blinding with its whiteness, the white walls of ancient houses sparkling in the sun - the world around gives travelers a sense 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, romantics.
The sights of the Azores are concentrated here under the status of a biosphere reserve, where you can see the crater of Furna Da Caldeira volcano with an underground lake from the outside and from the inside, visit the incredibly bizarre Sulfur Cave, thermal and hydrogen sulfide springs.
Terceira - Island Treasury
Terceira Island, one of the first discovered by Europeans, appeared as a result of the eruption of four volcanoes. One of them - Santa Barbara - still remains valid. The island city of Angra Do Heroismo is the historical capital of which the Azores are famous. Sights associated with the old buildings of the city are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Gorgeous island beaches have a relaxing holiday, big waves attract surfing enthusiasts and yachtsmen. There are a lot of beautiful places on the island. Among them, one can distinguish a 100-meter-deep Algar Do Carvao cave with an internal lake, stalactites and stalagmites, natural parks, the Misterio Dos Negros Lake Reserve, Mount Monte Brasil. The island is famous for its bright festivals and holiday processions.
Flores Island
The western island of Flores was discovered by Europeans as one of the last. It is interesting for thermal springs popular with tourists, lakes in the craters of sleeping volcanoes. From the mountainsides, the Ribeira Grande Falls is picturesquely overtaken. Among the natural monuments is the Grotto Enscheareus. On the island throughout the summer on Sundays, the feast of the Holy Spirit is held.
Corvo Island
To the north of the island of Flores is located Corvo (translated - "raven"), which is home to 430 people. The natural feature of the island is two bright blue lakes spilled in the old crater of the volcano. On the island, tourists can visit the church of the XVI century, stroll along the old streets, admire the amazing panorama that opens from a high hill.
Ancient mills lined the coast. They are built of volcanic tuff - black as a raven wing, and the triangular-shaped blades are sewn from canvas. The unique design of the windmills, which rotate after the wind, no matter which side it blows.
Azores through the eyes of travelers
Tourists who visited the sights on the Azores, leave only enthusiastic reviews:
- Stunning impressions remain from the Pico volcano on the island of the same name. The view from the top is breathtaking.
- It is impossible to admire the game of dolphins in the coastal waters of Faial.
- Despite the problems with infrastructure and minimal comfort, the Azores are admired and leave only positive emotions.
- A stunning view of the ocean, which will be remembered for a lifetime.
True bliss is experienced by the traveler on the edge 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 wealth of the archipelago will forever remain in the memory of tourists, causing a feeling of joy and happiness.