The Azores are a collection of beautiful volcanic islands now in the possession of Portugal. Located in the Atlantic Ocean, beyond the Strait of Gibraltar, the so-called Pillars of Hercules.
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There is an opinion that the Azores are the remnants of the legendary Atlantis, which the ancient Plato wrote about, admiring the structure of their society. The ancient philosopher was amazed by the engineering and construction thoughts of the Atlanteans, embodied in the most magnificent buildings.
Some historians are inclined to assume that communication between the Old and New Worlds was much busier in ancient times than in the Middle Ages, precisely because of the intermediate trading base that was Atlantis. A center of thriving trade, where adventurers from all over the Indian-Egyptian-Greek world flocked.
The Azores were known to the Carthaginians, which is confirmed by the finds of Punic coins in Corvo. The Vikings and Arabs knew about them. The last and final discovery was made by two Portuguese nobles who landed on a wooded island, which, without further ado, was named Legname, which means forest in Portuguese. The islands were uninhabited at the time of Portuguese colonization.
Having learned about their discovery, Italian sailors sailed there and discovered another island and named it Madera, which also means forest, only in Italian.
Severe medieval men did not know what ecology was and, without further ado, burned almost all the endemic vegetation and planted vineyards. However, Madera wine is known to everyone to this day.
The islands are volcanic and there are still places where the underground heat allows you to bake bird eggs, just bury them for a few minutes. And until now, scuba divers have not explored the bottom of the archipelago, which may be hiding the secrets of the ancient island kingdom that went under the water.
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But after drinking sweet Madeira and eating eggs baked in hot volcanic soil, don’t forget to check the statuses in contact about love. To avoid embarrassment, mumble later, unsuccessfully trying to peel the shell off your head, swaying from the effort: Mom, hic... dad... this... This will now live with us.
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.
In the northwest of the Atlantic Ocean are the Azores Islands, part of the archipelago of the same name. The islands belong to Portugal and are its autonomous region. Travelers value the Azores mainly for the opportunity to be alone with the magnificent nature that emerged from volcanic ash.
When is the best time to go to the Azores?
The Azores archipelago welcomes holidaymakers all year round. The best time to visit it is considered to be from June to September inclusive, the hottest time is July and August. The spring months in the Azores are too cool for a beach holiday; at this time, the archipelago is visited by lovers of hiking in the lap of picturesque nature. During the period from August to December, ornithologists show increased interest in the islands - they come here to watch birds, including many migratory birds that make their nesting grounds here.
What documents are required
To travel to the Azores you will need: a Schengen visa, a foreign passport, sufficient funds for the trip at the rate of 75 euros on the first day of travel and at least 50 euros for all subsequent days, a medical insurance policy, the insurance amount provided for in it should not be less than 30,000 Euro. And, of course, an air ticket) You can find out about purchasing inexpensive tickets.
Azores on the map
The Azores archipelago includes 9 islands:
Santa Maria- a small island in the south of the archipelago, is also considered the most picturesque. Small whitewashed houses against the backdrop of wide pastures, lush colors of nature, full of flowers and birds, deserted snow-white beaches - set vacationers in a calm mood and make them feel harmony with the world around them.
San Miguel- the largest of the nine islands, its highlight is the twin lakes of volcanic origin. The sun's rays turn one twin blue and the other green. There is volcanic activity on the island: craters smoke in the Furnas valleys and hot sulfur springs bubble. Local residents treat vacationers to amazingly tasty dishes prepared in the blazing hot pits of the Furnas valleys.
San Miguel is rich in natural attractions, one of which is "Fire Lake", located in the center of the island. It is located in the crater of an extinct volcano, its width is 1 kilometer, length - 2 kilometers. High mountains covered with greenery surround a lake filled with the purest water; beaches with snow-white sand invite you to relax and unwind in the lap of stunningly beautiful nature.
Terceira– an island rich in landscapes of volcanic origin. Volcano Caldeira de Santa Barbara is the highest peak of the island. Its height is 1021 meters above sea level, its diameter is about two kilometers. In the center of Terceira there are caves that appeared as a result of volcanic eruptions; tourists go there on excursions along the pipe of an extinct volcano.
Grace- an island with an almost flat landscape, marked by several hills with volcanic cones. Windmills, whitewashed houses with oval windows and wrought-iron balconies contribute to the island's popularity among tourists. A natural attraction of Graciosa is the Caldeira crater with huge underground grottoes.
San Jorge– Thanks to its line of volcanic peaks, the island is a lush paradise for hikers. Panoramic views of tiny villages at the foot of the peaks and rich pastures that open up to travelers from a bird's eye view, underground caves and a lake with delicious shellfish - all this is the island of San Jorge.
Piku- the island where the largest mountain in Portugal is located, its height is 2350 meters, the crater of this massive volcano has a diameter of about 700 meters. Steep slopes and a long climb up the mountain do not stop the large flow of people who want to admire the Atlantic Ocean and the neighboring islands of the archipelago from a colossal height. In the area of the island there is a habitat for females and calves of sperm whales; those who want to get to know these giants better go on sea excursions.
File- an island, almost the entire territory of which is made up of a giant caldera, its slopes are overgrown with cedars, juniper, heather and other types of rare plants, thanks to which the entire area occupied by the caldera is declared a nature reserve. The island town of Horta is proud of its ancient architecture and beautiful harbor, which is highly prized by yachting enthusiasts. The local port is somewhat reminiscent of .
The Azores Islands, located in a group in the Atlantic Ocean, invariably attract travelers with the opportunity to have an excellent holiday in silence, solitude, and tranquility. Each island is an amazing world of picturesque flora, unique natural monuments, ample opportunities for sea fishing, sailing, surfing, and diving. The attractions of the Azores are primarily associated with natural phenomena and beach activities.
The amazing beauty of San Miguel Island
This is the largest San Miguel (Azores), whose sights are simply amazing, boasting lush vegetation, clean natural lakes and thermal springs. The unique landscape of the Terra Nostra Nature Park is preserved on 12 hectares. Lagoa do Fogo appears to tourists in all its glory - a lake located in the depths of a volcanic crater. Hence the second name of the lake - “fiery”.
The Vale das Furnas valley attracts travelers with thermal springs and a sky-blue lake, freely located in open space. Island monasteries carefully preserve the culture and history of San Miguel:
- A museum has been established in the monastery of St. Andrew (Ponta Delgada), which displays valuable ethnographic and biological exhibits.
- The Esparanc Monastery is famous for its original 17th-century tiles and the statue of Christ the Wonderworker, the patroness of the grand 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 pioneers who settled the Azores was formed here. The island's attractions confirm the ancient origins of Vila Do Porto.
Here you can see ancient houses built in the 15th century, unique ancient mills, a chapel and the Temple of the Holy Spirit against the backdrop of the mighty Atlantic Ocean. Santa Maria is famous for hosting famous rock festivals every August.
Faial Island in the heart of the archipelago
The attractions 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 swim to the shores of Faial, and dolphins frolic freely near the coastline. The coastal zone provides an excellent opportunity for diving and underwater photography. The island has high-quality conditions for horse riding and golf.
Pico: a unique volcano on the island of the same name
7 kilometers from Faial lies the island of Pico, 42 km long and 15 km wide. The peak of a volcano from the Guinness Book of Records soars 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 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 attractions, photos of which are presented in the article, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their unique volcanic landscape and unique vineyards.
Sao Jorge
Situated in the middle of the archipelago, São Jorge, together with the islands of Pico and Faial, forms a kind of triangle. Stretching 53 km long (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 greet tourists with narrow streets lined with ancient temples, churches, and the town hall. In coastal Urseline, a bell tower rises from solidified lava. It was built on the site of a church that was buried by fiery lava during a powerful volcanic eruption.
Paradise for lovers - Graciosa
Graciosa, opened in the 15th century, is small and cozy. Its remoteness is the main value for tourists dreaming of a calm, secluded holiday. Here you can reliably hide from civilization and from people. The only settlement is Santa Cruz Da Gracioza.
The landscape, dazzling with its whiteness, the white walls of ancient houses sparkling in the sun - the world around us gives travelers a feeling of joy and delight. A striking silence accompanies tourists. Lush greenery, a sparkling world against the backdrop of a vast ocean, a bottomless sky overhead - a true paradise for couples in love and romantics.
The attractions of the Azores Islands are concentrated here under the status of a biosphere reserve, where you can see the crater of the Furna Da Caldeira volcano 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 to be discovered by Europeans, appeared as a result of the eruption of four volcanoes. One of them - Santa Barbara - still remains active. The island town of Angra Do Heroismo is the historical capital for which the Azores are famous. Sights associated with the ancient buildings of the city are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The magnificent island beaches are conducive to a relaxing holiday; large waves attract surfers and yachtsmen. There are a huge number 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, and Monte Brasil mountain. The island is also famous for its colorful festivals and festive processions.
Flores Island
The western island of Flores was one of the last to be discovered by Europeans. It is interesting for its thermal springs, popular among tourists, and lakes in the craters of dormant volcanoes. The Ribeira Grande waterfall falls picturesquely from the mountain slopes. Among the natural monuments is the Enshareus Grotto. 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. A natural feature of the island is two bright blue lakes spilling into the old crater of the volcano. On the island, tourists can visit a 16th-century church, stroll along ancient streets, and admire the amazing panorama opening from a high hill.
Ancient mills line the coastline. They are built from volcanic tuff - black as a raven's wing, and the triangular blades are sewn from canvas. The design of windmills is unique, they turn after the wind, no matter from which direction it blows.
The Azores through the eyes of travelers
Tourists who have visited the sights of the Azores leave only rave 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 get enough of watching the dolphins play in the coastal waters of Faial.
- Despite problems with infrastructure and minimal comfort, the Azores inspire admiration and leave only positive emotions.
- A mega-stunning view of the ocean that will be remembered for a lifetime.
True bliss is experienced by a traveler at the ends of the earth, on the shores of the great Atlantic Ocean under a clear blue sky. A unique and rare corner of nature is 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.
The Azores archipelago stretches over 650 kilometers and forms three groups of islands - next to the largest island of Sao Miguel lies Santa Maria, the first island discovered by the Portuguese. 180 km to the northwest lies a large group of islands - Terceira, Sao Jorge, Pico, Graciosa and Faial, and after another two hundred kilometers Flores are lost ( Flores) and Corvo.
In the capital of the autonomous region, Ponta Delgada on the island of Sao Miguel, the national carrier of Portugal is based - SATA airlines (www.sata.pt) and TAP (www.flytap.com), offering flights from Moscow with one or two connections in Europe. This is the most convenient and expensive way to get to the Azores - the price starts from 500 euros in both directions with two connections.
Holidays on the islands are not a cheap pleasure, although hotels and food here, as in mainland Portugal, are quite inexpensive. If you wish, you can find a double room for 30 euros per day, and lunch for 15 euros for two. But the flight itself and trips within the archipelago will result in a decent amount of money, because due to large distances and climatic conditions, the most convenient and sometimes the only way to travel between the islands is air travel. SATA operates flights to all islands from Ponta Delgada with prices starting from €40 one way. Most ferry trips (www.atlanticoline.pt) operate only in summer at more affordable rates, this is the best option for traveling between the central group of islands. Another possible option is to purchase an island tour (www.azorestrips.com, www.visitazores.com, www.yazores.com, www.azores.com) either on the spot or with a flight from Lisbon or major European cities including accommodation, transportation and excursions to selected islands, which can be more profitable than organizing them yourself. Support is provided in English. These same companies offer a variety of active recreation programs, including whale watching, swimming with dolphins, diving, fishing, jeep safari, kayaking, walking or cycling.
San Miguel
San Miguel- the largest and most visited island of the archipelago. From the island's capital, Ponta Delgada, day trips to lakes, craters, hot springs and rocky shores are convenient. In the west is the largest volcanic crater in the Azores, Caldeira das Sete Cidades, with a diameter of 12 km and a slope height of up to 300 m, where there is a village of the same name and three lakes, which are best observed in clear weather from the Vista observation deck Vista do Rei. Two of them, separated by a narrow isthmus, have different colors, called Lake Blue and Lake Green, respectively.
To go down to the sandy beaches of Lake of Fire (Lagoa da Fogy), you need to be in good physical shape. This can only be done by following a 12-kilometer winding path, but the reward will be untouched wild nature and the complete absence of tourists. When planning a trip to the observation deck at the top, take warm clothes - the weather is changeable, and the wind blows almost constantly here.
The territory where God and the Devil agreed to be considered neutral. In the valley, geysers and fumaroles emit clouds of steam and water, demonstrating the nature of dormant volcanoes. The smell is appropriate, and a special dish is prepared here - cozido, when meat and vegetables, put in a pan, are buried in the ground for five hours. The city has the thermal pools of Poca de Donna Beija (www.pocadadonabeija.com), where for 2 euros you can swim in pools with hot mineral water. Not far from the city there is a lake of the same name with an observation deck Miradouro do Pico de Ferro at an altitude of 570 m (Miradouro do Pico de Ferro) and a Gothic chapel made of black basalt (Igreja da Nossa Senhora das Vitórias), where José do Santo (Jose do Canto), bibliographer and landowner, and his wife.
Ponta Delgada
Founded in the 15th century, the capital of the island, San Miguel, is a surprising mixture of modern buildings, port facilities, churches and ancient mansions, all designed in the typical style of snow-white walls with dark basalt trim. It is worth exploring the 18th-century Portas da Cidade, a three-arched city gate that once marked the entrance to the city and leads to the main square of Goncalo Viejo Cabral (Praca da Goncalo Velho Cabral), named after the first governor of the island.
Among the churches of the city, which are free to visit, it is worth noting San Sebastian (Igreja de Sao Sebastiao), San Jose (Igreja de Sao Jose), Esperanza Monastery (Convento Nossa Senhora da Esperanca), dating back to the 15th-16th centuries, where you can see altars in the Manueline style, ancient Azulezuz, wooden furniture and carved choirs of the 17th-18th centuries. In the lower church of the monastery there is a revered statue of Christ, which on Easter, dressed in red clothes and richly decorated, is carried through the streets of the city.
The Azores Museum is named after Carlos Machado (Museu Carlos Machado, entrance 2 euros, from 10.00 to 17.00, www.museucarlosmachado.azores.gov.pt) and presents an exhibition dedicated to the history and life of the islanders; especially interesting is the large model of San Miguel and temporary Exhibitions.
Santa Maria
Lying 50 km south of San Miguel, Santa Maria Island has the warmest climate in the Azores and the deserted sandy beach of Praia Formosa, awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness. There is parking, changing rooms and a cafe on the beach. On the rocks above you can see the ruins of a 16th-century fortress, designed to once protect the islanders from pirates. Incredibly, this small island, home to just five settlements, has almost 40 chapels and churches dedicated, of course, to the Virgin Mary and a huge empty airport, the runway of which was built during the Second World War. Even the city hall in Vila do Porto is located in the former Convent of Sao Francisco, which is completely free to visit.
The houses in the sleepy towns are painted white with multi-colored trim, each in its own town. In Santa Barbara it is blue, in Sao Pedro it is red and green in the capital Vila do Porto. Sometimes you can see bread tied to a stove on the street - as a relic of the times when residents baked it for the sailors of the ships that came here.
The most developed of the Azores islands, with a capital listed as a UNESCO heritage site, Angra do Heroísmo, and a network of towns located around the perimeter of the island. It is famous for its unusual variety of bullfighting and bull racing, where the bull is restrained by a rope and released into the street, as well as for its brightly painted chapels dedicated to the Holy Spirit - imperios.
In the historical center of Angra do Heroismo, interesting are the Se Cathedral, the Fort of St. John the Baptist (Castelo de Sao Joao Baptista), the city gardens (Jardim Municipal), which were once part of the Monastery of St. Francis (Convento de Sao Franciso) XV century, where today there is a city museum (Museu de Angra do Heroismo, www.museu-angra.azores.gov.pt, entrance 1 euro). The island was once home to nine monasteries, and the ruins of numerous forts and watchtowers, designed to protect the island from pirate raids, can be seen everywhere.
Not far from the city there is the Algar do Carvao cave (entrance 8 euros, May-September from 13.00 to 15.00), where you can go down 100 meters into the crater of an extinct volcano to an underground lake. To the west is Furnas do Enxofre with hot geysers.
One of the best viewing platforms is located in the Serra de Santa Barbara mountains near the town of the same name in the west of Terceira, at an altitude of 1020 meters on the edge of a large crater. On the northern side of the island, the town of Biscoitos is attractive for its beach, located among black piles of solidified lava with artificially created swimming pools and the only Wine Museum in the archipelago (Museu do Vinho from 10.00 to 16.30 except Sunday and Monday).
Graciosa
The tiny, calm island, as usual in the Azores, also has its own caldeira - you can go down to the Furna do Enxofre crater and explore a large cave with a volcanic lake or walk along the Furna Maria Encantada corridor, leading to the rim of the crater with breathtaking views.
The island's capital, Santa Cruz da Graciosa, is a tiny village with two hotels and rows of two-story white houses. The Island Museum (Museu da Graciosa) presents a collection of household items sent by emigrants from North America, and a real whaling ship is also exhibited here. Nearby is Monte da Ajuda, topped by the 16th-century church Nossa Senhora da Ajuda and a whalers' lookout point.
Sao Jorge
Lying 40 km south of Graciosa, Sao Jorge stretches for 55 km, but is only 5-7 km wide. Almost the entire northern and southeastern coast are rocks up to 480 meters high. People come here to enjoy quiet walks along the trails along the ridge and fajas - the name given to strips of land formed as a result of the collapse of rock, where there are often small pools. Almost all settlements, including the capital Velas, are located on the southwestern side of the island.
East of Velas, in the charming village of Manadas, it is worth visiting the 18th-century Baroque Church of Saint Barbara (Igreja de Sao Barbara) with a carved cedar altar, the walls of which are decorated with paintings and azulezuj. In the nearby village of Urzelina you can see the top of a buried church - the aftermath of the 1808 eruption.
Piku
The main attraction of the island is the peak of the same name with a height of 2350 meters, to conquer which you must first obtain permission. An independent ascent along a marked trail costs 10 euros and takes about 3 hours if you are in good physical shape. The descent from the mountain is more difficult due to the slippery sand and slag on the trail.
It is considered to have the best conditions for whale watching, and the history of whaling is presented in the Museo dos Baleeiros (Museo dos Baleeiros admission 2.5 euros free on Sunday) in the town of Lajes. The documentary film showing the whale hunt is impressive.
A visit to the natural lava tunnel Gruta das Torres near the capital, the town of Madalena, will be a real adventure - the path is paved only 50 meters at the entrance, and then you will have to walk on a natural “surface”, so durable shoes are required. There are two visits - at 14.30 and 16.00, fee 7 euros per person, group up to 15 people, helmets and flashlights are provided, children under 6 years old are not allowed.
Fayal
For five hundred years, ships and yachts plying between America and the Mediterranean have called at the port of Horta, the capital of the island. Although the island itself is small - its dimensions are 17 by 13 km, in the vicinity of the capital there is a complete set typical of the Azores. This is a beach with fine white sand, awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness - Porto Pim and the city museum (Museu doa Horta, from 10.00 to 16.00, closed Monday) presents, in addition to a set of household items, old photographs and models of ships carved from wood, the best examples This traditional craft was created at the beginning of the 20th century.
At the historic Peter's Cafe Sport (www.petercafesport.com), in addition to great food and a variety of flags, you can see carved whalebone and bone crafts on display on the second floor.
The best way to view Horta is from the observation deck, of which there are two in its vicinity - Monte de Guia in the south and Miradouro da Espalamaca in the north. There is also an obligatory crater with a depth of 400 meters and a diameter of 2 km - Caldeira do Cabeco Gordo, which can be walked along a path in a couple of hours. People go to the west of Faial to see the “lunar” landscape - after the eruption of the Capelinhos volcano, only the top of a buried lighthouse emerges from the ashes.
Florish and Corvo
During a storm, the two small westernmost islands of the archipelago find themselves completely cut off from any civilization. And if in Floris, with a population of 4 thousand inhabitants, there are still two hotels, then in tiny Corvo with one settlement, Vila Nova, formed by just one street behind the runway, ending in the ocean, only 400 people live. Although the first thought that comes to a tourist who sets foot on this land, shrouded by unbridled ocean winds: “Do people live here?!” Wild landscapes, elephant craters covered with flowers, at the bottom of which lakes, waterfalls and caves glisten and the complete feeling that you are just a grain of sand in the ocean of eternity...
