Are you in search of hidden treasures?
Does this question often come to your mind, too: where are the Azores?
I list places where you can find immense gems like beauty, serenity, peace of mind, and joy in life. The country Portugal has an archipelago or group of islands which are inhabitants in thousands, not exceeding the number in lakhs, and those islands are called Azores.
An island is a land surrounded by water from all sides and it is usually smaller in size than a continent Azores are located on the north side of the Atlantic Ocean, the famous classic story of Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe depicts the life of a man on an island.
With the use of a valid passport and air travel, anyone can go to these islands for exploration and adventure. Azores are somehow underrated because they are scattered, more in numbers, smaller in size, and are in the autonomous region of Portugal but they are much better than any country and continent because they have an endless number of natural beauty to offer to any visitor.
Logically and morally, it would be wrong to think of going to these islands at once because each of them has not only one thing to offer but they have a whole lot of natural treasures contained, which would be justifying to visit one island at a time.
The best part of island adventure is that the climate remains moderate throughout the year thus not facing any extreme change in any season. Still, it is mostly suggested to plan a visit during summer because at that time rainfall happens lesser so it becomes way more convenient for outdoor activities and exploration.
On the map, Azores look like tiny broken pieces of land where Sao Jorge, Pico, and Faial form a triangle, and the smallest and more distant among them is Corvo; the rest are Flores, Graciosa, Santa Maria, Sao Miguel, and Terceira lying at a smaller distance.
The country is highly developed with increasing per capita income and has beautiful artificial white towns, plenty of beaches, and century-old structures to look at, but the group of islands is the best part about them.
If you are curious to know where are the Azores and why they are called autonomous regions of Portugal and Europe, then read the article till the end to discover the whole mystery.
1. Why Travelers Should Prefer the Azores Over Mainland Portugal?
Portugal is like any other country in the west, with its city side and countryside, market, restaurants, beaches, resorts, and beautiful towns. If you are more into ground information, like the lifestyle of Portuguese, cultural festivals, type of government, and the difference between country life and city life, then the mainland will interest you more.
But if you are more into spirituality and believe in listening to the inner voice, then visit the Azores because the greatest wonder of nature is hidden there.
The group of islands is rich in flora, fauna, and aquatic resources with an endless variety of flowers you may recognize, natural hot pools of different colors like yellow, blue, and green, red sand floor, and dolphins coming to greet you. The plus point is that some places are way too beautiful and free of cost for exploration.
Below is the list of the Azores island group stating all the important facts about each one of them:
1) Sao Miguel Island
It is one of the most popular and king islands among the nine of the Azores because of the population, big size, and many people, which means plenty of activity. Sao Miguel sums up almost everything that be spotted on the other eight islands in terms of outdoor activities, and it is the most active of them all.
If you have enough money and are looking to spend it on an adventurous activity, then go to Sao Miguel island, and rent a car to reach the destination quickly because the island is big enough. Experience swimming with a dolphin in the ocean where a marine biologist will provide you instructions, go for a random long drive and you will notice plenty of hydrangeas planted on both sides of the road.
The capital of Sao Miguel is Ponta Delgada, where you can find plenty of good restaurants serving traditional Azorean cuisines and visit the famous pineapple plantation site, the most popular fruit of the island. The Azorean island is also renowned all over Europe for its good milk, cheese, and wine.
The one interesting site is Furnas, a small village in Sao Miguel composed of fumaroles and volcanic hot springs releasing heat and sulfur gas in the air. This village is highly recommended because of the geothermal activity; the naturally boiling water is used by local islanders to cook their traditional stew dishes.
If you went to the Azores and had not bathed in naturally hot geothermal spring water,, your trip will turn tasteless and tragic. The swimming pool feels like heaven in winter because of the perfect warm temperature; it is one of the best stress-releasing exercises.
The first bathing spot is Terra Nostra, where the water is naturally yellow due to the iron content, and it looks beautiful; the place has a botanical garden attached where countless plants and flowers are planted from all over the world; the whole experience is just surreal, and they have walking trail option available as well.
The second bathing spot is Caldeira Velha and the pool looks like widened staircase not much bigger, the whole structure with shining blue water is just amazing but one has to buy a ticket to bathe in this pool, though the place looks perfect for a romantic pool date.
The third bathing spot is Ponta da Ferraria; it looks like a beach where waves keep hitting the sand, and a large rocky mountain lies on the side. The fourth bathing spot is unique in style it’s a waterfall where the water keeps falling like a cascade and never stops flowing, Sa; Saltos Prego is the name of this spot.
2) Sao Jorge Island
Sao Jorge is not as populated as Sao Miguel; it has more natural scenes and fewer people and activity; it forms a triangle with Pico and Faial; thus, its location is closer to these two islands, so it becomes easy for travel freaks and adventure lovers to decide their next destination or explore the other Azore islands.
The most important feature of Sao Jorge is Fajas (landslides), which result from volcanic activities, and the houses are built near the beaches on a stair step, the same structure at an increasing height.
You can book a whole bungalow by contacting an intact farm bungalow that guarantees you a view of the Atlantic Ocean and provides perks like the availability of every domestic thing of use inside the bungalow for cooking and bathing and an interesting boat ride.
There are so many smaller towns to explore and, the famous is Faja Dos Cubres when, with minimal population but plenty of vacation houses for staying and, the nearby eating spot is Snack Bar Costa Norte. The most beautiful spot is the lighthouse at Topo, which gives you a distant ocean view, and it is mostly windy in the town, mostly on the top.
Sao Jorge Island is perfect for camping, exploration, meditation, relaxing, and hiking. If you want to cut off from the world and d a peaceful vacation the,n come here and do whatever your heart desires.
3) Santa Maria Island
Santa Maria island is believed to be the oldest island of the Azores. It has hotter and drier climate conditions, due to which the sky always looks clear and the days are mostly sunnier compared to the other eight islands. The good thing is that this island is closest to Sao Miguel, which is the most populous and popular among them.
As per the climatic conditions, the most beautiful view of the sunrise can be watched from Santa Lorenzo. The Sun rising above in the sky looks like a huge crimson ball coming out of the crystal clear ocean water. The other viewpoint is Miradouro de Sao Lournco, where a distant view of the blue ocean water, green landscapes, and rocky mountains can be seen.
To enter into the heart of any place you must visit the towns and meet locals, the oldest city of the Santa Maria island is Vila do Porto composed of beautiful white houses, parks, parking lots, and a harbor namely Na Rota Dos Corsarios.
The other town is Santa Barbara, which is, composed of white and blue houses surrounding a church. The roadside area is not crowded with cars or people because of the low population, the beautiful fish symbol is painted on the roads and, some of the walls have amazing street art.
The majestic feature of Santa Maria island is white sandy beaches, also classified as a Natural Reserve in 1987 because of the natural amphitheater, vineyards, and red desserts.
4) Pico Island
The second largest island in the Azores archipelago is Pico. Pico is nicknamed the black island due to the lava rock formations, and the island’s highest mountain peak is Pico Mountain, the most famous tourist destination and hiking spot.
The other most highlighted feature of the island is exotic vegetation not found in other islands of the Azores archipelago, and the whale watching site where locals used to hunt the mightiest fish at Lajes do Pico port. Nearby this place exists a restaurant called Snack Bar Toronto if wandering on the island makes you hungry.
The island’s pathways aren’t very crowded with flowers, cows, or hydrangeas, but it has everything, and the scenic spots are quite different and dark due to the lava rock.
Pico Vineries is one of the marked places for visitation because they have an interesting vine museum and, the whole process of vine production is unique to watch, vi; Vines this island is internationally famous. Pico vineries have the highest concentration of dragon trees as well.
5) Faial Island
Faial Island resembles some European countries where the main city and developed areas have beautiful houses with red rooftops, a church, and a clock tower.
The natural visiting spots are highlands like a pressed volcano, beaches, pools, and harbors. Among many beaches lies the black sand beach at the base of the bay Sao Sebastiano.
Nature has been less favorable here because the area has seen many ruins, and the ruins of Ribeirinha church and lighthouse prove it all. The structure lay in complete aloofness at the edge of the big rock, surrounded by ocean water from all sides.
The capital city of the Faial island is Horta, where the place Marina is the most famous spot because yachts and ships from all over the world stop there; the walls and walkaways are covered in paintings made by sailors of the world, and cafe sports used to be their main eating spot.
Another interesting spot is the Scrimshaw Museum, which has a huge collection of artifacts carved by locals on whale teeth and jawbones. The whole town lies beneath the volcano Monte da Guia and Ponta da Espalamanca. From here, Pico Island is excellently visible.
6) Flores Island
The island is named Flores because millions of beautiful flowers are spread across the whole land, and it is believed to be the most beautiful island in the Azores archipelago.
If you decide to explore Flores, you don’t have to make a list of famous spots to hit; it’s like you start walking, and beautiful things keep coming your way: the luscious green landscapes, water falling between rocks, the settled pebbles duly visible under crystal clear blue, green ocean water.
For centuries this island remained secluded, Aldeia da Cuada a small village is believed to be the first settlement, the place has traditional houses with a wide variety of plants planted in pots of various colors and types. The breathtaking views lie at the back of this village, where waterways in the mountain look like blood running into our veins.
The other tiny village worth visiting is Fajazinha, which is composed of well-built houses, high cliffs, and waterfalls.
The watery places to watch are Lagoa Funda (Deep lake) and Lagoa Rasa (Flat lake), existing side by side like two bowls filled with water, Lagoa Comprida (Large lake), and Lagoa Negra (Dark lake); the special feature is the stair which is to reach the top and view them properly. These are volcanic craters turned into lakes.
It would be an unforgivable sin to come to an island and not swim in ocean water, so Faa Grande and Cascata do Poco do Bacalhau, are some of the best swimming places often visited by locals and explorers.
Poco Ribeira do Ferreiro is a special waterfall lying in the wilderness, where the falling water peacefully settles into a circular bowl of earth. It’s a perfect area for meditation or relaxation. Flores Island is a complete paradise; walking here feels like wandering in a huge natural garden.
7) Terceira Island
Terceira Island is believed to be one of the larger islands with a good number of people; thus, it is a perfect active vacation spot with many things to do. Outside the airport, Praia da Vitoria is the nearest popular spot for fun. The visitors can enjoy swimming and sunbathing, and the place has a restaurant attached where traditional Azorean cuisine can be tasted beside other food items.
The two major seaports are Angra do Heroismo and Praia do Vitoria, where ships from all over the world sail. Angra do Heroismo is also the capital city of Terceira island, a museum named after the town, and the central part is reserved for a UNESCO World Heritagee.
The most popular visiting spots are Serra do Cume for major natural scenic views; the place is surrounded by greenery from all sides; Forte do Bom Jesus is a nice hiking area that takes you nearer to the ocean water; and Sao Joao Baptista is a massive 16th-century fortress in the capital city is just amazing.
If you love birds and animals, then you must go to Lagoa das Patas to see and feed a wide variety of ducks. The other such place lies at Monte Brasil with cute cat houses, colorful caged parrots, and other unique bird species.
Terceira is believed to be the most festive island because of the popular street bullfighting on a rope on the island; it is called Toreadora a Cordo. The other major festival is Carnaval, in which unique dance performances are given in a very special way by the locals.
The bullfighting festival is commemorated most grandly on this island for an annual celebration.
Do not miss the typical good food of the island, so visit Biscoitos and eat Alcatraz (seafood with boiled potatoes and sweet bread). Bakeries here sell homemade baked snack items like biscuits and sweet bread.
The northern part of the island has one wine museum which a family has run from ancient times and they provide a free tour to the visitors, the insides are interesting with all the traditional types of equipment and techniques used for making organic wine.
8) Graciosa Island
Graciosa means graceful, so Graciosa island is believed to be enchanting with all of its natural composition.
One of the island’s largest settlements and capitals is Santa Cruz da Graciosa, divided into four civil parishes.
In this area lies a very beautiful red sand beach. Above it, there is plenty of black lava rock, which adds to its natural beauty; the name of the place is Barro Vermelho. The other area worth visiting is a 15th-century fortress, Ermida da Nossa Senhora da Ajuda.
To get the view of the ocean water, there is a beautiful tall lighthouse situated in the l da Ponta da Barca, at the edge of the big rock.
The most magical viewpoints are Ilheu da Praia and Ilheu da Baleia, where the big water waves keep visiting to splash against the rocky coastlines dipped in the ocean.
The other interesting noticeable features of the island are volcanic caves and natural lava pools; under the volcanic caves, the dark tale of earthly pressure is clearly expressed through the heat, walls made of lava rocks, and the darkness.
Praia de Sao Mateus is a beautiful, well-pre swell-preserve additional town of Graciosa island with big windmills on the outskirts painted with bright red col enjoy the sunset in the lap of nature, head up to Miradouro da Ribeirinha and sit on the lush green field which is just above the sea; the fresh blowing air refreshes every inch of your soul.
9) Corvo Island
Corvo is the tiniest island in the Azores archipelago with 6km length and 4km width and the residents are about less than 500, the island has one port and a restaurant with a vegan option and most of the places are visible from the highest point.
Caldeirao is a huge volcanic crater and one of the most famous landmarks in the Corvo; the whole structure is so magnificent that it would be a crime to miss this view; well, the island is small enough to cover the entire area in just two days.
Corvo is the neighboring island of Flores and can be reached in just the blink of an eye, the windmill site looks like a place mentioned in the fairy tale and the nearby land is just perfect for camping, family picnic, and photoshoot.
The other expected activities are fishing, hiking, whale watching, and bird watching. Whale-watching buildings exist on the north side of the island, and during autumn, some of the rarest bird species can be spotted here because it is believed that they migrate between America and Europe.
The Corvo island has a tradition of celebrating the holy spirit in the church and a special feast is prepared on this occasion, among all the delicacies the most traditional dish is a soup made of bread and meat.
The island has a perfect temperature and, the mix of blue ocean water and green luscious land between the colorful artificial structures looks gorgeous if viewed from a height ht.
9.1. Common symbols of the Azores
- mini walls made of black stones to mark boundaries and divide property
- hydrangeas flowers planted on both sides of the road
- small towns composed of white houses, mostly
- Church in the middle of the town or village
- interesting street art paintings
- free wandering cows and goats
3. Where are the Azores located?
If the question is still rotating in your head where are the Azores? Let me tell you the exact location of the secret European islands.
In between the Eurasian and North American continental plates, there is a North Atlantic region where the group of Azores lies, the islands of Azores are volcanic, and they are less known in the outside world because they are not attached to any country or continent. They exist near one European country, so in general terms, they are referred to as an autonomous region of Portugal.
4. Takeaways
The islands of the Azores are for sure a paradise on earth with all of their natural resources and beauty. Mountains, beaches, waterfalls, and land cliffs can be found on other islands as well but the most unique features of the Azores are hot springs, fumaroles, mud geysers, volcanic caves, volcanic craters, and lava rocks.
Though the common symbols are already being pointed out, each one of the islands has a different story to tell; some are active enough to leave you busy, and some are slow enough to let you observe smaller details of life. There is a slight difference in weather as you move from one island to the other, but there never have been any kind of extreme changes in weather conditions, thus keeping it moderate all year long.
The smaller developments on the island have helped the islanders in establishing a connection with the world, the island like Terceira and Sao Miguel is more developed than others.
The island of Azores has pools and sandy beaches of different colors like nowhere to be seen, to all travelers, explorers, adventure seekers, and nature lovers, the islands of the Azores welcome you. Find the lost peace and soul purpose of your life here.
Last Updated on July 11, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty