Azores, due to the purity of air the light is of such a quality that it emphasizes the colours of vegetation, flowers, and the difference between light and shade. For more detailed guides about the Algarve or Portugal, don't hesitate te contact us.



The first of the Azores group of islands were said to be discovered in 1427 but his fact is somewhat disputed by other records. Azores is on the same latitude as that of Lisbon and is about two hours flight from Portugal. Due to the purity of air the light is of such a quality that it emphasizes the colours of vegetation, flowers, and the difference between light and shade. Regardless of their remoteness the Islands are a segment of the EU being an integral part of Portugal.

Azores has 9 islands. Sao Miguel, known as the green island, is the largest and most populated island of the Azores. The island has a surface area of approximately 759 km2. The municipal seat is located in “Ponta Delgada”, the largest town in the archipelago. This island has around 140.000 inhabitants. You can visit: the Convent and Chapel of Our Lady of Hope, known as "Convento de Esperança" or simply Saint Christ's Church "Igreja do Senhor Santo Cristo", is home to the magnificent statue of "Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres" Christ of Miracles, the patron of the largest religious festival in the Azores. The “Sant'Ana” Palace, a 19th century construction surrounded by beautiful gardens is actualy the residence of the President of the Regional Government of the Azores (it is not open daily). The museum “Carlos Machado Museum”, with permanent exhibitions. The "Lagoa do Fogo" (Fire Lake). The hiker may reach the lake along well travelled paths.

The "Ermida da Senhora da Paz" (Our Lady of Peace Chapel), an authentic "Marian" sanctuary constructed on a mount provides an excellent view of the village and of the islet. The "Ilheu" of "Vila Franca", protected as a Natural Reserve, is approximately 1 km from the coastline. The Furnas lake, surrounded by a beautiful flowered shore. The area of the "Caldeiras" (Hot Springs) at the lake, serve as a natural kitchen. Cooking by burying pots of food in the earth is a tradition that provides a fantastic meal of mixed meats and vegetables. In the town of  Furnas the "Caldeiras", are even more spectacular. Many openings in the earth sprout geysers of boiling hot water.

The "Terra Nostra" Park, behind the hotel of the same name, is one of the most beautiful parks in São Miguel . This 18th century park consists of small lakes, and streams, bushes of colourful and exotic flowers and century old trees of great botanical value. A lake that works like a pool of thermal iron water where you can relax in hot water. "Nordeste" (Northeast), is one of the most attractive municipalities in São Miguel . The look-out points, "Ponta da Madrugada", "Ponta do Sossego", "Salto da Farinha", and the "Ponta do Estorninho", among others are worth stopping at to admire the flowers and the amazing landscape.

Santa Maria is about 55 miles from S. Miguel island (30 minutes by plane). It is the third smallest island of the Azores, known as the yellow island. The surface area is approximately of 97 km2. The island has about 5500 inhabitants. The municipal seat is located in the parish of “Vila do Porto”.

Terceira is approximately 90 miles of São Miguel and 66 miles of Faial, and has a surface area of 382 km2. The international airport, located in "Lajes", is 3 km from the city of "Praia da Vitória" serves both civilian and military needs and includes both the Military Command for the Azores as well as an important American Air Force Base. This island is the second most populated with 58.000 inhabitants. The municipal seat is located in "Angra do Heroísmo”, where the The "Paços do Concelho" (City Hall), a majestic construction of the 19th century, is an important example of the rich patrimony of Angra. After a violent earthquaque in 1980 and the reconstruction of the city, a large portion of Angra's historical center has been classified Public Interest, and is included in the UNESCO’s list of World Patrimony since 1986. Angra has one of the best Public Libraries and Archives in the country which also retains some important private art collections.
 
Pico Island, named after its imposing mountain and also known as the grey island due to the mountain, is often referred as the “Ilha Montanha” (Mountain Island) and belongs to the central group of islands. Pico island is, the after S. Miguel, the second largest island in the Azores and it is 4,5 miles from Faial and 11 miles from S. Jorge. You can visit: for the more adventurous - Pico mountain, which is 2351m high, is the tallest mountain in Portugal. Climbing Pico mountain may be a reward for the magnificent views, that the altitude provides, of both Pico island and the other islands of the central group, although it is always advisable to be accompanied by a guide. (Note: You drive up to 1.200m, from there you have to climb).

The coastline is indented with headlands and bays. Impressive lava arches like the “Arcos do Cachorro” (Arches of the Puppy) can be seen along the coastline, where the sea churns through tunnels. The curious rock formation has the shape of the face of a dog, the lava formations were named after that peculiar shape. Museum of the Whaling Industry - recently housed in the former Whaling Factory, it exhibits tools and equipment used in the whaling industry. Santo Amaro - where the main shipbuilding yard in the Azores is can be found: traditional techniques, experienced craftsmen transform gnarled and twisted wood into attractive rowing boats, fast motor-boats, trawlers and other fishing and passenger boats.

Faial island is part of the central group of the archipelago, about 66 miles from Terceira, 4.5 miles from Pico and 11 miles from S. Jorge. The surface area of Faial is approximately 173 km2. The island has about 15.000 inhabitants and its main municipal seat is located in the city of Horta. Different colours of blue decorate the houses, divide the fields and line the roadsides, giving Faial the name of Blue Island. In the 18th century the development of whale hunting brought the early whaling fleets to Horta. By 19th century, Horta had become an important sea port, and a stopping point for a large number of yachts crossing the Atlantic. In 1957 a great volcanic eruption from the “Ilhéu dos Capelinhos”, about 1 km from the coast, projected large quantities of lava and ash forming an islet that later became connected to Faial by an isthmus.

The island of São Jorge, another island from the central group, lies 21,6 miles of Graciosa, 11 miles of Pico, 32,4 miles of Terceira and 16,2 miles of Faial. It has an approximate area of 246 km2. The island has about 9.500 inhabitants. The main municipalities are Velas and Calheta. S.Jorge Island has an indented coastline appearing with an oblong shape. A mountain range forms the back-bone of the island, its highest peak the Pico da Esperança (1053 m.) offers views of the other islands of the central group.

Approximately 31 miles of Terceira lies the islan of Graciosa. It has a surface area of 61 km2. It is called the white island due to the landscape and the names given to certain places like "Pedras Brancas" or White Stones, "Serra Branca" or White Mountain, and "Barro Branco" or White Clay. The island has about 4.600 inhabitants. The main municipalities are "Santa Cruz" and “Lajes”. The islets along the coast of Graciosa add a peculiar beauty to the islands. The "Praia" Islet, totally covered by vegetation, and the "Baleia" Islet, named this way because of it has shape of a whale.

The island of Flores is the westernmost point of the Archipelago and of Europe. Flores is about 15 miles from Corvo. These two islands make up the western group of the archipelago. The area is about 143Km2. The island has more or less 4.000 inhabitants. The main municipalities are Santa Cruz and Lajes.The island has deep valleys and high peaks, lakes bordered by hydrangeas, cliffs carved with grottoes, hot springs and the remains of old volcanoes. The fields are divided by hydrangea hedges.

The bottom of volcanic cones with legends that speak of the unknown. Houses piled up the side of a ravine facing the sea. The vastness of the views. The simple, calm life of a small community. The charms of Corvo, a tiny island, a green drop in the greatness of a turquoise ocean. The islands of Corvo and Flores, 15 miles apart, form the Western group of the Azores Archipelago. Volcanic in origin, Corvo is the smallest island in the Archipelago, with an area of 17.5 Km2 and 400 inhabitants. The municipal center is at Vila Nova do Corvo.

Useful Informations

Official Name: Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal since 1439

Administrative Capital: Ponta Delgada

Languages: Portuguese (official)

Money: Portugal is one of 12 European Union countries whose common official currency is the euro.
1 euro is divided into 100 cents. The coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and 1 and 2 euros.
The notes are differentiated by their size and colour and come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros.
One side of the coins has a common design (the European side), and the other side has a national symbol. All euro coins can be used in any euro-zone country, irrespective of which national symbols they display.

Religion: Portuguese culture is very influenced by religion. Catholicism predominates but others religions can be practiced.

Population: 242,000

Land Area: 2,355 sq km (893 sq miles)

Landforms: The forested islands are volcanic in origin and ringed by long, sandy beaches. The highest point is the Pico Volcano, at (2,351 m)

Climate: The Climate is mild and most places sunny. Every single island has its own climate. The humidity is on some islands some high. On the Azores you can use the phrase "four seasons of the day", and in fact it is a very good description of the climate.

Coastline: Apart from very few places on Santa Maria, Faial, Terceira and São Miguel, the coastline is all made from lava. Most places it is beautiful to watch these fantasy formations. But it also means lack of long white sandy beaches.

Disability: The Azores is in general not suitable for disabled people. It can be hard to get around in a wheelchair, or get access to restaurants and hotels.

Electricity: The voltages on all of the islands is 220/380 volt alternating current. Don't forget adaptor.

Flora: You will find a numerous of varieties of flower on the Azores. More that 55 very rear you will find only on this place on the earth. This make the Azores to a very exiting Botanic Garden.

Food and Drinks: The Azorean food is well prepared. Here you will get large meals. Some might say the food is a little old fashion. It is not the French cuisine who has inspired the Azorean kitchen. They are faithful to old traditions. Although many restaurants serve international cuisine. All kinds of fish is on the menu all over the Azores. The food is not very spicy. There are also production of local gin. Here it's called Aquadente. Some are homemade, and some industrial produced. Both can be purchased in most minimarkets, or at the local grocery shop in up to 10 liters plastic bottles.

Getting there: From the European continent you can fly direct from Lisbon by S.A.T.A. and TAP or direct with S.A.T.A from Frankfurt, London and Munique. There are no passenger ferries or similar available between mainland Portugal and the Azores.

Hospitals and health: On all islands there are hospitals, who are open 24 hours a day. Here they treat minor injuries and diseases. More complicated occasions will be transported to Terceira or São Miguel, who provide fully equipped hospitals.

Shopping: Different kind of handicraft is affordable to buy. Pottery, bedcovers, embroidery and wowed handicraft is very attractive. Refuse to buy souvenirs from animals from the sea. In the Azores you may encounter sellers of objects in whale bone and ivory (without a registration number), dolphin tooth, turtle shells, shark tooth. The CITES (the international agreement which governs threatened species) forbids this type of commerce. The European Union, of which the Azores is a member, ratified this agreement.

Transportation from island to island: Transportation between the islands is done by airplane or ferry. From start of June to end September is it possible to go between most of the the islands by Acorline who provide 2 large car ferries. Not every day, but look at the time-scedule on there webs. The local and only airline company is S.A.T.A. They fly modern 2-engines propeller aircrafts. There are several departures from each islands every day. But do make reservation in due time. It is fairly small airplanes with 64 seats. Pay attention to the fact, that cancellation of flight departures now and then happend. Not always because of bad weather, but because of low clouds in the sky above the airfield. Of cause it means that you have to take this fact into your planning of your holiday, and be prepared for an extra day on the Azores. If you have the opportunity, take the ferry instead of the airplane. It is a very exiting experience. Ask the tourist office when you are there.