Naturally rich in history, beauty and culture, the Portuguese islands of the Azores are a hidden pearl in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. These 9 volcanic islands, each unique and different, are full of stunning landscapes, impressive places and lasting experiences. Home to the highest mountain in Portugal, black sand beaches and several nature reserves.
Essentially a sustainable tourist getaway.
Each island is painted in a color, find out which one and why.
Santa Maria is considered the first island to be formed and discovered. Being the most eastern and southern island of all, it is distinguished by its drier and sunnier climate compared to the rest of the archipelago. It is known as the Yellow Island due to the usual sunny climate, as well as the yellow Genisteae flowers that once abundantly populated the island. Seen as one of the best places for diving, swimming with manta rays is one of the most popular experiences among those visiting the Azores. This pelagic species spends its summer holidays in our archipelago and it is common to see groups of curious manta rays while snorkeling or diving in specific locations, providing those lucky enough to spot them and swim alongside them an incredible experience.
MORESão Miguel Island is called Green Island due to its various shades of green that cover the entire island of extensive landscapes and pastures that can be admired from all viewpoints. In addition to the green color lent by nature, this island stands out not only for being the largest in the archipelago, and therefore most populated, but also for the various lagoons created by the volcanoes that once built this island: Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo , Lagoa das Furnas, Lagoa do Canário, among others. It is possible to experience a calm environment through the outdoor thermal pools, either in Parque Terra Nostra, Poça da Dona Beija, Caldeira Velha or Ferraria.
MORETerceira was the third island in the archipelago to be discovered. The main city, Angra do Heroísmo, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. Known as Lilac Island for the long trellises of wisteria abundant on private properties. Although all the islands are of volcanic origin, on this island you can enter the chimney of an extinct volcano, Algar do Carvão, or visit the lava tube of Gruta do Natal. These visits provide a great experience giving an overview of what happened thousands of years ago, but also help to understand its origins. The stage for various festivities, the celebratory spirit of the people of this island is experienced intensely and gives a warm welcome to anyone who dares to join the party.
MOREPedras Brancas, Barro Branco or Serra Branca are some of the parishes that allude to the whitish color of trachyte, a volcanic rock common in Graciosa, Ilha Branca. Caldeira da Graciosa, the smallest central volcanic structure in the archipelago, is located at the top of the volcano and demonstrates secondary volcanic activity in Furna do Enxofre, located within the caldera. Another attraction of the second smallest island in the Azores are the windmills, recently restored and which have since allowed accommodation for a stay in a traditional location.
MOREFajãs and Queijo de São Jorge are the two most iconic symbols of the Island. The Fajãs, which are small flat lands along the coast, represent a magnificent contrast on this island that has several steep cliffs, and at the same time fajãs at sea level, more than 60 in total. Many of the hiking trails on this island include a stop at a fajã in order to enjoy the entire environment there, making it one of the best experiences. São Jorge cheese is known worldwide for its unique taste and strong odor. Brown, the color symbolically attributed to the island of São Jorge, is revealed in the Rosais Peninsula, but also in the dark rocks that you can see when exploring the island.
MOREPico do Pico is an expression often used to refer to Pico Mountain on the island of Pico, the highest in Portugal (2,351m). Connected to the world by the sea and vineyards, sperm whales and wine were for many years the main sources of income. The local approach to wine production and vineyard culture has been maintained as a notable setting over the years and recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004. Unique vineyards, dark gray basalt and large cliffs demarcate the Gray Island in its own right.
MOREA connection point between America and Europe due to its international port, the island of Faial offers two distinct views, a rich and diverse flora, and at the same time a dry lunar scenario in Capelinhos. Faial is known as the Blue Island due to the abundance of blue hydrangeas seen all over the island and due to its deep relationship with the sea, its marina has shown great importance for many adventurous transatlantic sailors. The Capelinhos volcano was the last volcano to erupt in the Azores, at the end of the 1950s, it is proof that natural adversities can become a splendid icon for the island. Travelers pass through here and visit the volcano that emerged from the bottom of the sea to understand the contrasting layers and textures that can be seen in this area, which has gradually been invaded by vegetation.
MOREColorful flowers and unique waterfalls gently summarize what Flores Island is made of. Known as Pink Island for its numerous azalea bushes, the hidden lagoons and waterfalls are attractions not to be missed for lovers of pure nature. Poço do Bacalhau or Poço Ribeira do Ferreiro are some of the mandatory stops in Flores, which can be reached via a trail, giving the opportunity to see the beauty of wildlife up close.
MOREThe smallest of the 9 islands, Corvo has just one village with around 400 inhabitants. Visiting the island is an experience in itself, as life here is appreciated and seen in a different way. The island and its properties are surrounded by black rocks, justifying the name Ilha Preta. The Caldeirão, a caldera located at the top of the volcano with a flat lagoon, is the island's main attraction and can be seen from a beautiful viewpoint or via a trail for those who dare to get closer. If you are looking for tranquility, silence and peace, most people would say this is the perfect place for it.
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