Better known for its anticyclone at weather time than for its natural and cultural riches, the Azores archipelago has however many assets to seduce the visitor. Less than five hours from Paris, the visitor is plunged into a universe anchored in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. The colourful landscapes and underwater riches make it a unique land, the secret of which is still jealously guarded by a privileged few.
A volcanic journey
The Azores flora is the highlight of the show. Almost all year round, the Azores form nine symphonies of intoxicating colours and aromas. The extinct volcanoes form a bumpy relief that offers a wide variety of landscapes. The intertwining of sea and land, the jagged basalt coast, the black sand and natural pools, the volcano lakes, the strange volcanic fumaroles rising from underground: the Azores are a delightful natural spectacle that is easy to penetrate. Fertile plains and distant mountains, misty volcanoes and clear cities: at every moment our senses are awakened. Tectonic activity can be felt everywhere in the Azores! Volcanism has left fascinating traces here: the Ponta do Pico, represents a beautiful ascent with a breathtaking panorama at the top in good weather; on the island of São Miguel, the fumaroles of Furnas Lake or the crater lakes of Fogo or Sete Cidades are marvels. On Faial, you can see the Capelinhos volcano which was born... in 1958! In Flores and Corvo, the crater lakes give an Auvergne or Scottish landscape, the hydrangeas and the sea below too! Marked trails, geographical proximity to towns and villages: these volcanoes and their lakes are perfect for hiking and walking.
Walkers' paradise
The wonders of the Azores can therefore be discovered on foot. On the menu are invigorating strolls through ever-changing landscapes, along streams whose wild courses flow between ravines with dense vegetation, lakes with translucent waters and green banks, spectacular cliffs, sleeping craters and iridescent caves
Due to its size, São Miguel offers many possibilities for a trip once you have discovered the architectural charm of the capital. It is indeed the most visited island of the archipelago and the most adapted to receive tourists. Furnas, Sete Cidades and the Pico da Vara reserve are the most popular places on the island. In Terceira, head for the Serra de Santa Barbara or Monte Brasil for invigorating walks punctuated by magnificent viewpoints thanks to the numerous belvederes planted here and there. In Faial, after strolling around this mythical port for sailors from all over the world, you can observe the endemic plants of the archipelago on Monte da Guia, the promontory overlooking Horta and Porto Pim. The Cabeço do Pico Verde can be discovered in just two hours. From there, you can walk around the crater and enjoy a magnificent view of the Capelinhos volcano.
But the star, the real one, is Mount Pico on the eponymous island. The highest peak in Portugal (2,351 m) was the scene of the first Air France accident, in which the boxer Marcel Cerdan died, the fatal one 27 octobre 1949, while on his way to New York to take his revenge on Jake LaMotta and reach Edith Piaf more quickly. After five hours of climbing, however, the spectacle is extraordinary: one overlooks the archipelago and especially the central islands, with this confused and fascinating impression of dominating the Atlantic Ocean, from the Americas to Europe!
Discovering the Ocean
A green paradise, of course, the Azores are an extraordinary place to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean. Moreover, if you have to take a plane to reach the central islands from the capital Ponta Delgada, it is by boat that you will travel between them. Going out to sea to discover dolphins and especially whales, is a more playful way to learn about the history of these Portuguese islands. A mythical animal of the Azores, the whale was still hunted in 1987. Harpoons gave way to binoculars and a camera for an unforgettable excursion. Vila Franca do Campo, in São Miguel, and Lajes do Pico, in Pico, will be privileged starting points to discover the maritime fauna and its sea giants. Apart from this typical outing, there will be plenty of opportunities to face the ocean. Surfers and bodyboarders will find fabulous spots, such as the Fajã do Santo Cristo in São Jorge, a small village lost near its lagoon, accessible only on foot or by boat, or the beach of Santa Barbara, in the municipality of Ribeira Grande, on the island of São Miguel
In the meantime, sailors will be able to set off for a regatta or organize memorable fishing trips. Scuba diving enthusiasts will also find what they are looking for. As the coasts are of volcanic origin, it is a marvel to stroll between the arches, the debris of some cliff collapse, tunnels, caves, etc.
Quality rural tourism
Fishing, diving or hiking, the days promise to be sporty and if there are some big hotels often impersonal (in São Miguel and Terceira in particular), one will prefer the warmth of small pensions and guest rooms to share with the locals his emotions of the day. On islands that are still not very popular with tourists, the hospitality of the Azores is beyond compare. Proud of their islands, they will share with you tips and anecdotes. What better way to get to know the destination ?
FUTURE INFO
When? In the spring for the arrival of fine weather and in the summer to take full advantage of the exceptional opening on the Atlantic
Go. Since 2013, a direct Sata flight exists from April to October. Otherwise, you have to make a stopover in Portugal
Useful. For more information, contact the Azores Tourism Association
