A legendary stopover for sailors
Horta marina needs no introduction, as it has been a mythical stopover for long-haul travellers crossing the Atlantic to the Caribbean for several decades now. Today, some 1,500 sailboats and yachts visit Horta every year. It's also where damaged boats often take shelter during major competitions such as the Route du Rhum. And, of course, it's also where some of sailing's greatest figures have passed through. And they've often enjoyed a toast in one of the most famous cafés on the world's maritime route, Peter's Bar. But Horta no longer has a monopoly on yachting in the archipelago. Angra and Praia on Terceira, as well as Santa Maria, also have marinas, and Ponta Delgada attracts its fair share of seafaring adventurers. An almost unmissable stopover for those heading to Europe from the West Indies, the marinas of the Azores offer all the classic services, and their unique location, at the gateway to a new world and right in the middle of the ocean, lends them a strange and, it has to be said, rather fascinating atmosphere. Several competitions are held throughout the year, such as the Semaine de la Mer at the beginning of August, with many events organized in connection with this unique world.
Of course, the conditions are just right for having fun aboard a sailboat when you land on the archipelago. Ask at one of the islands' various yacht clubs to organize an outing.
Beach and scuba diving pleasures
Contrary to popular belief, the Azores are not in the Caribbean, nor do they resemble the Canaries! There are few beaches and no coconut palms to suggest a paradise of idleness... However, access to the sea is more plentiful than in Madeira, thanks to the many natural swimming pools scattered around the island and to a few pebble or sandy beaches (mostly black, although some beaches, such as Santa Maria, are white sand). All the bathing spots are popular, but rarely overcrowded in summer; a few spots are particularly popular, such as São Miguel on the coast, and it's always possible to find a little spot to swim and sunbathe in peace and quiet.
And if the Azores are first and foremost known for welcoming sailors from all over the world, there's plenty to see underwater too. Scuba diving is becoming increasingly popular, and diving centers can be found on almost every island. As the coasts are of volcanic origin, it's a marvel to wander between arches, the debris of some cliff collapse, tunnels, caves and so on. Numerous varieties of wrecks await the most adventurous, as corsairs were particularly fond of the region a few centuries ago, and naval battles between the Portuguese and Spanish raged at the end of the 16th century in particular, sinking numerous caravels near the ports.
Notice to big game fishing enthusiasts!
The waters of the Azores are known to be home to some large specimens of underwater fauna, and many world records have been certified here: blue marlin often weigh as much as 1,000 pounds. However, it would appear that the situation has worsened dramatically (perhaps due to the exceptional warmth of Azorean waters, or to large-scale industrial fishing) in recent years. Some now fear that the endangered blue marlin species may soon be extinct. Sharks, white marlin and various species of tuna are also caught. The big-game fishing season runs from late June to mid-October, when the water is warm enough, and schools of fish can be found around 25 miles off the coast. For those unfamiliar with the sport, it's important to point out that all fishermen adhere to the "Tag and Release" policy (through organizations such as the IGFA or the Billfish Foundation): catches are tagged (date and place, name of fisherman and captain, species and weight), then released back into the sea; they are only taken to the port of Horta if a record can be broken or if it's a truly extraordinary animal. Big-game fishing is in fact an expensive sport, but one with an obvious ecological conscience, which also fights against the outrageous fishing of large pelagic trawlers and other factory ships to preserve the underwater environment. Calling all enthusiasts!
Great surf spots
The archipelago has some rather fabulous spots, with "Hawaiian waves" according to some local riders. One of the most popular spots is the Fajã do Santo Cristo, in São Jorge. It's a small village lost near its lagoon, accessible only on foot or by boat, and where lovers of waves and tubes meet in profusion. Another popular spot for local surfers is Santa Barbara beach, in the municipality of Ribeira Grande, on the island of São Miguel. An international competition usually takes place there during the first week of September.
On the ground or from the air, to discover a jewel of nature
Hiking. The wonders of the Azores, a hiker's paradise, can only really be discovered on foot. On the menu are invigorating strolls through ever-changing landscapes, along wildly flowing streams tumbling through thickly vegetated ravines, lakes with translucent waters and verdant shores, spectacular cliffs, dormant craters and caves with iridescent walls. Even on paved roads, car traffic is not so heavy as to be a nuisance.
All the islands have signposted routes, but precarious winter weather conditions (mudslides, winds that uproot entire groves) can suddenly obstruct a trail that was perfectly passable two days earlier. Nevertheless, even when you're off the planned itinerary, you'll never be disappointed by the landscapes you discover.
In São Miguel, head for Sete Cidades and above all Lagoa do Fogo, an unmissable and spectacular hike in the heart of a nature reserve. On Faial, climb to the "Miradouro da Caldeira" and the 8 km trail around a gigantic crater 2 km in diameter. The highlight is Pico, where we climb the eponymous mountain (7.5 km - 3h30). At 2,351 metres, it is Portugal's highest peak. Some hikers walk at night to watch the sunrise. A truly extraordinary sight! Last but not least, the island of Flores is dotted with well-marked paths through some of the most extraordinary scenery to be found in Europe, with lush vegetation, immense cliffs, dizzying waterfalls and peaceful volcano lakes. But on every island, there's a real treat to be had.
Trail. The archipelago's splendid and varied landscapes, as well as its sometimes rugged terrain and conditions, also make the islands the ideal stage for numerous international-level trails. For some years now, Santa Maria has been offering the Columbus Grand Trail (which circles the island in 77 km) every February, and its worldwide reputation continues to grow(www.azorestrailrun.com).
Cycling and mountain biking. And with such a rugged terrain, it's obvious that mountain biking is a real pleasure. This is possible on many of the islands. The mild climate, the silence of the secondary roads, the beauty of the panoramas and the brightness of the flowers are permanent invitations to beautiful road bike tours too.
Paragliding. Finally, in São Miguel, paragliding lets you see all these wonders from the sky! The best-known sites are Lagoa do Fogo, Furnas and Pico da Vara. From Furnas, you can even fly over a volcano. An unforgettable experience!
Canyoning and caving, to go on an adventure
For thrill-seekers, canyoning promises great moments. Descending streams, crossing rivers and hidden creeks, taming gushing waterfalls or jumping into the transparent waters of natural pools, the archipelago offers wild nature and sublime landscapes that will delight canyoning enthusiasts. The volcanic rock offers many sharp edges and fractured blocks where water flows in abundance. São Miguel, São Jorge and Flores are particularly generous when it comes to canyoning. Santa Maria, Faial and Terceira also offer great opportunities.
There are also numerous caves of volcanic origin on the various islands, of great interest to caving enthusiasts. In Terceira, for example, you can contact the friendly Os Montanheiros association, who will be happy to help you discover the mysteries of these fascinating caves. The island of Pico is also home to some real volcanic treasures.
Small white ball and small yellow ball
Golf enthusiasts can enjoy two superb greens in São Miguel, the Furnas Golf Course and the Batalha Golf Course, which will satisfy even the most demanding amateurs. The landscapes are sublime and fully contribute to the pleasure of this sport. For budding Federers, a number of hotels are equipped with tennis courts, and there are clubs in Angra do Heroísmo (Terceira), Horta (Faial) and Ponta Delgada (São Miguel).
