Azores

An Adventure of a lifetime

Naturally rich in its history, beauty and culture, the Portuguese islands Azores are a hidden gem in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. These 9 Volcanic islands, each one unique and different, are filled with breathtaking views, stunning places and life lasting experiences. Homeland of the highest Mountain of Portugal, of naturally black sanded beaches and of several nature reserves.

Essentially a sustainable tourism getaway.

Rainbow of the Atlantic Explained

Each island is painted by one color, find out which one and why.

Santa Maria

Santa Maria is believed to be the first island to be formed and discovered. Being the most eastern and south island of them all, it distinguishes itself by the dry climate and sunnier compared to the rest of the archipelago. It´s known as the Yellow Island due to the usual sunny weather as well as for 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 sought-after experiences of 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 snorkelling or diving (in specific places), providing the lucky ones who see them and swim beside them an incredible experience.

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São Miguel

São Miguel is called the Green Island for its several shades of green that cover all the island with big landscapes and fields that can be admired in every viewpoint. In addition to the green color borrowed from nature, this island stands out not only for being the largest in the archipelago and therefore more populous, but also for the various lakes created by the volcanoes that once raised this island: Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, Lagoa das Furnas, Lagoa do Canário, among others. Several spots in this island are an invitation to a relaxing ambiance, the outdoor thermal swimming pool in the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, Poça da Dona Beija, Caldeira Velha or even Ferraria.

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Terceira

Terceira was the third island of the archipelago to be discovered. The main city, Angra do Heroísmo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. Known as the Lilac Island due to the long trellis of wisterias abundant in private properties. Although all the islands are of volcanic origin, in this island you will be able to get inside a chimney of an extinct volcano, the Algar do Carvão, or visit the lava tube of Gruta do Natal. These visits are a great experience because it gives an overview of what happened thousands of years ago but also helps understand its origin. Stage of several festivities, the celebrating spirit of the people from this island is lived very intensively and give a warm welcoming to those who dare to join.

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Graciosa

Pedras Brancas, Barro Branco ou Serra Branca are some of the villages that are named after the whitish trachyte, a common volcanic rock in Graciosa, the White Island. The Caldeira da Graciosa is located at the top of the volcano, the smallest central vulcanic structure of the archipelago, and it shows a secondary volcanism through Furna do Enxofre, which is inside the caldera. Another attraction of the second smallest island of the Azores are the windmills, which have been recently restored and since then give an opportunity of spending a night in a traditional spot.

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São Jorge

The Fajãs and Queijo de São Jorge are two of the most iconic symbols of this island. The Fajãs, which are small flat lands along the coast, represent a magnificent contrast as this island has many steep cliffs and at the same time fajãs at sea level, more than 60 in total. Many of the trails on this island include a stop in a fajã to enjoy the atmosphere around it, becoming one of the greatest experiences. The cheese of São Jorge is known worldwide for its unique taste and strong smell. The Brown, a color symbolically attributed to the island of São Jorge, reveals itself in the Rosais Peninsula, but also in the dark rocks that you can see when exploring the island.

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Pico

The Pico of Pico, an expression usually used to refer to Pico Mountain in Pico Island, the highest mountain of Portugal (2.351m). Linked to the world by the sea and the vineyards, sperm whales and wine were the main source of profit for many years. The local approach to wine production and vineyard culture was kept as a remarkable scenery throughout the years and was recognized World Heritage site by Unesco in 2004. Unique vineyards, dark grey basalt and the high cliff mark the Grey island all by itself.

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Faial

The point of connection between America and Europe due to its international harbour, Faial island offers two different views, a rich and diverse flora and at the same time a lunar dry scenario in Capelinhos. Faial is known as the Blue Island for the abundance of blue hydrangeas seen all over the island and due to its deep relationship with the sea, its marina has proved its importance for many transatlantic adventurous sailors. The Capelinhos volcano, was the last erupted volcano in the Azores, in the late 1950s, is proof that natural adversities can turn into a splendid icon for the island. Travellers come by and visit the volcano that emerged from the seabed to understand the contrasted layers and textures that are seen in this area, which has been gradually invaded by vegetation.

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Flores

Colorful flowers and unique waterfalls kindly sum up what Flores, Flowers Island, is made of. Known as the Pink Island from the numerous azalea shrubs, the hidden lakes and waterfalls are a must see for pure nature lovers. Poço do Bacalhau or Poço Ribeira do Ferreiro, these are a few mandatory stops in Flores that can be reached through a trail, giving an opportunity to see the beauty of wildlife up close.

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Corvo

The smallest of the 9 islands, Corvo has only one village with about 400 inhabitants. Visiting the island is an experience itself, as life here is appreciated and seen differently. The island and its properties are surrounded by black stones, justifying the name of Ilha Preta. The Caldeirão, a caldera located at the top of the volcano with a flat lake, is the main attraction of the island and can be enjoyed in a beautiful viewpoint or through a trail for those who venture to approach. If you are looking for tranquility, silence and peace, most people would say that this is the perfect place for that.

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