THE BEST THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN THE AZORES ISLANDS

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The Azores: 9 islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean can only be synonymous with brutal nature, guaranteed adventure and the occasional surprise that will end up falling in love with this Portuguese treasure. I can feel it saudade of a site without even knowing it? We guarantee that yes, and if you don't believe it, read this article where we tell you the best things to see and do in the Azores Islands and you'll tell us ...

Prepare the backpack without forgetting the swimsuit and flip flops, but also trekking boots and a good raincoat: the trip you are about to take will take you to one of the most complete and surprising destinations in all of Europe.

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But before you start let us tell you that these 9 islands are part, along with Cape Verde, the Canary Islands and Madeira, of "Macaronesia", a biogeographic region so curious and beautiful that it is also known as "the lucky islands". Specific the Azores are divided into 3 groups: the eastern one (Santa María and San Miguel), the central one (Terceira, Graciosa, San Jorge, Pico and Faial) and the western one (Corvo and Flores).

Now that we have made the official presentations we will tell you things to see and do in the Azores Islands

If there is something that you will find in this paradise with 9 islands and thousands of kilometers of coastline are beaches! Whether you are a lizard who loves to spend the hours lying in the sun, as if you are a surfer with a desire for good waves, we assure you that you will be very happy: the beaches of Azores satisfy everyone. Of course, we are very clear about our essential beaches:

Vila Franca Beach (San Miguel Island), to bathe in a volcanic crater (inactive, quiet!).
Formosa Beach (Santa Maria Island), to enjoy a great day and climb the Miradouro da Macela, from where there are amazing views.
Arenal beach of Santa Barbara (San Miguel Island), we are not very surfing (between the fear of sharks or not being able to take off the wetsuit like no ...) but seeing the surfers is something that relaxes us a lot (and if they are passing by good to see ... ahem, just kidding). So whether you want to catch waves or if you want to enjoy the spectacle of the “shadows of the sea” this is a good place.

Although not everything is beaches ... there are some natural pools which are the same or more impressive, especially those of Carapacho, in La Graciosa and those of Capelas, in San Miguel.

Photocredit: Azoresphotos.visitazores - (Açores Tourism)

Can you imagine running into the largest animal in the world in full freedom? In the Azores Islands you can fulfill that dream, without having to pray seven rosaries to Neptune, because it is quite simple. In these islands you can find about 24 different species of whales, in fact there are some that during their migratory route passes through the Azores, specifically the blue whale at the end of winter and the northern whales, bearded whales and sperm whales in summer. Also throughout the year it is easy to see bottlenose dolphins.

In short, go when you go, there is a spectacular underwater world to discover ... yes: remember to be a responsible tourist and rely on sustainable companies that follow a code of conduct respectful of these protected species: it is forbidden to feed and disturb the cetaceans, swim with them, make noise, be more than 1 hour in your company and of course, there can be no more than 3 boats at the place of the sighting and meet a minimum distance of 50 meters (100 meters in case there are young ).

More info: FAADA

Photocredit: Azoresphotos.visitazores - (Pedro Madruga)

The cuisine of the Azores Islands is very influenced, as it could not be otherwise, by Portuguese cuisine (Pasteis de Bacalhau, Caldo Verde ...), although it has a few very interesting characteristics of its own and even peculiarities that vary from island to island.

From such a lush land and from such a clean sea, nothing more than a varied and quality product is expected… come on, if you are of good food you will enjoy it very much! Some dishes that you can't stop trying They are:

Alcatra: a typical stew from the island of Terceira that is prepared with veal, cabbage and bacon.
caldeirada: a fish stew (usually cod) broth.
Cooked: the most famous dish of the Azores, is a beef stew that is prepared in natural volcanic furnaces, the furnas.
Cracas: They are a peculiar and exquisite crustacean. They have a curious taste between snail and crab.
Bolus lêvedo: typical of Furnas, it is a kind of muffin that can be eaten alone or with compote.
Peixe Broth: It originated in Pico Island and it is a fish-based broth, onion, tomato and butter.

And don't forget to try the wines of the island. Our advice: try the wine do Cheiro, with fruity touches and quite light and the Terras de Lava wine, more blunt but equally rich.

Curiosity.Did you know that the Azores cultivates and produces the only tea in all of Europe? Yes, you heard correctly, there are two plantations on San Miguel Island, specifically those of Gorreana and Porto Formoso.

More info:typical cuisine of the Azores Islands

Photocredit: Azoresphotos.visitazores - (Publiçor)

Are you one of those who do not stop still and for you vacations are synonymous with sport, adventure and adrenaline? The Azores Islands are your ideal destination! Would you rather live a relaxed trip, surrounded by tranquility, wellness and pampering? The Azores Islands are too! We already anticipate it: this is one of the most complete places for a vacation.

For the adventurous, these are the alternatives:

Canyoning, San Miguel, San Jorge and Flores (especially the latter) are the best islands to practice this sport (and at all levels).
Paragliding, in San Miguel there is one of the best places in the world to paraglide: Sete Cidades.
Geotourism, from some islands with volcanic origin we could only wait for brutal landscapes, volcanoes, lagoons and calderas ... and so it is: if you love trekking and bike tours you have to go to the Azores!
Diving, if it is cool to be underwater (and the more accompanied better) that you know that the Azores hide an exciting marine world, formed by about 3,000 species and some great protagonists: the blue sharks.

Photocredit: Azoresphotos.visitazores - (RSBC)

For those who prefer relaxationHere are a few plans:

Enjoy the hot springs, especially those of Ferraria in San Miguel or those of Carapacho in Graciosa.
Bathe in the Caldeira Velha, a beautiful hot spring lagoon.
Travel fascinating villages like Angra do Heroísmo (Terceira) or Ribeira Grande (San Miguel) and enjoy all the sunsets possible: in these islands they are magical, a good place to do it is the viewpoint of Rocha dos Bordões, in Flores.

Photocredit: Azoresphotos.visitazores - (Publiçor)

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Nature is the great owner of this destination, so it is not difficult to find landscapes that seem to be taken from a science fiction movie, a wild and abrupt beauty. There is 5 sites that we are dying to see with our eyes:

Sete Cidades (San Miguel Island): one of the most impressive places in the Azores. Here are two lakes, one green and one blue, which occupy a volcanic crater about 12 km in diameter. To fully enjoy them it is recommended to visit one of its viewpoints (the Cerrado das Freiras, the Vista do Rei and the Gruta do Infierno).
Mount Peak (Pico Island): nothing more and nothing less than the highest mountain in Portugal with its 2,531 meters. From its top you can see the islands Graciosa, San Jorge, Faial and Terceira. Of course, to reach its peak before you will have to do a steep trekking (the slope is 1,200 m. Approx) of about 3 hours.
Serra do Cume (Terceira Island): from its viewpoint you can see one of the most memorable landscapes of the Azores, the "blanket of Retalhos", a set of fields that look like a huge patchwork blanket from above.
Cascata do Poço do Bacalhau (Flores Island): bathing in a waterfall is one of the experiences that you have to live at least once in your life and this, with a jump of about 90 meters, looks great!
Lagoa do Caldeirão (Corvo Island): It is a spectacular lagoon in the crater of the volcano responsible for the birth of Corvo Island. The best thing to know is to make the trekking of about 5 km around it (it will take about 2.30-3h approx.)