They name it the Hawaii of the mid-Atlantic. However, actually, this spellbinding area is fairly incomparable…
A distant archipelago that consists of 9 volcanic islands, the Azores are like nowhere you’ve ever been earlier than. An autonomous area of Portugal, they’re one of many previous couple of areas deserving of an ‘unspoiled paradise’ or ‘best-kept secret’ title.
I’m not exaggerating. Image dazzling emerald lakes, volcanic caverns, cascading waterfalls and rolling hills. Think about a land the place you possibly can hike, sail, surf, bike, whale watch, swim in geothermal swimming pools and extra. And simply consider how common this vacation spot can be if extra folks knew about it.
For now, although, let’s preserve it between us. And between the travellers clever sufficient to embark on a visit to Portugal’s best-kept secret. The Azores are well worth the journey, I promise. You could not have the ability to catch a ferry to the islands, however you possibly can fly in from residence or out of your favorite metropolis in Portugal. In case you want extra convincing, right here’s a little bit extra perception into what these islands have to supply.
An island for everybody – highlighting 5 favourites
Let’s begin with the fundamentals. The 9 islands of the Azores are divided into three completely different teams. There’s the japanese (Sao Miguel and Santa Maria islands), the central (Terceira, Graciosa, Sao Jorge, Pico and Faial islands), and the western (Flores and Corvo islands).
Faial is without doubt one of the most scenic islands. It’s often called the blue island as a result of cool blue hydrangeas that cowl the homes and roads, particularly on the tail finish of spring. Diving is common right here, as is climbing to Whaler’s Chapel for a spectacular view of Faial and Pico.
Pico additionally stuns because of its imposing mountain – it’s the very best mountain within the Azores and is so massive that the island is actually often called ‘Mountain Island’. The truth is, the whole lot is superlative right here. The vineyards are a World Heritage Website and the swimming holes are a few of the most interesting within the archipelago.
Flores is one other one of many coolest islands. Recognized for its waterfalls, deep valleys and lagoons, the westernmost level of the archipelago is a part of the North American tectonic plate, which distinguishes it from the opposite Azorean islands which sit on the European plate.
In case you’re into mountaineering, look no additional than Sao Jorge. Whenever you journey with Intrepid, you’ll have free days to discover its steep cliffs and seaside walks, and also you’ll have many to select from because the island is residence to a few of the finest walks within the Azores. Birdwatching can also be a should right here. Intrepid presents a guided hike alongside the Pico do Pedro path, a 17 kilometre journey that takes you alongside the island’s beautiful mountain vary and features a picnic with a view.
Stroll your means by way of Europe
Ending on one other excessive, Sao Miguel has, maybe, probably the most range. I’m speaking sandy seashores, rolling hills, lovely lakes and extra. It’s the biggest and most populated island of the Azores and this implies it has one thing for everyone. The island can also be residence to Ponta Delgada, the biggest metropolis within the archipelago. It presents cobbled streets that distinction with a contemporary marina and all of the ocean-front cafes and nightclubs you possibly can need.
All in all, it’s a area the place island hopping goes to turn out to be useful. Each island has one thing completely different to supply. And also you’re going to wish to see all of them.
The meals scene within the Azores
Now it’s time to incorporate a little bit little bit of perception into the delicacies. As a result of though everybody merely adores Portuguese meals, it’s not that well-known.
Because the Azores islands are fertile, the local weather is right for rising situations. This ensures that what you’ll be consuming is tremendous contemporary. And it signifies that extra tropical fruits will be grown – from pineapple to bananas to ardour fruit.
Unsurprisingly, seafood is massive right here. Undoubtedly pattern the tuna and likewise strive lapas, a kind of sea snail that’s nice grilled with lemon. Octopus stewed in wine can also be a traditional.
In case you make it to Sao Jorge Island, make sure you strive the area’s well-known – and powerful – cheddar cheese. And whichever island you’re on, don’t skip the rumpsteak and cozido – a typical meat stew cooked underground through volcanic stream.
Final however not least, the volcanic slopes of the Azores are made for grape vines and due to this fact produce nice wines. A strong advice is the aromatic Vinho de Cheiro.
Distinctive experiences within the Azores with Intrepid
Faial Island was the final location of main volcanic exercise within the Azores, because of the volcano that erupted in 1957. When it did, it completely modified the islands – overlaying a whole village in volcanic ash. On Intrepid’s Highlights of the Azores journey, not solely will you discover the eruption website’s interactive museum, however you’ll additionally strap in your mountaineering boots and tackle one of many many mountaineering trails in Horta.
You can too go a whale-watching tour in Pico Island. Up till 1980, the island supported a considerable whaling trade as a result of deep waters of the encompassing Atlantic. Luckily, the tip of that trade signifies that whale watching is a fairly common exercise.
An Intrepid journey spotlight from Steph Millington, the Regional Product Supervisor for Europe:
‘Sao Miguel is critically cool – our journey features a cease at a pineapple plantation… tropical fruit grown in Europe, who would have thought?! On this present day you additionally discover black-sand seashores, get pleasure from a pottery demonstration, and check out Cozido (the Azorean meat stew). The lagoons and volcanoes on this island are simply lovely.’
Climate, packing ideas and different Azores intel
Be ready for unpredictable climate within the Azores – it could imply the schedule for flights or ferry crossings will be disrupted. Nevertheless, storm clouds could make for some dramatic scenes.
In case you’re anticipating to take a dip within the sea, there are many choices however be conscious that it’s the Atlantic Ocean, which will be chilly. Fortunately, there are sizzling springs dotted round, which will be way more nice to take a dip in or heat up in after a cold ocean swim.
Oh, and take some sturdy strolling sneakers – you’ll want them to discover the islands’ numerous wonders on foot.
So, what are you ready for? The islands of Portugal are calling your title.