About The Azores |
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| The Azores, reputedly part of the legendary, lost continent of Atlantis, comprise a group of nine islands
located in the Atlantic due west of Lisbon and forming the most westerly region of Europe. Discovered by the Portuguese in 1467, because of their strategic geographic position, the islands became an important stopping off point on the main routes between Europe, the Orient and America. Forming an integral part of Portugal from the very outset, today the Azores are an autonomous region with their own parliament and government.
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Due to their location, the islands have managed to escape the ravages of mass tourism and remain a haven of natural beauty with virtually no pollution. The diverse scenery offers magnificent contrasts: black volcanic cliffs dropping down to the deep blue of the ocean, beautifull lush green valleys with laurel forests and tropical flora backed by rugged mountains, hot mineral springs and thermal pools, crystal clear blue and green lakes and everywhere an abundance of flowers. The sub tropical flora offers huge variety with over 900 species but in particular you will see the magnificent hydrangeas for which the islands are famed and are found growing wild everywhere. |
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The architecture is typical of the Portuguese mainland. In the villages you will see the simple whitewashed houses, whilst towns such as Ponte Delgade the capital, elegant buildings from the 18th and 19th century grace the waterfront and the back streets offer a labyrinth of small shops and sophisticated boutiques.
The local people are friendly and welcoming and you will find that for most, English is their second language.
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ClimateThe Azores enjoy a temperate climate, rarely dropping below 14°C in winter rising to a pleasant 24°C in the summer. The sea benefits from the influence of the Gulf Stream and varies between 16°C and 22°C. It is however common to have the odd shower even in summer but these showers rarely last long and are quickly followed by warm sunshine. |
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Activities |
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Golf |
For the keen golfer, there are 2 courses on Sao Miguel. The 27 hole Batalha Course is within a short drive of Ponte Delgada and offers beautiful views over the coast whilst the 18 hole course at Furnas is set in a beautiful forest landscape.
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Walking/Hiking |
| Walking is an excellent way to explore the diverse and beautiful scenery these islands offer. Guide books and leaflets are readily available at the local tourist offices and book shops detailing recommended circuits. Alternatively you can join a guided tour with a local operator. |
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Whale Watching/Swimming with Dolphins |
| There has been a long history of whale hunting in the Azores where the warm waters of the gulf stream attract many species of sperm whale. Whaling was finally outlawed in 1986 but evidence of the past industry has been captured in several of the island’s museums. |
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Fishing |
| The rich waters of the Azores Archipelago are teeming with many varieties of fish and whether your preference is for big game fishing, beach and pier fishing or lake and river fishing, the Azores are certainly an excellent location to enjoy this sport. |
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Sailing |
| The perfect way to explore the Azores Archipelago. Day trips and “Island Hopping” programmes are available, details of which can be obtained from the local tourist office. These trips will usually give visitors the opportunity to swim, fish and watch the dolphins. |
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Water Sports |
| Surfing, body boarding, windsurfing, jet ski-ing and canoeing are all practised on Sao Miguel and other islands. |
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Sea Swimming |
| Although the coastline is principally rocky, there are several dark (volcanic) sandy beaches where you can swim and many natural swimming pools along the coast. |
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Tennis |
| There is a sports complex with several tennis courts within a short drive of Ponte Delgada. |
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Horse Riding |
| There are opportunities for horse riding both close to Ponte Delgada and near to the spa town of Furnas. Whether you are a beginner and need lessons or are more experienced and want to join one of the organised country rides, all levels are catered for. |
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Diving and Snorkelling |
| The clear waters around Sao Miguel and Horta provide the ideal opportunity for snorkellers and divers to explore the amazing underwater world with its rich flora and fauna, teeming fish, caves and wrecks. For experienced divers there are special excursions available from the harbours. |
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Food and Drink |
| Fresh local fish and seafood including limpets (cracas), lobsters (cavacas) and crabs are always a good choice washed down with a bottle of Azorean wine. Locally produced, organic beef, pork or chicken served with root vegetables or combined in a stew is also found in most restaurants and can be followed by delicious sweet local pastries, juicy pineapple from Sao Miguel and excellent soft local cheeses. A speciality on Sao Miguel can be found at Furnas where “Cozido nas Caldeira” a meat and vegetable stew is cooked for 7 hours in a container buried in the hot volcanic earth. Another Furnas speciality is the local sweet bread which should not be missed! |
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