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The Azores are an archipelago full of contrasts, colour and life. They are dark and
fertile volcanic islands with lush vegetation bathed by the endless dark blue waters of
the Atlantic Ocean together with the light-blue of its skies and the wild hydrangeas
that dress its gardens and meadows.

lago do fogo, san miguel
he Azores Archipelago is made up of nine year while others pass through on their migratory routes.
islands of volcanic origin, located just over This in particular seduces many travellers, along with the
1,400 kilometres from Lisbon and more other great attractions of these islands: its nature, history,
than double from New York. It is a Portu- gastronomy and hospitality. Together also with its 286 surf
guese territory set in the middle of the spots, 850 kilometres of beaches, 91 golf courses and
Atlantic Ocean, near the oceanic ridge. It 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, in addition to 239,000 km2
Tis a remote and lonely space where time of vineyards.
seems to pass more calmly and where, despite its volcanic
nature, there is peace and tranquillity. 9 PARADISES
From larger to smaller, the 9 islands are São Miguel, Pico,
Indeed, the archipelago is a paradise where all the islands Terceira, São Jorge, Faial, Flores, Santa Maria, Graciosa
have something to offer. Since its discovery in the 15th cen- and Corvo.
tury it has received all kinds of influences, mainly Portugue-
se, but also countless emigrants, especially from Flanders The capital is Ponta Delgada, in São Miguel. It is the most
and Brittany who, on their way to America, landed on these populated and where we find some of the most representa-
islands and decided to stay. tive palatial and colonial-style houses, as well as churches
made of black lava and whitewash. This is the largest island
Whale and dolphin watching is very common in these and the one that receives most tourists. It has ancient sub-
waters. From blue whales to sperm whales and fin whales, tropical forests, impressive lakes, such as those that occupy
together with common dolphins, bottlenose and Risso dol- the volcanic calderas of Sete Cidades and Fogo, and hot
phins. Some of these mammals live here throughout the springs that flow forcefully from the Furnas valley’s gey-

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