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Archipelago of the Azores: the edge of Europe, where you can hear the silence and enjoy it!


Far in the Atlantic Ocean, is lost the Azores archipelago — a little secret of our planet that will steal your heart right in a flash. You can get to this subtropical paradise, where nature strikes with its pristine grandeur, by plane. Such a journey to the edge of Europe, where you can hear the silence and enjoy it, you will surely be remembered through your lifetime!

The Azores archipelago is composed of nine volcanic islands, which are divided into three groups — the central (Graciosa, Pico, Terceira, São Jorge and Faial), the western (Flores and Corvo) and the eastern (São Miguel and Santa Maria islands).

Azores
Photo: guillermo varela / flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Azores
Photo: Helen Simonsson / flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

This is that special place where the charm of Portugal miraculously coexists with the charm of Nature itself, because the Azores are actually the tops of one volcanic chain. Volcanoes still boil with hot springs, throwing minerals into the soil. Thanks to this, the long-stark lava is covered with lush vegetation. Each of the nine islands is beautiful in its own way and will definitely give anyone an unforgettable experience.

Azores
Photo: Chad Sparkes / flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Azores
Photo: guillermo varela / flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Archipelago of the Azores: Graciosa

One of the most peculiar islands of the archipelago. Its features are majestic colonial architecture, beautiful old streets, magnificent nature and windmills, which are the symbol of the island. There is also a cave, the entrance to which is located in the crater of an extinct volcano.

Graciosa
Photo: Dreamsdestroyer (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Graciosa
Photo: José Luís Ávila Silveira/Pedro Noronha e Costa (Public domain)
Graciosa
Photo: Angrense (Public domain)

Pico

Unique natural and architectural sights are concentrated here. Tourists come here to observe dolphins and whales in their natural environment, and if you’re lucky enough, you can even see a sperm whale!

Pico
Photo: José Luís Ávila Silveira/Pedro Noronha e Costa (Public domain)
Pico
Photo: José Luís Ávila Silveira/Pedro Noronha e Costa (Public domain)
Pico
Photo: Aires Almeida / flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Archipelago of the Azores: Terceira

Unofficial name of Terceira is “Lilac Island”, which appeared due to the unique local nature. Towns here are located mainly along the coast, and the central part of the island is a protected area.

Terceira
Photo: Vitor Oliveira / flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Terceira
Photo: Jose Lorenzo / pexels (Pexels License)
Terceira
Photo: Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL (CC BY-SA 2.0)

São Jorge

The shaped like a ship island of São Jorge is, in fact, cliffs and fertile land at their foot. A great place to relax in complete harmony with nature!

São Jorge
Photo: pedrik / flickr (CC BY 2.0)
São Jorge
Photo: José Luís Ávila Silveira/Pedro Noronha e Costa (Public domain)
São Jorge
Photo: José Luís Ávila Silveira/Pedro Noronha e Costa (Public domain)

Archipelago of the Azores: Faial

Faial Island attracts both boaters and beach lovers. It is literally covered with thickets of lilac and blue hydrangeas, which gave Faial its unofficial name “Blue Island”.

Faial
Photo: Weedonio (Public domain)
Faial
Photo: Anita Di Chiara (https://imaggeo.egu.eu/user/ANITADICHIARA/) (CC BY 3.0)
Faial
Photo: Guillaume Baviere / flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Flores

Flores Island, part of the Azores Archipelago, is the westernmost point of Europe. It is famous for its picturesque landscapes, luxurious mansions of aristocrats and beautiful baroque churches. A significant part of the island is a natural reserve.

Flores
Photo: Emin Başar ÖZDEMİR (CC BY 3.0)
Flores
Photo: José Luís Ávila Silveira/Pedro Noronha e Costa (Arquivo de Villa Maria)]] (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Flores
Photo: cimarrin / flickr (Public domain)

Archipelago of the Azores: Corvo

The northernmost and smallest island of the Azores archipelago. There’s only one town, but tourists come here in order to see the crater of the volcano Caldeirão, at the bottom of which there are two picturesque lakes with small islands. Getting to this exciting place is not easy, but the impression will exceed all the expectations!

Corvo
Photo: José Luís Ávila Silveira/Pedro Noronha e Costa (Public domain)
Corvo
Photo: Luissilveira (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Corvo
Photo: Dreizung (Public domain)

São Miguel

The largest of the Azores, the island of São Miguel was discovered in 1427 and consists of two volcanic massifs separated by a central ridge. Due to its lush vegetation, it is often called the Green Island. Here you can see the picturesque Lagoa do Fogo (Lake of Fire), which is located in a volcanic crater.

São Miguel
Photo: CD_Photosaddict / pixabay (Pixabay License)
São Miguel
Photo: Luis Ascenso / flickr (CC BY 2.0)
São Miguel
Photo: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Archipelago of the Azores: Santa Maria

The oldest of the Azores is an ideal place for those who enjoy beach holidays. Thanks to its golden sandy beaches and vast cereal fields, Santa Maria is often called the “Yellow Island”.

Santa Maria
Photo: Ruben JC Furtado (Public domain)
Santa Maria
Photo: Carlos Luis M C da Cruz (Public domain)
Santa Maria
Photo: olafpictures / pixabay (Pixabay License)

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