Azores

The Azores archipelago is part of an underwater ridge that divides the Atlantic into two parts: the western and the eastern. The islands, like the ridge itself, are of volcanic origin. The exception is the island of Santa Maria, built of limestone. Like all areas of the planet with pronounced tectonic activity, the Azores differ surprisingly with a colorful and complex relief. The coastline of the archipelago is heavily indented due to the abundance of bays, capes, small islets, bays and coves. The banks are washed by azure ocean water, and in the heart of each island there are many waterfalls and rivers, lakes sparkling in volcanic craters, colorful subtropical vegetation and a rich animal world.

Due to the heating effect of the Gulf Stream, the ocean in this area warms up to 22-23 degrees in the summer, and the climate on the archipelago as a whole is rather mild. Therefore, the Azores attract tourists not only from Portugal, to which they belong administratively, but also from other European countries. However, there is no developed recreational infrastructure on the archipelago, therefore it is mostly visited by sophisticated travelers who have seen the world and made a choice in favor of wildlife and seclusion. Here come lovers of surfing, wind and kitesurfing, diving, yachting and other marine sports.

Azores are also attractive for connoisseurs of outdoor activities. On the island of Faial you can see a lava-ruined village and a fishing port, climb a volcano and descend to the caldera along a path laid along its circumference. Inside the caldera is an amazing world with small craters, and above - milky white clouds, pleasantly refreshing after the ascent.

On the island of Terceira, there are also volcanic forms, and quiet mountain lakes, and karst caves with beautiful streaky forms. Hilly lands, far from the coast, are dotted with numerous paths - this is the area of hiking and cycling.

Azores are famous for the fact that here is the highest point of Portugal. This is the Piku volcano, located on the island of the same name and reaches a mark of 2351 meters. The inhabitants of this land with many years of labor turned barren rocky slopes covered with products of eruptions, into blooming gardens and fertile vineyards. Among the artificial stone labyrinths grow under the subtropical sun of the vines and ripen the juicy berries, from which later they create delicious wines, including the famous "Verdel". Off the coast of Pico, there are sea excursions, during which you can meet sperm whales and other whales.

On the island of Flores is worth seeing mysterious grottoes and picturesque waterfalls, and on the island of San Miguel - wonderful lakes in ancient craters and a valley of geysers, where you can taste food cooked in the heat of the volcano. The Terra Nostra park, famous for San Miguel and the Azores in general, is also beautiful. It is a quiet place with cascades of lakes where white swans live, with romantically winding paths, motley southern flowers and shady alleys of age-old trees.

Because of the high humidity in the Azores, very rich vegetation, which gradually covers even the once lifeless volcanic rocks. The visiting card of the archipelago is hydrangea - a beautifully flowering shrub that sometimes forms very dense thickets, making the slopes of the mountains painted violet-blue.

But the Azores are interesting not only because of their marvelous landscapes. There are ancient churches, original fishing and mountain villages, picturesque ports, cozy restaurants, and in the settlements there are bright holidays. In addition, the westernmost point of Europe (Flores island) is also the Azores.

The reviews of most tourists who visited the archipelago are full of enthusiasm. And it is not surprising, because on these pieces of earth scattered across the ocean, many miracles are collected, besides, one can truly experience the charm and power of wild nature.

For tourists wishing to visit the Azores, Portugal organizes air travel. From Lisbon you can get to any island; There is air communication within the archipelago.