The Azores is an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, comprised of nine volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, spread across 645 kilometers between Portugal and the United States. The Azores is one of Portugal’s best kept secrets; fragments of Europe sent loose in the Atlantic Ocean. They are located approximately 1,500 km from Lisbon and around 3,900 km from the east coast of The U.S.
Pico Island has the highest peak in Portugal, rising 2,350 meters out of the Ocean. The non-active Ponte do Pico volcano is a major attraction for climbers all over the world. The last eruption was in 1963; prior major eruptions were in 1562-64, 1718- 20. The paths of the lava flows are still visible – such as the eruptions of the 16th and 17th centuries were particularly substantial, extending for over 10 km. The town of Lajes on the southern coast of Pico Island is Europe’s best main whale watching area.
Visitors of Graciosa Island will be delighted to find a throwback to simple yet elegant times, with 16th century manor homes, churches, windmills and rolling green meadows falling all the way to the shores. Travelers have the unique opportunity to venture into a volcano to witness the bubbling liquid below! Flores Island is considered the prettiest island in the Azores as well as Europe’s most westerly point. Its capital, Santa Cruz, has an interesting museum and several historic monuments.
In the southern section of the Azores archipelago, lies Santa Maria Island, the first of the islands to be discovered by Portuguese explorers in 1427. Many pre-historic marine fossils have been found here and Santa Maria is the only island formed by sedimentary collected form the ocean which has created over 98 km of land. The island features marvelous, rolling deep green landscapes, surrounded by sandy coasts around the entire island. The climate on Santa Maria is always mild and the waters surprisingly calm, perfect for setting up luxurious resorts intended to be retreats in paradise. Visitors to Terceira Island will find the streets embroidered with enchanting manor houses and churches. The capital of Angra do Heroísmo was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. Faial Island is a regular meeting point for yachts and other vessels crossing the Atlantic.
Visitportugal.ca is your source for cheap flights and vacation packages to Portugal and the Azores.
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