AZURE AZORES
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Mother Nature has created a land full of natural beauty, ready to be explored, in the blue immensity of the Atlantic Ocean: the Azores.
Created at the junction of three tectonic plates, the nine Portuguese islands of the Azores make the perfect destination for a really adventurous and inspirational trip.
To the East, on the island of Santa Maria, the beaches of warm white sand are inviting, and the vineyards covering the slopes like an amphitheatre resemble giant staircases. São Miguel, the largest island, is seductive with its Sete Cidades and Fogo Lagoons. The power that emanates from the earth is felt in the geysers, hot thermal waters and volcanic lakes, as well as in the tasty "Cozido das Furnas" slowly cooked inside the earth.
In the Central Group, the islands of Terceira, São Jorge, Pico, Faial and Graciosa are set harmoniously in the deep blue sea, where whales and dolphins can be spotted, to the delight of visitors. On Terceira, the World Heritage town of Angra do Heroísmo, as well as its festivals, is steeped in history. Faial is the cool blue of the hydrangeas, the marina painted colourfully by yachtsmen from all over the world and the extinct Capelinhos volcano, which resembles a lunar landscape.
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In front is Pico, a mountain that emerges from the sea, with vineyards planted in black lava fields, a unique culture that also has World Heritage status. On São Jorge, the highlights are the Fajãs and the cheese, a unique specialty with an unmistakable flavour. Graciosa, graceful in both name and appearance, is an island of green fields covered with vineyards that contrast with its peculiar windmills.
In the Western group, on the island of Flores, the beauty of the natural waterfalls and lakes carved out by volcanoes is dazzling. The tiny island of Corvo has a broad, beautiful crater at its centre, and attracts many species of birds coming from both Europe and America.
These are the Azores, nine islands, nine small worlds that have as many similarities as differences, but where the friendliness of their inhabitants is shared by all. The Azores have been likened to Iceland and Hawaii, and are one of the last few truly unspoilt parts of Europe.
There is so much to see and do on the islands of the Azores. We’ve selected a few of our favourites
HIKING AROUND Sete Cidades Lake, Sao miguel.
This giant collapsed caldera is partially filled with two crater lakes. A popular activity centre offers hiking and cycling trails, each of which offers a different viewpoint of this remarkable landscape.
Whether you are a lover of quiet walks or an adrenalin junkie, the Azores have more than 60 hiking trails with all the conditions for walking safely. Venture out and discover unique landscapes between paths totally wrapped in Nature.
The trails of the Azores are a network of footpaths classified by the Regional Government of the Azores to ensure the safety and tranquillity of the walkers. The mild temperature of the Azorean climate enables you to explore the network of trails in any season. It all depends on the experience you want. Walking during the winter means finding lusher greens, waterfalls and faster flowing streams; a walk in the spring and summer brings an invasion of scents and colourful flowers. But the famous Azorean mist can arise at any time. And as fast as it comes, wrapping in mystery the barely glimpsed outlines, it disappears, opening up new horizons.
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Whale & DOLPHIN Watching
The Azores are currently one of the world’s largest whale sanctuaries. Among resident and migrant species, common or rare, more than 20 different types of cetaceans can be spotted in the Azores. It is an impressive figure and it corresponds to a third of the total number of existing species. This is an an ecosystem with unique characteristics. With majestic whales and friendly dolphins, the blue Atlantic Ocean becomes even more magic around these nine islands. And it brings to the present, when preservation is the keyword, an old cry: “How she blows!”
CLIMBING PICO MOUNTAIN, PICO ISLand
You’ll start from sea-level to the foot of Mount Pico at 1,200m, where you will meet your mountain guides who will accompany you to the crater. You’ll walk through the forest until you reach the steeper terrain where you will reach the more challenging part of the trek over rough volcanic rocks. Once you reach the crater, take in the views and stop for some well-deserved lunch. It is a rewarding and once in a lifetime experience.
VISIT Capelinhos Volcano, Faial
A must for any would-be volcanologist! Capelinhos 1957-8 was one of the world’s best-documented volcanic eruptions and the old lighthouse is one of Europe’s leading Interpretation Centres, with exhibitions on the activity in the Azores and famous volcanoes worldwide. The Capelinhos Volcano is located in the "Capelo Peninsular", formed by the lava flows from a line of volcanoes located along a fault, with a WNW-ESSE orientation.
The Capelinhos volcano is the last of the volcanoes in the line, resulting from an eruption that took place between 1957 and 58. The eruption began in the sea, next to the Ilhéus dos Capelinhos, originating violent explosions. The expelled materials fell next to the caldera, forming a small island connected to Faial Island. From that time it lost its submarine characteristics. The lighthouse and several of the houses destroyed by the eruption accentuate the dramatic characteristic of a truly unique landscape in the Azores.
Azores Wine Company
Azores Wine Company Accommodation
Adegas no Pico is traditionally a gathering place for friends to make wine, chat over a table, and even sleep!
The winery is a location where you may sample wines, indulge in delectable cuisine, and unwind in the convenience of the accommodations.
The Hyper Compre Bem Department Store is 10 minute drive from the Azores Wine Company flat, which is situated next to the gardens. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a personal safe, a dining space, and a kitchen with appliances are all included in the accommodations.
The distance from this location to Cais do Mourato's center is only ten minutes on foot. Pico Airport is located 15 minutes away from the lodging. It takes about 15 minutes to drive to Horta. Quinta das Rosas is reachable by automobile in a few minutes.
7 rooms make up the Azores Wine Company apartment. You will discover showers and bath robes for your comfort.
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