Azores Islands

All the islands have similar mild climates, between 17º to 26º centigrade in the summer and about 10º C in the winter. All of the islands are from a volcanic origin and have been known to register seismic movements. For this reason we can see small chapels all over the islands, honouring cult to the Holy Spirit which they feel will protect them from these natural dangers. There is a lot of fauna, especially birds, but from the cliffs you can sometimes see whales, in older days hunted down in long canoes with harpoons. Once an important producer of tea, tabacco, pineapple and oranges, the Azores islands have turned to livestock and tourism as their principal means of income. On the Azores islands from August 26th to th 31st, the feast of the Holy Spirit is celebrated, a tradition which comes from the 13th c.

Sao Miguel Island of the Azores

The largest and most populated of all the islands, it is long and thin in shape, having a very mountainous orography and making travelling slow. Ponta Delgada is the capital of this autonomic region housing the University of the Azores. The city is protected by a long strip of land or port and lies between the mountains and the sea. The whole city is made from the black porous volcanic rock; buildings, the pepple stones of the streets and the sidewalks. As in all cities, you can find the Se or church in the town square. But the most interesting is the Museum of Carlos Machado in the Convent of Saint Andrew. This 17th to 18th c. museum has a nice collection of paintings, etchings and zoological findings. Ponta Delgada also has the airport nearby for easy access to the island.

There are three interesting town to visit on Sao Miguel along with three marvellous lakes to see. The first would be to head for Sete Cidades, in the western part of the island. This town is very curious for several reasons; all the streets are squared off, a very primitive way of organization with individual houses, all at street level and very roomy; all of these characteristics are measures of protection from the seismic movements. Right near Sete Cidades is one of the most impressing landscapes of the archipelago, the Caldeiras das Sete Cidades. In order to be able to get a fantastic view, it would be best to go to the lookout called miradouro de Vista do Rei, walk around the little lake called Tiago, come across another lookout called Cerrado das Freiras which leads to the ´Caldron´ of Sete Cidades or a double crater, shaped like an eight of about 12 kilometres round. This crater is divided and converted into two breath-taking lagoons. A feast for tired eyes! The second excursion would be to Ribeira Grande, getting its name from the ravine or gully where it is found near a river on the northern part of Sao Miguel. Other than the typical churches and museums, about 6 kilometres away at Caldeira Velha, warm thermal waters are found, calling us to have a relaxing bath. Nearby is the Lagoa do Fogo ( Fogo Lagoon) another volcanic caldron cradled at the top of the mountains and from which the hot vapors are turned into electric energy. And the third trip to Furnas, the last volcanic caldron on this spectacular island. Furnas village is an old beach resort, and as such, the tranquil atmosphere just oozes everywhere. This peaceful ambience is what makes tourist come here just to lose themselves in time. And if this were not enough, the Terra Nostra Park is where you can meander among gigantic magnolias, mosses and just get lost in the one of the most important tropical gardens in Europe.

Terceira Island

The first news that was heard about this mountainous island was in 1450, and was called Ilha de Jesus Cristo ( the island of Jesus Christ ) but was soon called Terceira Island ( the Third Island ), the order in which these islands were discovered. In 1495, Infant Dom Henrique ordered the Flemish Jacome de Bruges to colonize it, making Praia the capital. But the city of Angra do Heroismo, which was strategically better positioned and therefore an important port for travellers to India, was then made the capital of Terceira Island in the Azores. Angra in Portuguese means bay and is protected by the Brasil Mountain facing the sea and the word ´Heroismo´ or heroe was awarded by Queen Maria II for supporting her. The city has hardly undergone any changes and one of the most striking features are the windows on the houses. Made from stone and beautifully arched, the frames are painted in white, red, green, blue and yellow and the window panes are divided or have a cracked appearance. On the isthmus that joins the Brasil Mountain to the city and overlooking the bay is the castle of Saint John the Baptist. ( Sao Jaoa Baptista ) 17th c. On this volcanic island there are also ´caldrons´ which are lagoons and the accompanying panoramic view they offer.

Simple but Tasty - Azores specialities

As all islands do, the Azores uses what it has most on hand, which is, of course, seafood. The goose barnacles, lobsters, octopus and spider crab and some of the Atlantic´s fish such as the sea bass and mackerel are freshy baked or stewed with wine. Of course we cannot forget the famous codfish elaborated in so many ways, the delicious stewed meats with vegetables and the bean soup called sopa de azedo. Two of the best Portugese cheese are made on the islands of Sao Jorge and Pico, each cheese being named after the island where it comes from. These cheeses are the base for some indescribable desserts. The camafeus or the cornucopias, rolled thin dough filled with custard cream and covered with almonds. I think it is time to go back up the mountain!

Touching azores islands history

The skilled workmanship that you can find on the Azores island is amazing. Carved and etched ivory whale tusks, miniature harpoons, paper tablecloths which look like lace and are visible on many chimneys, in the window panes and shelves. All the traditional costumes and clothing of the islanders together with intricately made shawls and hand-made crochets are so original. Ceramic and tiles, especially the ones painted in blue and white and the porcelain from Sao Miguel island are treasure never to be forgotten from your visit to the Azores islands.