VISITS AND VACATIONS: AZORES SPECIAL

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5 Best Things to Do in the Azores (Portugal)

Volcanoes and the Azores go hand-in hand: Nearly every volcano to be found on Portuguese soil is set on these islands. There are spectacular clues to their power at a peninsula on Faial that was formed in the 1950s, or in the geothermal activity around the town of Furnas on São Miguel where local chefs use the heat to cook food.

Also on São Miguel are peacefully dormant calderas that have become lakes with ferns, juniper bushes and conifers lining their craters. With all this natural splendour, and a mild subtropical climate, the Azores are an awesome place to be outdoors, hiking, diving or watching the many whale species that congregate offshore.

Lets explore the best things to do in the Azores:


1. Sete Cidades Caldera

Sete Cidades Caldera

  • Nothing can prepare you for the majesty of the Sete Cidades Massif on the west side of São Miguel Island.
  • Here twin green and blue lakes are ensconced in evergreen vegetation and shielded by a massive volcanic crater that rises like ramparts.
  • This landscape has been shaped by successive volcanic events over the last 38,000 years.
  • The last eruption might have been as recent as the 1400s, just before the island was colonised.
  • There’s no lack of vantage points for astonishing views, but make a note of the Vista do Rei lookout on the southern rim next to the abandoned Monte Palace hotel.

2. Capelinhos

Capelinhos

  • From September 1957 to October 1958 the profile of Faial Island changed forever when the Capelinhos volcano erupted.
  • This gave birth to a whole new island, which then became linked to Faial by an isthmus.
  • Also, the damage forced 1,800 people to emigrate permanently to the USA, even though there were no casualties.
  • It’s a bit of a rush to be able to stand on a piece of land where there was just ocean 60 years ago, or see roofs submerged in ash.
  • Photographs don’t give you a true impression of the awesome dimensions of this new patch of black volcanic desert.
  • Check out the ruined lighthouse, which has been incorporated into a museum about the volcano.

3. Angra do Heroísmo

Angra do Heroísmo

  • It wasn’t until the steam age arrived in the 19th century that transatlantic traffic could bypass this essential harbour on the Island of Terceira.
  • In the 15th and 16th centuries in particular it was a stepping stone for expeditions to the New World.
  • Angra do Heroísmo is a lovely, animated city with architecture mostly from the 1700s.
  • Rua da Sé is a treat, with its mosaic pavements and traditional houses with door and window frames painted in bright colours.
  • Pause for a photo of the cathedral, mill around the shops and get in touch with the rich history at the city’s museum .


4. Montanha do Pico

Montanha do Pico

  • On Pico island is the highest point in all of Portugal, the Montanha do Pico at 2,351 metres.
  • Often seen disappearing into the clouds this stratovolcano can look threatening, and its most recent eruption happened in 1718. But what you might not realise at first glance is that it’s not too difficult to scale, and doesn’t require advanced equipment other than good hiking gear.
  • You have to sign in at the visitor centre before setting off, and the entire route to the summit is marked by wooden poles every 50 metres or so telling you the elevation.
  • If you’re fortunate enough to make the ascent on a clear day there’s a clear view of the islands of Graciosa, Faial, Terceira and São Jorge.

5. Lagoa do Fogo

Lagoa do Fogo

  • Also on São Miguel Island is another stupendous crater lake that is one of the largest bodies of water in the Azores.
  • Given the tranquillity of this scene, with endemic Azorean flora on the sharp slopes around, it seems impossible that the most recent eruption only took place in 1563. There’s a natural reserve to maintain the unspoiled atmosphere of the lake.
  • You’ll start by driving up to the rim, which is an adventure of its own around hairpin turns.
  • And then stop for photos and inch your way down to the shore.
  • Keep an eye on the weather forecast and try to time your visit for a clear day because the crater is often shrouded in mist.
and as always have a chilled day from the Viking

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