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In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean lies an island paradise yet to be discovered by the general public: the Azores. Sailors once found the islands while searching for Eldorado. There was no gold there – but eternal beauty. The Azores have been underestimated in Europe so far, but paradise is just a 4 hour 35 minute flight away.
Portugal’s autonomous island region offers an amazing variety of cuisine, experiences and nature. When it comes to sustainable travel, the Azores are at the forefront. There is no plastic on the beaches, few tourists and local food. Islanders like to say, “You can experience all four seasons in one day in the Azores” – and they’re telling the truth.
for adrenaline junkies
Each of the nine islands has a variety of beautiful hiking trails. There are lakes, waterfalls and volcanoes to explore. Serra do Pico, the highest mountain in Portugal, is located on Pico Island. The youngest island in the Azores is “only” 300,000 years old, so there are no beaches yet. There may be places for washing such as sand by the sea.
The vast lakes of the Azores also impress with their beauty: when the weather is nice in Lagoa do Capitão, you can see Pico’s reflection in the lake on one side and the ocean on the other. A wide variety of hiking trails pull you to the top on the island of São Miguel. One of the most beautiful places in the Azores is Sete Cidades in the west of the island. Here, Lake Lagoa splits into the azure Lagoa Azul and the gray Lagoa Verde.
There are more than twenty waterfalls on the island of Flores – in Ribeira Grande the water drops from 300 meters and offers a unique sight. Meanwhile, the Azores are also ideal for cycling and trail running. However, water sports such as surfing, diving or snorkeling with dolphins are also available here.
For wine connoisseurs
The wine is said to have been produced in the Azores as early as the Middle Ages. The vines grow at the foot of the volcano, surrounded by self-stacked dark stones. The stones absorb the sun during the day and allow the vines to grow. For example, Arinto dos Açores, which has its own grape variety.
White wine in particular surprises with a unique sour note that is out of this world. Meanwhile, António Maçanita’s show “Wine Company” in Pico invites you not only for a wine tasting, but also for a unique dinner with an ocean view. Portuguese food is served – but interpreted in a completely new way.
for health queens
You don’t need to go to Bali or Hawaii for a tropical view. Apart from a number of wellness hotels with spa areas, it is nature in the Azores above all that provides endless relaxation. Natural seawater pools invite you to swim in São Miguel. Volcanic hot springs heat the water in thermal baths and provide a pleasant temperature between 35-40 degrees. In some thermal baths, the water is brown because it is rich in iron, which is a natural treatment for the skin. Tea from the Azores also has an invigorating effect, and a visit to the historic Chá Gorreana tea plantation is an absolute must.
For kitchen fans
The Azores have an incredibly diverse underwater world. The fish served in the restaurants is grilled fresh from the sea. Tuna and octopus, which are served in almost every restaurant, are especially recommended. But in addition to fresh fish, there are other delicacies that stand out in the kitchen. The unique dish “Cozido das Furnas” is cooked for six hours in the hot springs of São Miguel. A casserole with a wide variety of meats and vegetables is served at Terra Nostra Garden Hotel. A must try are the queijadas, a sweet pastry that takes two days to make.
Personal emphasis: Bar Caloura serves what was caught that day. The romantic location invites you to a beautiful sunset. Unfortunately, reservations are not possible, but it’s worth the wait!
for the adventurer
30 percent of all whale and dolphin species can be observed in the Azores. There are several whale watching stations on the islands. Sperm whales are particularly common here. Fascinating sea creatures grow up to 16 meters. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the world’s largest creature: the blue whale. The journey takes adventure seekers on a train of emotions as the boat races the waves at sea. When you see the huge creature, you succumb to the emotions.
One caveat: If you’re easily seasick or avoid roller coasters, you should find out if this adventure is right for you.
For Instagrammers
In the Azores «Instagram vs. Reality does not exist. The real is much more beautiful than all the pictures can show. Still, the Azores offer plenty of places that are perfect for photo shoots. For example, the botanical gardens in São Miguel. The hiking trail to Lagoa do Fogo offers a number of fascinating places for beautiful photography (they can only be reached on foot). The tea fields mentioned are just as beautiful as the rice fields. The sea in the background is the perfect place for a photo shoot.
This post was created as part of a press tour.
Source : Blick
I am Dawid Malan, a news reporter for 24 Instant News. I specialize in celebrity and entertainment news, writing stories that capture the attention of readers from all walks of life. My work has been featured in some of the world’s leading publications and I am passionate about delivering quality content to my readers.
