Western Group

Central Group

West Group

Flores

Corvo

Faial

TerceiraGraciosa

São Jorge

Pico

São Miguel

Santa Maria

The nine islands

Western Group

Central Group

West Group

Flores

Corvo

Faial

TerceiraGraciosa

São Jorge

Pico

São Miguel

Santa Maria

Brought together in an archipelago, each Azorean island has its own identity. Even if they all share an extraordinary natural legacy, they also have their own unique strokes in their landscape, traditions, cuisine and architecture. There are no words capable of describing and classifying the charm of these nine charismatic islands. They have been sculptured by ancient volcanoes and populated over the centuries by courageous and kind people. Thus the Azores are a place of varied experiences and emotions.

But each one of the islands has its own identity. The fossils of Santa Maria, the lakes of São Miguel, the caves of Terceira, the cones of Graciosa, the fajãs of São Jorge, the Mountain of Pico, the Capelinhos Volcano of Faial, the volcanic chimneys of Flores, and the Caldeirão of Corvo are unmistakable features. To travel throughout the Azores is to get to know nine islands where the same genetic code generated profiles that are distinct from one another.

The long lists of natural parks, of areas of protected landscape, of protected fauna and flora species, of forest reserves, of geolandscape,

Welcome

and of sites with geological interest guarantee the preservation of a priceless natural legacy. As a form of compensation for all of this effort, the Azores are considered to be a sanctuary of biodiversity and geodiversity and one of the best locations for Nature Tourism.

The Azores are characterised by their mild climate throughout the year. The average air temperature ranges between 13.6°C (minimum) and 22°C (maximum) throughout the whole year.The stabilising influence of the Gulf Stream, however, makes the sea temperature much more constant, with average temperatures ranging between 16°C in the winter and 20.5°C in the summer, with the maximum temperatures occasionally peaking at around 24°C - 25°C.

The nine islands of the Azores are all volcanic in their origin and are located roughly between 37 ° and 40 ° north latitude and 25 ° and 31 ° west longitude, establishing the border west of the European continent in Flores island. According to 2011 data, 246,102 people live in these islands territory that covers 2,325 sq.km, distancing 1,815 km from mainland Europe (Portugal) and 2,625 km from the North American continent (Canada). The archipelago is divided into three geographical groups: the Eastern Group composed of Santa Maria and São Miguel, the Central Group includes the islands of Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial and the Western Group comprising Corvo and Flores islands.

Climate

4

Walking Trails

As you walk inland from the coast, you will enjoy a stunning landscape marked by dense coastal woods, in particular juniper trees and the remains of laurissilva forest. But there is much more to see than just vegetation. There are also waterfalls, vineyards, typical homes, windmills, fishing boats, and corrals. What’s more, on the coast, there are tidal pools nestling amongst unique rock formations.

In the Azores there is a network of mapped trails, all of great biogeological, historical and ethnographical interest. They are classified in accordance with their level of difficulty, distance and type of route (linear or circular) – www.trails-azores.com.

CalDe IrÃo tra Il , CorVo IslanD

Mata Do CanÁr Io - sete C IDaDes tra Il , sÃo M IGuel I slanD

p ICo Mounta In

p ICo Do peDro - p ICo Da esperanÇa - FaJÃ Do ouV IDor tra Il , sÃo JorGe I slanD

5

Golfing

There are two golf courses on the island of São Miguel and one on the island of Terceira, which are all certified and recognised internationally.On the island of São Miguel, the Furnas Golf Course, approximately 40 km from Ponta Delgada, is a par 72 course with 18 holes. The Batalha Golf Course, located on the north coast of the island, only 10 minutes away from Ponta Delgada, is a par 72 course with 27 holes.The Terceira Golf Course is only one km away from the American Lajes Air Base and less than 15 km away from the city of Angra do Heroísmo. It is a par 72 course with 18 holes.These three golf courses are able to host large events, offering a restaurant/bar, a pro shop, golf carts, a chipping area, putting greens and a driving range.

C onsidered by the IGTM (International Golf Travel Market) as one of the best and least exploited places in the world to play golf, the Azores com-bines a beautiful landscape with a mild climate, allowing golfers to play year round.

GolF Course oF terCe Ira IslanD

Furnas GolF Course , sÃo M IGuel I slanD

BatalHa GolF Course , sÃo M IGuel I slanD

Whale Watching and Swimming with Dolphins

The sperm whale (Physetermacrocephalus) is amongst the most common: the same giant of the seas that was immortalised in the classic book, Moby Dick. These whales can be as long as 18 metres and weigh as much as 44 tonnes. Other whales can also be seen, such as the blue whale (Balaenopteramusculus) and the fin whale (Balaenopteraphysalus), as well as several species of sharks, turtles and dolphins, namely the common dolphin (Delphinusdelphis), the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiopstruncatus), the spotted dolphin (Stenellafrontalis), and many other fascinating marine animals.

The Azores is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Around the archipelago, approximately 25 different resident and migratory species can be spotted.

WHale WatCH InG

6

Geotourism

TStand and stare at the collapsed calderas and their beautiful lakes, walk through the fajãs, see the volcanic ridges and the formations left behind by recent eruptions, discover the underground world by descending into caves and walking into lava tubes, or watch the bubbling hot springs. These are just some of the best reasons to visit the Azores.The region also has a number of interpretation centres giving visitors even further insight into its heritage – http://siaram.azores.gov.pt/.

he volcanic origin of the archipelago, the small size of the islands, and the short distance between some of them, make it easy for you to explore the region’s geodi-versity at any time of the year, including its magnificent geolandscapes and geolocations.

Furna Do enXoFre , GraC Iosa IslanD

Gruta Das torres , p ICo I slanD

Mild sea temperatures, between 15º C and 22° C, and clear waters are some of the features that make the Azores an ideal destination for diving. Besides the mild weather conditions, there is also the diverse underwater landscape, featuring a volcanic seafloor inhabited by a variety of species and from which arches and lava tubes emerge. And if all that is not enough, there are also archaeological parks filled with the wrecks of merchant and war ships that have been buried here throughout history.

D ozens of sites have been described and listed, suiting all tastes and types of dive: snorkel-ling, diving baptisms, evening dives, diving near the coastline, in caves or shipwrecks, coastal shoals or diving in deeper waters.

Diving

ForMIGas Islets , santa Mar Ia I slanD

7

Cycling and Mountain Biking

Health and Well being

The Azores Islands are well known for their hydro-thermal resources which have been exploited for centuries. There are various springs of natural carbonic water, waterfalls and iron water pools which have been used since the sixteenth century.

T he Ferraria Spa and the iron water pools in Furnas are unmissable on the island of São Miguel, whilst on the island of Graciosa, the highlight is the Carapacho Spa.

Ferrar Ia spa, sÃo M IGuel I slanD

There are various cycling and mountain bike trails suited to professionals and amateurs in the Azores. Throughout the whole year, with or without a guide, there are plenty of options for enthusiasts of this sport.

sÃo M IGuel I slanD

sÃo JorGe I slanD

8

Flores I slanD

Together the islands of São Miguel, Santa Maria, São Jorge and Flores offer more than 50 equipped routes, some with small drops accessible to beginners and others with great vertical drops that will delight even the most experienced canyoners.

Canyoning

T he ideal time for this sport is between April and October, but, if weather conditions are favourable, it can be practised throughout the whole year.

sÃo JorGe I slanD

The geographical location of the Azores along the migration route of

many birds, the archipelago’s great variety of ecosystems, and their

proximity to each other, all guarantee that you can see many species of

land and seabirds during one single outing. Some of these birds form

worldwide-important colonies.All the islands showcase many bird species in all sorts of habitats and

landscapes, but wetlands, such as lakes, coastal marshes and islets, offer

the best spots for bird watching. This is because so many species go there

because they provide a refuge for resting, breeding and nesting; a refuge

that is protected from predators and offers easy access to food. The best

time to spot birds in the Azores is between the months of September and

November.The local species of birds include the Azores bullfinch, the Cory’s shearwater,

the Monteiro’s storm petrel, the common buzzard, the roseate tern and the

common tern (Sterna hirundo Linnaeus, 1758) amongst others.

Bird Watching

I n the Azores you will find nesting 37 species of which two are endemic and ten are subspecies. More than 350 species have been recorded in the archipelago, most of which come from mainland Nearctic and Palaearctic.

CalDe IrÃo, CorVo IslanD

9

Flores I slanD

The diverse coastline of the various islands, which can be either high and steep with a rocky seafloor, or plain and sandy, offers a variety of great quality waves which are remarkably consistent.Besides its natural characteristics, the archipelago is also attractive to surfers because of its uncrowded surf spots and the short distances between them.You can find good waves on all the islands. Although the point breaks and beach breaks of the islands of Santa Maria and São Miguel have achieved a greater international fame, it is on the island of São Jorge, with its fajãs and reef breaks, that longer, tube-shaped waves are more common.

Surfing and Body Boarding

T he mild climate and the constant air and water temperatures are ideal for surfing throughout the year, mainly during the winter months.

santa BÁrBara BeaCH, sÃo M IGuel I slanD

FaJÃ Da CalDe Ira De santo Cr Isto , sÃo JorGe I slanD

Fishing

Y ou can find large pelagic species a few miles off the coast and the world records for the fishing of some species have been set in the Azores.

The Azores is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts, especially those who love big game fishing. The best time for fishing is from April to October, and the most often caught species are the swordfish, the wahoo, the yellowmouth barracuda, several species of tuna (such as the bigeye tuna, the skipjack tuna and the yellowfin tuna), some species of shark, the white marlin and the most cov-eted species of all – the great Atlantic blue marlin.

sÃo M IGuel I slanD

10

sÃo M IGuel

Sailing

For centuries, sailors from all over the world have been attracted to the Azores mainly because of the international relevance of the Marina of Horta. All the islands of the archipelago have quays and harbours. The islands of São Miguel, Terceira and Faial have harbour centres with equipment for repairs and other facilities for boats and crews.

Altogether, the marinas offer more than 1,000 mooring berths. All have been awarded the blue flag for quality. Many international regattas start, pass or end here.

Canoeing and Kayaking

These sports can be practised in the Azores both in inland waters and in the open sea. Whether you’re enjoying the escarpments that surround the lakes at the bottom of volcanic calderas, or rowing around small islets to watch sea birds and visit caves, there is something for all abilities.C anoeing and kayaking give you a real

physical and emotional involvement with the Azorean landscape.

Furnas, sÃo M IGuel I slanD

Fa Ial I slanD

11

Horse Riding

Horse riding in the Azores is more than a sport; it is a tradi-tion. It is believed that the horse came to the archipelago with the first settlers, as horses are mentioned in property invento-ries dating back to the early sixteenth century.There are horse riding programmes available for first timers or experienced riders throughout the year.

W alking or cantering along trails and around lakes on horseback is an unforgettable experience.

Paragliding

Regardless of the direction of the wind and without having to walk long distances, there are all sorts of platforms on these islands from where it is possible to take off and land safely.This sport can be enjoyed solo or in groups and, because of the mild climate, takes place year round.

F lying silently over the volcanic landscape, escorted by common buzzards searching for ascending air currents, is undoubtedly a once in a lifetime experience that will give you quite an adrenaline rush.

sÃo M IGuel I slanD

sete C IDaDes lake , sÃo M IGuel I slanD

12

traD It Ional House

Situated in the Eastern Group is the most southern island of the archipelago. It was the first island to be discovered and is distinguished by having a warmer and drier climate which makes part of its vegetation present a more yellowish tint. Due to these weather conditions, Santa Maria is assumed as the seaside resort of the Azores. The most famous beach is Praia Formosa, where one can practice aquatic sports.In an amphitheater position, São Lourenço Bay is surrounded by vines cultivated in terraces. In the northern part of the island there remains the chapel where Cristovão Colombo had a mass after his return from America, the hermitage of N. Srª. Dos Anjos (XV century). The Church of N. Sra. Da Assunção (XV century) patron saint of the island is one of the oldest of the archipelago. A collection of the island natural heritage can be found at the Environmental Interpretation Center of Dalberto Pombo. In Barreiro da Faneca we meet a barren landscape of reddish clay commonly known as the “Red Desert.” The Ribeira de Maloás, Pedreira do Campo and Fossils of Santa Maria are other points of interest for their geological formations.

Santa Maria

Places to visit

suGGesteD aCt IV It Ies

DivingpeDrInHa; ForMIGas/DollaBarat; aMBrósIo

sÃo lourenÇo BaY

Walking trails santa BÁrBara; santo espírIto - MaIa; pICo alto - anJos

geotourism / geolocationspeDreIra Do CaMpo; poÇo Da peDreIra; ponta Do Castelo, rIBeIra Do MaloÁs

FishingDepartures FroM tHe MarIna oF VIla Do porto

canoeing anD kayakingpraIa ForMosa; Baía De sÃo lourenÇo; anJos

ParagliDingpraIa ForMosa; Baía De sÃo lourenÇo; anJossailing

MarIna oF VIla Do porto

surFing anD boDy boarDinganJos; praIa ForMosa

birD WatchingaIrport area; Baía Dos anJos

vila do

porto

13

traD It Ional House

Barre Iro Da FaneCa

Regional FoodCantaloupe

Events

Jul., Maia MaIa Folk FestIVal

Jul., Anjos santa MarIa Blues FestIVal

Aug., Vila do Porto nossa senHora Da assunÇÃo FestIVItIes

Mid August sees the patron saint of the island festival, Nossa Senhora da

Assunção Festival taking place. There are various activities in Vila do Porto,

with religious events being held hand in hand with dancing, concerts and

handicraft and gastronomic fairs.

Aug., Praia Formosa MarÉ De aGosto FestIVal

This festival is dedicated to world music and attracts visitors from

various locations, who come to listen to music during the night

and to rest on the beach during the day.

Sep., S. Lourenço HarVest FestIVItIes

The land provides for one of the tastier dishes of Santa Maria. Turnip broth is made with a local kind of turnip, small and dark in colour. As for sweets, there are many local recipes. Tigeladas are often served in restaurants; however, light crisp cakes (cavacas), meringues, honey-cakes and cinnamon-based pastries are more typical, along with the biscoitos de orelha (ear biscuits), so called due to their shape. Rockmelons grown on the island have attained fame and a gourmet status over time. As for the handmade sausages, the highlight goes to the Alheira of Santa Maria. This is an island with a wine tradition and brandy and fruit liqueurs are also characteristic of this island.

pra Ia ForMosa

14

cycling anD mountain bikingFurnas lake; sete CIDaDes suMMIt (CuMeeIras)

São Miguel

Furnas

lake

suGGesteD aCt IV It Ies

DivingnaVIo DorI; arCos Da Caloura; IlHÉu Dos MosteIros

Whale Watching anD sWimming With DolPhinsDepartures FroM MarIna oF ponta DelGaDa anD VIla FranCa Do CaMpo

geotourism / geolocationsFurnas VolCano CalDera; FoGo VolCano CalDera; laGoa Do ConGro; sete CIDaDes VolCano CalDera

FishingDepartures FroM tHe MarIna oF ponta DelGaDa anD VIla FranCa Do CaMpo

canoeing anD kayakingsete CIDaDes lake; Furnas lake; VIla FranCa Do CaMpo Islet

ParagliDingsete CIDaDes; salto Do CaValo (Furnas/poVoaÇÃo); FoGo lake

sailingMarIna oF ponta DelGaDa anD VIla FranCa Do CaMpo

surFing & boDy boarDingrIBeIra GranDe; raBo De peIXe; pópuloWalking trails

sanGuInHo; praIa - laGoa Do FoGo, rIBeIra FunDa (MaIa)

golFingFurnas GolF Course; BatalHa GolF Course

health anD Well beingFerrarIa; Furnas

canyoningloMBaDas; FaIal Da terra; pICo Da Vela

horse riDingFurnas; GInetes; ponta DelGaDa

birD Watchingserra Da tronqueIra; Furnas lake; MosteIros VIllaGe

povoação

nordeste

vila franCa

do Campo

lagoa

ribeira

grande

ponta

delgada

15

São Miguel is a land of lakes nestled in volcanic craters that are many kilometres wide. The most iconic one lies in Sete Cidades. This is a place filled with legends and myths, and it deserves to be seen from the Vista do Rei Lookout; from there, in noble contemplation, one can see two twin lakes, the Green and the Blue, paired together by a bridge. The ecstasy moves on to Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake), which has a wilder nature. A large lake surrounded by extravagant, lush vegetation stands out in the Furnas Valley. But the number of lakes does not stop here, since others can be found both in the Serra Devassa and in the central part of the island, including the Canário, Santiago, Éguas and Congro Lakes... There will always certainly be another lake waiting to be discovered.

The magnificent Vila Islet in front of Vila Franca do Campo or of the Mosteiros Islet, glorious at sunset even when it is seen from the distant Ponta do Escalvado are points of great interest, as

Places to visit

is the Lomba do Cavaleiro lookout which overlooks the whole caldera of Povoação and its seven slopes. The natural hot water pools are one of the most attractive features that São Miguel has to offer and include the Caldeira Velha, Terra Nostra Park or Poça da Beija, a pool of crystal clear water and ferrous mud.

Other ways of enjoying the beauty of the island are by horse or bicycle. The two golf courses on the island of São Miguel, besides offering the practice of this sport, also provide a direct contact with unspoiled Nature. Those who prefer more action may hire a 4x4 SUV, a quad-bike or a mountain bike. Paragliding also offers the view of the beautiful lakes from a totally different perspective and the ability to take unique pictures.

laGoa Do FoGo tra Il

V Ila FranCa Do CaMpo Islet

sete C IDaDes lake

r IBe Ira Dos CalDe Irões

16

terra nostrapark

CalDe Ira VelHa

Ferrar Ia

sÃo roque BeaCH

One can descend in to the subterranean world in the Gruta do Carvao and there are various cliffs equipped for climbing.

On the southern coast, beaches such as Pópulo, Vinha da Areia and Ribeira Quente invite you for a swim and are sought after by many people. But if you prefer a more intimate contact with nature, the beaches of Amora, Viola, Lombo Gordo and Mosteiros among many others await you. Amid tips of black rock, sunbathing areas and crystal clear sea, one finds natural swimming pools and ponds in various places on the island; Capelas, Calhetas and Lagoa are just some of these sites.

tea HarVest

Furnas

And at the Ponta da Ferraria, Mother Nature takes care of heating the seawater with volcanic hot springs, offering an Atlantic Thalassotherapy in a unique natural setting.

Canoeing and other sports can be practiced on the rivers, and with the proper license, it is also possible to fish.

Diving, whale watching and deep sea fishing are other activities not to be missed. On the north coast of the island, there are many great spots for surfing and body boarding.

São Miguel

17

Events

Jun. to Jul., Ribeira Grande sÃo peDro CeleBratIons

Starting in the parish of Ribeira Seca, municipality of Ribeira Grande, the Cavalhadas

de São Pedro (Saint Peter’s Horse Riders) takes place on 29 June and is a parade of

horse riders dressed in colourful outfits – symbolising a king, knights, lancers, stewards

and horn players or trumpeters, riding equally adorned horses.

Jun., V. Franca do Campo reD Bull ClIFF DIVInG

May. to Sep., whole island HolY GHost FestIVals

The Holy Ghost Festivals represent an Azorean religious tradition, which is

celebrated on all the islands. They take place around chapels called “Impérios”

(Empires) from May to September.

Jul., Ribeira Quente CHICHarro Week FestIVal

Aug., Povoação poVoaÇÃo FestIVal

The cuisine of São Miguel is filled with fishdishes, always with a common factor: freshness.There are also various types of sea food, anddelicacies like the barnacle, a crustaceanboiled in sea water. The meats comes from the cattle bred in the pastures and is tender and tasty. As for appetizers, there are the famous local red, mashed peppers served with fresh cheese. These local red peppers are also used in various recipes. The bolo lêvedo from Furnas is a cake that is well known and may be served during any meal. As for sweets, the most famous are the Queijadas de Vila Franca do Campo (Vila Franca do Campo Custards).On São Miguel Island there is a tradition forcultivating exotic fruits such as pineapple,annona, guavas and passion fruit, which areeaten raw or used to make liqueurs.

Regional FoodCoz IDo Das Furnas

18

praia da

vitória

Terceira

cycling anD mountain bikingMonte BrasIl; BIsCoItos

suGGesteD aCt IV It Ies

DivingCeMItÉrIo Das ânCoras; DoM JoÃo De Castro Bank; lIDaDor

Whale Watching anD sWimming With DolPhinsDepartures FroM MarIna oF anGra Do HeroísMo anD praIa Da VItórIa

geotourism/geolocationsalGar Do CarVÃo; CalDeIra De GuIlHerMe MonIz; ponta Da serreta

FishingDepartures FroM MarIna oF anGra Do HeroísMo anD praIa Da VItórIa

sailingMarIna oF anGra Do HeroísMo anD praIa Da VItórIa

surFing anD boDy boarDingBaía Das quatro rIBeIras; praIa Da VItórIa; BaIXa Da VIla noVa

Walking trailsMIstÉrIos neGros; serreta; Monte BrasIl

horse riDingterra CHÃ

birD WatchingCaBo Da praIa; laGoa Do GInJal; ponta Das ContenDas

golFingterCeIra IslanD GolF CluB

canoeing anD kayakingMarIna oF praIa Da VItórIa; porto JuDeu

ParagliDingserra Do CuMe; serra Do MonreÃo; serra De santa BÁrBara

angra do

heroísmo

19

Terceira means “the third,” earning its name because it was the third discovery among the nine Azorean islands. It is the eastern island of the five that form the central group: Graciosa, Pico, Faial and São Jorge.The historical centre is a laced picture of streets, alleys, churches, palaces, manor houses, monuments, squares and gardens, which selfless generations which selfless generations have preserved to this day, even against the forces of the earthquakes. UNESCO recognised this by introducing the Historic Centre of Angra do Heroísmo in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1983.

The remanence of volcanic activity on Terceira leaves behind traces of peculiar and spectacular forms in the landscape. Algar do Carvao stands out because

it boasts a volcanic chimney which dazzles because of the immensity of its space. From its arched roof hangs remarkable silica stalactites, the biggest in the world. The Gruta do Natal, a cave consisting of a lava tube, is a wonder because of its extensive, straight and long passages. The walls, ground and ceiling have different colours and shapes, transforming the cave into a mystical place. Outside lies Furnas do

Events 21

May to mid-Oct, whole island Bulls on a rope

Jun., Angra do Heroísmo sanJoanInas FestIVal

The Sanjoaninas, a festival dedicated to São João (Saint John), locals fill

the streets of Angra do Heroísmo for ten consecutive days during the month of June.

There are parades, concerts, food stalls, theatrical shows, fireworks and sporting

events ending with a parade of popular dances.

Aug., Praia da Vitória praIa Da VItórIa FestIVal

The main focus of the festival is music and gastronomy.

Oct., Angra do Heroísmo anGraJazz FestIVal

This is already one of the largest jazz festivals featured nationally.

Oct. Nov., Praia da Vitória outono VIVo FestIVal

Places to visit

anGra Do Hero ísMo BaY

20

Enxofre, an eloquent testimony to the strength of the Azores volcanic history. The landscape is filled with fumaroles, surrounded by a red soil which contrast with the green of the moss. But it is from the strategic location of belvederes, in the tallest of the island’s mountains and hills that one can best absorb the immensity of the volcanoes and take in the view. Climbing the hill of Monte Brasil, enjoy one of the most fabulous views over the city and the bay ofAngra do Heroísmo. Monte Brasil is an extinct volcano of three square kilometers, and it is surrounded by the four km long walls of the São João Baptista Fort, nowadays the oldest fortress that has been continuously occupied by the Portugeuse army.

It is at the top of the Serra do Cume that one can grasp the geometry of the endless stone walls and fences of hydrangeas which frame the pastures of Terceira Island. From the Facho belvedere, where the imposing monument of the Imaculado Coração de Maria lies, one can discover exceptional views over the beach, marina houses of Praia da Vitória and the whole plain of Lajes.

The beach of Praia da Vitória couples history and fun, urban and rural landscapes, and the warmth of the sea with the sun. There are many tidal pools, typically equipped with support infrastructures: Porto Martins, Biscoitos, Negrito and Silveira.

Cliffs, headlands and bays also mark the coastline of Terceira Island, offering snapshots of rare scenic beauty, such as the bays of the Quatro Ribeiras, of Salga, of Mina or of Fanal.

pra Ia Da V Itór Ia C ItY

serra Do CuMe

s IlVe Ira

Terceira

21

MarIna oFanGra Do Hero ísMo

The cuisine of Terceira is marked by alcatra, generally made with fish or beef (on the bone). This is a typical dish that is cooked very slowly in a clay pot in order to thicken the sauce. It is normally served with bread or massa sovada (a kind of sweet bread). This cooking method is also applied when preparing chicken, beans, rabbit, octopus and broad beans. As for dessert, Queijadas Dona Amélia is an exceptional custard based dish made with honey and cinnamon mixed with raisins and ciders. According to legend, the name of this pastry is associated with the visit of Queen Amélia to Terceira. The coscorões, cornucópias (filled with egg custard) or rice pudding completes a list of local desserts.

Regional FoodalCatra

alGar Do CarVÃo

22

Graciosa

Classified by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve, the island of Graciosa is the second smallest of the archipelago and and also the one with the least imposing terrain, withseveral flat areas and smooth hills. Pedras Brancas (WhiteStones), Serra Branca (White Hills) or Barro Branco(White Clay) are localities on the island whose names arerelated to the presence of a volcanic rock, the trachyte,which is common on the island and which was once withered by the passing of time.

Places to visitsanta Cruz Da GraC Iosa

suGGesteD aCt IV It Ies

DivingterCeIrense; BaIXa Do pesqueIro lonGo; BaIXa Do Farol

FishingDepartures FroM tHe port oF praIaWalking trails

serra BranCa - praIa; Volta à CalDeIra; Baía Da FolGa birD Watching

IlHÉu Da praIa; IlHÉu De BaIXo

ParagliDingCalDeIra; serra Das Fontes; serra BranCa

geotourism / geolocationsFurna Do enXoFre; IlHÉu Da BaleIa; CalDeIrInHa De pêro BotelHo

cycling anD mountain bikingMonte Da aJuDa; Barro VerMelHo

horse riDingCalDeIra; serra Das Fontes; serra BranCa

Whale Watching anD sWimming With DolPhinsDepartures FroM port oF santa Cruz anD sÃo Mateus

health anD Well beingCarapaCHo tHerMal Break

st. cruz

23

Santa Cruz stands out because of its typical houses and cobbled laneswich stem from the large central square, where a bandstand emergesagainst brackish ponds and pines. Furna do Enxofre (sulphur cave) isthe most symbolic element of the island’s landscape.The Pico Timão (Timão Peak) is one of the largest cones of scoria onthe island of Graciosa. Along with the Ponta Lagoa –Arrochela (Lagoa – Arrochela Headland), Pico Timão resulted from the last volcanic eruption. The Praia Islet, which boasts the island’s only sandy beach, contrasts with the blue sea and green vegetation which covers its surface. Classified as a Special Protection Area, as it lies along the route of Monteiro’s Storm Petrel, the only seabird endemic to the Azores. The Ponta da Barca Lighthouse, the whale islet, the bays of Vitória, Folga, Barra and Porto Afonso are also points of interest.

Bale Ia I slet

Fresh fish captured in the generous sea of the

Azores are traditionally served roasted or stewed.

The garlic and the rockmelon of Graciosa have

attained gourmet status and are the basic

ingredients for various recipes. However, if there is

a typical product of this island, it is the pastry that

adopted the namesake of the island: Queijadas

da Graciosa (Graciosa Custards) inspired by

the centuries-old recipe of centuries-old recipe of

Portuguese custard tart. The popular and tasty

local pastry also includes other delicacies which

go by the name of cavacas, escomilhas, capuchas,

pastéis de arroz [rice cakes] or encharcadas de ovos

[egg-based custard]. The wine of Graciosa is

made from original verdelho grapes. Spirits and

aperitif wines also complement the range of

local beverages.

Regional Foodque IJaDas Da GraC Iosa

WInDMIlls

Events

May to Sep., whole island HolY GHost FestIVals

Aug., Santa Cruz IlHa BranCa FestIVal

Aug., Santa Cruz lorD CHrIst oF MIraCles CeleBratIons

Related to the religious component of other events. Folk musical

and folk dancers bring the historic streets of Santa Cruz to life.

CarapaCHo tHerMal Break

24

São Jorge

São Jorge, located in the central group, features a long volcanic ridge stretching from northwest to southeast of the island. The plateau of the inner part of the island, where the volcanic cones that generated the island were born, gives way to high, steep cliffs that either come to an end in the deep blue sea or in small flat areas at sea level, known as the famous fajãs of São Jorge. Flattened surfaces formed near the sea, which are framed by the imposing cliffs, are called fajãs which resulted either from lava flows that

Places to visit

FaJÃ Da r IBe Ira Da are Ia

suGGesteD aCt IV It Ies

Divingentre-Morros; BaIXa Dos rosaIs; IlHÉu Do topo

FishingDepartures FroM port oF Velas

sailingport oF VelasWalking trails

FaJÃ De santo CrIsto - FaJÃ Dos CuBres; FaJÃ Dos VIMes; pICo Da esperanÇa - FaJÃ Do ouVIDor

birD WatchingFaJÃ Dos CuBres

ParagliDingurzelIna; BrenHas; pICo Da esperanÇa

geotourism / geolocationsFaJÃ Do ouVIDor; FaJÃs Dos CuBres e De santo CrIsto; Morros De Velas e De leMos

cycling anD mountain bikingpICo Da esperanÇa; topo

horse riDingrIBeIra seCa; CalHeta; serra Do topo

surFing anD boDy boarDingCalDeIra Da FaJÃ De santo CrIsto, FaJÃ Dos CuBres

canyoningsanGuInHal; CaValetes (troÇo InFerIor); FaJÃ reDonDa

canoeing anD kayakingBaía De entre os Morros; Baía De Velas; Baía Da urzelIna

velas

calheta

25

Events

May. | Sep., whole island HolY GHost FestIVals

Jul., Velas Velas Cultural Week

Programme consisting of lectures, a book fair, nautical events,

musical and gastronomic fair and attractions which suit all tastes

and truly bring the village of Velas to life.

Jul., Calheta JulY FestIVal

In the same month, the village of Calheta hosts a festival in

July full of ethnographic parades, popular music, sports events

and exhibitions.

Aug., Rosais rosaIs FestIVItIes

entered the sea (such as Fajã dos Bodes e de São João) or from the erosion of land and rocks from the cliffs (as is the case of Fajãdos Vimes) due to earthquakes, heavy rain or another instability.The coastline of the island is characterised by the towering RosaisHeadland, facing Faial, and the Topo Headland and Islet on theeastern side, which enhance the natural beauty of São Jorge. From fajãs of Cubres and Caldeira de Santo Cristo, with their coastal lagoons, to the lava fajãs of Velas, Almas and Ouvidor, there are a wide range of places to enjoy. In Calheta and Topo, picturesque ports are the gateway to centuries-old homes and churches, all with stories to tell. In Velas, the Portão do Mar (Sea Gate) has welcomed travellers that arrive in the port by boat.

Regional FoodClaMs/sÃo JorGe CHeese

São Jorge Cheese is probably the most

well-known food product of the Azores. This cheese is

hard/semi-hard and has a slightly peppery aftertaste.

It is round-shaped and weights from 7 to 12 kg, and is

cut into wedges.

Spontaneously born and raised in the lagoon of the

Caldeira de Santo Cristo Nature Reserve and Special

Ecological Area, the clams are another exclusive food

wonder of São Jorge Island. A rare case in Europe, in

Fajã dos Vimes one can enjoy coffee of intense taste

and aroma, made from locally sourced beans.

p ICo Da esperanÇa

FaJÃ De sÃo JoÃo tra Il

FaJÃ Dos CuBres

CalDeIra Da FaJÃ De santo CrIsto traIl

BanDstanD oF JarD IM Da repÚBl ICa

26

Pico

The second largest island of the Azores, dominated by the volcano of Pico Mountain and the highest point of Portugal, is the most southerly island of the Central Group and one of the vertices of the so called “triangle islands”. Imposing, majestic, magnificent, are some of the many nicknames that the Pico Mountain possess, thanks to its maximum altitude of 2,350 m and 19 km average diameter from sea level. This land is a mixture of nature and ancestral culture, which includes the landscape of Pico Island Vineyard, which has been classified by UNESCO as a

Places to visit

Cr IaÇÃo VelHa

suGGesteD aCt IV It Ies

DivingarCos Da ForMosInHa; BaIXa Da BarCa; CoraIs De sÃo Caetano

Whale Watching anD sWimming With DolPhinsDepartures FroM MarIna oF laJes anD MaDalena

FishingDepartures FroM MaDalena, laJes anD sÃo roque

sailingMarIna oF laJes; port oF MaDalenaWalking trails

CaMInHo Dos Burros; MontanHa Do pICo; CaMInHos De santa luzIa

birD WatchingplataForMa CosteIra Das laJes; laGoa Do CaIaDo; zona Da BarCa

ParagliDingpICo Do GerarDo; s. roque; CaBeÇo Do sIlVaDo

geotourism / geolocationsGruta Das torres; laJIDo De santa luzIa; ponta Da IlHa

cycling anD mountain bikingrota Do VerDelHo; rota Dos MoInHos; rota Das laGoas

horse riDingponta Da IlHa

s. roque

lajes

do pico

madalena

27

World Heritage Site since 2004. In the eastern half of the island is the Achada Plateau which dominates, with a volcanic ridge approximately 30 km long between the Capitão Lake and the Ponta da Ilha. It has about 200 volcanic cones and the surrounding areas such as the Grotões, Rosada, Paul, Landoral, Caiado, Peixinho and Negra, which features bogs, ponds and lakes. Ribeiras, Lajes do Pico or in Ponta do Mistério, one can find widespread lava deltas which remain as a eloquent testimony to the constant struggle between the creative power of volcanoes and the destructive actions of the sea. In times gone by, Pico was at the centre of the Azorean whaling era. The local areas of Lajes, São Roque, Calheta de Nesquim or Ribeiras invite you for walks to discover the picturesque ports, old whalers and the small streets and typical Azorean homes. The Whaling Association has various sites, such as the Museu da Indústria Baleeira.

WHaleMen’s MuseuM

Regional Foodp ICo WInes

Events

May. to Sep., whole island HolY GHost FestIVals

Jul., Madalena santa MarIa MaDalena CeleBratIons

Jul., S. Roque CaIs aGosto FestIVItIes

Popular exhibits include the works of local craftsman, marches, float parades,

bands, boat tours and entertainment. Local cuisine on offer during this

event provides the opportunity to sample the flavours of Pico Island.

Aug., S. Mateus senHor BoM Jesus

MIlaGroso CeleBratIons

Aug., Lajes WHaler’s Week

Religious and musical festival, but especially maritime. This Whaling

Week is synonymously linked to the cult of Our Lady Lourdes,

patron saint of whalers.

Pico Island has a rich wine tradition, including white and red wines, which are produced in Pico , which are much appreciated throughout the Archipelago. “Magma”, ”basalt”, “Lajido” and “Lava Land” are types of wine from Pico. The fig and loquat spirits are also popular and old, copper distillers in working condition can still be found. Liqueurs such as Angelica and other fruit liqueurs are on offer for those with a sweettooth. The island has always been a big producer of fruit. Its figs, brightred on the inside, are famous. The honey that is produced from theflower of the Australian cheesewood and the São João soft paste cheesecomplete the island’s list of food delicacies. As for dishes, octopusstewed in cheiro wine, sausage with taro root, boiled beef and fish brothare highlights.

Gruta Das torres

V IneYarDs oF p ICo I slanD

WIne MuseuM

28

Faial island is part of the Central Group and is the westernmost corner of the so-called “Triangle Islands”. At the westernmost point of the island, the Capelinhos Volcano majestically rises up to the sky. It is the last volcanic eruption that took place in the Azores and added new land

Faial

Places to visit

suGGesteD aCt IV It Ies

DivingDIVInG WItH Blue sHarks In tHe ConDor Bank; BoCa Das CalDeIrInHas; BanCo prInCesa alICe

Whale Watching anD sWimming With DolPhinsDeparture FroM MarIna oF Horta

FishingDeparture FroM tHe MarIna oF Horta

sailingMarIna oF Horta

surFing anD boDy boarDingalMoXarIFe

Walking trailsCapelo - CapelInHos; CalDeIra; Morro De Castelo BranCo

birD Watchingporto pIM BaY; laGoas De peDro MIGuel

canoeing anD kayakingHorta BaY

ParagliDingpraIa Do norte; CalDeIra; espalaMaCa

geotourism / geolocationsCapelInHos VolCano; GraBen De peDro MIGuel; Morro Do Castelo BranCo

cycling anD mountain bikingVaraDouro

horse riDingVaraDouro; praIa Do norte

horta

MarIna oF Horta oVerloak InG p ICo I slanD

29

Events

Aug., Horta senHora Da GuIa CeleBratIons

A parade of ships escorts the statue of the Virgin from the sands of Porto Pim

to the harbour of Horta.

Aug., Horta sea Week FestIVal

This festival was initially dedicated to yachtsman, but now it is shared by

locals and visitors. The extensive programme includes music shows,

handicraft exhibitions, cuisine fair, whaling boat regattas and various

sporting activities that enliven the bays of Horta and Porto Pim.

to the existing one. On the abrupt cliffs of Capelinhos and Costado da Nau, one can see the inside of these volcanoes in a sequence of contrasting rocks, layers and contours boasting surprising colours and textures.At present, light house is not operational but is home to the magnificent Interpretation Centre, featuring the most advanced multimedia and exhibition techniques. The visit ends with a climb to the top of the lighthouse to enjoy an unbeatable emotional

Capel InHos VolCano

sea Week Fest IVal

and visual experience.

Faial offers great lookouts and views over the neighbouring islands: by the ruins of the Ponta da Ribeirinha Lighthouse one can enjoy the sublime outline of the island of São Jorge; at Ponta da Espalamaca, in the lookout by the monument of the Saint Nossa Senhora da Conceição and in front of the whole Bay of Horta, one can see the Pico Mountain rising majestically.

30

santa Cruz Fortress

porto p IM BaY

Faial

Looking inland, and great extensions of pasture land come into view;they climb all the way up to theCaldeira, being interrupted hereand there by woods and trees. Thisnatural landscape coexists on theisland with enduring elements of human presence, with some typicalwindmills painted red and dottingthe landscape, along with floweryand cultivated fields in FlamengosValley, and rows of hydrangeaspainstakingly aligned along roadsand fields. And on the way between Varadouro and Castelo Branco, a rock surrounded by water and sea birds catches our attention.This is the Morro de Castelo Branco[White Castle Hill], which lives upto its name with trachyte white rockand a castle-like shape, as if it wasonce an almost indestructible fortress.

Of the Triangle Islands, this is theone that has the most volcanic-sandbeaches; the Porto Pim, Almoxarifeand Norte Beaches invite you toenjoy sun bathe. The shape ofthe east coast varies considerably;sometimes it is high and other timesit lies almost at sea level, given theaction of gigantic tectonic forces thatdivided into several blocks of largedimensions. The coastline on the westside of the island is dominated by theimposing cliffs of Ribeira Funda andPraia do Norte and the ones that liebetween Morro de Castelo Brancoand Varadouro, sharply plunginginto the deep ocean. Horta Marina, opened in 1986, is one of the world’s most famous harbours.

tYp ICal WInDMIll

31

Ins IDe oF peter CaFÉ sport

One of the most typical dishes of Faial is stewed octopus in wine, which is also as common on the other islands of the archipelago. Fish is very important, especially stewed or served in

a broth. Bread and corn cakes are preferably included during meals. As for meats, there are local sausages, eaten either as a meal, when served with taro root, or just as a snack. The

recipe for boiled beef tastes better when spiced, especially with pepper, cumin and cinnamon to stiffen the broth in which the beef is cooked. As for pastries, the Fofas do Faial are typical: these aromatic pastries include fennel seeds and are baked before being stuffed with a cream base mixed with egg yolks, milk, sugar, flower and lemon peel.

Regional FoodF IsH soup

peter CaFÉ sportFaCaDe

32

Flores

The European Continent has its westernmost point on this piece of land. The naming of Flores Island (meaning flowers) is thought to be related to the abundance of natural flowers. Among the intense greens of the vegetation, there are outstanding waterfalls and streams which water a natural garden of colourful flowers, where the pink of the azaleas and hydrangeas stand out. One of the most famous

Places to visitroCHa Dos BorDões

poÇo Da alaGo InHa

suGGesteD aCt IV It Ies

DivingBaIXa Do aMIGo; IlHÉu Do GaraJau; ponta Da CaVeIra

FishingDepartures FroM port oF santa Cruz anD FaJÃ GranDe

Walking trailsponta DelGaDa - FaJÃ GranDe; laJeDo - FaJÃ GranDe; FaJÃ De lopo Vaz

birD WatchinglaGoa BranCa

ParagliDingouteIro Da MaDeIra seCa; pICo Do MeIo DIa; pICo Dos sete pÉs

geotourism/geolocationsroCHa Dos BorDões; CalDeIras FunDa e rasa

cycling anD mountain bikingFaJÃ GranDe

canoeing anD kayakingFaJÃ GranDe

surFing anD boDy boarDingFaJÃ GranDe

canyoningrIBeIra Dos alGares; rIBeIra Do CaBo; rIBeIra Dos MosteIros; rIBeIra Do Monte GorDo

lajes

st. cruz

33

monuments of the Azores, the rock Rocha dos Bordões is made up by a large set of vertical basalt columns. More geological formations with peculiar shapes can also be seen at the hill Morro dos Frades, where the shadows of a friar and a nun can be seen by some. Even more symbolic, the Monchique Islet represents the westernmost piece of land on the European Continent. Seen from Vigia da Ponta Negra, close to the Albarnaz Lighthouse.Countless islets, headlands, shoals, inlets, coastal caves, waterfalls, and impressive valleys are some of the particularities that the coastline of Flores offers. Adorning the high cliffs of the south coast, Fajã Nova at Ponta da Rocha Alta and Fajã de Lopo Vaz can be reached by a walking trail carved along the cliff. Ponta Delgada, Santa Cruz and Lajes are other points of interest.

Flores salted pork meat is cooked and served with

potatoes and cabbage. Taro root with sausage and

water-cress soup is also included in the most traditional

recipes of Flores. The dried cheese produced on the

island features a soft paste with a firm texture. The

tart tortas de erva patinha bring together the concept

of an omelette served with algae which grows on the

shores. Fish is part of the cuisine heritage of the island

and is served in recipes such as roasted tuna and stewed

conger eel. From the guava tree, yellow, red and purple

fruits are picked to make a local dessert. The honey is

absorbed with the aroma of the thousands of flowers

that embellish this island.

Regional Foodpork Meat

neGra anD CoMpr IDa lakes

FaJÃ GranDe

alBaCora

Events

May. to Sep., Santa Cruz HolY GHost FestIVals

The Holy Ghost Festival is held on the last Sunday of August in the

village of Santa Cruz.

Aug., Santa Cruz CaIs Das poÇas FestIVal

This celebration of water activities and fishing is complemented by musical

entertainment, wich enlivens the island’s nightlife.

Jul., Lajes eMIGrant FestIVItIes

Musical and Cultural Festival in Lajes das Flores

34

Corvo

The entire island of Corvo is centred around its main volcanic struture, with a caldera at the top (called Caldeirão) and about twenty secondary volcanic cones on its flanks and inside the caldera. The Caldeirão is the main element of the island’s landscape and resulted from the collapse of the top of the central volcano of Corvo. This volcanic caldera has an elliptical shape, with a maximum diameter of 2.3 km and a depth of 305 metres. Its interior is filled with a body of water, which many claim replicate the Azores Islands. Vila do Corvo is located in a lava fajã (flat area of land by the sea), which flat surface had its origin in basaltic lava that flowed from Morro da Fonte. Portinho

Places to visitCalDe IrÃo

suGGesteD aCt IV It Ies

DivingGaMela; BaIXa Do BuraCo; CaneIro Dos Meros

Walking trailsCalDeIrÃo - CanCela Do pICo

birD WatchingWHole IslanD

ParagliDingCaMInHo para o CalDeIrÃo

geotourism/geolocationsFaJÃ De VIla Do CorVo; CalDeIrÃo

corvo

WInDMIlls

35

Regional Foodtart erVa Do CalHau (roCk Grass)

The local cuisine consists of fresh produce from the sea or picked from the land. Fish and Seafood are particular delicacies of the island.Corn bread is locally baked and is served with typical dishes such as the tart erva do calhau (rock grass). The grass is a type of seaweed picked from the sea rocks and the salt water is squeezed off. The handmade cheese of Corvo, which cures for at least 60 days, is a semi-hard paste and is yellow in colour, with a persistent and slightly hot taste.

da Areia and Ponta Negra boast an underwater haven extention (the so-called caneiros), a location of choice for divers who come to the island. By the Alto dos Moinhos, next to Ponta Negra, small windmills adorn the seaside.

VIla Do CorVo

Events

Aug., Vila do Corvo nossa senHora Dos MIlaGres CeleBratIons

There are dancing and religious ceremonies in honour of the

Saint Nossa Senhora dos Milagres.

Aug., Vila do Corvo WInDMIll FestIVal

The Festival dos Moinhos (Windmill Festival) is included in

these celebrations, and brings together the local brass band

and brass bands from other islands to entertain the population

for a couple of days.

Sep., Vila do Corvo nossa senHora Do BoM

CaMInHo CeleBratIons

In September, festivities celebrating the end of summer

include dances are held after a procession in honour

of the Saint Nossa Senhora do Bom Caminho.

WInDMIlls

TitleEnjoy Azores - Welcome Azores;EditorAzores Promotion Boardwww.visitazores.com

Design LMO - Zona de Ideias, Lda. - Rua João Melo Abreu, nº11, 9500 - 316 Ponta Delgada.Site: www.zonadeideias.pt;PhotosImages Bank Azores Photos;

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