Travel Tidbits - The Azores

 

Tranquil, naturally stunning, adventurous, crisp, and cleverly hidden in plain sight in the middle of the Atlantic…the Azores is a pure, fresh experience that is the perfect secret spot for exploration and revitalization. It’s a volcanic archipelago, similar to Hawaii with its natural landscapes, brilliantly colored flowers, lush hills and deep craters against dramatic coastlines and azure lakes with plenty of roads and trails to explore and generally, visitors are fascinated with its unique geological features. To arrive you fly into either Ponta Delgada or São Miguel with easy flights and connections from the East Coast and a short hop from Lisbon if you wanted to combine this with the mainland. So, what can do you do there?  GOLF- Courses here are embedded in a volcanic landscape surrounded by lush tropical flora and stunning sea views. SNORKELING- Ilhéu de Vila Franca is one of the best snorkeling spots in the Azores. Arrive by boat to this protected marine area with a large bay perfect for observing the colorful marine world through transparent waters and with mild temperatures. CYCLING- Ride through the volcanic caldera of the Sete Cidades complex, cross the lagoon and immerse yourself in this fresh valley with a challenging workout where you’re rewarded with impressive sights. CANOEING- Lagoa das Sete Cidades, classified as one of the 7 wonders of Portugal, is the idyllic place for canoeing where you’ll be dazzled by the magnificent green landscapes and a around them as well as discover a picturesque parish that lives inside a sleeping volcano. CANYONING- An adrenaline fueled way to explore deeply- walk through water courses, descend waterfalls, climb rocks and jump into the water rock pools. HIKING- Endless beautiful networks of walking paths await, both linear and circular with different degrees of difficulty- walk near the edge of the coast or go deep into the vegetation to discover the most hidden waterfalls. WHALE & DOLPHIN WATCHING- Beyond that, you’ll likely see turtles and other curious marine species and stop for a swim in the summer! 4X4ING- See São Miguel’s most beautiful lagoons and unique perspectives of the island as it once was through off road tracks not normally used by visitors. Spy blue hydrangeas, green pastures and basalt stone walls and stop Caldeira Velha, an open-air spa with hot water pools. CULTURAL WALKS- São Miguel has over 500 years of history and once a safe haven for Portuguese ships returning from India. Today the small cities are charming places to roam, dine on local bites and observe a relaxed pace of life.