Azores, a string of nine bright emeralds, lying on a silver sea...
descriptions of the Azores, an archipelago of nine distinctive volcanic
islands, are always fulsome. A little over 900 miles due west of Lisbon, these
islands shimmer in unspoilt solitude in the Atlantic Ocean.
Enjoy Azores for clean unpolluted air, soft climate warmed all year round by
the Gulf Stream, green fields and abundant flora which contrast with the
volcanic landscape of deep blue crater lakes, geysers and hot mineral springs.
The peace and beauty that reign in the Azores is one of Europe’s best kept
secrets and the lack of large scale tourism one of its charms. Discovered by
Portuguese navigators in the 15th century, the islands were slowly settled by
colonisers who brought agriculture with them.
The Climate is mild and most places sunny. Every single island has its own
climate. The humidity is on some islands some high. On the Azores you can use
the phrase " four seasons of the day ", and in fact it is a very good
description of the climate.
Over the centuries this developed into today`s wine production, the production of oranges, fruit and
vegetables and the raising of cattle for milk production and beef. Agriculture
generally is helped by the equable climate which rarely rises above 22 º
C or falls below 13 º C.
Visitors today can enjoy the beautiful natural environment of the islands with
their green fields, distinctive blue hydrangea hedgerows and abundant wild
flowers. The vast blue/green crater lakes, the impressive black lava sea cliffs,
Pico volcano (the highest mountain in Portugal), geysers, hot mineral pools...
The outline of the garden-like islands on the horizons of the sea. Peace and
quiet.
Flowers in the fields, in the villages, in the houses. The blue and green
of dreamy lagoons. A pace of life in which there is time to stop and appreciate
living. Art treasures that recall pages of a centuries-long history. Nature in
all its original splendor. A meeting with the past involved in everyday life.
Invitations to discover and experience a different world, repeated on each of
the nine islands of the Azores.
Mass tourism has all but bypassed these 'jewels' in the Atlantic so take a step
back in time and relax into the unhurried pace of life of these beautiful
islands.