Azores

“Better to die free than subjected to peace” – this is how we know Azores, with the sentence that we read on its old flag.

Although the discovery of this region is not well defined, it is thought that men arrived at these shores due to the traditional European maritime routes. Around 1432 Portuguese from the Algarve, the Alentejo, the Estremadura and Minho regions started to populate the islands.

This is an archipelago of volcanic origin with one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the country and a very peculiar geography, which comprises valleys and mountains of great altitude, such as the famous Pico.

This is an ideal region for sports related holidays or rock and volcanic mountain activities. Diving, geotourism, fishing, hiking, swimming in the lagoons and waterfalls are the main attractions!

Known as a rich cattle breeding region, be sure to try a good steak when you pass by, but don´t forget that, besides the good meat, the sea is everywhere and fish and seafood are very present in the local gastronomy! But, if you want the most typical dish, choose a good “cozido” from Furnas (a stew made of boiled meat with vegetables), which combines the gastronomic experience with the geological knowledge of the islands.

If you choose to discover one or more islands it is important to remember that Faial is called the blue island, where the paths are outlined with hydrangeas; the “Lagoa das Sete Cidades” (Seven Cities Lagoon) is in São Miguel and it is, without a doubt, a unique experience to see the largest fresh water lake in the Azores lying in an immense valley.

In Santa Maria you may find a beautiful beach where the white sand is unique in the region. Corvo is the smallest island, but not the less interesting, as there is an enormous extinct volcano.

Açores

Açores

Açores

Açores

Açores

Açores

Açores

Açores