PPRENT

The Islands

Outras Informações

General Information	Archipelago
Azores Little Guide	Active Turism

The Azores is a true paradise for nature lovers, In the fanciful forms of its blue lakes smothered in flowers. In the lofty peaks of its mountains with overwhelming view across the land and out to sea. In the deep verdant craters of its dormant volcanoes. In the breathtaking landscape that has maintained its natural purity. Rediscover a pastoral tranquility, the melody of silence. For holidays that will remain a lingering memory.

Art reflecting all the colours of the rainbow.
Green and blue are the dominant colours of the Azorean landscape. Over the centuries, man has added a multitude of lively colours, which adorn the doors and windows. The contrast of the whitewashed walls set against the ebony hues of the basalt carved in fanciful baroque forms. The glittering gold embellishing the church interiors.

Holidays with an authentic flavour.
The bedspreads woven on manual looms, reproducing age old patterns. Delicate flowers made from fish scales. The translucent miniature carvings made from fig tree pith. These are among the many unique crafts that tourists discover on each island.

There's much more to uncover. From the distinct rhythm of the folklore dances, living on as expressions of a secular religiousness. To the perpetual odour of finely prepared dishes from a cuisine enriched with fresh fish and meat, and the sweet tangy flavour of pineapples. Holidays in the Azores are always a marvellous experience. Made up of little and great pleasures its the art of knowing how to live.

Sailing, diving or challenge the rolling waves on a surfboard. Watch sperm whales, those friendly giants, languidly swimming across the ocean. Struggle with a powerful fish hooked to a solid fishing rod. A robust hike across valleys and mountains, breathing the air perfumed with flowers and enhanced by the ocean's salty breeze. Challenge a partner to a round of golf or of tennis. These are a few of the many pleasures of the Azores for those who prefer sporting holidays.

Viewed from the sea the islands are even more beautiful.
Sail to the Azores and discover the striking profile of its islands, the comfort of its marinas and welcoming ports. Those who appreciate the pleasures of the sun and sea during summertime will treasure the beautiful beaches and natural pools carved into volcanic rock. Surfers can find superb waves in Santa Maria, São Jorge and São Miguel. Sheer marvels await you on the seabed. Hidden caves reveal shoals of magnificently coloured fish. The gigantic bulks of whales, the graceful ballet of dolphins, revel in the challenge of catching mighty swordfish, dogfish and tuna.

Nine Islands, nine small words for a wide variety of holidays.
Situated on the outskirts of Europe in the middle of the Atlantic, each island of the Azores is home to a myriad of landscapes and peoples of Iongstanding traditions who live at one with nature. São Miguel, the largest island, boasts three beautiful lakes Sete Cidades, Fogo and Furnas the husde and bustle of Ponta Delgada. To one side, with its magnificent diffs covered in vineyards from the bay of São Lourenço, you discover Santa Maria, the Chapel of Angels where Columbus prayed upon his retum from the discovery of America.

The centre of the Azores harbours a cluster of five islands. The history of Terceira island is reflected by Angra do Heroismo, the first European city founded in the Atlantic and which has been awarded world heritage status by UNESCO, Faial displays the blue fresco of its flowering hydrangea, the ideal port of welcome for voyaging sailors. Straight ahead a mountain rises up from the ocean, the dramatic outline of Pico Island and h whaling tradition. The vibrant green pastures, plots of land jutting out into the sea typical Azorean fajãs at the base of towering cliffs are the natural setting for Sae, Jorge. The small island of Graciosa has a mysterious lake at the bottom of a volcanic cavern, and surrounding fields covered with vines where windmills wave their outstretched arms. Flores, a blooming garden surrounded by sea; the perennial charm of lakes carved out by angry volcanoes. A beautiful large crater crowns Corvo, a curious miniature island.

Visiting the Azores is like returning to a primeval paradise where man and nature come together as one to create eternal beauty. The palaces, churches and fortresses hark back to an era when the Azores were a port of call for ships laden with treasures from America and the Orient. The colour of traditional festivals. The gastronomic delights offered by its traditional secular cuisine, Discover the Azores where each day of your holiday will never to be forgotten.

Nine islands for active holidays.
365 days a year, the golf courses of São Miguel and Terceira cater to your every golfing need on evergreen courses surrounded by an array of blooming flowers. Accommodation facilities are equipped with magnificent tennis courts and pools. In the Azores you can explore a plethora of primitive vegetation and go bird-watching in almost 30 natural reserves, protected parks and floral reserves, beckoning to those who appreciate the beauty of nature. All this is thanks to the highly fertile volcanic soil, in which everything grows and blooms in an enthusiastic succession of colours and odours.

The more adventurous can opt for exploring volcanic interiors, visiting old craters, mountaineering and hang gliding. Whether it's sporting or relaxing holidays you're after, the Azores has something for you. Safe in the knowledge that the Azores will provide your holidays with a backdrop of unadulterated nature.