the Azores in Pictures

[Gwen Parker]

The Azores have long been one of the most popular sites to place Atlantis, mostly because they are the only island chain in the middle of the Atlantic (where Atlantis is popularly suspected of being) and also because it looks like we expect Atlantis to have looked - lush, tropical, covered with vegetation.

Let's see how they look.
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The origin of the name Azores was derived from the archaic Portuguese word "azures" the plural of the word blue. Some say that it was named after the goshawk bird (Açor in Portuguese). However, since such bird never existed in the Azores, most historians have concluded that this the least probable explanation.

Corvo



Lajes Village - Pico Island

The Azores Islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean, about two hours flying time and 930 miles (1500 Km) from Lisbon, and about five hours flying time and 2422 miles (3900 Km) from the eastern coast of North America. The Azores have a total area of 910 square miles (2355 Km2). Their individual areas vary between S. Miguel's 290 square miles (747 Km2) and Corvo's 7 square miles (17 Km2). Its nine island archipelago extends over the parallel that runs through Lisbon (39º43'/39º55' north latitude), giving it a moderate climate with mild annual temperature oscillation.


The Azores sit atop of the Atlantic ridge and are of volcanic origin. Santa Maria is the only island that has signs of reef sediment. The volcanic origin of all Azorean islands is revealed by their volcanic cones and craters. Pico, a volcano that stands 7725 feet (2,351 meters) high on the island of the same name has the highest altitude in the Azores.


The archipelago of the Azores is and Autonomous Region of the Portuguese Republic since 1976 extending for 373 miles (600 km) from Santa Maria in the western group to Corvo on the eastern group. It forms an exclusive economic zone of 425 square miles (1.1 million km2). Portuguese is the official language, although there are some dialects of Flemish and African origins. The current president of the Azores is Cesar Carlos. The Presidency for the autonomous government sits in Ponta Delgada (S. Miguel), with the Supreme Court in Angra do Heroismo (Terceira) and the Legislative Assembly in Horta (Faial). Ponta Delgada is the largest city with about 55,000 habitants.


The Azores where discovered in 1427 by Goncalo Velho (a contested fact by historians), a captain sailing under the command of Henry the Navigator. The colonization of the Islands started in 1439 with people from Portugal, North Africa, Flanders and Spain. There were no humans living in the Azores at time of discovery.



The 9 islands of the Azores archipelago are divided into three groups:

• The Eastern Group of Sao Miguel and Santa Maria
• The Central Group of Terceira, Graciosa, Sao Jorge, Pico and Faial
  
• The Western Group of Flores and Corvo.
  

The Azores, an outline of garden-like islands on the horizons of the Atlantic ocean. 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 its original splendor. A meeting with the past involved in everyday life. An invitation to discover and experience a different world, repeated on each of the nine islands of the Azores.


http://www.azores.com/azores/azores.php#magnify


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[Gwen Parker]

Azores History --

The Azores were discovered or recognized, depending on the Historian, by Portuguese navigators in 1427. The Azores were populated in the 15th century by pioneers from Portugal, although small groups of Flemings settled on some of the islands. During the 16th and 17th centuries the Azores archipelago was one of the centers of trade between Europe America and India, and its ports sheltered and serviced galleons loaded with treasures.




Important naval battles were fought in the waters of the Azores in that period during the attacks by corsairs and pirates. The following centuries were calmer, but in 1829 the Azores returned to the pages of history with the role played by Terceira in the struggle against the absolutist forces, and as the base for the liberal forces that invaded the mainland Portugal.


The archipelago developed during the 19th and 20th centuries with the introductions of new crops, the developing of industries and progress made with stock-breeding and fisheries. The last few years have witnessed a slow but progressive improvement in the economic and social well-being of the population. Most of this improvement is due to the inflow of capital donations from emigrants (almost all from North America) and the annual leasing of the Lajes Air Field to the United States.

http://www.azores.com/azores/azores.php?attribute=9

[Gwen Parker]

Azores Festivities Learn more - The Azores:
-- SELECT -- History Popular Art Flag and Anthem Flora Climate Festivities Economy/Demography Fauna Folklore Gastronomy Handicrafts Immigration/Genealogy Landscape Sports Transportation Tourism Volcanism

The deep religious feelings of the people of the Azores are expressed in their festivals, which keep up the devotion and color of the past.


Santo Cristo

The festivals of the Holy Spirit, of medieval origins, are common to all the islands, although they have slight local adaptations; the presence of the emperor, the exhibion of his insignia in the chapel called "teatro" or empire, the existance of the "bodo" or banquet which is the culmination of the festivals, are all ethnographic elements that turn these events into living pages of tradition and history. The Festas do Senhor Santo Cristo (Festivals of the Lord Christ) at Ponta Delgada (Sao Miguel), which are truly colourful and entertaining events, the Sanjoaninas at Angra do Heroi­smo (St. John's Festivals) or Praia da Vitoria (Terceira), with folk dancing and the always animated bull-fights on a rope and the playing with cattle at the "espera do gado", the Sea Festivals at Horta (Faial), with lively sports activities, are high points in a calendar of events that are genuinely popular and last from January to December.

http://www.azores.com/azores/azores.php?attribute=20

[Gwen Parker]

Azores Landscape

Each of the nine islands of the Azores has an individualized landscape. They have one point in common, however. The presence of luxuriant, exuberant greenery which includes all the colors of the rainbow and is speckled with bright flowers.


Pico view from Faial


Then there are the wonderful lagoons at the bottom of craters. The irregular lands cut by hills and valleys and the flat areas with cultivated fields that look like a chess board. The constant presence of the blue sea which can be seen from the top of a high cliff on São Jorge or glimpsed on a level with the vineyards of Graciosa.



http://www.azores.com/azores/azores.php?attribute=11

[Gwen Parker]

Azores Volcanism

There are various signs of the volcanic origin of the islands, besides the volcanic cone and craters.


Furnas Caldeiras


Deserving special mention are sulphur grottoes, with an underground lake (Graciosa), the volcanic cones of Furnas valley (Sao Miguel), the remains of the Capelinhos volcano (Faial), the sulphur grottoes next the "caldeira de Guilherme Moniz" (Terceira), the basaltic columns of "Rocha dos Bordoes" (Flores) and the grottoes and caverns, some of them hundreds of meters long, on the islands of Sao Miguel, Santa Maria, Pico, Sao Jorge and Terceira.

http://www.azores.com/azores/azores.php?attribute=16

[Gwen Parker]

Azores Fauna

In the Azores, sea-birds and various types of birds, including the priolo, a sort of grey bullfinch that is endemic to the region, constitute the most attractive elements of the land fauna. It is in the ocean that the greatest wealth of the Azores lies, with an abundance of hundreds of species of fish and shell-fish and large mammals such as the sperm whale and the dolphin.


Dolphins in Pico/Faial channel

http://www.azores.com/azores/azores.php?attribute=5

[Gwen Parker]

Azores Climate

Situated in the midst of the Atlantic Ocean, at the centre of the anticyclonic zone of the Azores, bathed by a warm branch of the Gulf Stream, the archipelago enjoys a temperate maritime climate, without great variations in annual temperature. Each island has its own climate, with micro-climates produced by the relief and geographical location.



Average annual temperatures


Light clothes, with one or two woolen pieces for the cooler days or nights, are enough all year round, although in the winter slightly warmer wraps may be necessary. It is better to bring along a raincoat, however, because there are frequent showers followed at once by sunshine "the days of the four seasons" as the Azoreans picturesquely say - above all in the months from October to April.

http://www.azores.com/azores/azores.php?attribute=2

[Gwen Parker]

S. Miguel

   
   
   
   
   


S. Miguel (Sao Miguel), known as "The Green Island", is the largest and most populated island of the Azores as well as the home to the Presidency of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. S. Miguel island has a surface area of approximately 910 Square miles (759 km2). S. Miguel population is around 150.000 inhabitants.
 
S. Miguel's diverse scenery is a pleasant awakening to visitors. Its beautiful lakes, sandy beaches, rolling hills, high mountains, green plains, and blue ocean exults a sense that sometime somewhere Switzerland and Hawaii had a child.


S. Miguel is also the island in the Azores with the most offer. Its cosmopolitan town of Ponta Delgada (50 thousand habitants) offers the visitor a blend of contemporary amenities with a historic flavor. Its monuments, turn of the century architecture, parks and cobble stone streets are interlaced with a modern marina, nice restaurants, shopping, bars, night-clubs, and ocean-front cafes.


S. Miguel is known for is award winning Terra Nostra Park, wonderful golf courses, lakes, beaches, land, century-old architecture, majestic scenery, and most of all, its people. S. Miguel is unlike any other destination in the world. Once you come you will want to come back.


Activities in S. Miguel include whale watching, swimming with dolphins, walking and trekking, diving, fishing, jeep safaris, bird watching, sailing, snorkeling, swimming, golf and many other outdoor and indoor activities.


The weather is best between June and October with the hottest months being July, August and September. November to January is also pleasant but temperatures dip a bit. February through May tend to be on the rainy side.


 
Sao Miguel Island

   

Some of the places to visit:

 The Convent and Chapel of Our Lady of Hope, known as Convento de Esperança or simply Saint Christ's Church Igreja do Senhor Santo Cristo, is home to the magnificent statue of Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres (Christ of Miracles), the patron of the largest religious festival in the Azores.
 The Sant'Ana" Palace, a 19th century construction surrounded by beautiful gardens is actually the residence of the President of the Regional Government of the Azores (it is not open daily).
 The museum Carlos Machado in Ponta Delgada, an excellent institution with permanent exhibitions.
 The Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake). The hiker may reach the lake along well travelled paths.
 The Ermida da Senhora da Paz (Our Lady of Peace Chapel), an authentic Marian sanctuary constructed on a mount provides an excellent view of the village and of the islet. The Ilheu (Islet) of Vila Franca do Campo, protected as a Natural Reserve, is approximately 1 km from the coastline. The Ilheu is also a great swimming hole.
 The Furnas lake, surrounded by a beautiful flowered shore.
 The area of the Caldeiras ( Hot Springs ) at the lake, serve as a natural kitchen. Cooking by burying pots of food in the earth is a tradition that provides a fantastic meal of mixed meats and vegetables.
 In the town of Furnas the Caldeiras are even more spectacular. Many openings in the earth sprout geysers of boiling hot water.
 The "Terra Nostra" Park, behind the hotel of the same name, is one of the most beautiful parks in São Miguel . This 18th century park consists of small lakes, and streams, bushes of colourful and exotic flowers and century old trees of great botanical value. A lake that works like a pool of thermal iron water where you can relax in hot water.
 Nordeste (Northeast), is one of the most attractive municipalities in Sao Miguel . The look-out points, Ponta da Madrugada, Ponta do Sossego, Salto da Farinha, and the Ponta do Estorninho, among others are worth stopping at to admire the flowers and the amazing landscape.
 Pico da Vara, the highest point on the island, with an altitude of 1105m, is a challenging one and a half to two hour walk along a path which offers magnificent scenery of nature in the most primitive form. Pico da Vara is considered Natural Reserve, and a previous authorisation by the Regional Forestry Ministry may be required.
 Sete Cidades twin lakes, the biggest extinct volcano crater in the Azores with 12 km perimeter.
 Several beaches all over the island where you can swim, including Melicias (just outside Ponta Delgada, Agua D'Alto (Agua de Pau), Vinha d'Areia (Vila Franca do Campo), Moinhos (Porto Formoso), Mosteiros and Ribeira Quente.


Some of the local Festivals:
 Festa Sr dos Enfermos (Furnas-the streets are covered with azaleas and other flowers for the procession - first Sunday after Easter Sunday.
 Festa Sr Santo Cristo dos Milagres (Ponta Delgada) - fifth Sunday after Easter Sunday.
 Festas de S. Joao da Vila (Vila Franca) - 23th of June
 Cavalhadas de S. Pedro (Ribeira Grande) - 28th of June
 Semana do Chicharro (Ribeira Quente) - middle of July


Directions
The airport is about 1.2 miles (2 km) from downtown Ponta Delgada and provides daily flights to Europe via Lisbon as well as regular inter-island flights. Weekly flights from and to the United States and Canada as well as European cities such as London, Frankfurt and Zurick also available

[Gwen Parker]

Terceira


Terceira Island is located approximately 90 miles off Sao Miguel and 66 miles off Faial, and has a surface area of 148 sq. miles (382 km2). The international airport, located in "Lajes", about 2 miles from the city of "Praia da Vitoria", serves both civilian and military needs, and includes both the Military Command for the Azores as well as an important American Air Force Base. Terceira is the second most populated Azorean island with 58000 inhabitants.

 

 
 
 


The municipal seat is located in "Angra do Heroismo", where the The Pacos do Concelho" (City Hall), a majestic construction of the 19th century, is an important example of the rich patrimony of Angra.


After a violent earthquaque in 1980 and the subsequent reconstruction of the city, a large portion of Angra's historical center has been classified Public Interest, and is included in the UNESCO's list of World Patrimony since 1986.
Angra has one of the best public libraries and archives in the country which also retains some important private art collections.


 

Terceira Island


The network of streets of a town that is a monument in itself; Angra do Heroísmo was entitled as world-wide patrimony city. The colourful "impérios" or chapels that bear witness to popular devotion. The walls of a castle that was a royal prison. The constant presence of history. The gentle ondulation of a green countryside. The white triangle of the typical chimneys. Sides of the attractive and colourful prism that is Terceira.


Some of the places to visit

"Monte Brasil", classified as Protected Landscape, provides a recreational area and resting place as well as a fantastic view over the ocean and the city.


The Sao Joao Baptista do Monte Brasil Fort, is a large, fortified wall 2.5 miles long.


The Angra do Heroi­smo Museum, is located in the old Convent of St. Francis and is adjoined to the "Nossa Senhora da Guia" Church (Our Lady of Guidance).


The "Imperios"(religious monuments) are all over the island and are considered interesting due to their coloured facade


The "Algar do Carvao" is famous for its' grottoes that reach a depth of approximately 328 feet (100 meters). These spectacular grottoes contain stalactites, stalagmites and an interior lake. Near the "Algar" the "Enxofre, agua" and "Cabrito" Caves and the "Balcoes, Agulhas" and "Natal" Grottoes, are of special interest especially to scientists.


"Praia da Vitoria" is a young city with one of the most inviting beaches of the Azores. The architectonic patrimony is concentrated in the churches and chapels.


In "Biscoitos" you can visit the only wine museum in the Azores archipelago. This museum, inaugurated in 1990, illustrates the process of traditional wine making in the archipelago.


Some of local Festivities

"Sao Joaninas" (24th of June is the highest point of the festival though the celebrations take usually 10 days), the popular marches are the most important activity of the celebrations. The tauromathic fair is inserted in the Sao Joaninas.


"Tourada a Corda" (Running of the Bulls) is another traditional activity all over the island. It consists in leaving the bull in the streets, tied with a rope, some men challenge the bull while other control the bull with the rope. There are touradas on a daily basis (sometimes 2 and 3 in one day). The season runs from May 1 to September 30.


"Festas of Praia da Vitoria" (includes a gastronomical fair, with small restaurants from the whole of Portugal and some international as well)- second week of August.


"Angrajazz" (jazz Festival in Angra do Heroí­smo: first weekend of October.


"Ramo Grande Festival" (world music): End of October/beginning of November.
 http://www.azores.com/azores/terceira.php#magnify

[Gwen Parker]

Santa Maria 

The green plaid of the fields. Ripe, yellow crops. The dots of white-washed houses with lace-like chimneys. The black of the artistically chiseled basalt in the facades of churches. The rainbow color of the flowers. The dark ochre of the fertile earth. The gold of the sandy beaches. The palette of hues like a living water-color that is Santa Maria. The joy of folk festivities. The delicacies of a traditional cuisine

 

Island interior     
       

   
 


Santa Maria is about 55 miles from S. Miguel island (30 minutes by plane). It is the third smallest island of the Azores, known as the yellow island. The surface area is approximately of 38 sq miles (97 km2). The island has about 5500 inhabitants. The municipal seat is located in the parish of "Vila do Porto".


 

Santa Maria Island


Some of the places to visit

Maia and S.Lourenço Bay - Two of the most beautiful bays in the archipelago, with its cliff side vineyards. Both have bathing facilities.


Anjos - The village is historically very significant as the first landfall of Christopher Columbus on his return from Americas.


Santo Espirito - A pretty village surrounded by pastures, with a beautiful parish church.


Praia Formosa - Yellow sandy beach, one of the best in Azores


Some viewpoints

"Fontinhas", "Lagoinhas", "Espigao" and "Picos" and of course "Pico Alto" with 1926 feet (587 m).


Some of the local Festivals

Festas de Santo Antonio (Santo Espirito) - Second week of June


Festas de S.Joao (Vila do Porto) - 23 rd of June


Festas N. Sra da Assuncao (Vila do Porto) - 15th of August


Festival Mare de Agosto (music festival in Praia Formosa) - Third week of August


Directions
How to get there: daily flight connections from S.Miguel and in the summer, ferry connections more or less twice weekly, four hours sailing.

 http://www.azores.com/azores/santa_maria.php#magnify

[Gwen Parker]

Pico

Pico Island, named for its imposing mountain, is one of the most beautiful and definitely the most underrated island of the Azores. Only second to S. Miguel in size the 'Mountain Island' stands majestically in the middle of the Azorean central group, at about 4.5 nautical miles from Faial Island and 11 miles from S. Jorge Island.

 

Sao Roque coast     
 
 
 Capitao lake
 

 
Pico Mountain

 
 
Pico’s history was built on the destiny of is whale hunting and winery traditions. The famous Pico wines and the UESCO world patrimony designated vineyards as well as wooden boat building are contemporary fixtures of Pico. Whale hunting is long gone and gave way to a movement of fair treatment study and observation of whales, dolphins, and other sea mammals. Whale and dolphin watching trips can be organized from Madalena or Lajes. Volcanic eruptions ended 300 years ago. Pico is considered a dormant volcano adding to the mystique of the island and serving as a magnet for scientists.


Pico landscape is a sublime mixture of lava rock and exotic vegetation in an ever changing scenery that envelopes this scarcely populated island. Pico features the best swimming holes in the Azores, and every so often an occasional sand beach appears. In 2006 is Prainha’s turn to offer a beach to the delight of the locals and the tourists. Pico is also the ideal island to trek, hike, jog, walk, bird watch, whale and dolphin watch, swim, fish, ride bikes and motto-quad bikes. Speleology is also a favorite pastime of Pico and its visitors.


Why is it better in Pico? Because it has great roads and trails and it is not crowded. Take a day to ride a bicycle or walk from Cabrito to Madalena passing by Arcos, Lajido, Cachorro and Cais do Mourato and taste the history of this island. Pico is an Island where calm and peace can be found around every corner, yet there's always the choice of escaping to the village and experience the bustling culture or the occasional festival. Trips to Faial and S. Jorge are one ferry trip away. While it takes no time to know the smaller Faial Island, it takes a long time to get to know Pico as it is the type of destination where one must get out of the car to explore all that it has to offer.


As one local governor puts it, Pico is California of the Azores Islands (well at least until the gold rush), offering the sun, the ocean, the plains and the mountain. It is a puzzle for locals that people will consider stay in Faial and make one day trips to Pico. Pico is the place to visit if you want to experience the unadulterated Azores. Hurry up, it won’t last.


Pico is best from June to January. However as any island in the Azores the weather can be unpredictable and February through June can also be delightful.


To really experience Pico stay at one of the local rustic villas such as Villa Cabrito, Adegas do Pico or A-Abegoaria. All those are listed on the Azores.com lodging pages.
 

Pico Island


Some of the Festivals

Espirito Santo Festivities - Seven weeks after Easter, from Friday to Tuesday in several villages of the island, but Tuesday in Madalena is one of the most significant ones.


Cais de Agosto (music festival) in S. Roque - Last weekend of July or the first of August.


Festa do Senhor Bom Jesus Milagroso (religious) in Sao Mateus - First week of August.


Semana dos Baleeiros in Lajes (religious and music festival) - Last week of August
 http://www.azores.com/azores/pico.php#magnify

[Gwen Parker]

Faial


The green circle of a volcanic cone at the top of a hill. The white houses of a town mirrored on the sea. The masts of sailing boats that have come from all over the world. The ochre walls of a fortress that has witnessed naval battles. The unforgettable sight of sunrise with the island of Pico in the background. The quiet inlets with beaches of soft sand. The hydrangeas standing out against the landscape, framing houses and roads, thus ustifying the fact that Faial has been called the "blue island".

 
 
 
 

 

Faial Island

Faial island is part of the central group of the archipelago, about 66 miles from Terceira, 4.5 miles from Pico and 11 miles from S. Jorge. The surface area of Faial is approximately 67 square miles (173 km2). The island has about 15.000 inhabitants and its main municipal seat is located in the city of Horta. Different colours of blue decorate the houses, divide the fields and line the roadsides, giving Faial the name of Blue Island.


In the 18th century the development of whale hunting brought the early whaling fleets to Horta. By 19th century, Horta had become an important sea port, and a stopping point for a large number of yachts crossing the Atlantic.


In 1957 a great volcanic eruption from the "Ilheu dos Capelinhos", about 1 km from the coast, projected large quantities of lava and ash forming an islet that later became connected to Faial by an isthmus.


Faial Highlights:

Cabecao Gordo - With an altitude of 3422 feet (1043 meters). Located in the centre of the island, it offers amazing views of the neighbour islands of Pico and Sao Jorge


The Caldeira - Also a great attraction, an enormous crater with 6560 feet (2 km) diameter and 1300 feet (400 m) deep. This area is classified as a natural reserve.


Monte da Guia - A mountain from where you can have a look over the town,it is also a protected natural reserve.


Ponta dos Capilinhos - One of Faial's main tourist attractions. Here the visitor can see the results of the eruption of 1957/8 which transformed the landscape, burying fields and houses. The old lighthouse can still be seen.


Lajinha and Ponta Furada - Great attraction for their caves and strange lava arches, where the sea often flows violently against the rocks.


Vale de Flamengos - Attractive area full of colourful plantations, flowers and picturesque houses.


Scrimshaw Museum - This is a private collection belonging to the owner of the popular Peter's Cafao. Over a hundred pieces are exhibited here, engraved with beautiful sailing boats, mermaids, images of whale-hunting, among many others.


Horta Museum - Housed in the former Jesuit College, the museum is noted for its collection of fig wood, one of the island's traditional handicrafts.


Port of Horta - Built in 1876, this important sea-port is a principal port-of-call for many transatlantic yachts. The sea wall is of special interest as it is covered with hundreds of paintings and messages left by the sea-travellers who call in at the port.


Some of the Festivals

The "Semana do Mar" or Sea Week, which begins on the first Sunday in August, is organized by various institutions connected with water sports and tourism. It includes all sorts of activities connected with the sea, as well as other cultural events, and has become internationally famous.

 http://www.azores.com/azores/faial.php#magnify

[Gwen Parker]

Sao Jorge


The green of the broad pastures sprinkled with wild flowers. The yellow circles of delicious cheese. The vertical line of tree-covered cliffs. Discover the silence of nature. The multicoloured blobs of rugs woven on primitive looms. The flat pieces of land of the fertile "fajãs" where vineyards and orchards grow. Attractions of São Jorge, an island that is like a ship anchored on the ocean.

 

 


       
 
 

The island of Sao Jorge, another island from the central group, lies 21,6 miles off Graciosa, 11 miles off Pico, 32,4 miles off Terceira and 16,2 miles off Faial. It has an approximate area of 95 sq. miles (246 km2). The island has about 9500 inhabitants. The main municipalities are Velas and Calheta.

 

Sao Jorge Island

S.Jorge Island has an indented coastline appearing with an oblong shape. A mountain range forms the back-bone of the island, its highest peak the Pico da Esperança at 3455 feet (1053 m) it offers views of the other islands of the central group.


Some of the places to visit

The faja of the Caldeira do Santo Cristo, is in the Ribeira Seca area and it is a protected nature reserve where you can find an underground cave and a lake.


The Topo islet lies on the eastern tip of the island, and it is also a natural reserve. It is a breeding ground for the gulls of the central group of islands, as well as a home for migratory species of sea-bird.


A walk along the sea-shore near Urzelina takes one to the Furnas da Pombas, a curious volcanic rock formation which is populated by wild pigeons.


Urzelina - The church tower here is all that remains of an ancient church that was buried when the Pico de Esperança erupted in 1808.


Manadas - A picturesque village with attractive country houses surrounded by orchards and cultivated fields.


Church of Santa Barbara - Built in the 18th century, in Baroque style with carved archway and chancel with a carved cedar roof, a valuable collection of hand-painted tiles depicting scenes of the life of St. Barbara.


All the "Fajas" along the coast offer spectacular views.


Some of the Festivities

Espi­rito Santo – 7 weeks after Easter


Cultural week (in Velas) - First week of July.


The July festival in Calheta - Music festival, last week of July
 http://www.azores.com/azores/sao_jorge.php#magnify

[Gwen Parker]

Graciosa


The undulating wheat-fields, green and purple vineyards. The vanes of windmills revolving in the wind. The colour of the vineyards. The mirror formed by a lagoon hidden in the depth of the earth. The peace and quiet of country life. The nectar of delicious wines. Pastoral attractions of Graciosa, which also offers, in dramatic beauty, the rainbow colours of underwater life.

   

 
 

 

Approximately 31 miles of Terceira lies the island of Graciosa. It has a surface area of 24 sq miles (61 km2). It is called the white island due to the landscape and the names given to certain places like "Pedras Brancas" or White Stones, "Serra Branca" or White Mountain, and "Barro Branco" or White Clay. The island has about 4600 inhabitants. The main municipalities are "Santa Cruz" and "Lajes".

  Graciosa Island


The islets along the coast of Graciosa add a peculiar beauty to the islands. The "Praia" Islet, totally covered by vegetation, and the "Baleia" Islet, named this way because of it has shape of a whale.


Some of the places to visit

Ethnographic Museum which contains items related to the culture of wine and the now gone whaling industry.


From the "Monte de Nossa Senhora da Ajuda", you can have a look over the town of Santa Cruz.


The "Furna do Enxofre" (Sulphur Cavern), in the interior of the "Caldeira", or crater of a former Volcano there's a tunnel about 330 feet (100 m) deep and has a lake filled with cold sulphur water.


It is possible to visit other caverns such as "Bolos, Lembradeira, Manuel de Avila, Labarda, Furada, Linheiro, Cardo, Gato, Castelo, Calcinhas, Queimado, Vermelho, Cão, Urze and Luis".


From the "Timao" summit, at an altitude of 1300 feet (398 m), and the "Facho" summit, at an altitude of 1230 feet (375 m), as well as from the "Dormida, Branca and Fontes" mountains you can get a glimpse not only of the island, but of the surrounding ocean and the islands of Terceira, São Jorge, Pico and Faial.


The "Carapacho" Hot Spring Baths with medicinal waters.


Some of the Festivities

Espi­rito Santo - 7 weeks after Easter


Festival of Santo Cristo (early August) - boat races, bullfights, plus cultural happenings

 http://www.azores.com/azores/graciosa.php#magnify

[Gwen Parker]

Flores


The melodious sound produced by water-mills next to crystal-clear streams. The long, dense clumps of hydrangeas winding over hills and dales. The basalt petrified in eternal threads. The refreshing tranquillity of the lagoons. The musical creaking of an ox drawn cart. Picturesque old customs. White houses perched on green slopes. The harmony of Flores, a garden floating on the foam of the sea.
   

 
 

 

 

There is a great profusion of wild flowers and small sized botanical species, many of which have come from the original flora. Permanent pastures and farm areas, including vineyards, complete the vegetal landscape of the islands.


The island of Flores is the westernmost point of the Archipelago and of Europe. Flores is about 15 miles from Corvo. These two islands make up the western group of the archipelago. The area is about 55 sq miles (143Km2). The island has more or less 4000 inhabitants. The main municipalities are Santa Cruz and Lajes.

 

Flores Island


The island has deep valleys and high peaks, lakes bordered by hydrangeas, cliffs carved with grottoes, hot springs and the remains of old volcanoes. The fields are divided by hydrangea hedges.


Flores Highlights

The Rochad dos Bordoes - solidification of basalt into vertical fluting.


Ã?guas Quentes - Small hot springs of boiling sulphurous water.


The peaks of Sete Pes, Burrinha, Marcel and Morro Alto (which at 3000 feet (914 m) is the highest point of the island).


The seven lakes in the central part of the island make for a magnificent landscape, especially the Fundalake ("Lagoa Funda").


The Waterfall of Ribeira Grande at Fajazinha drops hundreds of meters, and has at least twenty waterfalls many of which drop into the sea.


The Groto de Enxareus is an enormous cavern, about 164 feet (50 m) long and 82 feet (25 m) wide.


The Bay of Alagoa - A group of islets and peninsulas.


Fajazinha - A characteristic village by the sea with picturesque ruins of water mills.


Some of the Festivals

Festivities of San Joao in Santa Cruz - last week of June


"Festa do Emigrante" in Lajes (cultural and musical) - middle of July
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