Nine green and remote islands, lost in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, The Azores Islands are the ideal destination for relaxing holidays in contact with nature. São Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceira, Faial, Pico, São Jorge, Graciosa, Flores, Corvo, these are the names of the nine islets off the coast of Portugal, sculpted by the force of volcanoes now extinguished and grouped in an archipelago that, according to legend, were originally part of the mythical Atlantis, island-reign made famous by the Plato Dialogues and the oldest historical references to these 9 islands date back to the 14th century.
Characterized by idyllic landscapes, with huge two-tone lakes, immense valleys and fields decorated by hydrangeas, The Azores Islands are the perfect destination for couples, entering the tip of feet in the small world built for centuries by whalers, farmers and fishermen.
All islands are an immense fish nursery and, for this reason, their populations had fishing as their main activity. Bosses, whales and dolphins are present in large numbers in thisand water, which in the past has made whale fishing an important activity in many of the Azores islands.
Today, the traditional activity of whale hunting has been converted into an appreciated tourist activity, which began in 1989 on the island of Pico, and that it has spread rapidly in other islands of the archipelago as São Miguel and Faial: the observation of cetacei. Boats with special equipment allow the observation of more than twenty-four different species of these great marine mammals, in an authentic open sea expedition, which will remain imprinted in memory.
In recent years, several tourist companies have included in their programmes the possibility of swimming among dolphins. The exit at the sea, for all those who wish to participate in this adventure, is duly prepared on the ground by the skipper, during a briefing that explains to the visitors what different species will be possible to spot, the modalities in which the itinerary and the attentions and precautions will take place.
A meeting with the blue whale, the largest mammal in existence, is a fan experienceCheers! Although they are close to each other, each island of the archipelago has its own peculiar characteristics. They share the same nature, but each has its own landscape, traditions, cuisine and architecture that differs from all the others.
A stay in the Azores Islands is ideal for those who want to escape stress and daily routine, to immerse themselves, soul and body, in nature. For lovers of walking, numerous are the paths thanks to which to discover the ancient volcanoes now inactive, whose mouths were covered by rich endemic vegetation. For those who want to discover the interior, you can rent a bike and explore the landscape independently.
For lovers of marine life, in addition to sightings at sea, there are numerous centers that organize excursions for diving and diving enthusiasts. The Azores are, therefore, the ideal destination for those who love active holidays, outdoors. But not only.
They are well suited for lovers of relaxation, with an unspoilt and lush nature, where the bright green of the plants pleasantly contrasts with the brown of volcanic formations and the blue of the sea, the archipelago of the Azores has been called an "idyllic refuge", ideal for a romantic break.
Among exciting sunsets and stories of ancient loves that are still part of the memories of the place, one of the most evocative is definitely São Miguel, where you can stay at the Hotel Bahia Palace. Or, for a stay in contact with nature Case Azzorreane (Association of Rural Tourism of the Azores) aims to promote and spread rural tourism in the Azores.
