Portugal: my favorite Portugal. Climate, best time to relax

Portugal is a country with extraordinary landscapes, stunning beaches and a rich heritage. A visit to Portugal can enjoy some of the best surfing in the world, a growing wine industry and vibrant cities like Lisbon and Cascais. While spending time in Portugal is a fantastic idea, you might also want to explore beyond the mainland. The best islands in Portugal are on the Algarve coast, and the Azores archipelago and Madeira archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. Let's take a look at some of these Portuguese islands, many of which boast breathtaking scenery and world-class beaches.

Climate at the resorts of Portugal - when to go on vacation?

The popularity of Portuguese resorts is due, first of all, to climatic conditions - mild winters, cool summers, and the absence of sudden temperature changes throughout the year.

Weather in Lisbon

The full beach season begins in the first half of June. On the Lisbon Riviera, daytime temperatures reach +25 °C, and water temperatures up to +18 °C, in the Algarve province +26 °C and +20 °C, respectively. In mid-summer, during the peak tourist season, the maximum air temperature is +27 degrees, and the ocean temperature is +19 °C near Lisbon; in the south of Portugal the air heats up to +29 °C, water up to +21°C.

At the beginning of September, the velvet season begins - daytime temperatures drop to +26 degrees. The water temperature in the Atlantic Ocean in Portugal at this time of year remains quite comfortable for swimming - +23 degrees (in the Algarve) and +19°C in the west of the country.

Temperature in Algarve

In October, the rainy season gradually begins; there are more and more fogs in the mornings, although during the day it is quite warm - +24 degrees. This time in Portugal can be devoted to excursions and sightseeing. October is the time to look for cheaper resorts in Portugal on the ocean, as accommodation prices drop.

Resorts in the Algarve province

This is the southernmost province of Portugal with picturesque nature and a rich historical and architectural heritage. In the west of the province the rocky coastline predominates; in the east of the Algarve the coastline is predominantly flat.

Good to know! The best months for an ocean holiday in Portugal are August and September.

Most of the Algarve province is a protected area; people come here to visit a natural park where flamingos live in natural conditions. Conditions have been created for sports - there are golf courses, diving and surfing centers. For a holiday with children, you can also find everything you need - water parks, sea shows, yacht trips, visits to grottoes, lighthouses, exciting excursions.

The length of the coastline of the Algarve province is about 200 km. Today, the Algarve in Portugal is a resort with good beaches that is included in the list of the best holiday destinations in Europe. Many Algarve hotels have their own green area where you can relax comfortably.

If we compare the resorts of the Algarve province with vacation spots on the Lisbon Riviera, we can highlight the following differences:

The ocean in Portugal in the Algarve region is warmer.
The Algarve's tourist infrastructure is more developed.
Getting there is more difficult, longer and more expensive.

Albufeira

Albufeira was once a small fishing village, and today it is one of the best resorts in Portugal and a wonderful place to relax. In the central part of the city, life does not cease even at night. At the local market you can buy a wide variety of fish and seafood caught on the same day.

The resort is surrounded by pine trees and orange groves. There are a large number of discos, cafes, restaurants here, you can go diving and go sailing.

There are about two dozen beaches in the vicinity of Albufeira, some marked with the Blue Flag for the cleanliness of the coastline and ocean. A huge number of tourists come here. The city is very beautiful, small, with a rich history.

Pescadores Beach

Interesting fact! The name of the resort translated means “castle by the sea”.

Of course, the main reason for traveling to Albufeira is the beautiful coastline and developed infrastructure. The best place to relax is Peneku, its second name is Tunnel Beach. It is located in the old part of the city; to get to the ocean you need to go through a tunnel in the rocks.

The longest coastline within the city is Rybatsky Beach. There are many cafes and taverns where you can order delicious fish dishes. There are many boats moored; vacationers can rent any and enjoy a trip on the ocean.

San Rafael Beach

A few kilometers from the city center there is San Rafael Beach. This place attracts tourists with its bizarrely shaped rocks; the shore resembles the surface of a distant planet. Here you can take the best pictures among the numerous grottoes and rocks formed by sandstone. This is an ideal place for snorkeling.

Another Albufeira holiday destination that is included in the list of the best in Europe is Falesia. It is surrounded by red rocks. If you like a relaxed holiday, this part of the Algarve with its fine, white sand and pine forest is perfect for you.

Praia da Oura is located next to the party areas of Albufeira, there are many discos here, life is in full swing even at night. The sandy coast is picturesquely decorated with steep cliffs of bizarre colors.

Distinctive features of the Albufeira resort

A beautiful city that is pleasant to walk around for hours.
The tourist infrastructure is well developed: a large selection of cafes, restaurants, entertainment.
The central beach is large, comfortable, but crowded.
It is convenient to get to from the airports of Lisbon and Faro - buses run regularly and frequently.
An ocean holiday in Portugal at the Albufeira resort is the most expensive in the Algarve region - all of the above advantages are reflected in the prices, the demand for housing is high.

Portimao

The resort is 66 km from the capital of the Algarve. In fact, the resort is divided into 2 parts - the Old Town with historical buildings and attractions, but further from the beach and a new area - Praia da Rocha - directly next to the ocean. The latter is where most of the hotels are located and all the infrastructure necessary for tourists is concentrated.

Traveling to Portimão is not limited to just a beach holiday; there are excellent conditions for sports – golf, diving, windsurfing, yachting, and deep-sea fishing.

Undoubtedly, the main attraction of the resort is Praia da Rocha. This place is included in the holiday destinations in Portugal. There are wooden paths along the entire shore, there are shelters for changing clothes and showers (in the cafe). Another popular beach, Three Castles beach, is nearby, separated from Praia Da Rocha by a cliff.

Prices in Portimao

There are many hotels along the ocean from three-star to luxurious five-star. A room for two in a mid-level hotel will cost from 70 to 110 €.

Interesting fact! The main attraction is the massifs of rocks, from the tops of which a picturesque view of the resort of Portimao opens.

Lunch in a cafe in high season will cost 8.50 €, in a restaurant – 30 € (for two persons). A snack “burger + drink” costs 6 €.

Advantages and disadvantages of the city

The tourist infrastructure is well developed - there is everything for a comfortable stay.
Picturesque cliffs and a huge beach, where there is enough space for everyone even in high season.
The waves are almost always big, not the best place for a holiday with small children.
Getting from the airport of the capital of Portugal is not difficult, but it takes longer than to Albufeira (all buses go through it).
It is convenient to visit neighboring cities and natural attractions in the Algarve region; the journey in any direction does not take much time.

More detailed information about the resort of Portimao is presented in.

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Alvor

Resort fishing village located 5 km from Portimão. The Ria de Alvor National Park is nearby. A huge number of birds live in natural conditions, and exotic plant species grow on the embankment. For fans of active recreation there is a golf course. The sandy beach is located a kilometer from the resort center.

Interesting fact! The town is small, there are few attractions here, since after the earthquake in 1755 the village was completely destroyed.

Beaches of Alvor

The main part of the coastline runs along a wide barrier that isolates the recreation area from the ocean. Alvor has an exclusively sandy beach where children love to play. Comfortable conditions have been created for vacationers - there are sun loungers, umbrellas, changing cabins, you can rent equipment for water sports or rent a catamaran or yacht. When going to sunbathe in this part of Alvor beach, you need to take food and water with you - there will be nowhere to buy it nearby. You can get from the city to the beach on foot. There is parking nearby.

Good to know! Alvor is a favorite holiday destination not only for tourists, but also for residents of Portugal.

Three Brothers Beach

Three Brothers Beach is located in the eastern part of Alvor Beach. The resting place is surrounded by three rocks, which gave the name of the attraction. In this part of the resort there are hotel complexes. It also has everything you need for a comfortable stay.

The cost of a double room in a three-star hotel in the summer months ranges from 120 to 300 €. Apartments can be rented for 85-100 €.

Eating in cafes and restaurants will cost approximately the same amount as in other places on the Algarve coast.

Distinctive features

Compared to other ocean holiday destinations in Portugal, the Alvor resort is less picturesque - there are no steep cliffs, and there is a large wasteland near the beach.
Here, as a rule, the ocean is calm and without waves - the best place to relax with children.
The choice of accommodation is not very large; the most profitable options are booked several months in advance.
The resort is small, you can get around everything in a day.

Lagoa

The resort is located east of Portimão. There is beautiful nature here, it is quiet and peaceful, there are many interesting places for lovers of history and architecture.

Not far from Lagoa there are cultural attractions, water sports, spas and beauty treatments. The tourism infrastructure is well developed, so tourists from all over the world come to Lagoa with pleasure.

Good to know! Lagoa is a wonderful place in Portugal, where a beach holiday can be combined with excursions and sports.

In summer, accommodation in a double room at a mid-level hotel will cost from 68 to 120 €. Food prices are not much different from neighboring Portimao and Albufeira.

The best places for a beach holiday in Lagoa

Praia de Benagil

A small section of the Praia de Benagil coastline is notable for its large crowds of vacationers and trips to the caves. A boat departs from the shore every 30 minutes and takes tourists to the caves; the largest is located 150 meters from the beach. To get there on your own, you can rent a kayak or kayak.

Good to know! Getting here is more difficult than other holiday destinations.

Praia da Marinha

Among the oceanfront resorts in Portugal, Marinha is considered the most picturesque and unusual place. It has repeatedly received the highest international awards. It is one of the hundred most picturesque places in the world. The landscape on the shore is somewhat reminiscent of the Martian landscape, but getting down to the shore is quite difficult, so this place is not suitable for families with children. To get to the water, you need to go down the steps and walk through the thorny bushes.

It is important! The only way here is by car; you can leave your vehicle in the parking lot; there is also a sign here that will help you get to the shore.

To fully admire the beauty of Marinha, it is best to buy a boat excursion.

Characteristics of Lagoa

It has picturesque cliffs, bays and beaches.
The beaches are small in size, but very popular among tourists; in high season they can be crowded.
Good transport accessibility and developed infrastructure.
For historical sights, it is better to go to neighboring settlements.
Overall, Lagoa is one of the best places in terms of price/quality ratio.

Lagos

One of the oldest cities, located on the banks of the Bensafrin River. It's nice to stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets, sit in small courtyards and climb the fortress walls that surround the city. Lagos is rightfully included in the list of the most beautiful places in Portugal; people come here not only to relax on the shore, but also to visit interesting sights.

It is important! Holidaying with children in this part of Portugal is not very convenient, since the road to the ocean is difficult.

2. Meia Praia

Not a typical coastline for Portugal, there is only sand and ocean. There are no large crowds of tourists, and the length of the coastline is about 5 km. The tourist infrastructure is quite developed - there are sun loungers, umbrellas, and changing cabins. The distance from the city center is only 1.5 km.

3. Camilo Beach
The place is beautiful, but crowded, the interest of tourists is quite obvious, because it is incredibly beautiful here. On the shore there are sun loungers, umbrellas, cafes, and toilets. The distance from the city center is 10 km, so it is better to live in a hotel near the beach.

4. Praia do Porto de Mos

It is spacious and calm, a wonderful place for a relaxing holiday. The ocean is almost always calm, since the area is fenced with rocks. There are enough sun loungers and umbrellas on the shore, changing cabins are installed, and you can leave your car in the parking lot. There are also cafes and comfortable terraces from where you can admire the picturesque landscapes. The distance from the city center is about 3 km.

Prices are average in the Algarve region.

The longest journey is from Lisbon and Faro Airport.

The resort is located in the very west of Portugal, the water temperature in the ocean here is 1-2 degrees lower than in Albufeira in the east.

The Lisbon Riviera is no less attractive for tourists, however, it is worth noting that the water in this part of Portugal is cooler than in the south of the country, and the hottest month is August - the ocean temperature does not exceed 19°C.

Food prices here are slightly lower than in the Algarve province:

lunch in a cafe – 8 €;
lunch for two in a restaurant – 26 €;
You can eat at a fast food establishment for 5.50 €.

It is important! The main holiday destinations are concentrated at a distance of 15-20 km from Lisbon and form the Lisbon Riviera - this is the area from Cape Roca to the mouth of the Tagus River.

Azores.Portugal

The most beautiful double lake Lagoa das Sete Cidades. San Miguel Island

Azores (port. Açores [ɐˈsoɾɨʃ]) is an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, occupied by the autonomous region of Portugal of the same name. The name of the islands most likely comes from the obsolete Portuguese word "azures" (similar to the Russian "azur"), which literally means "blue". The archipelago consists of islands of volcanic origin. The active volcano Pico (2351 m) is the largest peak in Portugal.

In 1995, the Azores received an EU prize for the preservation of pristine nature and the development of eco-tourism.

Green volcanic mountains

The Azores is an archipelago of 9 islands in the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by greenery and flowers. The Portuguese discovered this archipelago in the 15th century and the islands have always been Portuguese territory despite ill-wishers who tried to seize them.
The Azores are perfection itself: intricate curves of clear lakes, buried in tropical flowers, breathtaking views of the islands and sea opening from the mountains.
The craters of volcanoes overgrown with tropical forest have preserved their primeval nature. The Azores has the purest atmosphere! The islands are popular for scuba diving and are home to hundreds of species of fish, shellfish, cetaceans and dolphins. The Azores are chosen for privacy from civilization, for a luxurious holiday in beautiful nature

The Azores are conventionally divided into three parts: Santa Maria and San Miguel - the east of the archipelago; Graciosa and Terceira, Pico, Sao Jorge, Faial - the central part of the archipelago; Flores and Corvo - western part.
The islands of the Azores archipelago have common features in nature, vegetation, and fauna. They differ in landscape, as well as cuisine and local culture.

The second name of the island of San Miguel is “Green Island” because of its picturesque and green landscapes. San Miguel is home to Ponta Delgada, the main town of the island, with narrow, cobbled streets, well-preserved historical buildings from the 17th century and beautiful parks (Terra Nostra Garden).

And Flores is a biosphere reserve, a specially protected natural area that demonstrates the balanced interaction of nature and man. Flores has magnificent rocky cliffs, many lakes and craters, small pastures separated by hedges of hydrangeas and stunning waterfalls that fall into the ocean from the heights of the slopes.

Pedestrian road to the coast

The climate on the islands is subtropical marine. Average temperature in winter is 18-19 °C, in summer 24-25 °C
Flores receives more rainfall than San Miguel. From June to September, dry and partly cloudy weather prevails. The water temperature throughout the year ranges from +17 to +23 °C.

Azores. The secret of harmony.

The Azores are a set of beautiful volcanic islands now in the possession of Portugal. Located in the Atlantic Ocean, beyond the Strait of Gibraltar, the so-called Pillars of Hercules.
It is believed that the Azores Islands are the remnants of the legendary Atlantis, which the ancient Plato wrote about, admiring the structure of their society. The ancient philosopher was amazed by the engineering and construction thoughts of the Atlanteans, embodied in the most magnificent buildings.

Some historians are inclined to assume that communication between the Old and New Worlds was much busier in ancient times than in the Middle Ages, precisely because of the intermediate trading base that was Atlantis. A center of thriving trade, where adventurers from all over the Indian-Egyptian-Greek world flocked.
The Azores were known to the Carthaginians, which is confirmed by the finds of Punic coins in Corvo. The Vikings and Arabs knew about them. The last and final discovery was made by two Portuguese nobles who landed on a wooded island, which, without further ado, was named Legname, which means forest in Portuguese. The islands were uninhabited at the time of Portuguese colonization.
Having learned about their discovery, Italian sailors sailed there and discovered another island and named it Madera, which also means forest, only in Italian.
Severe medieval men did not know what ecology was and, without further ado, burned almost all the endemic vegetation and planted vineyards. However, Madera wine is known to everyone to this day.

The islands are volcanic and there are still places where the underground heat allows you to bake bird eggs, just bury them for a few minutes. And until now, scuba divers have not explored the bottom of the archipelago, which may be hiding the secrets of the ancient island kingdom that went under the water.

Angra do Heroismo. Terceira. Azores.

National park with hydrogen sulfide springs.

The island of Norvo (Portugal) is the smallest of the 9 inhabited islands of the Azores archipelago, volcanic in origin, together with the island of Flor it belongs to the Western group of the Azores. Located in the North Atlantic Ocean.

Impressive sulfur cave in the Azores

This unusual visitor center was designed by architect Nuno Ribeiro Lopez, who actually recreated a similar old building that exists on the island of Graciosa in Portugal. Now, in a modern-looking building, travelers will be able to get all the information about the sulfur cave in this area. Rising above the water, surrounded by natural craters, this glass structure is truly impressive. The visitor center has a total of two levels.
The lower one looks completely recessed into the ground: bathrooms and exhibition spaces are located here. While the second floor offers an excellent platform for viewing the surrounding area. What is attractive about the building is that the design looks quite modern, but not too flashy. Plus, it should be said that functionality was of paramount importance when renovating this center.

Azores landscape with Mount Pico in the background

The total area of the Azores is 2333 km². The largest island of the archipelago is Sao Miguel with an area of 747 km², and the smallest island is Corvo (17 km²). The highest point is the volcano on the island of Pico, which rises to a height of more than 2350 meters above sea level.

About 240 thousand people live in the Azores. The island of São Miguel has the largest population, and the largest population lives in the administrative capital of the island archipelago, Ponta Delgada. Since the Azores are an autonomous region of the country, they are governed by their own government and legislative assembly.

The archipelago has amazingly beautiful nature. There are many endemics preserved here: the bell-like evergreen shrub Azorina, the clover-like Azorean Marsilia, the day butterfly Hipparchia azorina, the Azorean bat and the Azorean bullfinch. Local residents strive to preserve the pristine natural landscape, and therefore eco-tourism is very popular here.

There is no consensus regarding the origin of the name Azores. According to one version, the island archipelago received its name from the Spanish word “azul” or the Italian “azzurre”, which mean “blue” or “blue”.

According to another assumption, the first sailors saw the islands while following goshawks returning to their nests. In Portuguese these birds are called "açor". Residents of the archipelago like this version best, despite the doubts of ornithologists who claim that hawks have never been found in these places.

There is also an assumption that the islands were named by the navigator Gonçalo Velho Cabral in honor of a Christian saint. She was revered in the sailor's homeland - in the village of Açor, located in central Portugal, as the patroness of the local residents.

History of the Azores

It is not known exactly when the Azores Islands were discovered. They were first noted on Genoese maps in the 14th century. It is believed that the discoverers could have been both Portuguese sailors and Genoese sailors who were in the service of Portugal at the beginning of the 14th century.

In 1432, the ship of the sailor Gonçalo Velho Cabral sailed to the archipelago. The Portuguese left small cattle on one of the islands. When they visited the island a few years later, they were convinced that the animals had managed to survive. Portugal recognized the area as suitable for human life, and settlement began in 1439. At first, everyone was sure that the archipelago consisted of seven islands, but in 1452 two more islands were discovered - Corvo and Flores, distant from the main islands to the west.

In the following centuries, the Azores began to play an important role on the shipping routes from Europe to America. Many slaves were brought here, naval battles took place over the possession of the archipelago, and the islands were more than once attacked by sea pirates. The palaces, mansions, fortresses and temples that have survived to this day remind us of those times.

Wheat was grown in the Azores and the flour was sold to ships that sailed the Atlantic Ocean. Viticulture, sugar cane, pineapple and tobacco cultivation were developed here. And the heather growing on the mountain slopes was in great demand among Flemish dyers.

Farming, livestock farming and fishing provided income for the islanders in the 19th and 20th centuries. Nowadays, tourism plays a major role in the economy of the archipelago. In addition, local residents grow tea, tobacco, coffee, cereals and greenhouse pineapples. The Azores make excellent wine and cheeses.

Nature and climate

Before Europeans settled, the Azores were covered with evergreen forests. Most of the relict forests were later destroyed, but their place was taken by modern plantings. Areas of ancient forests have been preserved only on the slopes of volcanoes. Redwood, cedars, laurels, English holly, Japanese pine and cherry trees grow here. There are 560 species of flora, 200 of which are trees. Among flowering plants, hydrangea has become the symbol of the Azores.

The rich vegetation of the archipelago arose due to the marine subtropical climate. The average temperature here in winter is +14...+15 °C, and in summer +25 °C. The sea water temperature in the cold season does not fall below +17 °C, and in mid-summer it is very comfortable for swimming +23...+24 °C. Despite the warm climate, tourists are advised to take warm clothes with them at any time of the year, as the fresh ocean breeze on the coast can make it cool at night.

From October to April, the rainy season begins in the Azores, when up to 110 mm of precipitation falls per month. During the rainy season there is frequent fog. It is noteworthy that more precipitation falls in the western part of the islands. The island of Santa Maria has special weather. While on one half of the island the sun always shines, in the other part it rains almost all the time.

Dry sunny weather begins in May and lasts until September. This is the time of high tourist season. Many sea-swimming enthusiasts come to the Azores, spending most of their time on black beaches covered with volcanic sand.

Tourism in the Azores

The wonderful warm climate of the Azores is very beneficial for your health. There are no large enterprises on the archipelago, so holidays in the Azores are preferred by lovers of nature and beach pleasures. The tourism infrastructure of the archipelago is under development. However, today it is not difficult to find a high level of service on the islands. In recent years, many good hotels and restaurants have been built here.

Many travelers come to the Azores to admire the picturesque nature and see local natural monuments. Other activities on the islands include diving, sailing, surfing, snorkeling and sea fishing.

Sao Miguel Island

San Miguel is the largest island of the archipelago. It lies in the east of the Azores. About 140 thousand people live here. San Miguel stretches for 60 kilometers and reaches a width of 14 km. For its luxurious vegetation it was awarded the title of “green island”.

Several natural lakes are considered local attractions, the most beautiful of which, the “lake of fire” or Lagoa do Fogo, is located in a large volcanic sump. Picturesque landscapes covering an area of 12 hectares form the protected area of the Terra Nostra Natural Park. Many travelers come to Sao Miguel to visit the Vale das Furnas valley, where there is a blue lake and thermal springs.

In addition to natural wonders, the island of San Miguel has many historical monuments - palaces and temples of the 17th-19th centuries. In Ponta Delgada you can visit the Carlos Mochado Museum, located in the monastery of St. Andrew. Rich biological and ethnographic collections are exhibited here. People come to the ancient monastery of Esparanç to see beautiful tiles from the 17th century, as well as the sculpture of Christ the Wonderworker, which came to the Azores thanks to members of the Catholic Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Santa Maria Island

Santa Maria or the "yellow island" is the southernmost of the Azores islands. It is 82 km from San Miguel and is connected to it by ferry. It is believed that the island of Santa Maria was the first to be discovered, and therefore the oldest settlement of Vila do Porto is located on it.

The island became famous because Christopher Columbus visited it. True, when the famous navigator landed on the shore, he was mistaken for a pirate and placed in custody. However, Columbus managed to prove that he was not a sea corsair.

Several 15th-century houses, picturesque mills, the ancient chapel of Ermida de Nossa Senhora dos Anjos and the Temple of the Holy Spirit have been preserved here. Every year, many tourists come to Santa Maria during the popular car races.

Faial Island

One of the islands in the central part of the archipelago is often called the “blue island”, and the name “Fayal” itself means “beech forest”. On the southeastern coast of the island there is the town of Orta, and there is also a large seaport.

About 15 thousand people live on Faial. They grow grain crops, bananas and citrus fruits, and engage in livestock farming and fishing. Of all the Azores islands, tourists choose Faial to see sperm whales, whales and dolphins swimming ashore. Diving and underwater photography are popular activities in the coastal area. In addition, many fans of golf and equestrian sports vacation on Faial.

Pico Island

A 7 km wide sea strait separates Faial from another island. Pico stretches for 42 km and reaches a width of 15 km. The peak of an active volcano rising above the island is visible from everywhere - the highest point of the Azores. This giant is noted in the Guinness Book of Records, as it rises above the surface of the earth only 2351 meters, but has the largest underwater part on the planet - 6098 m. The last time the volcano erupted was in 1963. Its high activity over the past 500 years is evidenced by clearly visible traces of lava flows on the slopes.

For a long time, the inhabitants of Pico Island were engaged in whaling, and today they grow grapes here and serve tourists. The unique volcanic landscape and beautiful vineyards are included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

Graciosa Island

In the center of the Azores rises the small Graciosa, which is also called the “white island”. Here, like nowhere else, you can feel all the delights of a secluded holiday. White color dominates the island landscapes, old houses are painted snow-white, and, in addition, the word “white” is found in many local place names.

4,600 people live on Graciosa. The main natural monuments of the island are the volcano crater with the bizarre “Sulfur Cave”, as well as hot and sulfur springs. It even has its own thermal spa. In 2007, UNESCO gave the island biosphere reserve status. In the local capital you can see ancient mansions, mills and churches, and also visit the local history museum.

Sao Jorge Island

In the center of the archipelago is the island of São Jorge. It, Piku and Faial are often referred to as the "Triangle". São Jorge has an oblong, ship-like shape, reaching a length of 53 km and a width of 8 km. It is home to just over 9,000 people who grow tropical fruits, vegetables, coffee and sweet potatoes. Gourmets really appreciate the local spicy cheese Queijo da Ilha.

São Jorge is called the “island of coastal cities.” In the town of Calheta, the ancient Church of St. Catharine has been preserved. The main city of the island, Velas, welcomes guests with old temples, narrow streets and the picturesque Town Hall building.

The history of São Jorge began in the island village of Topo. The first Europeans to sail to the island set foot on this shore. In Topo you can see a picturesque fishing port, as well as temples and houses from the 17th-18th centuries.

The coastal village of Urzelina was rebuilt in 1808 after a massive volcanic eruption. It is interesting to see the bell tower growing out of the lava, which marks the site of the church buried during the eruption. The settlements of Manadas and Ribeira Seca can also boast beautiful temples and old houses.

Terceira Island

The name of the island means “third” because Terceira became the third of the Azores to be discovered. It is located 140 km from San Miguel and received the name “purple (or lilac) island” from the inhabitants of the archipelago. Terceira arose from the eruption of four volcanoes, the youngest of which, Santa Barbara, remains active today.

On the island of Terceira it is interesting to see the historical capital of the archipelago - the city of Angra do Heroísmo. Its old buildings are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In addition, Terceira is famous for its magnificent beaches, which are suitable for both leisurely relaxation and surfing and yachting. The island is also famous for its holidays. A large number of travelers come here for the Holy Spirit Festival and the City Festival.

Flores Island

Located in the west, Flores was discovered later than the other Azores islands. When the first Europeans landed on the green coast, they initially called it St. Thomas Island. From 1962 to 1994, there was a French military base on Floriche, and then the island was opened to tourists.

The island capital has preserved many temples and mansions built in the Baroque style. There is also a large ethnographic museum here. Popular natural monuments of the island include thermal springs, the Enshareus grotto, the picturesque mountain waterfall of Ribeira Grande and several small lakes that filled the craters of dormant volcanoes.

Corvo Island

The name of Florish's neighbor, Corvo, means "raven". It is the northernmost and smaller island of the archipelago, with only 430 people living on it. The natural symbol of Corvo are two blue lakes lying in the old crater of the volcano.

In the tiny town of Vila Nova you can see a church built in the 16th century. And on the outskirts of the city rises the Morro do Pão Açucar hill, which offers a wonderful view of the old buildings and streets. Along the coast there are old mills, which are made of black volcanic tuff, and their triangular blades are made of cloth. The design of the windmills on the island of Corvo is remarkable: wherever the wind blows, they always turn after it.

Transport Azores

To travel between the islands of the archipelago, you can use local flights. However, transporting passengers on small planes is not cheap. Another, more popular option in the Azores is ferry crossings. Ferry tickets are cheaper than plane tickets, but due to high demand they are worth purchasing in advance.

You can get around the islands by buses, the schedule of which can be found in hotels and tourist centers. In addition, in the Azores it is possible to rent a car. The roads here are quite decent, and parking and gas are inexpensive. Disadvantages include limited parking in urban areas and many one-way streets.

How to get there

The most convenient way to get to the Azores is by air. Regular flights to the archipelago operate from the Portuguese cities of Lisbon and Porto, as well as from London. Airports accepting international flights are located on three islands - Sao Miguel, Santa Maria and Terceira.