Attractions and Places to Visit in Azores

The islands are scattered across the ocean roughly 1,500km west of mainland Portugal and 4,000km east of New York. They form part of Macaronesia, a geographical region that includes the Canaries, although the Azores are much greener than the Spanish islands.

The name Macaronesia derives from the Greek term for "fortunate isles", and is singularly appropriate. While a gentle and unhurried ambience characterises this archipelago, each island is different.Politically they are part of Portugal, as much so as Lisbon or the Algarve; but they differ from the rest of Europe in the unhurried pace of life.

The islands divide naturally into three groups: the eastern islands of Sao Miguel (the largest of the nine), and Santa Maria; the central group consisting of Terceira, Graciosa, Sao Jorge, Pico and Faial; and the western islands of Flores and Corvo, the smallest and most remote

Sao Miguel Attractions

Sao Miguel

Sao Miguel is now the most important island, and most visitors to the Azores make landfall at its main town, Ponta Delgada. The three arches in the main square, Praca Gonzalo Velha Cabral, were part of a gate through the original city walls.
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Pico in Azores

Pico

The second largest island in the Azores and the most obviously volcanic, Pico offers a landscape of dramatic contrasts. The Capitão, Caiado, and Paúl lakes are set within rugged moorland along the central spine of the island
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Terceira

Terceira, known as The Lilac Isle, so called because of its captivating pastel sunsets, is a vibrant place of people, culture and colour. Home to the UNESCO world heritage town, Angra do Heroismo, with its cobbled streets and quiet charm.

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