Portugal’s Azores Islands (Photo Essay)
Somewhere in the middle of nowhere, about 1,643 km west of Lisbon, Portugal, some 1,500 km from the African coast and 1,925 km southeast of Canada’s Newfoundland, lie the nine islands of the Azores Archipelago, officially referred to as ‘Portugal’s Autonomous Region of the Azores’ (Região Autónoma dos Açores).
Located in the North Atlantic Ocean, the Azores Archipelago is, very noticeably, of volcanic origin and lies scattered along a 600 km stretch of ocean. Geographically, the islands are divided into three groups, namely the Eastern Group (Santa Maria and São Miguel Islands), the Central Group (Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial Islands), and the Western Group (Corvo and Flores Islands).
The island of São Miguel is the largest and is pocked by several large craters surrounded by lush vegetation. São Miguel is also the most populated island with direct air links from Europe, mainly on SATA Air Azores, TAP Air Portugal, Ryan Air, and EasyJet. SATA Air Azores also flies to selected cities in the USA, Canada and North Africa.
Let’s travel by car all around the botanically rich São Miguel island and visit the many ocean vistas, lush flora, massive craters with turquoise lakes, hissing steam vents, hot springs, remote villages, and so much more!
The rugged western region of São Miguel island is best known for its twin green and blue crater lakes at Lagoa das Sete Cidades, inside the dormant volcano crater (Caldeira das Sete Cidades). The lush vegetation around the lakes and the massive crater are a true delight. View the craters and small village from high above the crater wall at Miradouro (viewpoint) da Vista do Rei.
THIS ARTICLE CONTINUES ONLINE IN
Globerovers Magazine July 2017
Lagoa Azul, Lagoa das Sete Cidades area, São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal
Lagoa das Sete Cidades area (Caldeira do Alferes (L) and Caldeira Seca (R).
Lagoa Verde (front) and Lagoa Azul (back), Lagoa das Sete Cidades area, São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal
Terra Nostra Gardens, Furnas, São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal
Looking south over Lagoa das Furnas, São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal
Boiling water at Caldeiras das Furnas, São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal
Terra Nostra Gardens, Furnas, São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal
North of Farol do Arnel, Nordeste, São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal
North of Farol do Arnel, Nordeste, São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal
Around the Nordeste, São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal
Three arches old city gate and Church of San Sebastian, Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal
Historical centre of Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal
Three arches old city gate, Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal
Read this article and many more in
Globerovers Magazine July 2017.
Click here to see all magazines
Download the FREE App to read all magazines for FREE