In what ocean are the Azores. Holidays in the Azores: features, prices, reviews. Attractions and entertainment

  - an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, located at a distance of 1460 kilometers from Europe. Geographically, the archipelago is an autonomous region.

Features

The Azores archipelago includes 9 islands divided into 3 groups. The eastern group consists of the islands of San Miguel, Santa Maria and small island formations called Formigash. The central group includes the islands of Pico, São Jorge, Faial, Graciosa and Terceira. The islands of Corvo and Florish make up the northwestern group. The administrative center of the Azores archipelago of Ponta Delgada is located on the island of San Miguel. The main income items of Azor are fisheries, agriculture and cattle breeding. There are practically no industrial enterprises on the islands, which has a beneficial effect on their ecology.

In the Azores, you rarely see our tourists. The whole charm is that in Azores there is no such tourist boom as in the Canaries, Bermuda or Seychelles. Basically, as a holiday destination, these wonderful islands were chosen by tourists from Northern Europe, Danes, Swedes, and Norwegians.

general information

The Azores occupy an area of \u200b\u200b2322 square meters. km, the highest point - 2351 m. The population is 246.7 thousand people. The time zone is UTC + 0, local time is 3 hours behind Moscow.

A brief excursion into history

The Azores were known in ancient times. Presumably they were discovered by Phoenician navigators, later the Carthaginians visited the Azores, as evidenced by those found on about. Corvo coins of Carthage coinage. The Azores were also known to Arab sailors, and in the 9th century the ships of the Normans visited the island. For the first time, the Azores archipelago was marked on the Spanish and Italian nautical charts dating back to the 13th century. The first of the Portuguese sailors who moored on the shores of the Azores in 1427 was Captain Diogo Silves. At that time, the islands were still uninhabited. The settlement of the Azores began in 1439, mainly by immigrants from Portugal and Spain, later there were immigrants from Flanders and France.

Christopher Columbus also visited the island of Santa Maria in 1493, returning from America. He even attended Mass at a local church. There, the famous navigator was even arrested, at first the local authorities mistook him for a pirate. When the error became clear, the famous navigator was released. The successful location of the archipelago led to the fact that in the XVII century, the Azores acquire important trade and economic importance, being at the intersection of trade routes between America, India and Europe. A large accumulation of various ships with valuable cargo was the reason for the frequent attacks of pirates on the coast of the islands. Since 1976, the Azores received autonomy as part of Portugal.

Climate

A marine subtropical climate with moderate rainfall prevails in the archipelago. The average summer temperature is +24 .. + 26 ° C. Winter is mild, comfortable +17 .. + 20 ° C. In winter, the water temperature is + 17 ° in the summer +23 .. + 24 ° C. The best time to visit the islands is June-September, during this period dry, cloudy weather prevails.

How to get there

From Russia there are no direct flights to Azores, in order to get there, you must first get to, and then by flight from about two hours to fly to the desired destination.

Transport

On most islands, you can rent a car or use the public transport that runs between the major settlements of the islands. You can navigate between the islands by boat, almost every coastal city has a port, pier or harbor for mooring yachts. On the island of File is one of the most famous sailing ports in the world - Horta.

Attractions and entertainment

The Azores archipelago is of volcanic origin, which greatly influenced the nature of the islands. The landscape of the islands is bizarre and diverse black rivers of frozen lava, combined with exotic vegetation and the beauty of sky-blue lakes formed in the craters of extinct volcanoes. Nature in its original form with its wild and virgin beauty, not yet affected by civilization - these are the Azores! Tropical and subtropical vegetation is adjacent to the vegetation of temperate latitudes. The valleys of the islands are buried in bright tropical greenery, often diluted with bright colors of exotic flowers, the slopes of the mountains are covered with magnificent cedars, pines and sequoias.

The Azores is a paradise for eco-tourism. Even the poorly developed leisure infrastructure does not hurt to feel the beauty of Azor. Most tourists resting here know what they are looking for. First of all, peace, silence, the opportunity to be alone with nature will enjoy its beauties and the unique exoticism inherent in these islands. The Azores are a dream of lovers of diving, surfing, spearfishing, fishing and eco-tourism.

Accommodation

In the Azores, there are many 4 * hotels of a good standard on the beach, some of the most popular are Hotel Apartamentos Gaivota 4 *, Terra Nostra Garden Hotel 4 *, Hotel Marina Atlantico 4 *.

Geographic Encyclopedia

Azores   - (Azores), 9 islands in the Atlantic apprx., Owned by Portugal. Before their discovery in the 14th century. uninhabited. The first colonists were immigrants from Portugal and Flanders, and in 1494, Portugal declared its ter. In 1581, about. Terceira happened ... ... The World History

  - (port Ilhas A ç ores, English Azores, French A ç ores, i.e., hawk islands, also called Ilhas Terceiras and Western islands, English Western Islands) a group of 9 islands and several reefs on the Atlantic Ocean , ... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron

  - (Açores), in the Atlantic Ocean, West of the Iberian Peninsula. The territory of Portugal. About 2.3 thousand km2. The population of 237 thousand people (1991). 9 islands of volcanic origin and several reefs. Altitude up to 2351 m (Piku Island). ... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

  - (Portuguese Ilhas dos Acores Hawk Island) archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, part of Portugal. The area is about 2.3 thousand km2. It consists of 9 large islands (San Miguel, Terceira, Pico, San Georges, Florisch, etc.) and several ... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

Azores   - in the Atlantic Ocean, to 3. from the Iberian Peninsula; territory of Portugal. The islands in 1431 became known to the Portuguese, who gave them the name Ilhas dos Acores of the hawk island for the many hawks that lived there. See also… … Toponymic Dictionary

Azores   - (Ilhas dos Açores), an archipelago of 9 mountainous volcanic islands (the largest is the island of San Miguel) and several reefs in the Atlantic Ocean, west of the Iberian Peninsula. The territory of Portugal. Stretching from west to east ... ... Encyclopedic reference "Africa"

- (Açores) about in the Atlantic Ocean, as part of Portugal. Prior to 1868, Portuguese marks were in circulation, and from 01.01.1868 issue. own stamps were first made overprints of the name. about wow, and then stamps of original rice were printed. until 1931 ... Great philatelic dictionary

  - (Azores) Anglo-Spanish War On Aug. 1591 English a fleet of seven ships under the command of Lord Thomas Howard was expelled from Flores. a fleet of 15 ships under the command of don Alfonso Bassano. This event was marked by an unequal battle ... ... Encyclopedia of the battles of world history

Azores   - (Azores, port. Ilhas dos Açores) Azores, a group of volcanic islands in the north. parts of the Atlantic Ocean, 1287 km to the west from Portugal, have partial autonomy within Portugal; 241,590 people (1991); ch. port and capital - Ponta Delgada (on ... Countries of the world. Vocabulary

Books

• Voronezh novels, Vladimir Korablinov. The book of the Voronezh writer Vladimir Korablelin includes the historical novels "Gerasim Krivusha" and "Voronezh ships", as well as the autobiographical novel "Azores", which ...
• Azores, B. Chirkov. People's Artist of the USSR Hero of Socialist Labor Boris Petrovich Chirkov talks about his childhood in the provincial Nolinsk, about his years of studies at the Leningrad Institute of Performing Arts, about ...

In the north-west of the Atlantic Ocean are the Azores, included in the eponymous archipelago. The islands belong to Portugal and are its autonomous region. Travelers appreciate the Azores mainly for the opportunity to be alone with the magnificent nature that arose from volcanic ash.

When to go to the Azores

The Azores archipelago accepts vacationers all year round. The best time to visit it is considered to be the period from June to September, inclusive, the hottest time is July, August. The spring months in the Azores are too cool for a beach holiday, at this time the archipelago is visited by lovers of hiking in the lap of picturesque nature. Between August and December, ornithologists show an increased interest in the islands - they come here to observe birds, among which there are many migratory birds that arrange their nests here.

What documents are needed

To travel to the Azores, you will need: a Schengen visa, a passport, sufficient funds for the trip at the rate of 75 euros on the first day of travel and at least 50 euros for all subsequent days, medical insurance policy, the insurance amount provided for in it should not be less than 30,000 Euro. And, of course, a ticket) You can find out about buying inexpensive tickets.

Azores on a map

The Azores archipelago includes 9 islands:

Santa maria   - a small island in the south of the archipelago, is also considered the most picturesque. Small whitewashed houses against a background of wide pastures, lush colors of nature, full of flowers and birds, deserted snow-white beaches - set up vacationers in a calm mood, make you feel harmony with the outside world.

San miguel   - the largest of the nine islands, its highlight is the twin lakes of volcanic origin. The sun's rays paint one twin in blue and the other in green. Volcanic activity is observed on the island: craters smoke in the Furnas valleys, hot sulfur springs boil. Locals treat holidaymakers with amazing tastes prepared in flaming pits of Furnash valleys.

San Miguel is rich in natural attractions, one of which is "Lake of Fire"located in the center of the island. It is located in the crater of an extinct volcano, its width is 1 kilometer, length - 2 kilometers. High mountains covered with greenery surround a lake filled with clear water, beaches with white sand attract you to relax and unwind in the bosom of stunning natural beauty.

Terceira   - An island rich in landscapes of volcanic origin. Volcano Caldeira de Santa Barbara - the highest peak of the island. Its height is 1021 meters above sea level, its diameter is about two kilometers. In the center of Terceira there are caves that appeared as a result of volcanic eruptions, tourists go to them on excursions through the pipe of an extinct volcano.

Graceia   - An island with an almost flat landscape, marked by several hills with volcanic cones. Windmills, bleached houses with oval windows and wrought-iron balconies contribute to the popularity of the island among tourists. The natural attraction of Graziosa is the Caldeira crater with huge underground grottoes.

Sao george - thanks to lined peaks of volcanic origin, the island is a paradise buried in verdure for lovers of hiking. Panoramic views of the tiny villages at the foot of the peaks and puffy pastures that are opened to travelers from a bird's eye view, underground caves and a lake with delicious clams - all this is the island of Saint-Georges.

Pico   - the island where the largest mountain in Portugal is located, its height is 2350 meters, the crater of this massive volcano has a diameter of about 700 meters. Steep slopes and a long climb up the mountain do not stop a large stream of people wishing to admire from the colossal heights the Atlantic Ocean and neighboring islands of the archipelago. In the area of \u200b\u200bthe island there is a habitat for females and sperm whale cubs, who want to get to know these giants closer, go on sea excursions.

File   - an island, almost the entire territory of which is a giant caldera, its slopes are overgrown with cedars, juniper, heather and other types of rare plants, due to which the entire area occupied by the caldera is declared a reserve. The island town of Horta is proud of its ancient architecture and beautiful harbor, which is highly appreciated by lovers of yachting. The local port is somewhat reminiscent of.

The Azores archipelago is a group of 9 islands lost between Portugal and America. The Atlantic Ocean, washing the Azores, created picturesque lagoons on the island shores. Crater lakes and hidden grottoes are consequences of the volcanic nature of the islands. And all this natural splendor is complemented by the cultural heritage created by people over the centuries.

Beaches, eco-tourism, the contemplation of historical attractions - the reason why many tourists choose a vacation on the Azores in Portugal.

The capital of the archipelago is Ponta Delgada, located on the island of San Miguel. The entire island group can be divided into three geographical parts:
  1. The eastern part. These include the islands of Santa Maria, San Miguel and several islets, united by the name Formigash.
  2. The central part, including the islands of Graciosa, Faial, San Jorge, Pico and Terceira.
  3. The northwestern part. Corvo and Florish Islands.

Off to the islands

There are only three islands in Azores international airports: San Miguel, Santa Maria and Faial. The largest is Joao Paulo II in San Miguel. The most convenient flight option from Russia is a transfer flight from Lisbon Airport to Joao Paulo II Airport.

How to get from Lisbon to the Azores?

The main airlines serving the Lisbon - Ponta Delgada route are SATA and TAP Portugal. The cost of a round-trip ticket is from 80 euros. You can get from the airport to the capital by bus. Ticket price - an average of 5 euros.

By the way. Information about the cost of the trip can be read directly at the bus stop on a special stand. It is worth considering that buses on San Miguel, as well as on other islands, run irregularly, despite the current schedule.

Therefore, a good alternative to get from the airport to the city by taxi. A trip to the center of Ponta Delgada will cost no more than 10 euros.

Transport in Azores

On the territory of all the islands of the group organized the movement of buses. The exception is Corvo Island. But, as already noted, public transport here operates irregularly. Therefore, using it as the main means of transportation and visiting tourist sites is unlikely to be convenient. The ticket is most often sold by the driver.

Taxi:
  Local taxi drivers are quite sociable. And if a tourist speaks English, then he has every chance not only to get to his destination, but also to learn interesting facts about the cities and islands of Azor. It is worth knowing that in Azores it is not customary to catch a taxi on the streets. A common practice is to pre-order a taxi by phone. It costs about 1 euro in addition to the cost of the trip.

By the way, ordering an island tour is a common occurrence in Azores. It will cost 30-50 euros. On the cost of the trip, whether it is an excursion or a regular trip, you need to agree with a taxi driver in advance.

If you have an international driving license, and during a trip to the islands it is planned not just a beach vacation, but an active acquaintance with the island territories, then renting a car is the best option. You can book a car in advance on available Internet resources or directly at the airport of arrival.

Travel between the islands

You can get from one island to another by plane or ferry.

By plane:
  The largest airport in the Joao Paulo II archipelago is connected by air with the main islands. And directly on each island there is a local airport serving nearby islands.

On a ferryboat:
Ferry service is a cheaper option, but more time consuming. Traveling by ferry is the best route between the islands of Faial - Pico - San Giorgi. The reason for this is their small distance from each other. The duration of the ferry ride in this triangle is from half an hour to 2.5 hours. Ticket price - 13-50 euros.

Moving between other islands of the archipelago can take more than 10 hours and will cost more.

Important features of a beach holiday in the Azores

Speaking of island beach vacations, it should be noted the underdeveloped level of infrastructure by European standards. However, calm and not crowded on the local coasts, surrounded by picturesque landscapes, attract people who appreciate just this type of relaxation.

Islands offering the best beach holidays

Faial.
  The beaches here are noteworthy:
   Porto Pim, characterized by rare light sand for Azores.
   Praia de Pedro Miguel is one of the most suitable for secluded pastime.
   Castelo Branco is a detached beach surrounded by cliffs.
   Comprido - an opportunity to spend time at the very foot of the volcano.
   Porta da Eira - suitable for outdoor enthusiasts, those who are ready to overcome the mountain range on the way to the coast.

Island of San Miguel.
  The west island coast is the main destination for lovers of relaxation at the edge of the ocean.

Santa Maria
  This is where one of the best and most popular beaches of the Azores archipelago Praia Formosa is located. The beach strip is covered with golden sand, unique to Azore.

Pico Island.
  On the coast of this island, it is worth paying attention to those who prefer a diving with a lazy beach vacation. The most interesting place for divers is the surroundings of the village of Punto Topo. Here, near the coast, you can see coral reefs with colorful fish living there. Meetings with dolphins and whales are frequent.

The best time of the year for a beach holiday in the Azores is the period from June to the end of September. The air temperature in this period is within 25 degrees, the water is warmed up to +220. Precipitation is rare.

What to see?

Despite the fact that beach vacations are one of the main tourist destinations in the Azores, the main attraction of the islands is the unique natural landscapes.

There are no large factories, megacities, large crowds of vehicles. But there are places where rare birds fly their nests. And in the Atlantic basin of the archipelago passes the whale migration route. Each island is only its inherent natural attractions.

So on the island of San Miguel there are hot springs. And here are equipped with thermal hospitals.

Theseeira Island is an opportunity to visit sulfur caves. There is also a volcano with the widest crater in the entire archipelago.
  Those who want to see the highest volcano in the archipelago should go to Pica. Here you can visit the wine museum, get acquainted with the island architecture of the 17-18 centuries.

During a trip to San Giorgi, you need to try the local cheese of the same name.

The island of Floris got its name thanks to the lush vegetation, making it look like a luxurious garden washed by ocean waters. The local Deep Lake is worth a look.

Corvo is the most compact island of the archipelago. There are no buses, locals are welcoming and open. Those who seek silence and complete separation from dynamic reality go here.

Entertainment in Azores

Relaxing on the shores of the Azores, you can engage in various water sports. Among them: paragliding, windsurfing, boating, diving. Sports fishing is organized. At the same time, the prices of such entertainment are pleasantly different from other European beach resorts.

Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy caving, hiking, hiking in gorges and foothills.

Another pleasant side of relaxation, which does not require physical strength, is the opportunity to soak in the hot springs, taste local cheeses and wines.

If the time of your trip falls at the end of June, then you can become a participant in the celebrations organized in honor of the celebration of St. John's Day - June 24. On this day, the main square of all island cities is lit by the light of bonfires lit there. Colorful processions take place everywhere.

Holidays in the Azores, Portugal is an unforgettable trip. The riot of colors of untouched nature, picturesque beaches and friendly residents will long remain in the memory of those who at least once visited this unique archipelago.

The Azores, located in a group in the Atlantic Ocean, invariably attract travelers with the opportunity to have a great rest in peace, solitude, tranquility. Each island is an amazing world of picturesque flora, unique natural monuments, wide opportunities for sea fishing, sailing, surfing, diving. Sights of the Azores are associated primarily with natural phenomena and beach activities.

The amazing beauty of the island of San Miguel

This is the largest San Miguel (Azores), whose attractions are simply amazing, boasts lush vegetation, pristine natural lakes and thermal springs. On 12 hectares, the unique landscape of the Terra Noshtra conservation park is preserved. Lagoa do Fogu, a lake that lies deep in a volcanic crater, appears to tourists in all its glory. Hence the second name of the lake - "fiery".

The Vale dash Furnas Valley attracts travelers with thermal springs and a sky-blue lake, which is freely located in open space. Island monasteries carefully preserve the culture and history of San Miguel:

• In the monastery of St. Andrew (Ponta Delgada), a museum was formed, which presents valuable ethnographic and biological exhibits.
• Esparanc Monastery is famous for its authentic 17th-century tiles and the statue of Christ the Wonderworker, the patroness of the grand annual religious festival.

South Island Santa Maria

At a distance of 82 kilometers south of San Miguel is the small island of Santa Maria. Here was formed one of the very first settlements of the discoverers who settled the Azores. Sights of the island confirm the ancient origin of the village of Vila Do Porto.

Here you can see ancient houses built in the 15th century, unique old mills, a chapel and the Church of the Holy Spirit on the background of the mighty Atlantic Ocean. Santa Maria is famous for hosting famous rock festivals every year in August.

Faial Island in the heart of the archipelago

Sights of the Azores in the central part of the archipelago are concentrated on the island of Faial. A relic beech forest has been preserved here. Whales and sperm whales come to the shores of Faial, and dolphins frolic along the coastline freely. The coastal zone provides an excellent opportunity for diving and underwater photography. The island has a high level of conditions for horse riding and golf.

Pico: a unique volcano on the island of the same name

At 7 kilometers from Faial lies the island of Pico 42 km long and 15 km wide. The top of a volcano from the Guinness Book of Records soars up above the island. Its height above the surface of the island is small - only 2351 meters. But the underwater part is truly gigantic - 6098 meters. The volcano is active. Despite the fact that its eruption occurred in 1963, fresh traces of lava flows are visible on the slopes.

Pico is a real treasure that the Azores can boast of. The sights, the photos of which are presented in the article, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the unique landscape of volcanic origin and unique vineyards.

San jorge

Located in the middle of the São Jorge Archipelago, together with the islands of Pico and Faill, it forms a peculiar triangle. Elongated 53 km (with a width of 8 km), the island is like a ship cutting the waters of the Atlantic. In São Jorge, the sights of the Azores are represented by ancient buildings built in the XVII-XVIII centuries. Island cities and villages greet tourists with narrow streets, on which ancient temples, churches, the town hall are located. In the coastal Urselin, a bell tower rises from the frozen lava. It was built on the site of the church, which was buried by lava of fire during the strongest eruption of the volcano.

Paradise for lovers - Graciosa

Graciosa, opened in the 15th century, is small and comfortable. Its remoteness is the main value for tourists who dream of a calm, secluded vacation. Here you can safely hide from civilization and from people. The only settlement is Santa Cruz Da Gracioza.

The landscape is blinding with its whiteness, the white walls of ancient houses sparkling in the sun - the world around gives travelers a sense of joy and delight. Amazing silence accompanies tourists. Lush greenery, a sparkling world against the backdrop of a vast ocean, a bottomless sky above your head - a true paradise for couples, romantics.

The sights of the Azores are concentrated here under the status of a biosphere reserve, where you can examine the crater of the volcano Furna Da Caldeira from the outside and from the inside, visit the incredibly bizarre Sulfur Cave, thermal and hydrogen sulfide springs.

Terceira - Island Treasury

Terceira Island, one of the first discovered by Europeans, appeared as a result of the eruption of four volcanoes. One of them - Santa Barbara - still remains valid. The island city of Angra Do Heroismo is the historical capital of which the Azores are famous. Sights associated with the old buildings of the city are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Gorgeous island beaches have a relaxing holiday, large waves attract surfing enthusiasts and yachtsmen. There are a lot of beautiful places on the island. Among them, one can distinguish a 100-meter-deep Algar Do Carvao cave with an internal lake, stalactites and stalagmites, natural parks, the Misterio Dos Negros Lake Reserve, Mount Monte Brasil. The island is famous for its colorful festivals and holiday processions.

Flores Island

The western island of Flores was discovered by Europeans one of the last. It is interesting for thermal springs popular with tourists, lakes in the craters of sleeping volcanoes. From the mountainsides, the Ribeira Grande Falls is picturesquely overtaken. Among the natural monuments is the Grotto Enscheareus. On the island throughout the summer on Sundays, the feast of the Holy Spirit is held.

Corvo Island

To the north of the island of Flores is located Corvo (translated - "raven"), which is home to 430 people. The natural feature of the island is two bright blue lakes spilled in the old crater of the volcano. On the island, tourists can visit the church of the XVI century, stroll along the old streets, enjoy the amazing panorama that opens from a high hill.

Ancient mills lined the coast. They are built of volcanic tuff - black as a raven wing, and the triangular-shaped blades are sewn from canvas. The unique design of the windmills, which rotate after the wind, no matter which side it blows.

Azores through the eyes of travelers

Tourists who have visited the sights on the Azores, leave only enthusiastic reviews:

• Stunning impressions remain from the Pico volcano on the island of the same name. The view from the top is breathtaking.
• It is impossible to admire the game of dolphins in the coastal waters of Faial.
• Despite the problems with infrastructure and minimal comfort, the Azores are admired and leave only positive emotions.
• A stunning view of the ocean, which will be remembered for a lifetime.

True bliss is experienced by the traveler on the edge of the earth, on the shores of the great Atlantic Ocean under a clear blue sky. A unique and rare corner of nature - the Azores. Sights, photos and descriptions of the natural and cultural riches of the archipelago forever remain in the memory of tourists, causing a feeling of joy and happiness.