Island Adventures in the Azores, Portugal

The Azores are a beautiful set of islands, known as an archipelago, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Located about one third of the way between mainland Portugal and North America, there are nine large and eight smaller islands within this island chain. The Azores are part of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, which is one of only two such regions within Portugal. Formed from ancient volcanoes as well as reef structures, the Azores are fairly scarcely populated but have gained quite a bit of popularity with visitors from Europe. The Azores should definitely rate high on your list of Portuguese destinations to visit on your next holiday.

Within the islands that make up the Azores, you will find many options for vacation villas and rental apartments. Because there are several islands and towns on those islands you can visit, you’ll find that there is quite a variety of accommodations to choose between.

The Azores boasts of a rich history, dating prior to the fifteenth century. Goncalo Cabral first sailed to the Azorean island of Santa Maria in 1432, later returning in 1439 with settlers for the islands and the cattle necessary to sustain them. While returning from the New World in 1493, Christopher Columbus made a stop at Santa Maria and was held prisoner as a pirate until his identity was established. Colonial settlers from mainland Portugal continued to flock to the islands throughout the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Hundreds of years later, the Azores served as a pivotal location during the Second World War. At first, they assisted the Germans by allowing ships to stop and refuel, but beginning in 1943, the Azores allowed British and American forces to begin using the islands as bases of operation.

Like in mainland Portugal, the Azores are split into municipalities, of which there are nineteen, and parishes, of which there are one hundred and fifty six. The geography of the Azores seemingly splits the nine major islands into three groupings. The western group is comprised of the islands of Flores and Corvo. Flores, appropriately named for the Portuguese word for flowers, is covered with beautiful hydrangeas each summer. With a population of less than four thousand, Flores is largely agricultural, but nonetheless has an airport, a hotel, and holiday rentals. It is almost comical to refer to Corvo as one of the major islands of the Azores, because it is actually quite tiny with an area of only seventeen square kilometres and less than five hundred residents. Tourists are able to reach Corvo, however, by fishing boat or ferry, and accommodations are available at a local Inn.

The central island grouping of the Azores is comprised of Terceira, Graciosa, Sao Jorge, Pico and Faial. Terceira is a substantially larger island than Corvo, and is also home to two of the five largest cities in the Azores, called Angra do Heroismo and Vila da Praia da Vitoria. For outdoor enthusiasts, a variety of hiking opportunities are available on Terceira. If you are looking for a bit more excitement, Terceira plays hosts to hundreds of bull fights every summer. As a larger island, you’ll find many holiday villas available for your accommodation.

The island of Graciosa is a volcanic island known best for its dairy products. Quite small, there are nevertheless vacation rentals available at a small historic Inn. The closely situated islands of Sao Jorge and Pico, which are separated by only fifteen kilometres, are both also volcanic islands. Sao Jorge most recently erupted in 1808 and Pico’s last volcanic blast occurred in 1963. Pico is both the second largest island in the Azores as well as home to the highest mountain in Portugal. As close as it is to Sao Jorge, it is twice as close to Faial, separated by only seven kilometres. Horta, one of the five largest cities, is located on Faial, and was captured by Mark Twain in his novel, The Innocents Abroad. Pico, Faial and Sao Jorge all offer several options for your holiday rentals in the Azores.

The final island grouping, to the east, is comprised of Santa Maria and Sao Miguel, the first two discovered islands in the Azores. Santa Maria was partially created by volcanic eruptions, but has more light sand than any other island. Most of the other islands in the Azores have black sand, as a result of their volcanic heritage. Santa Maria is also the southernmost island in the Azores and consequently has the most pleasant climate. Located fifty kilometres away, Sao Miguel is the largest island in the Azores and the most heavily populated. The island is the home to the two remaining of the five cities in the Azores: Ponta Delgada and Ribeira Grande. Sao Miguel has three volcanoes as a part of its geological makeup. Ponta Delgada serves as the capital of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, as well as an airport that serves Europe, North America, and other Azorean islands. The destinations of Santa Maria and Sao Miguel boast many forms of accommodation and would be a great place to begin your stay during your holiday to the Azores.