Visit the Azores

Nine unspoiled islands that belong to Portugal lie in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and are volcanic in origin. The Volcano at Capelinhos erupted between the years 1957 and 1958 and it added a few hundred meters of land to this land of Faial. It’s actually a really good indication of how all of the islands of Azores were born.

I’m B. Rhoda and I found that each island has gorgeous typography and in places rocks are arranged to permit safe ocean swimming. As seen from Faial, the island of Pico is the best example of volcanic remains where elaborate to El Garda Ponta. Offers guided subterranean tours. All nine islands have some common traits with rolling hills and bustling harbors.

Sea-faring life defines many traditions and active tourism options always include the sea. Portugal is mainly Roman Catholic and they found that a lot of art and history has housed traditional churches and imperials. Time stands still here with authentic agriculture that gives rise to a healthy cheese and wine industry. I had a different fresh cheese with every single meal and notice that cheese is a mainstay in the market in every town.

Known as “Merkado”, the market here is open every Saturday and it has everything – all locally produced or handcrafted.

Arguably, the most famous export of the Azores is a tie between the fabulous cheeses and singing sensation Nelly Furtado.

The island of San Miguel has dramatic landscapes with seas of sapphire blue and emerald green. At Caldeira Velha, nature is fresh and verdant and I hiked around pretty waterfalls where thermo-waters were bubbling all around. The fervent sulfuric vapor reminded me of what the island’s original volcano must have been like.

The therapeutic properties have been harnessed and in the nearby town of Phonus, hot meals are cooked in pots on the ground courtesy of the heat supplied by nature herself. After steaming away for a few hours, the pots are removed and brought to local resorts and restaurants. Just add the requisite cheese of the day and dinner is served and it sure beats the basic barbeque.

In the middle of a vivacious garden at the bottom of this crater, hot springs are collected in a pool offering precious minerals to soothe the weary traveler. Strolling through the healthy gardens in the park, I knew I’d want to return to explore all nine unique islands of the Azores.