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Located in the middle of the Atlantic
Ocean, the breathtaking Azores are made up of nine
picturesque islands. Discovered by explorers from
Portugal in 1427, the islands soon became an important
stopping point for travelers between Europe, Asia, and
the Americas. As a result of the decadent cargo carried
by most passing ships, the region attracted its share of
pirates and now is rich with tales of plundering and
raids. Later the Azores played an important role in the
victory of the Allied Forces during World War II. Today,
despite the modernization of the world around them, the
islands are very much as they always have been, making
them one of the last untouched places of natural beauty
in the world.
With a temperate climate that changes
little between January and December, visiting the Azores
is like taking a long walk in a cool, flourishing garden.
Flowers spring up along the shores, their bright colors
creating a dramatic contrast against the deep blue
background of the dazzling sea. The pace of life on the
islands is slow and stately, allowing those that are
blessed to live and visit here time to drink in the
inherent beauty that surrounds them.
Animal life in the Azores is at its
best in the sparkling waters that encompass the islands.
Fish, shell fish, and seafaring mammals make their home in
the cerulean waters. The highlight of a trip to the Azores
is a dolphin and sperm whale watching excursion. The
islands also have an eclectic mix of sea birds that make
their homes in the peaceful lagoons that dot the
landscape.
The nine volcanic islands are broken up
into three regional groupings, each with its own unique
flavor and attractions. The Eastern Group includes Sao
Miguel and Santa Maria, the Central Group is made up of
Terceira, Graciosa, Sao Jorge, Pico and Faial, and the
Western Group consists of Flores and Corvo. All of the
islands with the exception of Corvo have gracious hotels
that will welcome you with open arms. If you want to stay
on the island of Corvo, it is possible to make
arrangements to stay in the private houses of the islands
citizens.
Stepping onto the shore of any of the
Azores Islands is better than stepping back in time. It
is like stepping into a place where time stands still and
life pulses to the rhythm of the waves gently breaking on
the sand.
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