The Azores
The Atlantic islands of Portugal
Sete Cidades in São Miguel - João Paulo
The nine volcanic islands that make up the Azores lie about a third of the way across the Atlantic from the Portuguese coast. They are on the same latitude as Washington DC, but have a sub-tropical feel about them due to the rich abundance of plants and flowers. Since the discovery of the islands in 1431 various authors have claimed that the islands are the remains of the lost continent of Atlantis.
São Miguel is the largest island consisting of two enormous volcanoes, Sete Cidades and Furnas, with a valley in the middle. Both volcanoes can be visited although Furnas is the only one still smoking. The sight of boiling black mud bubbling away within its craters is very dramatic and the mud is used in health treatments in the various spas that can be found on São Miguel. The local restaurants offer Cozido das Caldeiras (A mixed stew cooked in a volcanos crater - although if you are serious about trying it you will need to order in advance as it takes eight hours to prepare). Sete Cidades is actually two linked craters that now form a double lake.
Terceira island
João Paulo
Taking immense pride in their discovery the Portuguese brought the finest architects and craftsmen to build magnificent churches and homes as they colonised the island.
The capital of the island, Ponta Delgada contains several baroque churches built of volcanic rock carved into arches and windows with anchors and shells.
The smaller islands of Santa Maria, Faial, Graciosa, Pico, São Jorge, Terceira, Corvo and Flores can all be reached by plane and there is a boat service connecting São Miguel with Santa Maria.
Hotels in the Azores
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