Sapphire and emerald green lagoons, fertile meadows, volcanic cones and craters, hydrangeas, azaleas, 16th century churches and stately homes;

- Lands of legend (said to be remnants of mythical Atlantic), the nine islands of poetic names offer a temperate climate all year round;

- The tranquility of a haven of 250,000 inhabitants for whom “stress” or “pollution” are ugly words in a strange language.

Places not to be missed…

Santa Maria Island : excellent conditions for water sports.

 

São Miguel Island: It  is the largest of the archipelago. Of unparalleled beauty the Caldeira das Sete Cidades (Green and Blue Lakes); Furnas Valley (hot springs and boilers), not forgetting Angra do Heroísmo, considered a world heritage site.

 

Graciosa Island:  Preserves old streets, sunny houses and typical windmills. In Furna de Enxofre, stunning panoramas and vaulted cave over underground lake.

 

Faial Island:  in Horta, port of ocean yachts, beautiful tiles and gilded carving. Costa da Feteira Caldera, Caves and Furnas Nature Reserve.

 

Pico Island: It  owes its name to the 2351m high volcanic cone. Wide sand with beautiful manors of winegrowers.

 

S. Jorge Island:  Velas, with its fishing port, is the most important settlement.

 

Flores Island:  Ribeira Grande Waterfall, Enxaréus Cave and Lagoons (seven boiler lakes, surrounded by flowers).

 

Corvo Island:  The smallest of the islands is a sanctuary of peace.

 

Gastronomy:  Cozido das Furnas; Cow rump; Barnacles and limpets; Octopus stewed in wine; Cheese

Wines:  Smelling wine, verdelho and liqueurs.

Crafts:  Baskets and wicker furniture; Miniatures in fig crumbs; Embroidery and lace; Loom blankets and bedspreads; Fish scale artificial flowers; Blue and white bail.

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