 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
The Açores archipelago are made up of nine islands which are wild and diverse. The Açores are an autonomous region of Portugal. The 15th century churches and regal Quintas help escape to a land and time not found in many other locations.
On a map, draw a line due east from New England to find the Açores. The islands were created by dramatic volcanic activity millions of years ago, building an unexpected and varied environment. From the 7,700 foot peak of Pico island, to the blue and green lakes at Sete Cidades on São Miguel, the Açores landscape is lush and sculptured. The baroque cities and classical architecture are like those of northern Portugal.
All around are sapphire blue and emerald green lakes; stone wall-lined fields, volcanic cones and craters; wild hydrangeas and azaleas; 15th-century Gothic churches, and grand manor houses.
Deep craters, geysers and sulfur springs remain as evidence of the Açores volcanic beginning. The landscape is also rolling, sprinkled with tiny settlements of whitewashed or black stone houses. The hillsides are planted with vineyards, tea, and fruit orchards. Some coastlines are strewn with black rocks, rugged and often plunging hundreds of feet into the emerald sea. There are plenty of welcoming bays, natural pools, beaches, and inlets for swimming and sunbathing. Equally popular is yachting, horseback riding, cycling and hiking.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
