“Azores” The Best Hidden Attraction in Europe!

“Azores” The Best Hidden Attraction in Europe!

The Azores, an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic is an autonomous region of Portugal and perhaps the most scenic places on earth, made of a group of nine islands formed by volcanic and seismic activities. Characterized by dramatic landscapes, fishing villages, green pastures and hedgerows of blue hydrangeas, Green, volcanic and remote, the islands were first settled in the 15th century and are popular for hiking, whale-watching, blue marlin fishing, surfing and diving.

The nine islands are divided into three separate clusters – the easterly duo of Sao Miguel (with the capital Ponta Delgada on its south coast) and Santa Maria; the tiny westerly shards of Flores and Corvo; the “Central Group” of Terceira, Graciosa, Sao Jorge, Pico and Faial.  Designated by UNESCO as biospheres, namely three of them (Graciosa, Flores and Corv) the archipelago also contains 13 sites important wetlands and over 30 Blue Flag beaches blessed with mineral-laden soil with a subtropical climate surrounded by Gulf Stream-warmed waters, this island is a crucible for life.

The Azorean archipelago comes in 1st place in a list of the 20 most beautiful places in the world as a must-visit place in 2016, according to the Dutch edition of National Geographic Traveler magazine. The biodiversity, natural richness and the beauty of landscapes leaves one dazzled.  Besides whale-watching, you can dive into the Atlantic waters, scroll through the islands by foot or by horse, try sport fishing, surfing and even go paragliding. Rafting, canoeing, and golfing are other sporting activities also available in the islands.  The islands of the Azores stand out worldwide for its strategy to promote sustainable tourism, assuring total symbiosis between visitors and nature.

Here is an article from the Toronto Star published recently when Jennifer Bain travelled to the island of Sao Miguel, in the Azores.  An informative article to plan a trip to the beautiful paradise - “Europe’s Hawaii was recently published in The Toronto Star

Adventures at Sea

Best known for whale and dolphin watching; the archipelago is a pit stop or home for about a third of the world’s species of cetacean. Year-round residents include sperm whales, common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins. Many other species (including blue whales – the largest animal in the history of the planet) pass through on migration routes. There are plenty of well organized tours all over the islands following strict code of conduct that governs the tourism industry.

Diving

The nutrient rich water of the Azores attracts and supports marine life making it the best diving locations in the Atlantic.  The kaleidoscope of species – from Yellow mouth Barracuda to devil rays, loggerhead turtles to slipper lobsters – arises from the extraordinary range of habitats. Wrasse, damsel fish and moray eels dwell in the coast’s jade-green bays; marlin, tuna and shark swirl around the peaks of barely submerged volcanoes; jacks, bonitos and grouper patrol the walls of underwater cliffs; more delicate life forms shelter in caves formed from lava tubes; and countless other species take up residence in the shipwrecks cluttering the seafloor. Almost all islands have accredited dive centers offering excursions and equipment for diving enthusiasts.

The world famous Red Bull Cliff Diving Series contest is yet another reason why the Azorean island of Sao Miguel is gaining immense popularity.

Watersports

The conditions also make for great windsurfing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, and other water-based activities, while those seeking something more restful can always take a dip in one of the swimming holes formed by lava as it cooled flowing into the sea.  One can also visit the many thermal pools and enjoy the warm relaxing and mineral rich hot springs to treat yourself after a long day of hiking and walking.

Whether it is for adventure, sightseeing, relaxing by the beach or taking a dip in the therapeutic hot water springs, enjoying water sports, the Azores, “Europe’s Hawaii” is the best hidden attraction in Europe and has something to offer to everyone.