Text by Sharon McDonnell
Visitazores.com, Azores Promotion Board.
Treasure in the Azores
The Azores is a group of nine volcanic islands located in the Atlantic, part of Portugal but 900 miles from the mainland. These islands are full of odd surprises. They include steep coastal cliffs that look like checkerboards, emerald pastures in craters formed by volcanoes, lakes with jewel-like colors, hot springs and waterfalls. In May, the islands are blanketed with blue and rose hydrangeas. Despite its seeming remoteness, the Azores is actually the closest part of Europe to the United States—a mere 5-hour flight from Boston (or a 2 1⁄2-hour flight from Lisbon) to Ponta Delgada, the largest city, on São Miguel, the biggest island.
The Azores are known for their unexpected offerings. From purple tea and pineapple farms to jewelry made of fish scales that have been dyed and sewn together with gold or silver thread and pearls (a craft called “escamas depeixe”), the Azores will not disappoint. It’s no surprise they were named Europe’s leading adventure travel destination in…
