Unlock the Secrets of the Azores 🌋

Newsletter #18

The PorTuguese PosTcard Newsletter:

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Portugal every week.

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📌 Açores (Azores)

(First Segment)

Discover Six Stunning Locations in the Azores

That Will Leave You Speechless.

Are you yearning for a journey that goes beyond the ordinary, one that fills you with a sense of awe and leaves your soul deeply nourished? The Azores, with their raw beauty and captivating landscapes, offer just that.

We're taking you on an exploration of six breathtaking spots in the Azores, places that will not only leave you mesmerized but will also linger in your memories long after you've returned home.

Get ready to uncover destinations that are so extraordinary, your stories might just sound too incredible to be true!

1. Ilha das Flores: The Untamed Eden of the Azores

Ilha das Flores (Flores Island), located in the western group of Azores, is like a secret garden waiting to be discovered.

This remote island is a paradise of lush greenery, dramatic waterfalls, lagoons and pristine landscapes.

The reason for this? Flores’ unique microclimate means it often has more rain than other Azorean island, which helps sustain its verdant vegetation and numerous waterfalls.

These are spots where you can feel truly connected to nature, away from the usual tourist crowds.

One of Flores’ most impressive features is located in Fajã Grande on the west side of the island: a stunning series of waterfalls.

Starting at the Poço do Bacalhau Waterfall, where a breathtaking 90-meter drop sends mist swirling around, creating rainbows on sunny days.

Heading south, you can continue exploring a group of spectacular waterfalls at Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro.

Nearby, in Fajãzinha, the Ribeira Grande Waterfall stands as the tallest major waterfall on Flores Island, with a total height of approximately 180 meters.

2. Ilha do Pico (Pico Island): Climb to the Top of Portugal  

Montanha do Pico (Pico Mountain), located in the island with the same name, in the central group of Azores, is the highest peak in Portugal.

This volcanic marvel offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The climb to Pico’s summit at just above 7713 feet (2351 meters) is a demanding adventure, but the view from the top is a reward like no other.

On a clear day, you can see the neighboring islands of the Azores stretching out below you.

The peak of Pico is actually a volcanic cone formed around 4,000 years ago.

The ascent takes you through ancient lava fields known as “lajidos”, which are marked by their striking black rocks and unusual plant life. 

Pico is also home to one of the world’s most unique wine regions.

The island’s vineyards are planted in volcanic soil, creating wines with distinctive flavors that are as rich and varied as the landscape itself.

So, after your climb, enjoy a glass of Pico’s wine and savor the taste of the island’s volcanic heritage.

3. Algar do Carvão: Journey Into the Heart of an Ancient Volcano

We now journey to Ilha Terceira (Terceira Island), still within the central group of the Azores.

There, you can discover Algar do Carvão, which is not your average cave: it’s a vast lava tube formed during a volcanic eruption around 2,000 years ago. 

The cave’s mineral-rich walls sparkle with calcite formations and a subterranean lake adds a surreal touch.

The mouth of the Algar is a 148 ft vertical passage to the interior, that reaches a ramp of debris and grave. 

The depth of the cave is approximately 300 ft from the level surface. A pool that can reach a depth of 50 feet (15 meters) during the rainy winter months, can be found there.

4. Angra do Heroísmo: Walk Through a Living Museum

Angra do Heroísmo, the main city of Terceira Island, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a living testament to Azorean history and culture.

Its streets are lined with well-preserved 15th-century architecture, and its historic significance as a maritime hub is evident.

Beneath Angra’s charming streets, lie a series of secret underground tunnels.

Built in the 16th century, these tunnels were used for everything from smuggling to defense against pirates.

Exploring these hidden passages reveals a different side of the town’s history.

Additionally, Angra’s gardens are not just beautiful, they’re botanical time capsules.

Many plants found here were introduced by explorers returning from their voyages, making these gardens a living record of the world’s botanical diversity in the Age of Discovery.

5. Sete Cidades: The Twin Lakes with a Love Story

Traveling to Ilha de São Miguel (São Miguel Island) in the eastern group of the Azores, you'll discover Sete Cidades.

This place is renowned for its twin lakes separated by a narrow strip of land, known as Lagoa das Sete Cidades (Sete Cidades Lagoon).

The different color of the lagoons, a green lagoon and a blue lagoon, is caused by the different minerals in water and bed rocks.

The Caldeira das Sete Cidades (Sete Cidades Caldera), a massive volcanic crater formed around 10,000 years ago, offers breathtaking views and a range of hiking trails.

These trails provide stunning perspectives of the lakes and the surrounding landscape. 

6. Furnas: A Culinary and Geothermal Wonderland

Traveling eastward in São Miguel, you’ll find Furnas, a place renowned for its geothermal activity, offering a unique blend of natural wonders and culinary experiences.

The town is dotted with hot springs and fumaroles, which are natural vents that release steam and gases from the Earth’s crust.

These geothermal features have been used for centuries for their therapeutic properties.

Furnas’ hot springs are also known for their mineral-rich waters, which are believed to have healing benefits.

Furnas is home to the traditional dish "Cozido das Furnas" (Furnas Stew), which is cooked using geothermal heat.

Local chefs place a pot of stew, known as “cozido”, into a geothermal oven buried in the ground, where it cooks slowly over several hours.

This method infuses the dish with a unique, earthy flavor that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.

Your Journey Awaits: Embrace the Adventure

This journey through six of the most awe-inspiring spots in the Azores makes it clear that this archipelago is a world of wonders waiting to be explored.

From the stunning landscapes of Sete Cidades to the unique geothermal experiences in Furnas, each destination offers a piece of the Azores' enchanting magic.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, tranquility or a deep connection with nature, the Azores have something unforgettable to offer.

These spots are just the beginning, there’s so much more to discover.

Let these breathtaking locations inspire your next adventure!

Fascinating Facts- Marly Explains:

Reader’s Corner- Your Stories:

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We believe that together, we can create a richer and more engaging newsletter!

💌 Make sure you don't miss next week's newsletter, as we further explore the captivating allure of Azores, promising even more wonders to enrich your discovery of this magical island.

Your Team,