Azores
Tourists from any country when you look at a small archipelago of islands often cover doubt that such a modest territory could fit any considerable number of attractions. However, tours to the Azores will convince you of the error of judgment.
What to look for a trip to the Azores?
The story should start with the monuments, listed in UNESCO World Heritage List. Attractions include the Portuguese wine region "Alto Douro", located on the mainland and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. His wine complements the landscape of the island of Pico, also made the list in the Island statue.
The climate of the volcanic island of Pico is not very suitable for growing grapes in the classic European technology. However, thanks to ingenious technical solution, consisting in the separation of vineyards in the small rectangular plots with fences made of basalt, there began to cultivate grapes in the XV century. Another monument to the Azores, recognized by UNESCO, is the historic city center Angra Eroishmu, located on the island of Terceira. Its main attractions are fortified character - is the forts of San Sebastian and San Juan Bautista, plus a military college and the museum.
The eastern group of islands
The largest island of the Azores Islands - Sao Miguel. It is the capital of the Azores - the city of Ponta Delgada. Its attractions are largely religious in nature. This is the church of St. Sebastian, St. Joseph and St. Peter's Monastery Esperansa and the Jesuit college. Even the local museum (Museum of Carlos Mochadu) housed in the monastery of St. Andrew. Of the other major attractions worth mentioning the city gates, the old fort (built for protection from pirates), a pedestrian avenue («Avenida Marginal»), which stretches along the coast, as well as a spa resort Furnasa (hot springs) in the vicinity of the city. Ferry connects the island of Sao Miguel with a small neighboring island of Santa Maria. He lives only a few thousand people, and attractions are the Church of the Holy Spirit, the chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Anzhush, as well as several old windmills (wind and water).
The western group of islands
The smallest island of the Azores archipelago - Corvo, is characterized by extremely variable weather. But if the weather you really are lucky, you can enjoy magnificent views of the island with a high hill. Here is the church and windmills, but the main attraction is the original folk craft manufacturing hats made of wool, dyed blue. A neighbor Corvo Island - Flores, famous for a few lakes, located in the craters of extinct volcanoes, and waterfalls of Ribeira Grande. There is an ethnographic museum, ancient churches and mansions (baroque style).
The central group of islands
Two of the five islands of the central group (Pico and Terceira), we have already mentioned in the section on the world heritage by UNESCO. Now talk about the remaining islands of the group. Faial Island is famous for its caves and lava arches. From its man-made attractions worthy fortress of Porto Pim, several churches and chapels, as well as a museum of religious art. The island of San Jorge town hall is remarkable (baroque) and the ancient city walls, as well as several churches and mansions. On the island of Graciosa hot springs, sulfuric cave and tunnel with a grotto located right in the crater of the volcano. There is a museum, several churches and mansions.
