 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Like a fragment of Europe adrift in the Atlantic between Lisbon and New York, the volcanic islands cover 645 kms. The nine islands of The Azores are divided in 3 groups as follows: |
| EASTERN GROUP | ||
| Island | Description | |
| São Miguel | The largest size which is famed for its crater lakes
while the regional capital,
Ponta Delgada, the regional capital, has many fine 17th and 18th century Baroque churches. On the east side of the island, the spa resort of Furnas has steam vents, hot springs, boiling mud and other types of volcanic activity. |
|
| Santa Maria | This island was the first to be discovered by Portuguese explorers
in 1427.
It has many of coves and sandy beaches, a spectacular landscape and temperate year round climate. |
|
| CENTRAL GROUP | ||
| Island | Description | |
| Terceira | Angra do Heroísmo is the capital and the port on the island.
It was major strategic significance during the the context of the great Portuguese maritime discoveries In I983 the central area of the city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
|
| Graciosa | This island is a peaceful retreat with windmills, fine houses and 16th century churches. | |
| São Jorge | Island is famous for its cheese and other dairy products and has many 17th century paintings. | |
| Pico | Pico has Portugal's highest peak at 2,350 metres which attracts
climbers from all over the world.
Lajes on the south coast is the region's main whale watching centre. |
|
| Faial | The capital, Horta, is a regular meeting point for yachts crossing the Atlantic. | |
| WESTERN GROUP | ||
| Island | Description | |
| Corvo | The north west is Monte Gordo, the peak of a huge marine volcano..
Its main attraction of the island is a green crater lake dotted with nine islets. |
|
| Flores | Europe's most westerly point, this island is considered to be the
prettiest in the Azores.
The capital, Santa Cruz, has an interesting museum and several historic monuments. |
|
| PORTUGAL - ACCOMMODATION BY TYPE | |||
| Portugal hotels | Pousadas | Manor Houses | Portugal inns |
| Portugal villas | Portugal cottages with shared pool | Golf Courses | |
| PORTUGAL - ACCOMMODATION BY REGION | |||
| Algarve | Alentejo | Lisbon Coast | Tagus Valley |
| Beiras | Porto and Douro | Alto Minho | Azores and Madeira |
| SPAIN | |||
| Paradores of Spain | |||
