Sao Miguel Fisherman Terceira Windmill

 
 
 
Like a fragment of Europe adrift in the Atlantic between Lisbon and New York, the volcanic islands cover  645 kms . 
The nine islands are divided in 3 groups as follows:
EASTERN GROUP
Island Description Accommodation
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.
Casa N. Sra. do Carmo
Quinta da Terça
Solar do Conde
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.
Casa de S. Pedro
 
CENTRAL GROUP
Island Description Accommodation
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.
Quinta do Martelo
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.
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Faial The capital, Horta, is a regular meeting point for yachts crossing the Atlantic.  .
WESTERN GROUP
Island Description Accommodation
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.
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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.
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LINKS TO OTHER PAGES
PORTUGAL - ACCOMMODATION BY TYPE
Hotels Pousadas Manor Houses Inns
Villas Cottages with shared pool Buy maps of Portugal Golf Courses
PORTUGAL - ACCOMMODATION BY REGION
Algarve Alentejo Lisbon Coast Tagus Valley
Beiras Porto and Douro Alto Minho Azores and Madeira
FRANCE SPAIN
Chateaux de France Paradores of Spain Purchase maps of Spain