Friday, May 27, 2016

ar·chi·pel·a·go: Azores

+ADW and I are off again! We've elected to travel to the Azores, a set of 9 green volcanic islands in the North Atlantic Ocean. The Azores are one of two autonomous regions of Portugal (the other is Madeira). 


The 3 main cities of the Azores are: Ponta Delgado, Angra do Heroísmo and Horto. All the islands are of volcanic origins but some have not had any recorded activity since being settled here. The first islands were discovered in the early 1400s during the Portuguese Age of Discovery (1415-1542) and helped settled by Gonçalo Velho Cabral. The islands' climate is mild and sub-tropical considering its northernly location but is affected by the Gulf Stream and location relative to continents. Temperature ranges are temperate ranging from 3-30C throughout the year with a distinct "rainy season". The main industry on the islands is agricultural in nature; São Miguel's current agricultural yields are dairy and beef, pineapple and passion fruit and Pico's wine is fantastic.

As any opportunity I have to travel, the top of my travel bucket list is to visit as many UNESCO World Heritage Sites as possible but the two in this area are on the islands of Pico (Landscape of Pico Islands vineyard culture) and Terceira (Central Zone of the Town of Angra do Heroísmo) but we won't be heading there this time... since there is already plenty to do and see on São Miguel.

Check in to see what we are up to, through the Instagram account and I'll be sure to give everyone proper updates whenever I have a chance to do so :)