Azores - Alitours International Inc.

AZORES
10 Reasons to Visit
AZORES
NATURE /SCENERY - Few destinations match the natural beauty of the Azores. Mountains soar to the sky,
deep lakes form in craters of dormant volcanoes, gentle hills roll to the ocean, and floral splashes of blue
and pink are daubed on an ever green canvas.
WILDLIFE - Diverse flora and fauna flourish untamed in the Azores. The highlight for many nature lovers is
spotting the sperm whales and dolphins passing by.
SOFT ADVENTURE - There are countless walking and hiking possibilities for all levels, with or without a
guide, and great mountain-biking.
CULTURE - Isolated from the rest of the world, Azorean culture has remained undiluted by outside
influences.
HERITAGE - The islands were discovered by the Portuguese in the 15th century, so there is much evidence
of their rich and colorful history.
PEACE AND TRANQUILITY - with the population of the entire archipelago only 246,102 – half of whom
live in São Miguel – the Azores is the perfect destination for anyone wanting to escape the stress and
strains of daily life.
SOMEWHERE NEW - visitors will discover the Atlantic’s best kept secret, an unspoiled destination quite
unlike anywhere else.
ISLAND HOPPING - with a network of domestic flights and boats running between islands, it’s easy to
combine several destinations in one trip.
FOOD AND WINE - drawing on the riches of sea and soil, fresh fish is a favorite, and there are delicious
cheeses, sweet pineapples and a choice of good locally made wines.
PEOPLE - communities in the Azores are tight-knit, with strong Catholic traditions, but the people are
friendly and very welcoming.
ISLAND HIGHLIGHTS
VISIT SETE CIDADES - In west S. Miguel, is an enormous crater with two lakes, one green and one blue,
surrounded by lush vegetation.
CHECK OUT THE BUBBLING MUD - Fumaroles and thermal water springs in the Furnas Valley, east S.
Miguel.
WANDER AROUND ANGRA DO HEROÍSMO - Terceira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with fascinating
historic buildings starting from the 15th century.
GO WHALE WATCHING - from S. Miguel, Faial and Pico islands you’re almost guaranteed to get up close
to the magnificent creatures.
JOIN THE FUN - at Sanjoaninas Festival on Terceira, one of the largest festival in the Azores with music,
bullfights and fireworks, held each June.
FOLLOW A WINDING PATH - down the cliff to a fajas (flat coastal plain) on S. Jorge, one of the best islands
for walking.
HIKE ALONG - Europe’s most western coastlines on the island of Flores, passing waterfalls and
picturesque villages.
MIX WITH LOCALS - and transatlantic yacht crews at Peter’s Café Sport, founded in 1918 in the
cosmopolitan harbour of Horta, Faial.
TOUR THE CAVES OF ALGAR DO CARVÃO - on Terceira, a network of grottoes up to 100 metres deep
with lakes and eerie stalagmites and stalactites.
TAKE A BOAT FROM FAIAL - Crossing the channel between Faial and Pico, the view of Portugal’s tallest
mountain rising out of the sea is unforgettable.
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