Azores Travel Guide
The Azores are a volcanic archipelago located in the east-central North Atlantic. It is the territory of the Republic of Portugal. The land area is 2344 square kilometers. The terrain of each island is rugged and full of craters, hot springs and earthquakes. It is an important shipping terminal and international aviation relay station between Western Europe, South America, and West Africa. Winter tours, resorts. Air transportation between Portugal territory and Lisbon is smooth. Today, it has become a resort with a total of approximately 250,000 permanent residents. Most are of Azores and Berbers and Portugal descent. Mainly spoken in Portugal.
The archipelago stretches for more than 640 kilometers and consists of nine volcanic islands. It is known as the "Nine Daughters of Portugal in the Atlantic Ocean." The archipelago is divided into three groups of islands that are very distant: in the east, the three islands of San Miguel, Santa Maria and Formigas; in the middle, the islands of Faial, Pico, Sao Jorge, Terra Terceira and Graciosa; in the northwest, the islands of Flores and Corvo. The islands are shrouded in mystery, and no one knows exactly who discovered them and when. There is a romantic legend that an angel dropped a flower from the sky, and nine petals fell one after another, turning it into a beautiful home for the islanders.
The Azores have a Mediterranean climate, with dry and hot summers and warm and humid winters. The average temperature in the hottest month (July) is 28℃, and the average temperature in the coolest month (January) is 18℃. The annual precipitation is 750 - 1,000 mm. National Geographic Traveler rated the world's best tourist island. The champion was Denmark's Faroe Islands and the runner-up was Portugal's Azores Islands.
The Azores Islands are volcanic islands with rugged terrain, dense forests, clear lakes and rich geothermal resources. The island of San Miguel in the east is densely forested and shrouded in clouds. There are magical "Twin Lakes" on the island. The lake is as flat as a mirror. Under the sunshine, there is a sky blue and a green color. The lake presents a straight line, concealing the sparkling green San Miguel Mountains. It was also once an important whaling center, and traces of whales and dolphins were often seen on the sea not far away.
Since the time of Columbus, the Azores have always had a geographical advantage: first, they were a docking point for European explorers heading to the New World; and in the early 20th century, they became a refueling point for the first aircraft to fly across the Atlantic. The island is full of fertile farmland, shining lakes, hot springs that relieve people of fatigue and picturesque countryside. For hundreds of years, island residents have made a living by fishing and farming.
All the islands here have places to visit. For example, Pico Island is listed as a World Heritage Site. There are amazing mountains, eye-catching cliffs, and vineyards made of black basaltic stone. Of course, you will be interested in exploring the steam and hot water emitted by the volcanic vents on São Miguel. Island. In fact, it is entirely possible to indulge in the endless charm of the Azores.
Tesera Island is the most lively one of the archipelago. The thriving town of Angra do Heroismo, on the southern shore of Tercera, was founded in the 16th century and is a world heritage site in itself, attracting whalers, peddlers and treasure hunters from all over the world to roam the cobblestone streets. The boat people who sail out to sea sit in the ancient square (Pra? Espresso coffee is sipping in the cafe of a Velha), several Lisbon cod fishing boats are littered along the shore, local housewives and pilots from Lajes Field, a north of the island, enjoy life leisurely. Walking further away from the lively Urban area, the most common thing is that the cliffs on the Atlantic coast stand tall, and the rocky seaside is empty. Standing from the commanding heights and overlooking, you will see black volcanic lava intertwined with the teeth of the dog and the sea is constantly changing.
Hero Port retains the Portugal trade warehouse, the two fortress St. Sebastian Church (late 16th century) and St. John's Baptist Auditorium (16th-17th century), which form the main framework of the port. A large number of relics of 16th century Baroque architecture (churches and monasteries) form a dense urban complex. Two-story houses with painted wooden balconies become typical of Portugal's architectural heritage.
Because the local area is rich in geothermal heat, using geothermal heat to cook vegetables has become a unique way. Mix rice, sausage or vegetables with seasonings and place them in a wooden cylinder with holes around them. Use a steam can to continuously cook for several hours without interruption in the small hole where geothermal heat is emitted on the surface. It is really a unique taste. Many travelers come because of the name of this lava barbecue. When you come here, you can't help but eat roast chicken.
The Azores forest pigeon (Columba palumbus azorica) pigeon is one of the most widely distributed birds in the world. Their footprints can be seen everywhere except in very cold areas and remote islands. Pigeons are now known. There are about 250 species in the world, all of which belong to the order Pigeon, and about 170 species belong to the family Pigeon. Some of them forage on the ground, while others depend partially or entirely on food in the forest. For example, strictly distinguish according to their size, small calling doves (English doves) and large calling doves (English pigeons). However, with the exception of artificially raised white pigeons, we call them pigeons regardless of their size. Pigeons are a symbol of peace.
About two-thirds of pigeons inhabit tropical areas of Asia, Australia and the Western Pacific Islands. Various pigeons can also be seen in other regions such as Africa, South America, Eurasia and North America with warm climates. The dove is gentle and gentle with a short bill. When walking with his head held high, he looked very proud. Because of their long wings and well-developed flight muscles, they are good at flying. For a long time, people trained pigeons to convey messages. They practice strict monogamy and remain constant throughout life. Even after a spouse becomes widowed, it will take a long time to remarry. The hens usually lay two white eggs in a litter. The young pigeons hatch after 14-19 days of incubation and are then left in the nest for 12-18 days of nursing and care. Several species of pigeons, such as Azores forest pigeons, Chatham Island pigeons, and Philippine Durotail pigeons, are endangered.