The Azores Archipelago is an area of Portugal which is consisted of nine volcanic islands positioned in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. They lie around 930 miles (1500 km) west of Lisbon in Portugal, and 2400 miles (3900 km) from The United States and Canada.
The 9 islands were formed through seismic and volcanic activity in the Tertiary geological duration, and geologists believe that the first island broke the surface area of the water some eight million years earlier. Santa Maria is believed to be the very first island to form, and Pico the last.
In documented history, there have been 28 volcanic eruptions, 15 terrestrial and 13 submarine. The last substantial volcanic eruption was in 1957 and took place off the coast of Faial. Though the area was formed through volcanic activity, some of the islands such as Santa Maria have never ever experienced a volcanic eruption.
The Azores area is distinct in numerous ways. It is not just its geological formation and structure which supplies interest. Tourist, together with fishing and farming is an essential and key industry to the region and as an outcome, the islands have an excellent mix of activities, site seeing, and experience.
Whale Viewing
Whales and the Azores have a long and well established connection. Industrial whaling was a crucial market and started around the 13thcentury and went to 1984 in the twentieth. There are good museums that reveal the history and significance of industrial whaling to this part of Portugal, which is now happily extinct in the region. The Azores individuals have a far better relationship with whales, and offer a few of the best method to see a whale on the planet.
Whales are naturally attracted to the Azores Archipelago as it offers a natural source of food for these wonderful and magnificent animals. Whale watch organisations have seen over 20 different species in the Azores area and this is around 25% of the total number of known types of whale. Sperm whales together with short finned pilot whales are routinely seen, and bottlenose, common, spotted, and striped dolphins are likewise routine visitors. Blue whales, the biggest animal on the planet have also been seen.
The whale seeing season runs from May - October though whales are regularly spotted throughout the year. Whale portugal tourist attractions seeing tours are a strong market in the Azores and finding and reserving a trip is straight forward and easy, and lots of tour organisers mention that a visitor or traveler will see 6-7 species per tour. It is not uncommon to spot other exotic animals such as turtles and sharks.
The Azores area is rated in the leading 3 whale enjoying destinations in the world.
Swimming with Dolphins
In much of Europe swimming with dolphins in captivity is prohibited. The Azores region nevertheless, has devoted business that will take you out to the ocean where wild dolphins are understood to swim. They declare that 97% of the time individuals that register to the trip will have a chance to swim with dolphins. If this is an imagine yours, swimming with dolphins in the wild will be a genuine, extraordinary experience.
Gruta das Torres Lava Cave
Gruta das Torres is the biggest lava cave from the thirty lava caves located in the Azores. The caves have actually been formed through volcanic lava flowing and cooling in underground rivers of Magma. The Gruta das Torres is particularly excellent due to its size which has actually been recorded as being 3350 metres long, however as parts stay undiscovered it is approximated to run at 5200 metres. It lies at the lower western slope of Mount Pico, the highest mountain in the Azores area, which is located on Pico Island As with Gruta das Torres, 28 of the 30 lava caverns lie on Pico Island.
To explore the lava cavern and consequently the inside of a volcano, a visitor centre has actually been established. Trips are through a guide, where you will be released with helmets and lights.
The tour permits travellers and tourists a chance to see 450 metres of the cave and will discuss how the various rock developments were established as they take you deep inside a volcano.
Strolling boots are suggested for this unique and amazing experience.
Wine Tasting in Madalena on Pico Island.
Wine is a popular commodity on Pico Island, and tasting this drink is accommodated in Madalena The majority of the red wine comes from the Azores is made at Cooperativa Vitivincola da Ilha do Pico in Madalena. The area produces prepared verdelho red wines, as well as local and table white wines.
If white wine is something you like then you must likewise vest the World Heritage Wine Country Sites in Lajido, Cabrito and Madalena.
The 9 islands of the Azores are Santa Maria, Sao Miguel, Terceira, Graciosa, Sao Jorge, Pico, Faial, Flores, and Corvo. Many visitors believe that they can explore each island every day. Such is the series of activities and experience the Azores area offers, which this is discovered to be a typical misconception.
The Azores lends itself to experience, and hiking, biking, and swimming in rock swimming pools fit the rugged landscape and altering surroundings of the islands remarkably.