On Pico, long stone walls divide the vineyards into rectangular plots known as currais: they protect the land from wind and seawater. The cultural landscape covers 987 hectares. Viticulture there dates back to the 15th century; high-quality wine is still produced around the village of Criação Velha. This brings together agriculture that remains vibrant today and a landscape shaped by its walls.
Viticulture and trails on Pico
The Vinhas da Criação Velha walking trail connects the municipality of Candelária with the town of Areia Larga in the municipality of Madalena. For most of its length, it passes through the protected cultural landscape, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, and through active vineyards. Viticultural features along the route include Rola-Pipas, Relheiras, shelters, wine cellars and tidal wells. The route thus passes through an environment where viticulture is visible not only in the production of wine, but also in the plots and built features.
Volcanic landscapes and lagoons
Volcanic features shape the Azores beyond the vineyards, too: the landscape includes 1,766 volcanoes, nine of which are still active, as well as nearly 300 recorded volcanic cavities. Crater lakes, fumaroles and thermal springs are also part of this geological landscape. On Terceira, the Mistérios Negros walking trail lies within the Serra de Santa Bárbara e dos Mistérios Negros Nature Reserve and a geosite in the Azores Geopark, a UNESCO Global Geopark. The trail begins and ends beside the visitor support centre at Gruta do Natal and Lagoa do Negro. Along the way, you can see endemic vegetation and trachytic domes formed by accumulations of younger lava.
The Serra do Topo – Caldeira de Santo Cristo – Fajã dos Cubres walking trail on São Jorge reveals a different kind of landscape. It passes through the Caldeira de Santo Cristo, follows the coastal lagoons of Caldeira de Santo Cristo and Fajã dos Cubres within the Fajãs do Norte Protected Landscape Area, and ends at Fajã dos Cubres. Lagoa da Caldeira de Santo Cristo is known for cockles (Ruditapes decussatus), considered unique in the Azores archipelago. Here, volcanic formations and coastal lagoons each make their own impression.
Angra do Heroísmo: city history and Monte Brasil
On Terceira, you can combine nature with a look at the history of Angra. The city centre preserves its 15th- and 16th-century street plan and listed buildings; it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. From the 15th century until steamships came into use in the 19th century, Angra was a compulsory port of call for fleets travelling between Europe, equatorial Africa, and the East and West Indies.
The Monte Brasil circular trail passes through a geosite on an extinct volcano connected to Angra do Heroísmo. Monte Brasil has a particularly good viewpoint over the city. Fortaleza de São João Baptista was built there at the end of the 16th century. The Angra do Heroísmo Museum also tells the story of the place: housed in a former Franciscan monastery dating from the 17th century, it displays ceramics, weapons, coins, nautical instruments, sculptures, paintings, furniture and porcelain, among other things.
Whale watching and marine life
More than 20 different species of whales and dolphins, including resident and migratory species, can be spotted in the Azores. Off Faial, blue whales can be seen just a few miles from the coast practically all year round. The Azores are currently among the world’s largest whale sanctuaries and offer whale-watching experiences. During summer dives at Baixa do Ambrósio, groups of dozens of mobula rays (Mobula tarapacana) can be seen. Baixa do Ambrósio is a marine protected area with a great diversity and abundance of marine life; wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. The difference in timing is clear: blue whales may be found off Faial almost all year round, while mobula rays are seen at Baixa do Ambrósio on summer dives.
Island cuisine and cultivation on São Miguel
In the Azores, particularly on São Miguel, pineapples are grown in wooden greenhouses with glass panels painted with lime. Growing them takes around 18 months. São Miguel is also home to Europe’s only tea plantation. Two factories there still produce black and green tea using the same traditional techniques.
Pastries and bread also tell the story of regional traditions. Massa Sovada is a sweet bread made with butter, eggs, milk and sugar, traditionally served during religious festivities; recipes vary from island to island. Bolo Levedo was once made throughout the Azores archipelago and is now considered one of the specialities of the Furnas Valley on São Miguel. The comparison highlights two different scales: a festive tradition with variations from island to island, and a speciality now associated with a particular valley.
Travel between the Azores islands is possible by boat and by regional flights. If you are considering visiting several islands, check your planned order against the current ferry and flight schedules.
Discover more destinations: Terceira, Santa Maria, S.Miguel, Pico, Faial, San Jorge, Flores, Mosteiros, Graciosa, Furnas, Horta, Topo, Ginetes, Calheta De Nesquim, Faja De Baixo, São Miguel, Ponta Garca, Corvo, Urzelina, Fajã Grande.
For the main travel overview: Portugal.
