The charm of the Azores, in particular the countryside, is a result of its extraordinary diversity; the joy of the perfect land, sea and sky in a constant game of colors and variety.
The archipelago consists of nine main islands divided into three groups, the two most western islands being Flores and Corvo, the central group of Faial, Pico, São Jorge, Graciosa and Terceira, and to the east the largest island São Miguel and Santa Maria. Volcanic outbursts along the Atlantic seismic ridge, all the islands have a similarity in their rugged volcanic landscapes of cones, lava fields and hot springs. Many of the cones have disintegrated to form vast craters called caldeiras, several containing beautiful lakes.
Although similar in origin, each island has its own distinctive individuality, from flower carpeted Flores or the bubbling hot springs of the Furnas Valley in São Miguel to the perfect soaring peak of Pico, at 2,351 meters the highest mountain in Portugal.
An experienced sailor with many Atlantic crossings to his credit once described the Azores as Europe's best kept cruising secret.
Yet, the islands have a lot more to offer. With the exception of Corvo, there is at least one good port on every island, the weather in summer is pleasant, the scenery superb, the waters clean and the Azoreans extremely welcoming.
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