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The beaches are mostly gray or black due to volcanic lava sliding into the sea after volcanic eruptions, but they are spacious and clean and with excellent facilities. Above all, the region's volcanic history is still in evidence, with craters and bubbling hot springs visible at close quarters. Shore excursions include opportunities to explore the history of the islands as well as their unique natural setting. Azores cruises reveal marvellous, unspoilt volcanic treasures Horta and Praia de Vitória.
Discover more about island Life
Our cruises to the Azores and Madeira have been planned to show you some scenic highlights as we sail between ports. These include sailings past Santa Maria, a remote island with historical links to Columbus, the mighty Cape Girão sea cliff in Madeira and cruising past the rugged Desertas Islands. In the center of the island is the Caldeira do Faial, the vast crater of the extinct volcano from which the island originated.
Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel, Azores, Portugal
About 1,866 feet above sea level is the extinct volcano of Sete Cidades, its crater home to a magnificent twin lake consisting of two craters with different depths and colors -- one blue and the other bright green. Departing from the pier, traverse crystalline waters in search of dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. Spot humpback, minke, blue, sei, and northern bottlenose whales, along with turtles, sunfish, and schools of tuna, while your knowledgeable crew guides the adventure. The waters surrounding Faial are considered to be one of the best places in Europe for whale and dolphin watching. Sperm whales, humpback whales and dolphins spend the summer months here thanks to the nutrient-rich, warm and sheltered waters which support a diverse marine ecosystem and provide the perfect conditions for breeding.
Introducing Bolette
The archipelago, which is an autonomous region of Portugal, was known in the 14th century when the islands of Santa Maria and Sao Miguel were rediscovered in 1427 by the navigator Diogo de Silves. Official colonization began at this time, with settlers arriving from Portugal and other European countries. You may not have given much thought to needing tips for Azores cruises, but if a transatlantic crossing is on your bucket list, chances are good you’ll be in need of some advice. Explore some of the natural highlights of the island of São Miguel with this special tour of Furnas Valley.
Azores Islands, Portugal Cruise Port
But the promise of morning-to-evening days spent soaking up the sun and the salt of the ocean isn’t the only reason why travellers flock here during the summer months. On my early morning and practically empty flight to Santa Maria, on a late-January weekday, most of my fellow passengers were locals returning home or going on a business trip. Bolette's Premier Adapted Suites are spacious and stylish, and located on deck 7. Go Stargazing is formed of a group of astronomers, all of whom are keen to encourage public interest in astronomy to as wide an audience as possible. On your cruise, expect to find Michael out on the top deck in the evenings conducting stargazing sessions.
Borealis' Balcony Junior Suites have a private balcony and sitting/bedroom area. Gary is the lead astronomer at Grassholme Observatory and will be joining us on this cruise to run stargazing sessions out on deck, bringing the night sky to life. In this hands-on baking class, learn the secrets of how to bake the iconic pastéis de nata under the guidance of a local chef, before enjoying your creations with a coffee. This awe-inspiring landscape is home to the iconic green and blue twin lakes separated by a seven-arched bridge, which symbolises the seven cities of the lost continent of Atlantis. With no noise, no traffic (well, hardly any cars, for that matter), no pollution, and no fuss, Corvo, the smallest of the nine islands, is perfect for unplugging and recharging. Praia de Porto Pim is a local favorite within walking distance of Horta city center.
Explore Azores
While in Madeira you can explore the botanical gardens with a local orchid expert, or visit the 580-metre high skywalk at Cabo Girao for a unique perspective over the cities of Câmara de Lobos and Funchal. For a taste of local life, be sure to sample Madeiran wine in Funchal and a pasteis de nata in Lisbon. Discover the wild landscapes and rugged green coastline of the awe-inspiring island of Sao Miguel on an Azores cruise. A remote archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores are part of Portugal and are a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and those seeking rest and relaxation. The diverse topography of these islands provides plenty of outdoor activities, including whale watching, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Hike through volcanic craters, admire picturesque villages, and visit historical sites by the seaside on your visit to Ponta Delgada and its surroundings.
Here she shares her local knowledge of the archipelago to help you choose the best island for your trip. More than the archipelago’s capital and administrative hub, Ponta Delgada is an ambassador of the Azores to the world. Embellished with lacy iron balconies, the 17th-century architecture of whitewashed walls is framed by the local volcanic basalt. Hydrangeas and grazing cows add splashes of color to the evergreen background. Ponta Delgada presents itself as a gateway to discovering the Big Island of São Miguel and the best of the Azores on one island.
Study Up on Azores History Before Going
The proximity to an urban area doesn’t taint the beach-going experience at all, and the bay is like a shelter. Called “the mountain island” for being home to Portugal’s highest peak, Pico is also historically a land of whale hunters and winemakers. Even though some of these fajãs can be reached by car, being able to get to them as locals did in the old days, via official trekking trails, makes São Jorge the best island for hiking. The island is also home to burro da Graciosa, an endangered species of donkey that has been rescued, protected and bred by a local nonprofit organization. Anyone can visit the farm to see the donkeys from afar, or pet them if they come closer to the fence. Dubbed “the sunny island” by Azoreans, summers here see plenty of glorious days of beach weather – an oddity by Azores standards.
BC Tours expands footprint with acquisition of Portugal's Ibercruises - Seatrade Cruise News
BC Tours expands footprint with acquisition of Portugal's Ibercruises.
Posted: Wed, 22 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Visit the historical town of Ribeira Grande, the smaller Vila Franca do Campo and a pineapple plantation to learn about the cultivation of pineapple and tea. Explore Algar do Carvã, an ancient volcano located in one of Terceira's geological nature reserves. Journey 330ft below the Earth’s surface where extraordinary caves, magma chambers and even an underground lake with crystal clear waters await you.
The Azores keep growing in popularity as a tourist destination, but some islands remain off most travelers’ radar. Sure, a lot of this archipelago’s appeal comes from its beautiful landscapes, where nature is practically untouched yet not entirely out of reach. But the landscapes change from island to island, sometimes within the same one, which is why “seen one, seen them all” doesn’t apply here. Famous for hiking trails and lagoons, inactive volcanoes and whale watching, the Azores naturally appeal to the outdoorsy. But these islands are also rich with a unique cuisine, exceptional wines, vibrant cultural events and traditional celebrations. The perfect fusion of culinary delights and cultural traditions characterises life in the Azores and Madeira.
Ponta Delgada's architecture represents many layers of Azorean maritime history and culture through its churches, historic homes, and squares. Walk through the plaza at the iconic Portas da Cidade (City Gates), a symbolic entrance to Ponta Delgada dating back to the 18th century. Explore the Parish Church of Sao Sebastiao with its beautiful tiled exterior, created in the baroque style. Then stroll along Rua de Santa Ana to see some of the oldest homes in Ponta Delgada. Our team of Journey Planners have created a number of cruises with destinations selected to really showcase the diverse landscapes and fascinating flora and fauna of the hard to reach Azores and Madeira. With her warm, welcoming atmosphere, timeless style, and classic open deck spaces providing a place to fully immerse yourself in the magic of ocean cruising.
Azores cruises typically offer a variety of itineraries, allowing travelers to explore different islands and experience the diverse landscapes and attractions of the archipelago. These itineraries can vary in duration, with some cruises lasting a few days and others extending to a week or more. The best time to visit the Azores is typically from May to September, when the weather is mild, and the islands are in full bloom. In addition to sightseeing, there are many outdoor activities to enjoy on the islands including whale watching, surfing, golfing and hiking, and caves to explore.
At each port of call on your cruise, we carefully research and hand pick Shore Tour options for you, designed for you see as many of the world's best destinations as possible. Most people who visit Flores believe that this is the most beautiful island in the Azores, comparing it to such destinations as Hawaii, Switzerland, and Ireland. On the surface, the second smallest island in the archipelago seems to have little to do – by comparison with the rest, of course. But this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve doesn’t need to flaunt deep lagoons and waterfalls to get your attention. Sandra has recently returned from her native Azores, where she was researching the upcoming Pocket Azores guidebook, out in October 2024.
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