The spectacular 9 islands of the Azores are volcanic rocks that immerse from the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean. First discovered by Portuguese sailors in the 15th century, they soon became an essential stopover on transatlantic voyages. Today, the economy of the Azores islands is largely dependent on the production of milk, fishing, and tourism.
The 9 islands of the Azores form the Portuguese archipelago, and each island has its own, unique setting and ambiance: caldera peaks, long bays lined with hydrangeas, green meadows, lava rock & incredible volcanoes. It is the diversity of landscapes that has earned each Azores island its colored nickname.
The yellow island, also known as the island of the sun, is a surprisingly peaceful haven off the tourist radar. It owes its color to the arid climate. Due to drought, the vegetation takes on yellowish tones and blends into a decor of dark ochre earth and blond sand, forming a stunning contrast with the turquoise waters that border the island.
It is on this island that you will find a land scorched by flowing lava that seems to have barely cooled. The locals call these lava fields “lajidos” or “terras de biscoito” (biscuit lands). They have managed to take advantage of this specific landscape by developing a unique wine culture consisting of segmenting the vineyards with small black stone walls, providing the vines with a sustainable environment in an otherwise hostile setting. The vineyards of Pico were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004.
The Blue Island is unique in its kind. Its nickname comes from the huge beds of blue hydrangeas that you will find along the roads, between the fields or in the gardens of the houses when you visit Faial from May onwards.
The brown island is spectacular for its cliffs and “fajãs” (eroded basalt platforms) that give it its color nickname. This vertiginous mountain island was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 2016 by UNESCO due to the forty or so fajãs that cover the landscape and delight hikers who come exploring.
Sao Miguel is the largest of the 9 islands of the Azores and owes its color to the lush vegetation. Volcanic massifs, the central mountain range, vineyards, and tea plantations (unique in Europe) offer an authentic setting where cows have made themselves at home. Urban legend even claims that the island has twice as many cows as inhabitants!
The White Island is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, but its nickname comes from Pedras Brancas (white stones), Serra Branca (white mountain) or Barro Branco (white clay). These are special geological places whose names make it clear what color is predominant!
The lilac island owes its nickname to Angra do Heroismo, its capital city founded in 1534. For a time, it was an important trading hub in the archipelago and also between Europe and America. It is the purple color of the facades of its historic center that earned the island its nickname.
The flower island owes its multi colored status to the abundance of “subres” flowers (solidago sempervirens) which blend into the landscape of waterfalls and lakes. Also classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO since 2009, this island of flowers is the archipelago’s little paradise, the “Switzerland of the Azores” boasting lush nature, breathtaking views of its rugged terrain and, of course, various shades of color!
The smallest and most remote of the 9 islands of the Azores is actually a volcano where the inhabitants live in its center. A surprising discovery in absolute serenity, Corvo was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2007. As for its color, this is due to the lavic fajãs that cover the landscape and the typical houses characterized by grey stone facades with white doors and windows.
There are regular flights from Portugal to the Azores islands, as well as local companies operating internal, island to island flights. The best time to visit the 9 islands of the Azores is during the summer months, from April to October, with mild and constant temperatures, although the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean can make the humidity levels rise.
In short, the 9 islands of the Azores are more than an archipelago. They are a palette of color making this inter-island journey an exceptional discovery. Each day, you will be transported from one world to another in just a few hours thanks to the unique beauty of these small islands, scattered like confetti in the ocean.
Interested in booking this package for yourself? Email us at info@atlantivacations.com to learn more!
