Central Azores are calling

Green Islands, European Hawaii, Pearls of the Atlantic are also names for the Azores archipelago. Mari and I have been thinking about this part of the world for the last few years. We couldn’t get them out of our heads, so we had no choice but to go there. And since we have a sailboat, unlike the usual trips to the Azores from our neck of the woods, which usually only lead to the main islands, we decided to travel to all of them.

Below you will find our itinerary and sailing itinerary. We hope you will understand from it why we couldn’t let them go. And if you would like to discover the Azores with us feel free to write to us or sign up for one of the dates.

We will meet you in the port of Praia do Vitoria and introduce you to our sailing boat Midnight Blue, which will become your floating home for the next few days. After checking in and an initial introduction to life on board, we will go on a provisioning expedition. In the evening, the opportunity to explore the city.

Places to visit:

Igreja do Senhor Santo Cristo das Misericórdias – an interesting church whose history dates back to the 16th century and which has been repeatedly damaged by fire and earthquakes.
Miradouro da Serra do Cume – If you have more time, the option to take a taxi to this iconic viewpoint for sunset over the island’s vast interior.

In the morning, we leave the port for a short cruise around the geologically diverse east coast of Terceira Island. During the cruise we will be shown how to steer, work with sails and much more. Depending on the weather, there is the possibility of a shorter stop at the Ilhéus das Cabras islets, which are a nature reserve and, if conditions are good, you can snorkel and observe the local species of stingrays. Swimming in the sea, dolphin watching and, if conditions are right, swimming with dolphins are also possible during the cruise. The cruise will end in the ancient port of Angra do Heroismo.

Angra do Heroismo – The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Worth a visit for the local churches and architecture or a walk around the 17th century fortress fortifications to the top of the remains of the tuff volcano Monte Brasil, where there are spectacular views of the city and the surrounding sea.

From the city we take a taxi to the centre of Terceira. And by centre, I don’t just mean the geographical centre, I mean the geological centre. The island is still volcanically active. We’re going to explore lava tunnels, fumaroles and other volcanic manifestations.

Algar do Carvao – A walk inside an extinct volcano.

Furnas do Enxofre – See the volcanic activity of the island right here. Along the nature trail we will walk past fumaroles, sulphur deposits and other reminders of the Earth’s inner power.

We’ve got some thoroughbred sailing to do today. From Terceira, we will head towards the island of São Jorge. Sailing under sail, steering and other activities await you. During the cruise there is a high probability of seeing dolphins, whales or other local fauna. At the end of the cruise, there is the possibility of a short stop at the easternmost tip of the island and a walk to the local lighthouse.

Depending on speed and interest we will stop / visit:

Farol do Topo – Lighthouse at the easternmost tip of São Jorge Island.

Cascata da Ribeira do Salto – Almost 100m high waterfall, best enjoyed from the sea. For the adventurous, if the weather is suitable, swimming is possible.

Calheta – A small port town with a church where we will anchor for the night.

After a day at sea, give your legs room to stretch. We’ll start our journey at Europe’s only coffee plantation, where we’ll refuel for the journey. Next, we’ll explore the beautiful fajãs – fertile lava plains filled with a variety of plantations, quaint houses, beautiful views and a day full of the scent of flowers and greenery.

Places we will visit:

Fajã dos Vimes – The only place where coffee is grown in Europe.

Fajã da Caldeira – A small town with a beautiful sea lagoon that is not accessible except on foot.

Fajã do Cubres – The beautiful church of Ermida de Nossa Senhora de Lourdes dating from 1908.

Velas – Finish the evening at one of the local restaurants. And for those who won’t be tired yet, there is a shorter trip to the Zona do Arco – a natural stone arch over the sea or the Morro Grande hill, from where there are panoramic views of the entire bay and the majestic silhouette of Pico Island in the distance.

After a day on solid ground, we’ll head out to sea again. From São Jorge we sail to another of the Azores islands – Pico – home to Portugal’s highest mountain, but also famous for its lava vineyards. Madalena will be our home port for exploring the island.

Places we will visit:

Madalena – In addition to the amazing views and panoramas of the Pico volcano, in the town you will find a natural swimming pool or a very photogenic 18th century church. Worth a visit is the wine museum with a grove of up to 1,000-year-old drachines and the local vineyards, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Vinha da Criação Velha  – A small trek through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of lava vineyards. And those who not only like to look at wine but also drink it will definitely take the opportunity to book a tasting of local produce. Just be sure to pack a backpack, because you’ll definitely want to take a bottle home after the tasting.

Today we are going to reach the top of the expedition. Climbing the 2351 m high stratovolcano, the highest mountain in Portugal. Those who are not keen on climbing will not be disappointed if they take a tour of the island dominated by the volcano. The island offers lava tunnels, amazing views and many shorter treks to smaller calderas.

Places to visit:

Ponta do Pico – Portugal’s highest mountain and dormant stratovolcano. The climb itself starts at 1100 m above sea level and so there are only “only” 1250 m to climb. For the whole ascent and the return descent to the starting point you need 7 hours and you need to be adequately physically equipped. In the evening we will sit down properly tired on board Midnight Blue and with a glass of wine and a sense of satisfaction we will look back at the majestic Pico we have climbed.

(For those interested, we can organise an evening sunset climb with the option of an overnight stay at the summit. However, it is necessary to make arrangements 2 weeks in advance.)

After a short cruise from Madalena, we anchor at Faial Island – the last stop of our cruise. But certainly not our last adventure in the Azores. Horta has been an important stop for sailors for centuries. And it remains so today. After many, many days on the ocean, all those who sail across the Atlantic arrive here, at the first safe port of call. And while for many Horta is the end, for us it will be the starting point for exploring this island.

Places to visit:

Horta – Horta itself is worth a visit. Right in the harbour, the harbour wall is worth seeing, where all the crews who have crossed the Atlantic leave their paintings as a reminder of an unforgettable adventure. In the evening, be sure not to miss a walk to the nearby volcanic cone, where there are not only beautiful views of the harbour and town, but also of the Pico volcano illuminated by the setting sun.

Cape Capelinhos – A volcano on the west coast of the island, which was formed by an unexpected eruption in 1957. In addition to the ash, slag and lava, there is also a lighthouse that was destroyed during the eruption.

Caldeira do Cabeço Gordo – A huge caldera in the middle of the island. The crater of the extinct volcano is covered with ferns, heather, endemic faja bush. The rim of the caldera rises to a height of 1043 m and the crater is 400 m deep.

Peter’s Cafe Sport – If all the sailors are heading to Horta. After landing in Horta, they all head here. A bar where all adventurers just have to go for a drink. And not just those who’ve just sailed across the blue yonder. The local Peter’s Gin is also famous. You can make your wait for service more enjoyable by looking at flags, charts and other nautical artefacts. And there’s a whale tooth museum on the floor above the bar.

All adventures must come to an end. We take one last picture together, hug and start looking forward to our next adventure together. Before your plane takes off, you have the opportunity to explore the town or possibly walk to the nearby Monte da Guia lookout – a flooded crater with spectacular views of the harbour, the sea and Pico Island with its dominant volcanic silhouette.