A lost paradise between the old and new worlds

Few places offers as many hidden treasures to discover as the nine islands of the Azores. One of them is an extinct volcano that dominates the island of Pico. The soil created by lava millions of years ago offers a startling contrast to the brightly coloured flowers and green fields. From the peak you can take in the amazing panorama that includes four other islands: vines, lagoons and even green prairie covered with camellias, hydrangeas and azaleas.

From one end of these islands to the other, the volcanoes have produced curious natural phenomena: the “mysterios,” for example, absolutely black soil covered with vegetation; or the bubbling geysers that allow the residents of San Miguel to cook their famous “Cozido das Furnas.”

As you go from village to village, you’ll see that both traditional architecture and nature have been respected. And as you walk through the decorated streets, you’ll probably encounter a procession. The people of the Azores remain strongly religious – no surprise, perhaps, since after all they live in a little corner of paradise!