Azores Islands
This document is about my impressions of every island I've visited during my visit of he Azores in spring 1999. Some of the opinions I had has changed in the meantime, means for example that I was disappointed by Terceira when I was there but my opinion has changed since then. Now I think that Angra is special and for sure worth a visit. Another example is Pico. When I was there I had constant rain for about a week. There was not much I could do. I attempted to climb the mountain three times. But it was too wet and slippery so that I failed. That was disappointing too and I hurried up to go to Faial. But now I think that Pico is an impressive island with nice trecking opportunities. So don't take my opinion too serious (as I do).
Terceira
My relation to
Terceira
is somehow difficult.
When you arrive there on the Airport
and take a taxi to Angra you will see the beautiful landscape
of the eastern part of the island that has been
destroyed by attempts to build industrial plants.
Most of the industrial buildings are rotten and give an impression of
Terceira (and the Azores) that for sure is wrong.
When you have a look at the impressive capital of the islands
Angra Do Heroismo then your opinion will change.
It is a nice place to stay.I had a wonderful time staying at the Youth Hostel that is a few kilometers to the west of Angra, located at a small harbour. There is also a tidal pool. There are nice walks in the western part of the island.
São Jorge
São Jorge
is the simply the best island of the archipelago
for trecking and walking. The island is shaped like a needle and streches from
west to east. It's northern and southern coast are separated by an
impressive mountain range. Most of the inhabitants live on the southern coast.
The northern part is less inhabited, usually wetter and has almost
no beaches. The mountain descends directly into the sea and builds
an impressive scenery. A good place to build up your tent was the
Urzelina campsite. Excellent walks start in Velas and go to the Lighthouse
on the western cliffs. The tour I liked most was to climb the
summit of the Pico Esperanca and then descent to the northern coast visiting
the Fajas (small villages that seem to be glued to the coast).
Have a look around when you're on Pico Esperanca. If the weather is
good you can see Pico, Faial, Terceira and Graciosa.
By the way: the busses that go along the southern coast were the
only one on the Azores that were in time. On every other Island
they didn't show up or were extremely late every time I tried to use them.
Pico
I had trouble with the weather on
Pico
because it rained
cats and dogs for about a week when I was there.
My attempts to climb the mountain failed three times because
it was too wet and slippery.
But now I think that Pico is an impressive island with
excellent trecking opportunities. I think it is a good idea
to take your Mountain Bike with you. I've found so many times
on my walks that it would be an excellent idea to do them
by bike. Another good idea is to visit the buildings of the whale industry. Also Pico is the best place for whale watching.
Faial
Faial
lies only a few kilometers west of Pico.
Some say that the summit of Pico can be best seen
from Faial and that's true.
Faial is best known for it's harbour in Horta.
Usually every boat that crosses the atlantic ocean stops here
for repair. Because of this Faial has a good
infrastructure for tourists.
You'll find hotels, restaurants, cafes, public showers and laundries here,
almost everything you'll need have if you've spent more than one week
in tent waiting for the rain to end (like I did).
José (the "Peter" of Peter's Cafe Sport) will help
you trying to find an affordable accommodation. Faial was the first island where I have been offered to buy drugs. Be careful of your luggage and money because it came to my ears that some of the tourists ("sailors") steal to be able to buy drugs.
But nevertheless, the caldeira is worth a visit. You must be lucky to have a look inside because usually it is filled and covered with clouds. Another beautiful walk is to visit the lighthouse in Capelinhos and then walk back to Horta.