Açores. A maravilha verde do Atlântico. Grande episódio

As viagens de Antônio・2 minutes read

The Azores, an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, offer a unique destination with distinct culture, lush landscapes, and diverse flora and fauna. From historic landmarks to natural wonders like volcanic landscapes and unique vineyards, the Azores provide a rich experience for travelers seeking a blend of history and natural beauty.

Insights

  • The Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal since 1976, boast a mild climate influenced by the warm Gulf Stream, with water temperatures ranging between 16 and 25 degrees Celsius year-round, making it an ideal destination for a variety of outdoor activities.
  • The eruption of the Capelinhos volcano in 1957 significantly impacted Faial Island, leading to a third of the population emigrating to the United States, showcasing the profound consequences of natural disasters on local communities and highlighting the resilience of the Azorean people.

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Recent questions

  • What is the climate like in the Azores?

    Mild due to warm Gulf Stream, year-round water temperatures.

  • What is the largest island in the Azores?

    São Miguel, known as the Green Island.

  • What is the significance of the Capelinhos lighthouse?

    Played a crucial role in history until 1957.

  • What is unique about Pico Island in the Azores?

    Known for dark volcanic rocks and UNESCO-protected vineyards.

  • What is notable about Flores Island in the Azores?

    Westernmost, abundant vegetation, and breathtaking landscapes.

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Summary

00:00

Remote Azores: Unique Culture, Mild Climate, Lush Flora

  • The Azores are a remote archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, approximately the size of Luxembourg, with nine islands.
  • Tristan da Cunha Archipelago is more remote than the Azores, with only around 250 residents compared to 250,000 in the Azores.
  • The Azores were uninhabited until the Portuguese arrived in the 1400s, with Vasco da Gama and Christopher Columbus leaving their mark.
  • The Azores became an autonomous region of Portugal in 1976, with a distinct culture, dialect, cuisine, and traditions.
  • The Azores have a mild climate due to the warm Gulf Stream, with water temperatures between 16 and 25 degrees Celsius year-round.
  • Winter in the Azores is characterized by moderately warm temperatures, with no central heating and people wearing light jackets.
  • Renting a car in the low season in the Azores can be cheaper, but automatic cars are more common due to limited choices.
  • São Miguel is the largest island in the Azores, known as the Green Island, with lush flora and a humid climate.
  • São Miguel features remnants of relict forests, protected as a biosphere reserve, with diverse endemic plant and animal species.
  • The Azores experience frequent weather changes in winter due to the unpredictable Atlantic climate, with strong winds and mold in buildings.

15:30

Discover Azores: Volcanic Islands, Pineapples, and Tea

  • Entry to the cool place costs just five euros, ideal for winter in the Azores at 17 degrees.
  • The location is near Vila Franca do Campo, 500 meters from the coast, an uninhabited volcanic island created by an underground volcanic eruption.
  • The island features a caldera with a radius of 150 meters, used as a natural beach in summer, with a depth of 20 meters.
  • Volcanic soil in the Azores is rich in sulphate, ideal for vegetation, allowing for the growth of various fruits like pineapples in greenhouses.
  • The Azores once supplied oranges to Europe, but a climate change led to their demise, shifting focus to pineapples, known for their sweetness.
  • The Azores host a unique tea factory, with tea grown under the guidance of Chinese tea experts, offering free tastings in winter.
  • São Miguel, an island in the Azores, boasts beautiful parks like Terra Nostra and stunning viewpoints with cliffs and landscapes.
  • The island can be easily explored in three days, with a quick drive around its entirety, offering a diverse palette of the archipelago.
  • Faial Island features a famous Marina, a hub for sailors crossing the Atlantic, with a tradition of leaving drawings as souvenirs.
  • Faial also houses the renowned Peter Café Sport, a historic nautical café with a museum showcasing intricate scrimshaw engravings on whale teeth.

31:52

Capelinhos eruption shapes Azores history and landscape.

  • The Capelinhos lighthouse in the Azores played a crucial role in history due to its location on the edge of the island until 1957.
  • The eruption of the Capelinhos volcano in 1957 lasted for 13 months, adding almost 2.5 square kilometers to the island and causing serious problems for Faial.
  • The eruption led to almost a third of Faial's population leaving, with around 1,500 people emigrating to the United States.
  • The Sorian diaspora grew significantly after the eruption, with villages close to the volcano, especially the village of hair, being the most affected.
  • Pico Island, known for its dark volcanic rocks, houses around 50 houses and is home to vineyards protected by UNESCO.
  • The unique wine from Pico Island, produced by Fortunato Garcia, reaches an alcohol content of 18 degrees or more through natural fermentation.
  • The wine from Pico Island has been purchased by the Vatican and Russian czars, with some bottles reaching 20 degrees of alcohol content.
  • Pico Island's landscape, with its black volcanic rocks and green vineyards, is surprising and picturesque, offering a unique experience.
  • The peak of Pico Island offers beautiful and colorful landscapes, contrasting with the dark volcanic rocks, making it a must-visit destination.
  • Flores Island, the westernmost and one of the smallest in the archipelago, is known for its abundance of vegetation and breathtaking landscapes, including the waterfall Ribeira do Ferreiro.

51:33

Speaker's dilemma: summer or winter beauty?

  • Choosing between winter and summer, the speaker finds summer more beautiful, but winter is also incredible; driving around, they enjoy the beauty, feeling happy after a long break, discovering unknown places, which they find the best part of the trip.
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