THE AZORES ARQUIPELAGO

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1 THE AZORES ARQUIPELAGO The Azores are paradise for all nature lovers. Bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, each of the nine islands is a fantastic world of lakes framed by banks of wild flowers, viewpoints out over the sea and the greenery crowding into the craters of extinct volcanoes, in the most natural of environments. The archipelago is a kaleidoscope of landscapes in perfect harmony with their human inhabitants. São Miguel, the largest island, features three large and beautiful lakes Sete Cidades, Furnas and Fogo, the bustle of life in the port city of Ponta Delgada. Nearby is Santa Maria with the steep slopes of the São Lourenço Bay covered in vines, the chapel of Anjos where Columbus prayed on his return from discovering America. In the centre of the Azores are five islands in close proximity to each other. Terceira has all the history of Angra do Heroísmo, the first mid-atlantic city and classified as UNESCO World Heritage. Faial shines in the fresh blue of its hydrangeas and is a welcoming port for yachtsmen and sailors. In front, the mountain that rises out of the sea is the whaling island of Pico. The deepest green of the pastures, the little parcels of land the fajãs nestling by the ocean at the base of steep cliffs make up the natural beauty of São Jorge. Graciosa, a small island, contains a mysterious lake at the bottom of a volcanic crater and fields of vines dotted by windmills. Flores is an ocean-side garden of bewitching beauty with a series of volcanic lakes. Corvo, a mini-island, holds a broad and beautiful crater in its centre. The palaces, churches and fortresses bear testimony to the times when the Azores were a crucial stopover point for vessels burdened down with the riches of the Americas and the Orient. There is all the colour of the traditional festivals and the diversity of culinary traditions that stretch back centuries. The charms of the Azores ensure every day will be an unforgettable experience. Enjoying nature in Azores The Azores archipelago is an ideal destination for Nature Tourism, allowing the visitor to enjoy the different natural qualities of each island whilst inspiring healthy exercise and outdoor activities. Página 1 de 6

2 Whale Watching The Azores have a great whale hunting tradition. Now that whale hunting has been banned, these magnificent giants of the sea can often be seen at large. However, instead of harpoons, only cameras and videos are pointed at them. Aqua safaris set off from Faial, Pico, São Miguel, Flores, Terceira and Graciosa, ran by tour operators who specialise in this type of excursion. In these islands you can also admire the historic legacy of whale hunting, such as the old factories now transformed into museums. Watersports Spread out across the middle of the Atlantic, the Azores islands enjoy a special relationship with sea, allowing a wide range of watersports including diving, snorkelling, sailing, yachting, rowing, surf and windsurf. One of the main attractions is the port/marina of Horta (Faial), a legendary meeting point for sailing boats, yachts and cruise ships. It is also a tourist attraction as its walls are decorated with mural paintings by all the mariners who visit, making it the most Colourful marina in the world. There are also the marinas of Ponta Delgada (São Miguel), Angra do Heroísmo (Terceira) and Praia da Vitória (Terceira) that provide excellent facilities and support for yachtsmen and sailors. In addition, numerous nautical and diving centres provide information services and technical support. All the islands enjoy excellent windsurfing conditions, especially Santa Maria, São Miguel and S. Jorge, whose waves are internationally known by surfing and windsurfing enthusiasts. For those who love the sea and enjoy swimming and sunbathing, the Azores have plenty to offer, from the famous black sandy beaches, known for their environmental quality to the natural pools. Next to the coast, there are various rock formations where seawater is trapped and provide tempting natural saltwater pools. Bathed by the Gulf Stream, the Azores beaches enjoy temperatures of around 16ºC in winter and 22ºC in summer. Página 2 de 6

3 Sport fishing Blue and white marlins, tunas, wahoos and some species of shark make the Azores an internationally renowned sport fishing centre where world and Atlantic records have been set. Specially equipped boats set out for the fishing season - June to September - from the marinas of Horta (Faial) and Ponta Delgada (São Miguel), and also from the islands of Santa Maria, Faial, Pico and S. Jorge. Besides big game fishing in the high sea, there is plenty of fishing from the rocks along the coast, where there is an abundance of white bream, sea bream and atherine. You can also try freshwater fishing, in the streams and lakes of São Miguel and Flores, where you can catch trout, pike, carp, perch, yellow gunard and bass. Speleology Due to their volcanic formation, the Azores islands have numerous grottos and caverns worth visiting. There are lakes that once were craters, tunnels along which lava used to flow, caves hundreds of metres deep and cavities dozens of metres high. Overall, a huge variety of fascinating geological phenomena to explore, providing impressive treks into the Earth s depths. Trekking and Mountaineering The Azores offer numerous invigorating treks, where you can breathe the pure air and explore the changing scenery, from the blues of the sea and sky to the lush green of the hills and mountains. With a height of 2351 metres, Pico is Portugal s highest point and a popular goal for many mountaineering enthusiasts. In addition, the rocky outcrops of the islands also provide tempting challenges. There are several tour operators who specialise in organising treks, although you can also go on your own. Information about walking trails is available at tourist information offices and all the walks are duly signposted. Other activities Extreme sports lovers will have unique scenarios for practicing paragliding, paramotoring, BTT, horse riding, etc. Página 3 de 6

4 Golf in Azores The mild and invigorating climate all the year round, rolling landscape, green grass and the abundance of flowers are Mother Nature's gifts and make the Azores the ideal location for a spot of golf. Despite comprising two 18 holes golf courses and another with 27 holes, two of which are located on the archipelago s largest island, São Miguel, and the third on the island of Terceira, the Azores remain a relatively unexplored international tourism destination. Nevertheless, it is highly qualified as a tourist resort and has great potential for growth. On Terceira Island, the greens of an 18-holes golf course stretch out over the gentle hills of inland Terceira. As well as a challenge to golfing skill, here is a chance to spend time in touch with nature. TERCEIRA GOLF COURSE Founded: 1954 Course Description: Considered the easiest to play of the three golf courses within the Azores, with wide fairways, a few bunkers and small lakes. Length: 6277 m Holes: 18 PAR: 72 SSS: 70 Course facilities: Driving Range, Putting Green Support facilities: pro shop, 2 tennis courts, restaurant, snack bar and storage In São Miguel, two 18-holes golf courses, Furnas and Batalha, provide enjoyable games among the azaleas and hydrangeas and the green profile of Japanese cryptomerias. FURNAS GOLF COURSE Founded: 1939 Architect: MacKenzie Ross (9 holes) Cameron & Powell (9 holes) Course Description: Located in the mountains (500 mts. altitude) with beautiful lakes, fairways surrounded by large trees and undulating greens of small dimensions. Course Record: António Sobrinho 1997 (66) Number of holes: 18 Par: 72 Required HDCP: Men 28; Ladies - 36 Grass: Farways - Festuccia Greens - Pennlinks Página 4 de 6

5 Support services: ClubHouse with bar, restaurant, pro-shop and TV video room. Training facilities: 2 Putting Greens with 950 square meters; Practice Tee and Chippping Area for 20 players BATALHA GOLF COURSE Founded: 1996 Architect: Cameron & Powell Course Description: A mixture of a links and a woodland course, offering beautiful views over the sea and extraordinary landscape. Course record: White A/B P. J. Cowan - USA 2002 (67) Yellow A/B - Darren Parker - GB 2001 (66) Number of holes: 27 Par: 72 Required HDCP: Men 28; Ladies - 36 Type of grass: Farways - Bermuda Greens Pennlinks (Soft spikes only) Supporting services: ClubHouse with covered square meters with Bar e Restaurant for golfers only. Social bar, luxury restaurant, meeting room for 300 people, pro-shop and TV and video room. Training facilities: Driving Range (for 80 players), Chippping Area and 2 Putting Greens with square meters. Besides the quality and beauty of these courses, golf enthusiasts are also charmed by the wide variety of additional tourist attractions on offer. These include the fine regional cuisine, handicrafts, folk and religious festivals, historic monuments, cultural and range of sports and leisure activities. Doing Business in Azores Business Tourism covers the tourism sector linked to meetings, events, congresses and incentives and is one of the assets of Azorean tourism that is undergoing greatest development and internationalisation. Modern, multifunctional and high quality facilities include the new Teatro Micaelense - Congress and Exhibition Centre, the Angra do Heroísmo Cultural and Congress Centre and the Ramo Grande Auditorium. Together these centres offer excellent conditions for the organisation of corporate events. Built on the site of the former Micaelense Theatre, the Ponta Delgada Congress and Exhibition Centre, on the island of S. Miguel, will be inaugurated on September 17 and will expand the Azores Business Tourism offer. Located in the historic centre of the Azores main town, it provides a modern and versatile facility for theatre, music, dance, social and Página 5 de 6

6 corporate events. The centre features an auditorium for up to 800 people, a gala hall of around 300m2, multifunctional rooms, extensive audiovisual equipment and full technical support. The Angra do Heroísmo Cultural and Congress Centre, on the island of Terceira, features two auditoriums, with capacity for 900 and 200 people respectively. The Centre meets all the requirements for the organisation of international events, including simultaneous translation booths, multimedia equipment and several logistical support services. It also benefits from an exhibition gallery, 3 bars, panoramic terraces, kiosk, library, meeting rooms and parking with 200 spaces. Located in the high point of the town, the Centre affords a magnificent panoramic view of Angra, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Ramo Grande Auditorium, also on Terceira island, and located at Praia da Vitória, is another centre for shows and congresses. It is designed to accommodate exhibitions, theatre shows, concerts, cinema, festivals, conferences and other cultural, commercial or professional events. In addition to an auditorium for up to 400 people, this facility features a spacious atrium for exhibitions, presentations and functions. In addition to these three congress centres, there are also numerous other facilities capable of accommodating business tourism functions, particularly on the islands of S. Miguel, Terceira, Faial and Pico. A recent survey by the Regional Tourism Department registered 30 congress halls in the region s hotels and an additional 30 rooms in facilities such as municipal auditoriums, theatre halls and universities, equipped to accommodate congresses and professional events. Gradually known by tour operators, corporate event organisers and other professionals, the Azores are an emerging destination on a Meeting Tourism level. Therefore businesses that choose to organise an event here in the Azores are sure to delight all their participants. Página 6 de 6