The Azores Archipelago
The Azores Archipelago protects not only natural wonders but also a lifestyle - “wine, honey, pineapple, and various cheeses all have protected status here”.
In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, a sequence of nine volcanic islands rests at the intersection of the Eurasian, African, and North American tectonic plates. Sprinkled with the sun of Portugal, the Azorean islands are pioneers in sustainable tourism and possess a robust outdoor culture.
In 2018, the Azores received another distinction from European Best Destinations as the best destination for landscapes.
For European Best Destinations (EBD), the Azores are a set of nine volcanic islands with breathtaking landscapes, considering the Azores as a perfect destination for nature and hiking lovers, even stating that, “There are no words capable of describing and classifying the charm of these nine charismatic islands. Sculpted by ancient volcanoes and populated over the centuries by brave and gentle people, the Azores are a place of varied experiences and emotions.
Images provided by the excellent photographer José Borges.
Azores - 9 Islands - 9 Colors
The genuine Azores 9 Islands, 9 Colors Collection by Vega For Stars ® is a creation inspired by the colors of each island in the paradisiacal Azores Archipelago.
The highlight is the Azores Bracelet, a unique piece that enchants and moves by representing the nine islands and three groups of the archipelago in a perfect design. This bestseller is admired by tourists from all over the world and has become a timeless reference, often being plagiarized throughout the archipelago. However, it is important to note that only the originals manufactured on the Island of São Miguel - Azores are sold exclusively in Vega For Stars ® stores Do not be fooled by imitations.
Azores - 9 Islands - 9 Colours
Santa Maria Island
Santa Maria Island, the Yellow Island, due to the gorse flowers, charming shrubs with bright yellow blossoms that inspire the Island's nickname grow along the hillsides.
It is considered the first Island of the Azores to be discovered, and is part of the eastern group of the archipelago together with the Island of São Miguel. The green of the fields, the traditional crops, the chimneys of the whitewashed houses, the dark ochre of the earth, the golden beaches, and its turquoise waters make Santa Maria even more special.
Azores - 9 Islands - 9 Colors
São Miguel Island
São Miguel, known as the Green Island, because of its lush, green landscapes, is the largest island in the archipelago and is famous for its lush scenery.
Beautiful hydrangeas snake through rural villages with fields full of grazing cows.
The sunrise and sunset are spectacular, and the beautiful lagoons, such as Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, Lagoa dos Canários, and Lagoa das Furnas, form unique settings.
In Furnas, it is possible to enjoy the tasty "Cozido das Furnas," slowly cooked inside the earth, and relax in the thermal waters.
Outdoor activities such as rappelling, jumping, canyoning, and bird watching are recommended. Famous for its pineapple culture and local tea production, it is home to the oldest and only tea plantation in Europe.
On this beautiful island, you can visit the Vega For Stars stores and see the jewelry-making process up close at the Vega For Stars Atelier in Ponta Delgada.
Azores - 9 Islands - 9 Colors
Terceira Island
Terceira, the Lilac Island due to the Lilac Trellises. It is the third largest of the nine islands. It is believed that one of the most beautiful gardens in the Azores is the Duke of Terceira Garden, in the capital of Terceira, Angra do Heroísmo (formerly the capital of the entire archipelago).
Fall in love with the history, the architecture, the caves, and be sure to visit the interior of a volcano—it is a rare adventure, only possible on Terceira Island.
The city of Angra do Heroísmo is classified as a World Heritage Site. In front of the staircase of the Sé Cathedral, you can visit Vega For Stars - Terceira and discover the magnificent 9 Islands - 9 Colors Jewelry Collection.
Azores - 9 Islands - 9 Colors
Faial Island
Faial, the Blue Island, gets this nickname for two reasons: the wonderful shade of blue of the hydrangeas decorating the streets and towns, as well as the island's maritime history with its marina colorful with paintings by yachtsmen from all over the world.
Horta, the main town of Faial, is one of the most popular seaports on the island. It is on this island that the extinct Capelinhos volcano, which resembles a lunar landscape, is found.
The island also possesses a rich history, with old forts, churches, and museums dating back to the 15th century.
Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, whale and dolphin watching, and diving in crystal-clear waters.
Faial is a perfect destination for those seeking adventure, history, and natural beauty.
Azores - 9 Islands - 9 Colors
Pico Island
Pico, the Grey Island, due to its imposing Mountain, which rises from the sea with its vineyards planted in black lava fields.
The Great Mountain is a massive stratovolcano, located on the west side of the island, and can be visited to the summit accompanied by Local Guides; after the climb, comes the reward: a breathtaking landscape.
There are many unique rock formations along the black coast and ancient infrastructure made of dark grey basalt rock, left behind by volcanic eruptions.
All this complex is part of the Pico Heritage and supports a peculiar yet remarkable local horticulture industry: the production of wine and spirits, which we highly recommend.
Azores - 9 Islands - 9 Colors
São Jorge Island
São Jorge, the Brown Island due to Ponta dos Rosais. In the middle of the “central group” of the Azores lies the long island of São Jorge, characterized by its long stretch of rocky seaside cliffs, the most notable being Ponta dos Rosais, at the northern tip of the island, standing at 200 meters.
Although volcanic cliffs and rock formations are common among the nine islands, what stands out in São Jorge are the Fajãs (geological platforms along the coast resulting from lava flows). It is these cliffs and Fajãs that give São Jorge its nickname, the “Brown Island.”
The island is also famous for its cheese production, São Jorge cheese, with its unmistakable flavor, which is one of the most well-known and appreciated in Portugal.
Azores - 9 Islands - 9 Colors
Graciosa Island
Graciosa, the White Island, because of its White Rocks. The second smallest and slightly flatter island of the Azores; despite being of volcanic origin, the rocks on this island are lighter in color, hence the nickname "White Island," lacking the extreme cliffs and hills that stand out on the other islands.
The island has fields covered with vineyards that contrast with its peculiar windmills of graceful shape. Its name, Graciosa, derives from the Portuguese word gracioso, which means "graceful," and is due to the gentleness of the landscape.
Azores - 9 Islands - 9 Colors
Flores Island
Flores, the Pink Island, because of its Azaleas. Flores is the fourth smallest of the nine islands, the furthest from mainland Portugal, and is part of the western group of the archipelago along with Corvo.
Considered by some visitors and locals to be the most beautiful of the islands, its green fields and forests are lush. Near Fajã Grande, several waterfalls make the landscape shine; we are dazzled by the beauty of the natural cascades and lagoons carved by volcanoes.
In Flores, you can also find one of the most recognized natural jewels of the Azores, considered a UNESCO World Heritage site: the Rocha dos Bordões, a basaltic rock slope composed of long vertical columns.
Azores - 9 Islands - 9 Colors
Corvo Island
Corvo, the Black Island, due to its walled fields,. Corvo Island is the smallest and most remote island of the Azores archipelago, located about 17 km northwest of Flores Island.
With an area of only 17.1 km² and a population of approximately 400 inhabitants, the island offers a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
The landscape is marked by green hills, steep cliffs, and isolated coves, and is also an important nesting site for seabirds. Corvo Island is a perfect destination for nature lovers and those looking for a refuge far from mass tourism.
It is possible to go hiking on the trails that run across the island, visit the village of Vila do Corvo with its white and colorful houses, and experience the delicious local gastronomy.