Portugal is a country with extraordinary landscapes, stunning beaches and a rich heritage. A visit to Portugal offers some of the world's best surfing, wine industry and vibrant cities such as Lisbon and Cascais. The islands owned by Portugal are also interesting. The best islands in Portugal are located on the Algarve coast, making up the Azores archipelago and the Madeira archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. Let's take a look at some of these Portuguese islands, many of which boast breathtaking scenery and world-class beaches.

1. Ilha de Armona

The Algarve in Portugal is wildly popular with tourists, but those in the know will head a little further south to Armona Island. Just off the coast, Armona is easily accessible by ferry but feels completely free from the Portuguese mainland. With four kilometers of sandy, pristine beaches, Armona is a dream for those who want sun, sand, sea and warmth. Armona still retains an authentic atmosphere, with cobbled streets and Moorish architecture.

1. Faial Island

In the North Atlantic Ocean are the Azores, a collection of autonomous islands belonging to Portugal. Faial is one of the Azores islands and is known as the "Blue Island". Faial has three main attractions: the volcanic craters, the town of Horta and the beaches.

1. San Jorge Island

Another of the Azores islands in the Atlantic is Sao Jorge. The island is long and thin and boasts high cliffs. Traditionally, the mountains, ravines and cliffs made the entire island except the coasts uninhabited, but today the interior of the island is ideal for hiking.

1. Porto Santo Island

Among the islands of Northern Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean is the island of Porto Santo. The island's main attractions are its beaches, and it boasts over six kilometers of pristine sandy coastline. Porto Santo also offers a large number of historical monuments, including the former home of Christopher Columbus.

1. San Miguel Island

Another one of the wonderful islands of the Azores is Sao Miguel, the largest in the island chain. Scattered throughout the island, volcanic calderas and hot mineral springs and hiking trails are some of the best in the Azores. After a busy day, relax in the famous hot springs of Ponta da Ferraria.

1. Ilha da Tavira

Just a few hundred meters from the southern coast of Portugal, lies the city of Tavira. The island can only be reached by boat. The further along the beach you go, the more secluded places there are. Pile dunes provide visual appeal, and bars and restaurants are located right on the beach.

1. Pico Island

Pico Island is famous for its eponymous mountain Pico. This mountain is larger than any other in the Azores: it is also the highest mountain in all of Portugal. It takes about two hours to climb to the top of Pico. From the top of Mount Pico, you can see some of the other islands such as Sao Jorge and Faial. The island also has the largest outdoor artificial salt water swimming pool.

1. Terceira Island

The third largest of the Azores islands in the North Atlantic is Terceira. This island is less developed and agriculture is still a significant part of the local economy. The town of Angra Do Heroismo boasts examples of colonial architecture, but Terceira's real appeal is the activities and scenery.

1. Flores Island

In the western Azores there is the island of Flores, sometimes known as the Statue of Torrado Ilha, or the Yellow Island. The name Flores is derived from the abundance of colorful flowers. The landscape of Flores is impressive with high peaks and deep valleys. Flores also boasts an abundance of waterfalls, including Roco Bacalao on Fajan Grande.

1. Madeira

Nicknamed the Garden Island and the Pearl of the Atlantic, Madeira Island is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful islands. Located in the Atlantic Ocean, the island of Madeira became a Portuguese colony in the 15th century, and quickly became famous for its local Madeira wine. Today Madeira is a place that combines history with relaxation. Here you can see aqueducts that date back to the 15th century or admire the incredible 15th century wooden church called the Cathedral of Funchal. Madeira's main attraction is its rich green landscapes, which range from lush parks, colorful gardens, enchanting forests, nature reserves on high mountains and pebble beaches washed by the blue waves of the ocean.

The Azores Islands (sometimes abbreviated to the Azores) are an archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean. The archipelago is located between North America and Portugal. In this area, travelers can visit caves, old forts, and beautiful palaces.

Also, visiting the islands of the amazing country of Portugal, tourists will be able to admire the beauty of the lagoons and visit places where grapes, pineapples, and tea are grown.
The Azores consist of nine superb islands. All of them are divided into three groups:

• Eastern;
• Western;
• Central.

The first group includes:

• Santa Maria;
• San Miguel.

Representatives of the second group are:

• Corva;
• Florish.

The third group is the largest and includes five islands. They have the following names:

• Terceira;
• Piku;
• Faial;
• Graciosa;
• Sao Jorge.

The total area occupied by the islands is 2322 square meters. km.

Climate, best time to relax

The Azores are best visited from early summer to late September for those looking to soak up the beaches. Since during this period the temperature indicators of air and water are practically equalized and amount to 23-25 ​​degrees Celsius. In months such as July and August, the air temperature can reach + 30°C.

You can also swim with dolphins throughout the summer, so everyone who wants to do this should remember the ideal time for this activity. Please note that the Azores are open to tourists throughout the year, so you can go on holiday to Portugal at any time.

If Portugal is a country that you want to visit in order to visit various attractions and walk around the islands, it is best to do this in the spring. In spring the air warms up to 15-17°C. There are rains, but they are often short-lived.

Those who want to admire one of the main attractions of Portugal that the islands offer – whales – are best to come on holiday in months such as May and June. After all, it is during this period that whales begin to migrate to areas that provide them with food.

This country is an ideal place for ornithologists. In addition, a huge number of people come here who simply love to watch the life of all kinds of birds. The best period for such a trip is considered to be from August to December.

Features of the Portuguese Islands

If we talk about the important values ​​of the Azores, they include:

• magnificent nature;
• excellent environmental conditions;
• natural food, which is prepared only from healthy, high-quality products.

To this day, several endemic species have survived on Portuguese lands. Endemic species of flora and fauna of this area include:

• Azorean bullfinch;
• azorine flower.

If we are talking about islands of volcanic origin, then we mean the Portuguese archipelago. There are many lakes in the craters of volcanoes that have amazing shapes, the serene Atlantic Ocean, rocks covered with a variety of plants. In addition, bright, beautiful flowers such as hydrangeas and hibiscus bloom in Portugal. The largest Portuguese peak is the Pico volcano, located on the island of the same name. Its height is 2351 meters. At present, the volcano is active.

Caring for the environment

If you search for similar places all over the world, you will, unfortunately, find very few such places. Here, in the Portuguese archipelago, there are no factories or other objects that pollute the environment. The local population makes everything they need for life with their own hands, without using any harmful chemicals. The year 1995 was marked for Portugal by receiving an award from the European Union.

The award was deservedly given for the preservation of nature in its original form, as well as for the development of one of the types of tourism called ecotourism. Ecological tourism is becoming increasingly popular in our time. Most of Portugal's beaches can boast the international Blue Flank award. It is issued only to the cleanest beaches.

Leisure

For lovers of active pastime we offer:

• surfing, windsurfing (all islands except Flores, Corvo);
• diving (San Miguel, Pico, Santa Maria and Faial);
• horseback riding (San Miguel, Faial, Terceira).

Tourists can also play golf on islands such as Teyceira and San Miguel. If we talk about yachting, it is possible in Faial, Terceira, Sao Maguel. Mostly, holidays in Portugal, on its beautiful islands, are chosen by people who want to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city. After all, this area is ideal for solitude with nature, enjoying its beauty, as well as your peace of mind.

Portugal is not a large country in area, but nevertheless unites on its territory a rich historical heritage and a large number of attractions.

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Ancient fortresses, magnificent cathedrals and palaces, monasteries and churches, museums and other historical sites in Portugal are undoubted arguments in favor of visiting this beautiful country.

Portuguese Islands

The Azores archipelago is a unique islands located in the Atlantic Ocean; it is a colorful part of Portugal. Local landscapes delight with their ubiquitous harmony: blooming hydrangeas and azaleas, blue ocean, black frozen volcanic lava, azure lakes and bright green hills.

Regaleira Palace

San Miguel is the largest island of the archipelago, and the main natural attraction is the Sete Cidades crater, surrounded by several picturesque lakes. Among the architectural monuments here you can visit the churches of St. Peter, St. Sebastian with a treasury, the eighteenth-century palaces of Fonte Bela and Santa Ana and others. On the island of Graciose, the Sulfur Cave with an underground lake, the Baroque church of Guadalupe, windmills, cathedrals, churches and ancient mansions are of interest.

Particular attention when visiting the island of Terceira should be paid to the Algar do Carvao cave, in other words “cave of coal”. It is a kind of pipe that was formed 2000 years ago as a result of a volcanic eruption. The cave is amazing, there are many quartz stalactites and stalagmites, as well as a mysterious underground lake. The total length of the lava cave is one hundred meters, and next to it there is a sulfur spring.

Almourol Castle

Flores Island, the most remote island from the mainland, attracts with mansions and churches built in the Baroque style, the Ribeira Grande waterfall and seven lakes located in the craters of extinct volcanoes. The best sandy beaches are the beaches on the islands of Faial, Santa Maria, and San Miguel. Most of these beaches are covered with lava. Another island of Portugal is Madeira, a beautiful flowering island. Palm trees and beautiful subtropical flowers grow here in large numbers. The capital of Madeira is the ancient city of Funchal, a very beautiful city known for its ancient palaces and squares, modern hotels, museums and shops.

Lisbon

The capital of Portugal, Lisbon, is located at the mouth of the Tagus River. Its main attraction is the Jeronimite monastery, which survived the earthquake of 1755 and is today recognized as a masterpiece of architectural style and declared a property of world cultural significance by UNESCO.

University of Coimbra

Next to the monastery is the Tower of Bethlehem, which is often photographed by guests of Portugal. An important historical structure of the city is the Castle of St. George, a fortress that was the residence of the Moorish emir and home to the Portuguese kings. Between this castle and the river, on a steep hillside, lies the oldest district of Portugal, the Alfama district, with many alleys and passages, streets and streets characteristic of the Middle Ages.

Also in the capital of Portugal stands the statue of Christ of Cristo Rei - a copy of the Brazilian statue, which is 28 meters high and stands on a pedestal more than 80 meters high. The majestic palaces of Lisbon from different centuries are very fascinating. For example, such palaces as the Sao Bento Palace in the very center of Lisbon, Ajuda, the Mafra Palace - the royal palace, the largest in Portugal, the Queluz Palace made in the Rococo style and others. Sintra, an ancient Portuguese city located 23 km from Lisbon, is of great interest to many travelers.

Convento de Cristo

Here you can enjoy the beauty of centuries-old forests, monasteries, castles, palaces, and exotic parks. It is a beautiful city with golden beaches, clear Atlantic waters and plenty of opportunities for surfing and fishing. Sintra has also been declared a World Cultural Monument. The list of attractions in Portugal is huge, this is only a small part of them. The cities of Portugal with historical and architectural masterpieces, its unique nature, admiring and alluring, hospitable people make this country very popular for visiting by tourists from around the world.