How to spend top weekend in Azores - ideas on extraordinary attractions and sites

Fishing in the Ocean

If you visit the Azores, you can try fishing in the Atlantic Ocean. The area between Flores Island, Pico Island, Faial and Sao Jorge islands is considered the best for this entertainment. Therefore, almost every excursion bureau on the islands offers fishing tours to its guests. You can rent a yacht, motorboat, and all the necessary gear. The period starting from the middle of summer till the end of September is considered the best time for fishing. This is the time when you can catch truly amazing “trophies” – white or blue marlins, tuna, barracudas, eels, sardines, and even mahi-mahi (also known as the dolphin fish). You can catch up to five fish a day and feel like a truly skilled fisherman!

Eco-tourism on the Azores

The water area near the Azores is clean and suitable for eco-tourism. Therefore, during an excursion, while in a boat or diving, you can always see and watch giant inhabitants of the Atlantic Ocean. In March and April, it is possible to see blue whales between the islands of Sao Miguel and Faial. Pico Island is an ideal spot for watching various species of dolphins. Book such an unusual marine voyage and you will definitely not forget it!

Kitesurfing

Sao Miguel is a windy island, and this weather condition makes it perfect for kite surfing. It is a unique entertainment that combines water and air in one extreme sport. Kitesurfing doesn’t need high waves and strong wind, and that is the reason why it has become so popular on the Azores. This sport appeared in the 80s of the 20th century in France and the United States. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

You will glide on the water surface using wind as your moving force with the help of kite – an analogue of toy kites that you might know since childhood. Kite connects to the surfer by a belt. Kitesurfing combines elements of usual surfing, paragliding, windsurfing, and aerobics. This entertainment is suitable for people of different age regardless of their physical training. If you are yet a newbie, a kite for beginners and shallow water are the best choice. After just one week of training you will be able to enjoy kitesurfing in the ocean.

You will feel like you are flying above the water surface, but you need to stay concentrated and alert. It is important to coordinate movements and follow the safety measures. The maximal speed of kite surfing can reach 90 kilometers per hour. You will be able to explore the coastal waters using only the power of wind and learn to make various twists – a truly addictive pastime!

Tour to Algar do Carvao Cave

When you want to pamper yourself with some sightseeing and visiting unique natural landmarks of the Azores, head directly to Terceira Island. This fabulous island is home to Algar do Carvao Cave. The name of the cave can be translated as the “Coal Cave” from Portuguese. Such an unusual name is the result of a unique shape – it is dark and almost vertical. This striking feature differs Algar do Carvao from other caves, the majority of which are horizontal.

Algar do Carvao has a volcanic origin and looks like a lava pipe. The age of this cave is more than 2 thousand years, and its length is more than 100 meters. Visitors will be able to see numerous stalactites and stalagmites, a magnificent underground lake, and a sulfur spring. First archeologists reached this cave in January 1893. Nowadays, the cave has the modern illumination, so it is safe to go down, enjoy the inimitable beauty of Algar do Carvao, and explore its hidden parts.

An Underwater Adventure

When you decide to try scuba diving in the Atlantic Ocean not far from the Azores, a whole new world will appear in front of your eyes. You will see tiny invertebrates, giant pelagic fish, and marine mammals. You will also see the fabulous landscape of the volcanic origin. It is possible to dive either from the boat or from the coast. If scuba diving doesn’t look appealing, you can put on goggles and enjoy some snorkeling near the water surface.