The “Green Island” of the Azores

Astonishing Scenic Splendor:

Explore the stunning scenery for which the Azores are celebrated. You will drive with your guide to the western reaches of São Miguel, renowned for the many shades of green that drape its countryside and mountains. Drive up the slopes of the Sete Cidades massif, once a soaring volcano until an eruption in the 1440s blew off its summit. Pause at the Vista do Rei, the “view of kings,” for magnificent panoramas of the caldera. This crater, formed by the long-ago eruption, is today home to a trio of dark green-blue lakes, lush vegetation and the tiny village of Sete Cidades. Head into the caldera to explore, admiring lakeside views and colorful gardens of azaleas, hydrangeas and camellias. Next, continue to another volcanic crater to marvel at a deep-green lake, Lagoa de Santiago. Returning to your ship, enjoy a scenic drive through the spectacular mountain vistas of the Serra Devassa range.

This morning we docked in Ponta Delgada, which is located on São Miguel Island, the largest and most populous island in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores.

Tim and I had high hopes for a rain-free day, but it was not to be. When we left the ship for our included excursion, the skies were overcast. Sadly, as we climbed the winding roads to the top of one of the island’s volcanos, fog and rain became our constant companions.

Once we reached the top, our bus didn’t even bother to stop at the famous Vista do Rei, since the fog completely obscured the view. Luckily, a bit later, we did get somewhat of a view of the two lakes and the village of Sete Cidades, which are in the center of the three-mile-wide volcanic crater. The blue and green lakes were mostly gray today.

Our View of the Twin Lakes

Today's View (top) vs. the Same View on a Sunny Day (bottom)
(Lower Photo Courtesy of Tripadvisor.com)

We then stopped for a short break in Sete Cidades. Here, many of us wandered into the little São Nicolau Church, with its tree-lined walkway decorated for Christmas. In town, I also noticed the colorful tiles above or adjacent to the doorways on many of the houses, as well as on the street signs. Portuguese tiles are beautiful.

São Nicolau Church

Colorful Tiles in Sete Cidades

Even in December, some flowers still graced the roadsides on the island. In fact, one of the mountain roads we took is known as the Hydrangea Highway. I can only imagine how gorgeous the drive must be when all the hydrangeas are in bloom. A few camelias and birds of paradise also added a bit of color to a dreary day.

I Was Not Expecting to See These Flowers in December

Taking photographs from a bus is always a challenge, but today, it was almost impossible, with rain drops and sheets of rain obscuring the view. I’ve included a few of these images, however, just so I can remember the black and white cows grazing on the brilliant green grass. Walls of volcanic rock enclosed their pastures.

Black and White Cows Dot the Brilliant Green Landscape

Despite the weather, Tim and I just went with the flow and enjoyed the ride. Our guide made our tour fun, as he added a dose of humor to his commentary. We learned so much about the Azores from him. Who knew that the Azores are such a major producer of milk and cheese.

We passed by the downtown area on our way back to our ship, and our guide pointed out several of the most significant structures, including Forte de São Brás, which was constructed beginning in 1552 to defend the area against frequent pirate raids.

Forte de São Brás

Buildings Along the Waterfront

Tonight was the Explorers’ Society reception. Here the staff welcomed guests who had sailed with Viking before to mark the occasion with a celebratory toast.

Explorers’ Society Reception

Our Journey from Lisbon to Ponta Delgada in the Atlantic Ocean