Whispers of the Azores

Volcanoes and the Azores go hand in hand: the Azores are home to nearly every volcano found on Portuguese soil. On a peninsula constructed in the 1950s on Faial, or in the geothermal activity around the village of Furnas on So Miguel, where local chefs use the heat for cooking meals, there are spectacular signs of their strength. On So Miguel, calderas that have turned into lakes with ferns, juniper bushes, and conifers lining their craters can be discovered. The Azores are a fantastic spot to be outside, hiking, diving, or observing the many whale species that cluster offshore, thanks to their natural beauty and moderate subtropical temperature. Capital: Ponta Delgada International Airport: Joao Paulo II Airport Population: 10,140,214 Currency: Euro Time: UTC+0 Driving side: Right Main Electricity: 230 V Official Language: Portuguese Religion: Roman Catholic

Visit a whale-watching site. Order a dish prepared with volcanic ash. Geothermal pools are great for swimming. A horse-drawn carriage ride is a wonderful way to relax. Stand-up paddleboarding is a fun activity to try.