The Azores, the westernmost portion of the European Union, lies five hours’ flight away from the US East Coast. The nine inhabited islands sprouted as tips of volcanoes in relatively recent times. They are geological babies, with black and porous rocks, high cliffs, and irregular shapes.
Over the centuries, anything “transatlantic” stopped over in the Azores. Nowadays only a few yachts need to stop over and the Azore have reverted to their status as a largely agricultural backwater of Portugal.
The cleanest air I have ever smelled or seen. Even with the city lights and the full moon shining in your eyes, you can see the stars.
As more foreigners pour in even these prices continue to rise. It’s still possible to buy a ruined cottage for €30,000 (US$38,000)
Azoreans are not immediately open with strangers, although they are always friendly and polite. They are also religious in a way that has been forgotten in most of Europe. Because imports are expensive, local farmers haven’t been driven out of business.
São Miguel is not for everyone: it’s a small island thousands of miles from anywhere else. As part of Portugal, they still don’t have legal abortion.
If you like the clean breeze sweeping from the sea, dramatic landscapes, black cliffs, and hot springs, then you should come and enjoy this last undiscovered outpost of Europe.
