My favourite part of Portugal is ...The Azores (Os Acores)!
The Azores are an archipelago located on the North of the Atlantic Ocean, situated about 1500 Km (930 mi) from Lisbon and 3900 Km (2400 mi) from the North of the USA, and composed of nine volcanic islands.
The main activities of Azores are: agriculture, viticulture, dairy farming, ranching, fishing and tourism. In Azores is usual to find cows everywhere when you go to the countryside, people usually say that the proportion there is 1 cow for 2 people. Azores are recognized by produce a good quality cheese and one of the best butters in the world.
I don’t know all the island of the Azores, I only know tree of them, but I think I am a lucky girl, because I went in 2009 with my family to visit the island called Pico, Peak in English, where the highest mountain of Portugal is located. Pico’s mountain has 2351 metres of altitude; it’s a real challenge for those who like adventurous sports.
The vineyards producing the Pico wine were and still are planted in chinks of the long basalt benches and in 2004 these places ware classified by the World Heritage Sites (UNESCO) as an area to protect in the world for the reason that is “a natural and cultural heritage”. The rich soils and micro climates allowed for the expansion of the lauds cultivating grapes, confering the wines of Pico quality and prestige.
The Azores are a must in Portugal, these islands have some unique features in the world such as lakes, lagoons, seas, natural pools, mountains, rocks with different configuration – one of them is in Pico; which is a dog head shape.
During the year there are some festivals spread throughout the island with music performances, whaling boats and cultural exhibitions. Equally rich in its gastronomy The Azores you can find some fresh sea food, good beef, plenty of cheeses and recognized desserts, is the delight of all who pass through!
