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Abroad, Azores, Portugal

Azores – Central part 

posted by Dario
Aug 13, 2019 821 0 0
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The adventure of being a Portuguese #Azores 1

If anyone had ever told me that one day I would go to the Azores, I would look at him confused and ask him where is that? But yes, it happened to me that I visited the “European Hawaii” for whole 4 days during my stay in Portugal. But really … where are they, what are they, and how much did this cost me?

  • Azores
  • Miradouro do Pico da Barrosa
  • Lagoa de Fogo
  • Caldeira Velha
  • Caldeiras das Furnas
  • Lagoa das Furnas
  • Poça da Dona Beija

Azores

The Azores (translated as the Hawks’ islands) are a group of 9 volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean belonging to Portugal. They are located 1500 km from the capital city of Lisbon and about 3900 km from the east coast of North America.

Azores map

The main and most important island of the archipelago is San Miguel with the capital Ponta Delgada. It is a curious fact that there are more cows than humans on the islands, which is why they are ranked first in Portugal for the production of quality dairy products (which I can personally confirm).

Ponta Delgada

As I mentioned, I had the opportunity to spend 4 unforgettable days in this earthly paradise, dividing the island of San Miguel into three parts, as what I will also do with the publications for the Azores: west, central and eastern part. It is interesting to note that each part of the island is very different from the other two.

Sao Miguel

But before I start talking, it’s important to share: What kind of money did I need for this experience? As much as 322 euros, which is extremely achievable, I also used some tricks to achieve it. First, we went in November, when there is no peak of the tourist season. Second, it was three of us and split all the bills as: rent a car and gasoline (totaled 70 euros per person), sleeping on Airbnb (4 nights – 40 euros per person) and last but not least the third most important factor, air tickets, return ticket Lisbon – Ponte Delgada 79 euros per person (duration of the flight is 2:30 hours)

But let’s start our stroll through the central Azores.

Miradouro do Pico da Barrosa

As I mentioned in a previous post, the Portuguese territories are known for breathtaking miradouros and this is no exception! Miradouro do Pico da Barrosa is the only place on the island where the northern and southern coasts can be seen. Thus, this panoramic view provides you the opportunity to see the island from another perspective.

Miradouro do Pico da Barrosa

Miradouro do Pico da Barrosa south
Miradouro do Pico da Barrosa north

Miradouro do Pico da Barrosa balcony

Miradouro do Pico da Barrosa

Lagoa de Fogo

Translated as “Lake of Fire” is one of the most impressive natural phenomena I have ever seen! It is a lake that formed in a volcano crater 15 million years ago and is the highest located lake in the Azores. I must admit that we were very lucky, because the weather over the island is very variable. We had the opportunity to see the place in all its splendor after all the clouds had cleared and gave us plenty of time to enjoy this scenery, but I will let the photos speak for themselves.

Lagoa de Fogo path

Lagoa de Fogo

Lagoa de Fogo

Caldeira Velha

It is a nature park or more precisely a prehistoric jungle with hot volcanic springs. For a fee of € 8 per person, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the warm waters of these springs with temperatures ranging from 20 to 35 in the allowed pools. There are also some with forbidden access for the objective reason that the water in them is between 60 – 100 degrees celsius!

Caldeira Velha path

Caldeira Velha
Caldeira Velha

Caldeira Velha

Caldeiras das Furnas

Furnas is one of the most popular cities in the Azores, characterized by the fact that there are many “boilers” from which steady steam comes out. You can walk freely along the paths and feel the warm waves, accompanied by a specific smell. This is where one of the island’s most famous delicacies called cozido (roast) emerges, representing various meats wrapped in a towel and slammed into one of these holes, cooked under steam for the next 6 hours (the taste is really specific).

Caldeiras das Furnas
Caldeiras das Furnas

Caldeiras das Furnas

Caldeiras das Furnas
Caldeiras das Furnas

Lagoa das Furnas

It is one of the main lakes on the island, but not as impressive as Lagoa de Fogo. This lake wins you with the unearthly tranquility that also holds the calm waters and large flocks of ducks.

Lagoa das Furnas

There are other more interesting landmarks on the lake as the Furnas Research Center being the most impressive. This is a temporary structure that allows you to get acquainted with volcanic processes on the island. Here you can observe the power of nature by witnessing boiling water and mud, which I must admit is slightly scary, especially in one of the larger holes, because this whole process is accompanied by loud sounds that are quite naturally formed.

Furnas Research Center

Furnas Research Center
Furnas Research Center

Furnas Research Center

Furnas Research Center

Poça da Dona Beija

Well, if you think that until now I have only told you the pleasant gluttonies that the Azores own, we have reached the highest of them! Hot volcanic pools that run until 11:00 pm and yes, believe me … that’s how I ended my day. At a modest price of € 6 per person for entry and additional fees of € 2 for towels and a wardrobe key, we had the opportunity to spend an incredible evening in the warm springs of the island, all under the open sky. Well, that’s what I call a 1 million star experience.

Poça da Dona Beija
Poça da Dona Beija

Learn more about the weastern and east part of the Azores.

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Panoramic Views of Lisbon (full list!)

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Azores – West part

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Dario Dionisi



If you want to know something more about me – my soul is a traveler, my origin is Italian and my true essence is a faithful friend. I am always open to new ideas and will be very happy if you want to contact me at dario@beyondsofia.com

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legenddario

Dario • Exploring beyond Sofia
As a last post I want to put under the spotlight t As a last post I want to put under the spotlight the amazing people from Staro Jelezare village and the artist – Vencislav Piriankov. 

That together as a community they released this project to show that the village can be much more than just an ordinary Bulgarian village. It can be an amazing and unique tourist destination that can attract not only Bulgarians but also foreigners.

Bonus:  In the village you can also find the museum of traditions.

(3/3)

#graffiti #bulgaria #village
Being at 180 km distance from Sofia, the village S Being at 180 km distance from Sofia, the village Staro Jelezare is the perfect spot for a one-day trip. 

There are not many sights in the village, but at least one day is needed for all the graffiti to be seen. 

Behind every corner you will see different graffiti of prominent politicians, singers, actors, all kinds of celebrities and all this mixed with the portraits of grandparents from the village.

PS: in this trip we found the diplomatic skills of Yuki-Doro, the first picture is the proof.

(2/3)

#graffiti #bulgaria #village
Here an art crime was committed... That was the s Here an art crime was committed...

That was the sign that welcomed us in the unforgettable village of Staro Jelezare, an unique place that we can call the only open art museum in Bulgaria!

It is not a secret that I am crazy about urban art, especially graffitis. At first on our minds pops the big city where we can see this type of art. But this is not the case right here. This village represents in a funny and very artistic way the modern art on the walls of the houses here. 

You can observe different absurd scenarios with popular people from around the world mixed with the traditional and the ordinary Bulgarian people. 

The place it is totally worth the visit, more pictures and info in the upcoming posts.

(1/3)

#graffiti #bulgaria #village
February brings the rain, thaws the frozen lake ag February brings the rain, thaws the frozen lake again. 

Yuki-Doro is challenging me who is the better poser. 🧐

#dog #hike # winter
I guess I am starting this year with a true challe I guess I am starting this year with a true challenge - hiking during winter under -15 degrees.

That was the case with the Boyana waterfall. Last year I visited them during the late summer and decided that I want to visit this place during the winter because, to be honest, I have never seen in person a big and full waterfall to be completely frozen.

So, let’s say it was something as a target for me to see it sooner or later. 

But as you can see it was really pleasant conquering this adventure because I had with me the best assistant ever - Mr. little adventurer Yuki-Doro. 

And yes, I won’t lie, I almost lost my hands and one of my legs from the extremely low temperature.

#dog #hike #winter
Most people are fascinated by the natural beauty o Most people are fascinated by the natural beauty of Yuki-Doro and I don’t blame them, to be honest. 

But as it is said - the devilish creations are the sweetest. Well, I can confirm this through my dog. 

SWIPE to the next picture and witness yourself that I have a true monster as a pet, he is twisted and scary, like a loooooot.

#dog #hiking #winter
Is it a fox? Is it a wolf? Is it Hachiko? No, it' Is it a fox? Is it a wolf? Is it Hachiko? 
No, it's Yuki-Doro conquering Cherni vrah peak at the age of 4 months.

Who would think that this little guy would manage to accomplish this so early stage in his life.

Imagine what he would do in the future, Everest here we come! 😂

#hiking #winter #dog
People have said it well that the dog is man's bes People have said it well that the dog is man's best friend.

This weekend was Yuki-Doro's first real adventure-challenge.

We wandered through the winter landscapes of snowy Vitosha.  Based on the amount of snow he ate, yes, he definitely liked the snow, it's good that it is low in calories, otherwise I would have returned to Sofia with a meatball.

Definitely this little one knows how to brighten up the atmosphere and make the trips more interesting.

I look forward to our next adventures.

Do you travel with your pets?

#winter #mountain #dog
Winter etudes of Vitosha Mountain • So, let us Winter etudes of Vitosha Mountain •

So, let us be clear here - I cannot stand winter and I really do not like the snow and cold. It is probably inherited from my Italian bloodline, who knows, but anyways.

However, I must confess, I have been multiple times in Vitosha mountain but probably for the first time I visit it for a whole hike to the peak during winter. Won’t lie, I enjoyed a lot the nature scenes I saw during my hike but still I was going to loose my hands no matter I had gloves all the time.

Overall, the experience was pleasant because it is good to remind ourselves what a true winter looks like. We all know that because of the global warming we do not have that heavy winter that we used to have back in the early 2000s. So, to see so much snow and peace at one place was a delight for my senses.

As I always say, it is good to challenge yourself and go out of your comfort zone. Only then you can discover many intriguing things, but most importantly -  to learn so many new things about yourself.

#winter #hiking #nature
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