Adrian, KO8SCA will be active as CR2X from Azores Islands, IOTA EU - 003, in ARRL DX CW Contest, 15 - 16 February 2025.
He will be in SOAB HP Category.
QSL via OH2BH.
Ads for direct QSL:
Martti Laine, Savasundintie 4C, 02380, Espoo, Finland.
Azores: an exotic world in the center of the Atlantic
The Azores is an amazing archipelago . Located in the center of the Atlantic Ocean, it includes only nine islands of volcanic origin, which at the moment belong to Portugal.
It is worth visiting the Azores because of the exotic volcanic landscapes, ancient fishing villages, unique lakes in the calderas and, of course, because of the whales and sperm whales. Hundreds of large marine mammals migrate through the Azores every year.
An archipelago with a long history
Many islands in the Atlantic were discovered by Europeans only by the XVIII-XIX centuries. But not the Azores: it is known that their existence was known in antiquity. Archaeologists found Punic coins on the island of Corvo, which means that the Carthaginians were here.
Despite the fact that the archipelago is located almost in the center of the ocean, even the Vikings were able to sail here. Subsequently, the Azores were often mentioned along with Madeira and the Canary Islands in medieval chronicles. The islands also appeared on the charts of Italian and Spanish navigators. However, the official year of “discovery” of the Azores archipelago was 1439, when the King of Portugal recognized the existence of the islands and allowed the famous Henry the Navigator to explore the new territories.
Before the Portuguese, the islands were uninhabited. From 1439 they began to be colonized little by little, first by Portuguese inhabitants, and then by people from Flanders and France. The archipelago proved to be an excellent place to live and a convenient “staging post”. It was on the Azores in 1493 that Christopher Columbus stayed. Returning from his voyage, he decided to take a break on the islands and visit the church, which had been built here, but the local authorities took him for a pirate and arrested him.
The period of prosperity for Azor was the 17th century. It turned out that the archipelago had the most convenient position and was ideal for trade between European countries, American colonies and India. It was at this time that the islands were frequently attacked by pirates: they were attracted by the treasures that were exported in large quantities from Mexico and Peru.
For a long time, the Azores belonged to Portugal and were part of it, along with other regions. They became autonomous only in 1976.
Subtropics with a mild climate
The Azores could be an ideal destination for beach lovers and eternal summer. The climate here is unusually mild. Despite the location (and the archipelago is located at the latitude of Portugal and Spain), the average temperature in summer does not exceed 25, and in winter does not fall below 17 degrees Celsius. Here reigns a pleasant for European subtropical climate with an optimal amount of precipitation. The best time for traveling is the calendar summer: during this period there is almost no rain in the Azores. However, the sea climate is unpredictable: even in the middle of summer a storm can start here.
Once on one of the inhabited islands, you will see landscapes unusual for an exotic archipelago: vineyards, tea plantations, evergreen pastures where cattle graze, and picturesque hedges of blue hydrangea.
The largest island of Azor is São Miguel. It occupies 747 square kilometers. Here live almost 138 thousand people, many of whom prefer the capital - Ponta Delgada.
Why go to the Azores?
The Azores are a true gem of the Atlantic Ocean. Each of the nine islands of the archipelago has its own unique attractions, for the sake of which it is worth spending on an air ticket:
- The caldera lakes on San Miguel. You should definitely go up to the craters of the extinct volcanoes. You might even be able to take a swim here. The island also has tea plantations and unique hot springs.
- The colorful chapels of Imperios and the ancient city of Angra do Eroijmu on the island of Terceira. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Vineyards and Portugal's highest mountain at Pica. The summit is 2351 meters above sea level.
- Stunning waterfalls on Flores.
- Huge green pastures on the island of São Jorge. This is also where you'll find your own cheeses, coffee and fajas.
Regardless of which island you stay on, you will be able to see the most important “attraction” of the Azores archipelago - whales and sperm whales. They pass through here every year, and to see these unique animals, you just have to wait for clear weather.
How to get to the Azores?
There are several airports on the islands, but most likely you will end up in Ponta Delgada, the capital of São Miguel. It's also a good place to stay: the archipelago's largest city will be easier to find accommodation, and there are plenty of restaurants, souvenir shops and guides for even the most discerning traveler.
Ecological tourism in the Azores and its peculiarities
The inhabitants of the Azores bet on ecological and excursion tourism. People come here to see extinct volcanoes, waterfalls and, of course, whales. Most tourists go to the archipelago in spring and fall: despite the less stable climate, it is at this time that marine mammals swim past the islands. However, even in summer you can sometimes see them.
The Azores attract lovers of unusual vacations.
If you plan to drive around the islands, it is worth renting a car: there are many companies that provide rental cars, there are insurance organizations and, of course, gas stations. Only by driving can you get to the most inaccessible points of the archipelago.
If you would like a quieter vacation, it is worth looking for a guesthouse on one of the many farms. Guest houses are built and equipped by real farmers. Once in one of these, you can see herds of cows (there are more cows than people, by the way) and donkeys, drink steamed milk in the morning and taste aromatic homemade cheeses.
If you have come to see whales, you can find a suitable peak near the seashore and wait for good weather: the chance that a sea giant will decide to release a fountain in your presence is great. But it's better to find a boat owner and arrange a boat trip. You can choose a small boat (on it you will approach the whale at a minimum distance) or a catamaran. A double-hulled boat is the safest and suitable even for parents with infants.
If you have a diver's license, you can arrange a dive to see the whales in their natural habitat. If you don't have a license but really want to dive, you can get a permit.
Useful tips for anyone traveling to the Azores
The Azores archipelago attracts unusual leisure activities and fantastic nature. If you are going here for the first time, do not worry: everything will be fine. Tourists should know only a few things:
- The weather in the Azores is consistently warm. Negative temperatures do not happen here, and if you are afraid of freezing, you can take with you only a thick raincoat and a thin knit sweater. Otherwise, ordinary summer clothes will be enough.
- If you come to see whales, keep an eye on the weather. The best chance of seeing them is when the sky is clear and the sea is calm.
- There are no thieves in the Azores: you can even leave your belongings in public places without fear that they will disappear.
- Drinking water in the cities can be found in any tap. You don't have to buy bottled water.
- All the islands are inhabited by people and have a developed infrastructure. You will not have to look for a hotel, a store or a rental car.
- In the sea you can not only see whales, but also swim with dolphins. There are quite a lot of them, and they are friendlier to a person than in dolphinariums.
- If you want a little land exoticism, you can go to a tea plantation. You can walk around it freely and even pick tea leaves.
- The most interesting gastronomic attractions are boiled corn, which is cooked right in the hot springs in Furnas, pineapple jam and the dish Kozidu das Furnas.
Traveling to the Azores can bring many impressions, even if you go here in the summer. It's a unique place you'll want to return to!