The Azores

The Azores are nine volcanic islands in a remote part of the Atlantic Ocean. Considered the edge of the world, these lush, green, wind-swept islands, are now an autonomous region of Portugal. They sit about 900 miles west of Lisbon and were uninhabited until the Portuguese arrived in the early 15th century. While there are whispers of earlier sightings by Phoenicians, Vikings, or even medieval sailors, it was Prince Henry the Navigator who officially set the wheels in motion for their settlement around 1432.

What followed was a fascinating blend of cultures. Settlers came not just from mainland Portugal, but also from Flanders, France, and even Africa, leaving behind traces in everything from architecture to agriculture. The islands became a vital stopover for ships heading to and from the New World, which brought both prosperity and pirates. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions have also shaped the landscape and its people.

For centuries, the Azores remained isolated, with each island developing its own character. Today, that isolation feels like a gift. Whether it's the hydrangea-lined roads of Faial, the steaming hot springs of São Miguel, or the rugged cliffs of Sao Jorge, the Azores offer a glimpse into a slower, more elemental world shaped by lava, ocean winds, and centuries of quiet persistence.