Images of Sao Miguel, the Green Island in the Azores

King's View over the Crater Lakes ©Solange Hando

A scenic but winding drive from Ponta Delgada, the 'seven cities' refer to one small town and seven craters, dormant at the moment but still delighting visitors with four beautiful lakes.

The lake above is renowned for its changing colours from deep blue to turquoise and green  depending on shadows and light.

Mirador on the East Coast ©Solange Hando

Unlike much of the south coast, the north and east are rugged and wild, isolated until recent times so rich in endemic vegetation and birds, including the common buzzard.

They say the islands were named after the 'azure' birds though no one has ever seen them.

Tea Plantation in Sao Miguel ©Solange Hando

This is the only place in Europe where tea is grown and manufactured. It all started in the 1880s, soon reputed for its subtle taste thanks to a Chinese expert who encouraged polishing before packing.

According to legend, the 5 o'clock tea in England was introduced by a lonely Portuguese Queen, wife of Charles Stuart, as a way to make friends with the ladies and keep them away from her man...

Furnas Thermal Pool ©Solange Hando

Around 40 hot springs bubble and steam near the south coast in the Furnas area, all with different medicinal properties, but most popular is this large swimming pool, coloured orange by minerals.

A short drive away is a peaceful lake where you can relax on a boat while your lunch is being cooked in nearby fumaroles.

 Nature Park in Sao Miguel ©Solange Hando

The 'Nordeste' area is a great place to trek with views of  Pico da Vara by clear weather, the highest peak at over 1100 metres.

The Nature Park of Ribeira dos Caldeiros takes you to this picturesque village in a deep wooded valley and a cool waterfall tucked away in the trees.

Santa Iria Mirador on the North Coast ©Solange Hando

Sao Miguel has superb scenery  but most memorable are the hydrangea blooming along the cliffs, roads and trails and used in agricultural land to divide the fields, easy to maintain and far more colourful than fences or walls.

Images of the Azores, Faial and Pico Islands

Enjoy Horta in Faial Island ©Solange Hando

Framed by green hills, Faial's capital, is a delightful place with two luminous bays, a sandy beach and a harbour with classy yachts and art work designed by sailors from all over the world.

Colourful houses line the shore as visitors in the know head for Peter's café whose signature cocktail is listed among the top 12 in the world.

Capelhinos on Faial Island ©Solange Hando

But there is much to explore beyond Horta, most dramatic the Capelinhos volcano which erupted in the 50s. There is a trail right up to the top but also superb views from  the nearby lighthouse up 140 steps.

There are plenty of walking trails around this Nature Park which also includes a vast green caldeira with a new crater and lots of wild flowers.

Scenic Cove, Faial ©Solange Hando

The coast is equally spectacular, with great views from the hilltop chapel above Horta or along the shore from Horta to Feteira where waves crash relentlessly over volcanic rocks and archways.

Sailing to Pico Island.

It's only a 30 minute cruise from Faial to Pico, the second largest island in the Azores, yet a quiet and pristine place with few tourists around

They call it the Black Island for its volcanic hills, a source of pride which gives it a character all of its own, although of course the other Azores are also on tectonic plates.

Pico Island, Day Trip from Faial ©Solange Hando

You may not expect it but minutes from the harbour, you reach these enticing vineyards growing out of the lava rocks. They produce quality wines, including fortified wines, and there's even a wine museum nearby.

Beautifully restored, this windmill can still pay tribute to ancient traditions, making the most of the Atlantic breeze.

Mount Pico ©Solange Hando

Giving its name to the island, this awesome volcano is the highest peak in the Azores, a challenge for anyone hoping to reach the top at 2351 metres, but as clouds come and go, the view across the water keeps you spellbound. Best times are early morning or late evening.