Isolated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, 1,400 km from Lisbon, the Azores Islands were uninhabited until their Portuguese colonization in the fifteenth century. And although the hand of man has been present since then, the truth is that their places continue to maintain that aura of virginity. This also has to do with the type of tourism connected to the Azores, not the sun and beach, but a more specific and careful: for the nature lovers. Santa María, San Miguel, Terceira, Graciosa, San Jorge, Pico, Faial, Corvo and Flores. The nine islands of the Azores are part of the biogeographic region of Macaronesia, next to Madeira, the Savage Islands, the Canaries and Cape Verde. The Azores are characterized by their volcanic nature, temperate and humid climate, as well as by their endemic flora and fauna. Its landscapes are dominated by cones and volcanic cauldrons that contain spectacularly colored lagoons, lava beaches, laurel forests, carpeted slopes of green and vertigo cliffs. The best way to get to know the islands is through hiking, although you can also do many other activities, such as diving, whale spotting, cycling, canyoning or paragliding. Add its villages of houses and white churches adorned with dark basaltic stone to this, plus the traditional festivals, customs and a simple gastronomy based on quality raw materials, and you´ll have all the ingredients for an amazing experience. San Miguel is the largest island, the most populated and the main gateway to the Azores. Its capital is Ponta Delgada, which has a charming historic neighborhood with paved sidewalks in black and white, and a very active marina. In the west of the island is one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal: Lagoa das Sete Ciudades, a double lake located in a huge crater. Do not miss the Lago do Fogo, the fishing village of Mosteiros, the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden or the thermal baths of Ponta da Ferraria. Book your boutique hotel on the Azores now!