centre group
In the heart of the Atlantic, the Central Group of the Azores brings together five islands with unique identities and unrivalled natural beauty: Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial. This group of islands, situated between the deep green of the pastures and the intense blue of the sea, is the true beating heart of the archipelago.
Together, these five islands form a mosaic of culture, tradition, adventure and natural beauty. The Central Group is the ideal place to explore the authenticity of the Azores, whether through its welcoming people, rich gastronomy or exuberant nature. Here, each island is an invitation to discover.
Terceira is the island where history, culture and nature are vibrantly intertwined. With a strong identity and welcoming people, here you can feel the authentic pulse of the Azores - from the colourful streets of Angra do Heroísmo to the green pastures framed by stone walls.
Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a veritable open-air museum. With centuries-old churches, ancient forts and a bay sheltered by volcanic islets, it is a city that harbours centuries of Atlantic encounters and historical resilience.
In the interior of the island, the surprises multiply. Algar do Carvão, an ancient volcano that can be visited from the inside, offers a unique experience. The agricultural fields create a natural mosaic, dotted with happy cows and typical houses. It's also in Terceira that the popular festivals take on a special flavour - especially the bullfights, a deep-rooted tradition.
The gastronomy is second to none. From slow-cooked tartare to convent sweets, Terceira's cuisine is synonymous with flavour and comfort. And wherever you are on the island, whether by the sea or at the top of a viewpoint, the view always invites you to pause and contemplate.
Combining authenticity, nature and a strong connection to its roots, Terceira is much more than a destination - it's a living experience.
Faial, known as the ‘Blue Island’ of the Azores, is a destination where sea and land meet in perfect harmony. With stunning landscapes, a history marked by cultural encounters and an adventurous spirit that echoes in its mountains and marinas, this island invites you to authentic and memorable experiences.
The city of Horta is the arrival point and beating heart of the island. Cosmopolitan and charming, it is world famous for its harbour, where yachtsmen from all corners of the globe leave their mark on the marina walls. The mythical Peter Café Sport, a meeting place for sailors, is more than just a bar: it's a living legend.
But Faial is also nature in its purest form. The Capelinhos Volcano, with its arid, almost lunar landscape, reminds us of the creative power of the earth. Caldeira, in the centre of the island, is a biodiversity sanctuary, ideal for hiking trails and breathtaking views.
Between hydrangeas that colour the paths blue, viewpoints over the ocean and stories of those who live by the sea, Faial is a place that falls in love. An island where every detail tells a story and every landscape is an invitation to contemplate and reconnect with nature.
The island of Pico is a majestic presence on the Azorean horizon. The highest mountain in Portugal, which gives the island its name and defines it, dominates the landscape: Pico. With its 2,351 metres of altitude, it is a symbol of strength, challenge and unparalleled natural beauty.
Climbing to the top is more than a hike - it's a transcendental experience, where the silence of the heights blends with the immensity of the Atlantic. But Pico's charm doesn't end with the mountain. This is a land where the black of the basalt contrasts with the green of the vegetation and the deep blue of the sea.
The vineyards of Pico, planted between loose stone walls in volcanic soil, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a remarkable testimony to human adaptation to the harshness of nature. The wine produced here carries with it centuries of tradition, just as the landscapes where it is grown are true works of geological art.
Pico is also one of the best places in Europe for whale watching. Dolphins, sperm whales and pilot whales cruise these waters in a spectacle that thrills and fascinates. On land, small towns like Lajes do Pico or São Roque reveal the soul of the island - peaceful, authentic and deeply connected to the sea.
Between lava, wine and the sea, Pico offers an intense and unforgettable experience. An island that uplifts us, literally and spiritually.
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