According to legend, there was an island nation in the mid-Atlantic populated by a noble and powerful race. They were enormously wealthy, thanks to the island's natural resources. The island had tremendous natural beauty, filled with flowers, lots of prey and hot springs with healing powers. The rulers of the island ruled over both their own people and much of Europe and Africa.

The story of Atlantis - whose inhabitants eventually came out of favor and through its lust for power, angered the gods, was described by both Plato and other great thinkers. After a series of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions the paradise was said to have sunk into the sea, and the only thing left was the high peaks of the volcanoes - what we today call the Azores.

Even if the Azores archipelago was not the remains of the sunken Atlantis, one cannot help but be fascinated by the islands' stunning landscape, rich wildlife and fascinating history. Whether you are looking for nature experiences, golf or just want to escape urban stress, then these islands are the perfect destination.

GOLF IN THE AZORES

The Azores consist of nine islands and the main island of Sao Miguel is the largest. Overall, there are three golf courses in the Azores - two on Sao Miguel and one on the island of Terceira, 167 km away and a thirty minute flight from Sao Miguel. Most choose Sao Miguel since there are two courses here and it is the island with direct international connections. However, you should know that there are daily flights to all of the other islands in the group. All three courses are situated in magnificent natural scenery and you are struck by the greenery, the floral display and the picturesque backdrop.

FURNAS GOLF COURSE
On the eastern part of Sao Miguel, about 40 minutes from the main city of Ponta Delgada, lies the small town of Furnas. Close to the city you find the volcanic lake Lagoa das Furnas and here the volcanic activity is really noticeable. Steam escapes from the ground and there are waterholes where the water bubbles and boils around the clock. The typical Furnas casserole "cozido", is cooked in the heat in the ground ... In the botanical gardens, you can bathe in the "fountain of youth" or admire thousands of trees and plants.

On a hill ten minutes from central Furnas there is the wonderful golf course Furnas GC. The first nine holes were ready for play in 1936 and the course was expanded to 18 holes in 1992. That there is so much time between the building years is hardly noticeable, but it is a well-balanced parkland course of the best kind. The course is situated at an altitude of 500 metres and the course architects have probably been inspired by the botanical garden because here there are lots of beautiful flowers, shrubs and trees.

The course is of normal length and par 72 and it has its difficulties without feeling "bothersome". It’s a lovely parkland course with rich flora and it’s very well maintained. In addition to the beautiful course and its rich flora the views are majestic with high mountains and deep valleys. In short, it is breathtakingly beautiful. Even the journey here, if you live in Ponta Delgada, is a magical experience. After golf, we recommend a trip to Nordeste and the meandering northern road that offers thrilling views and dramatic scenery.

Number of holes: 18
Par: 72
Course length (metres): White 6,815, yellow 6,512, red 5,748
Course designer: Mackenzie Ross and Cameron Powell
Type of golf course: Parkland
Difficulty: Medium
Year open: 1936 (9 holes), 1992 (18 holes)
Telephone: +351 296 498 559
Homepage: www.azoresgolfislands.com/pt/

Click here for more information about Furnas Golf Course

BATALHA GC
In Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel's main city, there is most everything. There are lots of hotels, restaurants, bars and shops, etc. It’s here where most tourists stay as it’s the island's largest city and the airport is here.

Only 10 minutes from Ponta Delgada, on the road to Ribeira Grande you find Furnas’ twin course, Batalha GC. Batalha actually means battle or fight, but don’t be intimidated by the name – the course isn’t that difficult, at least not from the club tee. Several major professional competitions have been played here.

Batalha is beautifully situated and the first 9 of the 27-hole facility is located on a hillside where the emerald isle meets the azure sea. It's really shamelessly beautiful. Batalha is a more modern course than Furnas, and it shows. The course is slightly hilly and the bunkers somewhat deeper and placed a bit difficultly. The greens are large, fast and wavy. If the first 9 holes are fairly open, with views of the sea, the other 18 holes are laid out in the gently rolling terrain that is a mixture of parkland and woodland course. What matters here is keeping track of the strokes and you should most of all lie on the fairway. With only four water hazards on the course, we ascertain that Batalha is not a difficult battle. It is tougher than Furnas, without at all being impossible for the average golfer. Like Furnas it is a beautiful and well maintained course of absolute top class.

Number of holes: 27
Par: 36 x 3
Course length (metres): A - Par 36: white 3,616, yellow 3,460, red 3,011
B - Par 36: white 3,420, yellow 3,232, red 2,856
C - Par 36: white 3,478, yellow 2,934, red 2,222
Course designer: Cameron Powell.
Type of golf course: Parkland/woodland
Difficulty: Medium/hard
Year open: 1996
Telephone: +351 296 498 559
Homepage: www.azoresgolfislands.com/pt/

Click here for more information about Batalha Golf Course

TERCEIRA GC
A short flight north and you come to the island of Terceira.
As on all of the islands in the Azores, you are offered big and exciting outdoor experiences - lush greenery, flowers, caves, great hiking and volcanic lakes. In the middle of all of this the island has another attraction, which is included among the UNESCO World Heritage sites, the main city of Angra do Heroismo. It is a very beautiful city with palaces, churches and other buildings that take us to the eighteenth and nineteenth century. It is also said that Terceira has the best cuisine of the Azores' nine islands.

Terceira GC is considered to be the easiest of the Azores courses.The history of the course is shrouded in mystery and neither the architect nor the exact year it was built are known. It is likely that it was initially built by staff from the American military base on the island. The course is very scenic ally located in the centre of the island and is neighbors with the nature reserve and the Algar do Carvão Mountain. Overall, it is a nice course in good condition with relatively wide fairways and is not too difficult with few bunkers and not many water hazards. Both Furnas and Batalha probably leave a bigger impression, but if you are going to Terceira you should definitely bring your clubs and play a round or two.

Number of holes: 18
Par: 72
Type of golf course: Parkland/woodland
Course length (metres): white 6,809, yellow 6,437, red 5,489
Course designer: Unknown
Difficulty: Easy/medium
Year open: Nobody knows…
Telephone: +351 295 902 444
Homepage: www.azoresgolfislands.com/pt/

ATTRACTIONS

The Azores are so much more than golf. Maybe golf is simply a side-line when you come here. What distinguishes the Azores from many other charter destinations is that this is far from being overdeveloped. Of course there are big hotels and restaurants, but overall it is the beautiful scenery, the varied nature and tranquillity that impresses you. Hire a car and explore the island on its winding narrow roads and visit small unspoilt fishing villages. Discover nature that turns your thoughts to mountainous Switzerland, green Ireland and tropical rainforests, everything collected in a lovely combination you never believed existed in such a small space.



Sete Cidades (Twin Lakes)
Sete Cidades is a must when you are on Sao Miguel. There is a huge crater where the differently coloured twin lakes are located. On a clear day they alternate between blue and green. From the top you have a great view of the lakes, mountains and even the sea.



Lagoa do Fogo (Lake of Fire)
It is called the lake of fire after the powerful volcanic eruptions in the sixteenth century when the volcano lit up the whole island. There is a popular hiking trail around the lake of fire that is considered one of the Azores' most beautiful locations. Although there is no beach, you can take a swim here in the turquoise water.



Furnas
Close to the Furnas golf course is the town of Furnas that is bursting with volcanic activity. It bubbles and steams everywhere from the ground and cavities in the mountains. Visit the botanical garden "Terra Nostra" with over 2,500 plants. In the park you’ll also find "the fountain of youth", where you can rejuvenate yourself with a dip in the 35 degree Celsius water.

ACTIVITIES

Whale and dolphin watching
No whale hunting occurs in waters around the Azores and there is plenty of food all year round. This creates ideal conditions for whales and dolphins. In Ponta Delgada and other cities there are plenty of companies that arrange whale and dolphin watching safaris and then you can get really close to dolphins jumping around the boat, but even the majestic whales. On Sao Miguel,Terceira, ,Faial, Pico islands there are several viewing points that are equipped with binoculars where you can study the whales from land.



Hiking
There are several hiking trails on all of the islands and hiking is one of the most popular activities in the Azores. Here you really get close to the great outdoors. Keep in mind that large parts of the islands are hilly, so you should be in good condition and have the right equipment.



Sun and sea
You don’t go to the Azores primarily to swim and sunbathe. Here there is so much more that is appealing. The water is fresh, and most of the time the air and water temperature are similar. For example, in July and August the average temperature is 24-25 degrees Celsius and the sea is 24. Beaches can be found here and there but there are not many long beaches. Many bathe from rocks or pier ladders.

Golf
It goes without saying…

FOOD AND DRINK

While tourism had already begun before the 80s, the Azores was fairly isolated. For that reason influences from other cuisines have been limited, for better or worse. In the Azores hearty and hearty food is served. There are large portions, often consisting of casseroles, stews and fish. In recent years, international restaurants have popped up, especially in Ponta Delgada.

That fish and shellfish are dominant is perhaps not so strange considering the geographic location. Here you always have access to fresh fish. Among the shellfish there is shrimp, lobster, mussels and snails. The local specialty "Cracas" is something everyone should try. It’s small mollusks which live on the cliffs around the island. They are served live.

The meat of the Azores is of high quality. The cows are outside all year round, as you will notice. You can see cattle grazing in every possible and impossible place. It is not unusual that there is a traffic jam because a bunch of cows are blocking the road. Cows are reared on the lush green grass, and here there is no need for dry food or other additives.

Sao Miguel is known for its good, sweet pineapple and fruit is often served after dinner.

There is one local beer - Especial. Wine is also produced in the Azores and the “Verdelho” variety used to be exported to Russia. Test Terras de Lava (white) and Basalto or Curral Atlantis (red).