The warm blue ocean is a major attraction, of course, for enthusiasts of sailing, scuba diving and deep-sea fishing. Currents and winds can be unpredictable, however, and this should be warning enough for timid or inexperienced sailors. But for those who know what they’re about, the Azores offer unparalleled opportunities, especially for big game fishing. The waters around these islands are rich in tuna, marlin, swordfish, barracuda, shark, conger eels and all manner of good fighting fish, particularly around the Ilhéus Formigas the rocky islets between São Miguel and Santa Maria. Several travel agencies have information on equipment and boats for hire.
Swimming conditions are ideal, whether from rocky coves or sandy beaches, in calm freshwater lagoons or even in the warm ferruginous waters of thermal baths. Swimming pools are not numerous, though there are several natural sea-water pools that have been turned into safe bathing areas by the discreet addition of a bit concrete, notably at Biscoitos (Terceira) and on the islet off Vila Franca do Campo in São Miguel (a small boat is usually available to ferry you across). The beaches themselves vary from black volcanic shingle to fine golden sand, such as those at Populo (black) and Agua de Alto (golden) in São Miguel, or the vast white beach of Praia da Vitoria in Terceira.
Walking in Azores is a most wonderful experience. Whether you are high in the mountains, following a coastal walk, or merely strolling along a country lane there is purity in the air, exhilaration in the light, and ever-changing cloud patterns. In places trails lie dark and dank between 2m-tall embankments, with hedges of cryptomeria, pittosporum and endemic shrubs while the banks themselves are moss-covered or draped with soft green curtains of selaginella, a primitive fern ally. At other times when high up in the mountains the scene is more akin to moorland, with low-growing grasses, rushes and mossy flushes in the wetter areas, and elsewhere a knee-high scrub of heather, and often a view of the distant sea. Perhaps best of all is to file along a narrow path contouring a steep sea cliff, when the views are spectacular, very special and pure Azores. However, gentler walks along farm roads through patchworks of pastures with the sight of seemingly healthy, contented cows out to grass all year, and past farm buildings with ever-changing rural scenes, are equally as satisfying in their different way.
Golfing fans too can practise their eagles and birdies amid beautiful pastoral scenery. There are two golf courses in the islands, one in Terceira (18 hole course at Queimadas) and one in São Miguel (9 hole course at Furnas).
