Welcome to our Christmas newsletter |
Christmas in the Azores is very special and for this newsletter, we asked one of our whale watching operators, Miguel Cravinho, from São Miguel to describe what happens on his island. He even sent in a photo of his nativity scene at home!
Also, we already knew the Azores were unspoilt and beautiful but this month National Geographic Magazine rated the Azores the second best islands in the world for sustainable tourism. See below for more details….
We all hope you have a lovely Christmas and New Year!
Sarah, Ian, Diane, Jake and Gil |
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The Azores – Second Best Group of Islands in the World |
National Geographic Traveler magazine has just rated the Azores Archipelago as the Second Best Group of Islands for sustainable tourism in its annual awards. 111 islands and archipelagos were short-listed and evaluated by 522 experts in the field of sustainable tourism and rated according to their sustainability and original features. The Azores was awarded 84 points out of possible 100 just 3 points less than the winner, the Faroe Islands.
National Geographic described the Azores as
“a wonderful place with its green volcanic mountains and picturesque black-and-white towns set to remain unspoiled”
It went on to say
“The ecosystem—from the beautiful hydrangea-covered hills of Flores to the rock-bottomed bays of Terceira—is in great shape”
and that it has a
“Strong and vibrant local culture.” |
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Newsletter Special Offers |
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7 Night São Miguel Explorer
Stay a week at the charming 4 star Hotel do Colegio in the centre of Ponta Delgada and explore the pretty cobbled streets and lovely traditional architecture. An ideal base to visit some of the most spectacular scenery in the Azores; the enormous crater of Sete Cidades with its twin lakes, the boiling pools and famous botanical garden at Furnas and the wild and remote Nordeste.
 £648 per person
Normal price: £773 Save £125
Includes : 7 nights accommodation at Hotel do Colegio on B&B twin share basis, 7 days Model A car hire, return scheduled flights to Sao Miguel from London including all taxes.
Valid from 14th November 07 to 29th February 08 (Christmas and New Year flight supplements may apply) |
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Well…. It’s Christmas in the Azores |
Like many other places in the world this time of the year is very special. We don’t have snow here, probably some rain, and people are very busy buying presents to share with family and friends.
Streets and squares are decorated with festive lights and Christmas trees. December the 8th is a special day. People from all over São Miguel come to the main city, Ponta Delgada, to enjoy the traditional shops competing in the Best Decorated Shop competition known as “Dia das Montras”. The streets are crowded with joy, smiles and hopes for “that special gift” on Christmas Eve. There is familiar music in the air…
At home families make a “Presépio”, a Nativity scene. Traditionally people use small hand made dolls that are passed down from generation to generation. This is the focal point for family gatherings during the festivities and everybody is very proud of their “Presépio”.
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On 23rd December families, along with close friends and relatives, prepare the (Consoada) which is the Christmas feast eaten in the very early hours of Christmas Day, after the Christmas Eve midnight Mass has ended. Traditionally the main course is dried codfish served with boiled vegetables and sweet potatoes and of course Portuguese wine (the best in the world!). For dessert we have sweet rice and Christmas cake.
Children are encouraged to set out shoes by the Christmas tree to receive the presents brought by Infant Jesus.
At midnight everyone goes to church to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and thank him for their good health and prosperity. On the way home people wish each other “Boas Festas” or “Feliz Natal” which means "Good Holidays" in Portuguese.
As you can see, Christmas in the Azores is not sophisticated as in other places but it still keeps its authenticity and originality as a family tradition.
Miguel Cravinho |
