São Miguel – Idyllic natural paradise in the Azores
The Azores archipelago lies in the middle of the Atlantic, about 1,400 km west of mainland Europe. An island chain consisting of nine larger islands including the largest island São Miguel with the capital Ponta Delgada. That's exactly where we ended up at the beginning of August.
As already mentioned, at sunset it unexpectedly cleared up briefly and a cow was perched in the distance on one of the numerous hills. No problem for a snapshot with the 600mm super telephoto zoom. Briefly switched on the stabilizer and zoomed in. The photo is finished, which fantastically describes the landscape of the Azores.
Since the Azores, like Iceland, belong to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, they are of volcanic origin. There are a total of 26 active but fortunately dormant volcanic systems. Of these, five are on São Miguel alone. The goal was to discover them. We decided to experience the sunrise at the crater lake “Lagoa do Fogo” (Lake of Fire) in the middle part of the island. At first glance it didn't seem like such a good idea: the crater was completely covered in fog and it was raining heavily. Just as we were about to leave, it suddenly cleared up and we were able to admire the breathtaking lagoon with the sun at a relatively low altitude. That Azores moment again! Here the ultra-wide angle enabled a unique perspective: the round-shaped crater including the Lake of Fire surrounded by the faintly distinguishable but slightly shiny Atlantic Ocean.
Then we went to the main crater “Sete Cidades” in the west of the island. When we arrived at the “Miradouro da Vista do Rei” viewpoint, we noticed a huge abandoned building complex. After a short research it was clear that it was the abandoned 5-star luxury hotel “Monte Palace”. Investors underestimated the often foggy and very changeable weather in the Azores. Inside the hotel, the size really became apparent: hundreds of individually graffiti-sprayed rooms connected by deserted corridors on a total of five floors. In the center is a huge lobby that is in acute danger of collapsing. What did it all look like before? One thing is certain: these days it is the ultimate playground for every lost place photographer!
After this discovery tour, we were able to admire the sunset in the crater. With the wide-angle lens, the foreground with the beautifully blooming hydrangeas, the crater “Sete Cidades” with the crater lake of the same name and the sky including the sun with a very beautifully pronounced sun star could be captured in a panorama: pure idyll!
In the north of the island lies the small town of Vila Franca do Campo. A visit is definitely worth it because the offshore volcanic island of Ilheu de Vila Franca do Campo turned out to be an extremely photogenic subject for an aerial photograph.
The east of the island is characterized by its rugged cliffs. The coastal town of Nordeste with its adventurous steep road to the Farol da Ponta do Arnel lighthouse is definitely recommended. An aerial view of the scene from the ocean shows the lighthouse standing alone against the cliffs of São Miguel.
During the night we tried to take a look at the starry sky. Unfortunately, this turned out to be almost impossible due to lots of clouds and moonlight. Luckily the heavens opened for a window of just a few minutes. A fantastically bright Milky Way with incomparably beautiful colors could be seen above the sea of clouds in the Atlantic. Wow!
So if you are looking for uncrowded and enchanting landscapes, like changeable weather and want to take a look at one of the most beautiful starry skies in Europe, the Azores are an absolute insider tip. The other islands can be easily reached by ferry or plane if you have enough time.
Thanks to Riccardoschläger for the great support.
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