The Azores is an autonomous region of Portugal, approximately two and a half hours by plane from Lisbon. The region is composed of nine islands surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean.
While very much still Portuguese, Azorians have a unique culture, geography, and way of life. Its a slower pace, grounded in a deep care for the land. Common sights include farming, fishing, and locals smoking on plastic chairs outside of cafes.
São Miguel is know as The Green Island (Ilha Verde). Its landscapes are rugged and harsh in their natural beauty.
Above Left: Tourists and locals swim in natural pools around the edges of the island.
Above Upper Right: Cats and dogs could be found roaming the streets around the island.
Above Bottom Right: Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park.
Above Left: Sophia.
Above Right: Portugal is a country constructed of Azulejo tiles. Often hand-made and hand-painted, tiles are created for aesthetics and durability. Religious messages, like the one photographed above, often appear on tiles above the front doors of homes.
Above Left: As a volcanic island, geothermal features are present around São Miguel. Visitors swim in a hot spring as it meets the cool Atlantic Ocean.
Above Right: A traditional stew is cooked using geothermal heat in the volcanic soil. A pot full of stew will sit in the ground all day. While the stews vary across homes and restaurants, they typically include beef, pork, sausage, cabbage, greens, and potato.
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