SortAo Miguel (Azore), Mar 12. (askanews) – For those who have never been there is the archipelago of the famous anticyclone, the one that brings good weather to Italy, with clear skies and dry climate. But those who really arrive on these islands – we are at the Azores – discovers a very different world: wet climate, lush vegetation, evergreen forests and an incredible natural scenario. That’s why there are those who call them the Hawaii of Europe: Laurifoglie forests, giant ferns and mossesvery green meadows and the impressive amount of hydrangeas that skirt the roads.
Like Hawaii, the Azores are islands of volcanic originwith craters off, lakes, imposing mountains and jagged coasts, black cliffs of lava and dark sandy beaches.
The Azores are one of those places that still seem to breathe at their natural rhythm. Tourism is increasing but the islands have been able to protect themselves from excess visitors through flow management policies and the enhancement of slow and sustainable tourism. A tourist offer model – largely based on outdoor activities such as trekking, surfing, excursions in the volcanoes, diving and sighting of whales – which seems to combine the phenomenon of the havorourism.
He is also convinced Thomas Rizzo, the honorary console of the Azores, who tells how interest in outdoor activities is growing: “Tourism is exploding here, a little in all islands – says Rizzo – this obviously also has negative sides, but I think that for now they are managing it well and this is bringing many positive factors for the growth of these islands”. “Most tourists come here to stay in touch with nature – observes the console – I think most of those I have known want to explore, trek, sport, even know the smallest islands, where you have an even more direct relationship with nature and many sports opportunities. They are very active islands: they are not the typical islands for being in the resort or on the beach ».
Mauro Buffa, journalist, fell in love with the Azores in 1989 and moved there as soon as he retired. “Tourism is growing – says European tourism, tourism also from the United States, Canada. And as far as Italians are concerned, I believe that what attracts them, can attract them more, is precisely the fact that you make a leap back in time as regards the way of life and find beautiful pristine places ».
Among the most fascinating islands there is Terceira, famous for Alegra do Heroìsmo, World Heritage Site and for its mineral wines, cultivated in an extraordinary landscape of lava stone.
For those looking for a more original experience and want to immerse themselves in the daily life of the inhabitants, the Casas Açorianas Association offers tourism in close contact with the local population in more than fifty traditional houses scattered on the nine islands of the archipelago.
Gilberto Viera, president of the association: “For the inhabitants of the Azores, hosting visitors is a precious opportunity to meet and sharing – he says – on the other part of the traditional houses offered by the members of the Association is an ideal opportunity to get to know the local culture and everyday life up close, even during a short journey. It is this exchange that makes rural tourism so positive and enriching for the entire community and for travelers “.
For Italian tourists, this garden in the heart of the Atlantic only two hours from Lisbon, since May it is even closer, with direct flights from Milan Malpensa to the main island of the archipelago, Sao Miguel.
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