Europe’s Classic Romantic Inns – The Azores

TERRA NOSTRA GARDEN HOTEL Located on the island of San Miguel, the resort hotel is built in the crater of an extinct volcano. The particular micro-climate has fostered a lush garden filled with rare species of plants, and thermal springs feed its giant pool. We tour the extensive gardens with the young owner, Luis Bensaude, and eat “cozido,” a special dish that is cooked by burying pots in thermally heated ground. QUINTA DA NASCE D’AGUA This lovely manor house on the island of Terceira was converted into an inn a couple years ago and is now the favorite of discerning visitors. Our hostess, Dona Ana Maria, supervises an exceptional restaurant. We visit the site of the Battle of Salga, where the islanders repelled a Spanish invasion by driving wild cattle into their ranks. ESTALAGEM DE SANTA CRUZ The fort of Santa Cruz was built in 1567 for protection against pirates. It overlooks the port of Horta on the island of Faial, the crossroads of the Spanish Empire galleon fleet. Our hosts are three local men who take us to Peter’s Cafe, the famous meeting place and message center for sailors, which has an outstanding scrimshaw museum. Regional Highlights: Whale Watching- Island of Pico Azores was the whaling center of the Atlantic during the last two centuries. Whaling was outlawed ten years ago, but the cry of “Baleias!” – “Whales” – still sends out little boats to track the huge cetaceans. Only now the boats are filled with eco-tourists, who thrill to being so close to whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. We also visit the Whaling Museum and a watchtower, where Joao has manned his lonely lookout for whales for the past 40 years. Tea Plantation, Island of San Miguel The Azores is the only place in Europe where tea is grown. Once the climate was found to be similar to the best tea growing area in China, the Azoreans brought over two Chinese tea growers to show them how to start their own plantations.