Azores and Porto Santo highlight Atlantic cultural and natural attractions

The Azores archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean offers diverse natural landscapes, including the volcanic craters and twin lagoons of Sete Cidades on São Miguel island. Visitors can experience thermal baths in Furnas and traditional cuisine like Cozido das Furnas, which is cooked using volcanic heat. Pico Island features Portugal's highest peak and UNESCO-protected volcanic vineyards.

In the Madeira archipelago, Porto Santo will host the Columbus Festival from September 17 to 20. The event commemorates Christopher Columbus's residence on the island during his marriage to Filipa Moniz. The festival transforms Vila Baleira into a 15th and 16th-century port town with historical reenactments, period costumes, and a recreation of Columbus's landing featuring a replica of the Santa Maria.