✈️ Vlog: Polecieliśmy na Azory i do Porto

✈️ Vlog: Polecieliśmy na Azory i do Porto

We’re beginning our grand journey to the Azores. An archipelago of nine volcanic islands nestled in the middle of the Atlantic, known for their wildlife, steep cliffs, and lush green landscapes. However, getting to these islands from Poland isn’t so easy and requires quite meticulous planning. We decided to fly from Krakow to Porto and spend almost two full days there before moving on. So, ladies and gentlemen, stop number one is Porto. [Music] Oh, and forgive me for the sloppy reading of the Portuguese names. I’m doing my best. We’re flying. Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal, located at the mouth of the Douro River. It’s a place where modernity meets history, and the tradition of producing the famous Porto wine is still very much alive. Although, as it turns out, Porto wine has little in common with Porto. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. A quick visit to a popular bakery, of which there are many here, and we head into town. Immediately after leaving our accommodation, we come across a chapel of souls. The building is almost entirely clad in altar tiles, thin blue ceramic tiles that have become a permanent part of the Portuguese landscape. Inside, a ritual is taking place. [Music] A little further on, in the very center of Porto, lies one of the most characteristic places in the city: the market. [Music] This historic market has been operating since 1839. On the ground floor, beneath an iron structure, among open alleys, you can find fresh vegetables and fruit, fish and seafood stalls. These include sea bream, mackerel, sardines, octopus, and giant squid. Local cold cuts and cheeses are also plentiful . We also have olives, honey, jams, and regional products. The most pleasant experience is at the critical point, where the aromas from the market stalls intersect with the cheese stalls. I recommend an unforgettable olfactory experience. Caviar €18 for 10g. Chill. We lie on the sand at the market. Oh, it’s really nice, the wind is blowing, the sun is shining, and I can stay like this. Let’s go, right? And there’s a big box of sardines. Upstairs, there are small couples and cafes serving simple, traditional Portuguese dishes. [Music] Interestingly, nearby you can sample wines ranging from 5-, 10-, 15-, 20-, and even 25-year-old wines. Of course, with the tasting package, you can experience how age affects the taste of wine without breaking the bank. [Music] [Applause] [Music] And this is the equipment used to hunt down the most dangerous criminals. [Music] The building you see now is the city hall. Although it’s an official building, its space is also open to visitors. This is where decisions regarding the future of Porto, its urban planning, culture, transport, and the daily lives of its residents are made . Directly in front of the city hall is a square that serves as a gathering place and for celebrations. From official national holidays to social demonstrations to the joyful celebrations of the local football club’s victories. Lots of tourists take photos here. Here’s Agnieszka at the entrance. Just for scale, to show what it ‘s like. Not too small. The interior of the town hall, meanwhile, boasts elegant staircases, ornate conference rooms, and decorations. As you can see, there’s also a guard standing guard. [Music] I have no idea what kind of fruit that is. [Music] And now something I didn’t expect. An Imperial McDonald’s. [ Music] Well, look at the decor of this ordinary local McDonald’s, where the historic character of the interior has been preserved. From the moment you enter, the monumental crystal chandelier hanging from the high, ornate ceiling catches your eye. The walls are covered in original mosaics and carvings, and behind the counter you can still see the old art details. It’s interesting to see how this all came to be. I never would have guessed I’d be visiting a McDonald’s. [Music] Further west in Porto’s historic center, just off a busy street, we come across a church with the uniquely sweet-sounding name of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Built in the second half of the 10th century, its most eye-catching feature is its front façade, richly decorated with carvings and stonework details, and covered with a panel of tiles. Azulejos. From now on, let me speak with these blue tiles from Portugal. Okay, [Music] please. This is a hidden room in the church. And here’s the office. [Music] Good morning. How’s your rest? Entrance costs, if I remember correctly, €7. The interior of the Karmo Church is as impressive as its exterior. Gilded altars, sculptures of saints, and richly decorated chapels create a space filled with silence. You can also explore several floors and climb to the roof, from where you can admire the views of the surrounding area. Mountain peaks loom in the distance. [Music] [Applause] Agnieszka, [Music] Agnieszka, Falling One will be here soon. Go. And so we climbed to the roof of the cathedral. It can’t get any higher. [Music] And here’s the Lello Library, one of the most famous places in Porto. It’s known mainly for being an inspiration to J.K. Rowling when writing Harry Potter. Unfortunately, the queue for it was too long, and it’s best to book tickets in advance. [Music] Porta without guitar is like Lipski without siarra. Oh my. And this is a train station, not Sosnowiec Main Station. Another place that absolutely surprised me was the São Bento train station. Officially opened in 1916, it was built on the site of a former Benedictine monastery, after which it takes its name. From the outside, it resembles an elegant palace rather than a typical railway infrastructure facility. Because seriously, look at this. The interior of the main hall makes this station considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. The walls are covered with over 20,000 ceramic tiles – the blue ones. Despite over 100 years, São Bento still serves its original purpose. Simply normal, ordinary. Every day, trains depart from here to surrounding towns and regions of northern Portugal. [Music] We slowly make our way towards the main attraction, the Ponte de la Luis, and we walk through the streets beneath it, and it looks a bit like another reality. For example, here’s a charming little local shop. [Music] This bridge is cool, only the metro passes by and the whole city wakes up. The Museum of Sex. The Pont de Dom Louis, or the Ponte de la Luis, spans the Douro River like a steel arch connecting two worlds: Porto and Gaia. And it’s in Gaia that almost all the wineries are located on the other side of the bridge . The bridge’s two-level structure is made of wrought iron, resting on a single monumental arch. The upper level is located almost 45 meters above the river. Today, it’s designated for the first lines and the metro, which, incidentally, runs above ground in Porto, not below. The lower level is reserved for pedestrians and cars, as well as for daredevils who jump straight into the river. Although Porto has gained many new bridges over the past 100 years , the Dom Luis I remains the most iconic. It’s not just a practical structure; it’s a monument to the industrial age, a symbol of the city’s progress and ambition as Portugal entered modernity. Today, the bridge attracts tourists from all over the world. The view from here encompasses almost the entire port, including rooftops, embankments, church spires, and vineyards across the river. Crossing the river, we reach Gaia, a land of wine cellars. [Music] There’s literally a vineyard within a vineyard. Some are open to the public immediately . Others require advance reservations. I mean, a tour, not a vineyard. Oh, for example, here. What kind of pub? [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] A break for a chat and a drink. Unfortunately, how much is a beer? €6. There’s no record here anymore, but it’s €14. Not cheap, but luckily I’m rich and clean. In this September heat, still reaching 30 degrees Celsius, vinification is essential. [Music] We manage to book a tour of the Adriano Ramos Pinto winery. We learn a few interesting facts about the place and its history, but also, for example, that on this side of the bridge the temperatures are slightly lower than in Porto, which favors the development of grape varieties , and that taxes are lower on this side of the bridge, a fact that winemakers obviously took advantage of decades ago. That’s why Port wine doesn’t come from Porto, from Gaia, a few hundred meters away. Although not entirely, as only a small percentage of grapes are grown here. Entire fields lie further upstream. Here you go. A truly royal throne, although the official throne is in the next room. And here’s an experimental bottle. Please give me a presentation. Choose your favorite. It was used to welcome so -called important guests and present different wine varieties at once. Close the lid. Beautiful. We move on to the cellar. Here are oak barrels. Depending on the needs, the wine matures in them for several to a dozen years. These barrels are reusable and are even sold to other companies to hold whisky, which then absorbs the aromas of the wine-soaked boards. The grape roots don’t grow in the ground, but in the rocks. They can reach over 200 meters deep. A real disaster. No soil, just rocks and water somewhere deep . After a tour lasting about 30 minutes, we arrive at a tasting of three wines. White, red, and this one. My favorite of the three. [Music] It’s getting dark. Let’s go eat. That’s fine. Here you go. But you brought some, I don’t know, egg, [Music] fries. Prices in Porto restaurants range from €15-20 per person. You can usually get a bottle of local wine in a restaurant for very cheap. Around €68 a bottle. My most expensive meal in Porto was risotto with seafood and crab. It cost around €22. But you can usually eat much cheaper. Okay, what’s Porto like at night? [Music] [Music] It’s full of tourists, the pubs are open. Surprisingly, there are a lot of slant-eyed tourists here. I mean, not just at night, but in general. I saw Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, whole groups. It’s interesting that they like Portugal so much. Maybe because, for them, it’s literally the other side of the world. You can also buy weed or cocaine in the city without any problem or concealment . The dealers don’t even hide, they just lack signs. Of course, I’m not trying to encourage anyone. I’m just saying that it happens on the main streets, among crowds of people. It’s not like someone constantly offers this kind of shopping in some dodgy alleyway. It’s also worth mentioning the complete organizational drama when it comes to traveling by metro. The signs are confusing, the routes don’t match their plans. Ticket prices… well, it depends on who you ask at the station. Interestingly, you can rent a luggage locker by the hour at the station. For example, on the way back, we rented a locker for two hours, where over 20 kg of luggage was waiting for us. A nice option for not having to lug it all around. Okay, but to avoid getting frustrated describing local transport, I’ll move on. [Music] Here you go. Chilling by the water in a resort. In a jacket? Yes. And here’s a ticket with transit. And here’s the river. Yes, drinks, palm trees, and here no legs. But actually, this is the airport. The next day we’re flying to Terce, one of the Azores islands, but we literally arrive there in the evening, and the next morning we’re flying to Flores, where we’ll spend a few days. Welcome to Terce. It’s 26 degrees and it’ll be dark in an hour, so there’s not much time, but we’ll see something there. During this short stay, I can only show you what the local streets look like. Well, look at these houses and their colors. [Music] [Music] for dinner. Record for Szymon. They’re definitely beating for dinner. [Music] Oh, that’s a little town church from Ron Swarowski. Look at how smiling Hesus is. Smiling Hesus. Hi. What are you doing? [Music] Oh, my, what a friend. What’s that? What’s so interesting about you? Oh, what a mouth. Here you go. Since it’s getting late, we go to a restaurant for something to eat. We find literally one restaurant open. I highly recommend the black Iberian pig. Seriously, it was so good. Fried to perfection, salty, and melt-in-your-mouth. This dinner, as you can see here, cost us about €12 per person. A beer. Something beautiful. We’re going to bed. Tomorrow morning we fly to our destination number two, Flores Island. Morning on the three-seater. We’re now gathering for Flores. And this is our flight equipment. [Music] Flores is the westernmost point of the Azores, and indeed of all of Europe. It’s a place where time seems to flow differently, and nature hasn’t forgotten its primal power. The island covers 143 km², or about 17 km long and 12 km wide. Only about 4,000 people live here. It’s wild and very intimate, which is perfect. And here we are in Flores. We managed to land, but unfortunately, after landing, brake fluid leaked, and there will be no return flight. Planes are landing there. And what’s up? At first glance, the island reminds you of Madeira. But only at first glance, it’s a completely different beast. To give you a better idea of ​​the sheer size of the area we’re talking about, here’s the airport, and alongside it, the largest city on the island of Santa Cruz. Flores is called the island of flowers for a reason. A myriad of flower species grow here, the most common being hydrangeas. They grow literally everywhere. Blue, purple, and red varieties of these flowers form an endless row along the roads. They also grow on other Azerbaijani islands, though not as abundant as here. We rented the cheapest car, a Fiat Panda, and headed north to the town of Ponta Delgada. A three-day rental cost around €70, but unfortunately, you have to leave a €700 deposit . Oh! Just like in Madeira. After about a 30-minute drive and constant stopping to admire the views, we reached our destination. It’s the second largest city on the island, and there’s not even a restaurant or shop. At least we didn’t find any. Five minutes away is a beautifully situated lighthouse, where there was a light breeze that day. I think it was a bit windy. [Music] [Music] [Music] There was no chance of a drone that day. The footage you’re seeing was recorded on a different day. [Music] [Music] [Music] Oh. [Music] The weather on the island, which we’ll come back to later, is a completely different topic. We’ll often return to the same place several times, perhaps because the conditions will be more favorable, but generally speaking, temperatures in October range between 20 and 30 degrees. For example, at the airport in Santa Cruz, due to its low elevation, it was practically always cloudless and 30 degrees. In the mountains, it varied. Many times we had temperatures around 20 degrees and fog so thick you could barely see the end of your hand. But we’ll come back to that later. I recommend checking out the Visit Azores website and the Webcoms tab. You can check where the visibility is good and go there. We used this method during our stay on each of the islands. Because there’s no point in rushing into the clouds, right? There’s a caldera there. So go. Yes, there are roses up there, but you can’t see them. Gray, drab, like Poland in winter. My friend got a little wet. Back to the trip. In the capital, near the airport, there’s a free public beach—well, a beach. A natural pool surrounded by volcanic rocks that act as natural breakwaters. There are also ladders into the water, a free changing room, and a shower to rinse off the saltwater. And most importantly, tons of fish and crabs, I mean, tons of them. Whole schools, small ones and some reaching about half a meter in length. I regret not having a snorkeling mask or at least a waterproof camera, because the fish are plentiful here. If you’re ever in this place, I highly recommend taking just such a device. Okay, time to dive in. Coco Jumbo and off we go . [Music] [Applause] [Music] And here’s some fish with an unknown name. Pargo, pargo, pargo. That was a good fish. Pargo. Pargo. Pargo. Pargo. And now it’s time for a trip to Jurassic Park, because that’s probably the only way to compare the landscapes before us. Ribeira do Ferreiro, the waterfalls we’re talking about, are located in the western part of the island. To reach them, you have to travel about half a mile. A kilometer walk through the forest. The path is very easy, with a slight elevation gain. However, you have to watch out for slippery rocks. The climate here is truly tropical. Lots of greenery, but so green, it’s almost too green. When I got there, I wondered how many people would point out that I’d exaggerated the video, that the greenery couldn’t be that green. Well, it could. Besides that, there are streams, mini waterfalls, and a terrible longness. Humidity around 80% takes its toll. After this short walk, we reach our destination. There’s plenty to admire. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] We’re now heading to the town of Faj Grande. Here, as on the entire island, it’s absolutely quiet and peaceful. The only minimal noise is from tourist cars. And such a village. And what? And no one. And no one. [Music] The town gives the false impression of being abandoned. Nearby are waterfalls over 90 meters high. We walk to one of them along a very atmospheric path. [Music] [Music] We reach the Dorsa Falls, which literally translates its name. Apparently, eels also swim there in the summer months. I also read some interesting information. Local legend has it that the water from the waterfall has healing properties and can help with back pain if you stand under its stream. With this information, I didn’t hesitate for long . However, as it turns out, after less than a month, they were lying. The water is warm and pleasant. Only the entrance can be a bit tricky. You have to be very careful of the protruding rocks and uneven ground, but it’s still worth it. Time to eat something and have a coffee. Nearby, we find an open restaurant called Barakar Baranana. Oh, and one more thing: most restaurants are open until 3:00 PM, and then from 7:00 PM. So, usually, when we were hungry, they were closing. Meanwhile, we try again to see the calderas. But again, no luck. Here we are. And apparently there’s a viewpoint there. And apparently Agnieszka is there. [Music] So what? Nice views. Well, there’s Nessi, you can see something, you can see something. We’re going home. We’re staying in a wooden cottage in Lomba. The cottage is quite high up, so we had clouds almost all the time and it was about 20 degrees. And 15 minutes away is Santa Cruz, full sun and 30 degrees. Well, the Azores. We also have nice company. Warm greetings to all the ducks, geese, and a white cat with a black mustache under his nose, who looks remarkably like a certain would-be Austrian painter. But I don’t greet the rooster. And here’s the hacienda. But it’s windy today. I mean, it’s windy today. It’s hot down there . I just swam in the Atlantic. And here’s the little room. Actually, the cottage has a kitchen, a washing machine, a refrigerator. Everything is made of wood. It smells of wood. Here’s a car, a wagon, and here’s sex with a toy. [Music] [Music] What do we have here? Shrimp, squid. Squid. There are even those little octopuses somewhere. [Music] And here’s tuna, even two. [Music] [Applause] And here’s Swordfish. Hello, ladies and gentlemen. I won’t greet you, rooster, because the crew is already eating breakfast, and we’ll make you grow later. Agnieszka is making strange noises. And this path here is rabbit country. Rabbits everywhere. Running to the left, to the right. Only those white tails are visible. For the first time since I’ve been here, I see a bit of blue up there over the mountains. Damn, maybe it’ll work. Third and final attempt to see the calderas on Flores. Later that day, we change islands again. We enter the caldera by the Isle of Man, driving along the rabbit path among the hydrangeas. And when we get there, after three days of trying, we see something. For now, there’s no fog. At least something’s coming. Well, there’s no fog. Okay, there’s a chance. I took the opportunity to check out the area from above. And here’s what it looks like. [Music] The weather’s getting nice, so there’s no point in wasting time. We’ll be at the two largest calderas, the shallow one and the deep one. And here’s what we’ll see when we get there. [Music] [Music] [ Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] Ah. [Music] As it turns out, the weather only improves as the day goes on. We immediately head to the Moro Alto and Pico Dase Nature Reserve. The wind is blowing below us too. [Music] I’m blown away. [Music] A black caldera, one of which is dry. And now I’ll be silent and show you the views here. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] H [Music] Ah. [Music] [Music] And so ends our episode on Flores. We go to the airport and fly to the largest and most popular island of the Azari. We board the plane and after a 1.5-hour flight, we arrive at Sao Miguel. We land at night, so we go to bed almost immediately. The next day we begin with a visit to a pineapple plantation, or rather, three pineapple plantations. They are located close to each other near the capital, Ponta Delgada. The city of Ponta Delgada, like in Flores, also has its own name. The names of the cities are often repeated here. Growing pineapples in the Azores is a process that requires time, patience, and experience. From planting to harvest, 18 to 24 months pass. The entire process is carried out using traditional methods without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides. This natural cultivation method is what gives them their exceptional sweetness. A unique technique involving the use of greenhouse fumigation also plays a significant role , naturally accelerating the ripening of the pineapples. It’s also worth noting that the Azorean pineapple is the only pineapple in the world grown in greenhouses rather than in the open field. Although Azorean pineapples are smaller than those found in supermarkets, they are distinguished by their intense aroma and deep sweetness. They have a darker skin and exceptionally juicy flesh. It’s no wonder that tourists visiting the islands often emphasize how different this fruit is from pineapples found elsewhere in the world. On site, you can buy pineapple juice, pineapple beer, honey, jams, even pineapple cosmetics, and, of course, pineapple itself. So, what did you buy on your trip? A pineapple. Naturally grown in Portugal. This crap costs €9. I’ll eat it. I’ll eat it. And here’s what the growing cycle of such a man looks like. A pineapple after six months. After 12 months. After 540 days, it apparently turns into a bucket. After 630 days, it looks like this, [Music] and after 730, it’s ready to eat. Since the weather today isn’t cooperating anyway, we decide to explore the area. This is Ponta Delgada. It was born out of necessity. When a massive earthquake in 1522 nearly wiped out the island’s former capital, the administrative center of São Miguel was moved here . This earthquake was one of the most tragic disasters in the history of the Azores. And the Azores, as I didn’t mention earlier, are regularly hit by earthquakes and cyclones. In 1546, the settlement was granted city rights and has been developing ever since. Today, Ponta Delgada is not only the largest city in the Azores but also their cultural capital. The urban space is filled with a black-and-white mosaic of volcanic stone. The characteristic blue tiles are once again visible at every turn. I don’t know what it is. A nest or something? A bit large. What in the name of a pterodactyl is that? There’s also a quite pleasant park in the center of town, where ducks, chickens, and a flock of roosters roam. Such a wooded place is a good place to relax. However, in all honesty, we didn’t spend much time in the capital. We didn’t come here to wander around the city, even in this mountainous climate. We want more contact with nature. [Music] [Music] [Music] We try our luck and head towards Saiguel’s biggest attraction, the Caldera near the town of Sete Citades. But first, we stop at the famous viewpoint called Inferno. To reach the viewpoint, you have to walk about a kilometer from the parking lot. As is typical in the Azores, even in such a popular yet inaccessible place, there are free toilets and free parking. Along the way, we pass a small lake, and once again, the surrounding greenery is green to the touch. [Music] [Music] After a short walk, we reach the viewpoint. It just so happens that we’re right under the clouds. The temperature has dropped significantly, but the view is spectacular. [Music] [Applause] [Music ] [Music] [Applause] Below, we see the two largest lakes filling the craters. The blue Lagoa Azul and the green Lagoa Verde, separated by a narrow isthmus inside the enormous crater. At the bottom of the crater lies the aforementioned small town of Sete Citades, inhabited by about 700 people. Nearby, there’s also an abandoned hotel. However, we skip this attraction somewhat unwittingly. We need something to eat, so we descend. Once again, the road around the caldera is flanked by two walls of hortensia. In the setades itself, there’s a well-known restaurant where you can eat all you want for €18. However, the lines were so long that we headed to the seaside town of Mostiros. And besides, eat from the buffet. My honor won’t allow me. This is a real mess. How many shrimp? Shrimp. Huge shrimp. After the meal, we set off in search of a beach with natural hot springs. Upon arrival, it turns out these are the wrong springs and the wrong beach. But we explore the beach anyway, and it was worth it. The volcanic landscapes resemble an Icelandic black sand beach, only warmer. Where are the puffins, I ask? [Music] The natural hot springs mentioned are located in the town of Ginetes. About a 20-minute drive south. There, we find a parking lot and a large, steep slope. Apparently , there’s also a parking lot at the very bottom . However, the road to it was closed now, meaning a kilometer-long walk. We’re going to the hot springs, meaning right in the water. We’ll see. Agnieszka optimistically went to change without checking. Of course, we have a free toilet and changing room on site. However , it turned out that getting into this natural pool wouldn’t be so easy. Firstly , because of the rocky access, so barefoot swimming might be a bit tricky, and secondly, because of the high waves we had today. That would explain why everyone was watching and no one was getting in. But that’s not why we came here. We managed to get wet, but it wasn’t exactly warm. Maybe a little warmer, but the waves were thick, you had to hold on, and no one was getting in at all, except me, being stupid. A few more people got in, but it wasn’t crowded. Well, there are, but not inside. Aga lets it go. I’m quite the opposite. There’s also a rope by the ladder, which is better tied around. And the waves are really strong. I basically just dive in without letting go of the ladders and rope. And back again. So we’ll have a little more fun. [Applause] [Music] Hey. [Music] After returning up the hill in this temperature, we’re completely wiped out. So, back home and the end of the trip for today. [Music] The next day’s destination is Terranostra Park in Furnas. Before we get there, however, we stop in a charming town called Franca, from where we can admire a characteristic islet with a pond in the center, about 150 meters in diameter. It’s about half a kilometer from the coast. You can swim there, but you can also fly. [Music] We continue towards Furnas, passing the Lagoon along the way. A body of water about 2 kilometers long. On the northern shore of the lake are hot springs, which reach temperatures ranging from 66 to almost 100 degrees Celsius in some places. It’s thanks to these geothermal phenomena that the traditional Furnas kozidas can be cooked. A dish in which ingredients such as meat and vegetables are baked using the earth’s natural heat. But we’ll return to this topic later. We reached the town of Furnas and the Terranostra Garden. The climate here is truly tropical. It’s not terribly hot, around 22 degrees Celsius, but the humidity is killing us. We’re so bright that we don’t need any glare. Entrance to the park costs €17. Inside, there’s a large botanical garden, covering approximately 12.5 hectares, containing a vast collection of exotic plants, over 600 species in total. There’s also a swimming pool. Geothermal water with a constant temperature of around 37 degrees. It’s rich in iron and minerals, which give the water a characteristic brownish, orange tint, so black in orange looks delicious. Okay. Yes. 38, but they weren’t afraid of colostrum. As I thought, colostrum. We also have natural pools with jacuzzis here, where the temperature exceeds 45 degrees. By the way, this is the first time I’ve seen a cold-water shower in a pool. Cooling off in the water. A 30-minute soak in this water and jacuzzi sucked the last of our life out of us. It must be a really cool attraction, but in winter. Nevertheless, we did the swim. Agnieszka is happy to finally get in the water, but I prefer the Atlantic temperature there. However, the pools are only part of the park. We head into the forest. [Music] [Applause] [Music] After the tour, it’s time for lunch, so we drive 5 minutes further to the geothermal fields. It reminds us of Iceland again, only warm. It even smells similar. Sulphur. Wonderful aromas. It is here, in these fields, that kozidodas furnas is prepared, a traditional Aztec stew prepared in a natural geothermal spring. The pot is dug into the hot earth in special holes, in an area where fumaroles and geothermal springs reach temperatures of up to 100 degrees Celsius. The dish is slowly cooked underground , using only the earth’s warm interior, and the cooking time is 6 to 7 hours. The dish consists mainly of meats such as beef, pork, chicken, sausage, blood sausage, and vegetables such as potatoes, cabbage, carrots, sweet potatoes, and cobblestones. And here’s kozo. Made in the earth. Volcanic. I wonder what it will smell like. Zesz, just soft. No, there’s cabbage too. Well, there’s some cabbage, but it has to be in cabbage. But the next day I’m starting with a big one, because I’m going canyoning. Canyoning involves moving down a river or stream flowing through a canyon, jumping, rappelling , swimming, climbing, and rappelling down rocks and waterfalls. At 9:00 a.m., I check into Ribeirados Caldeiros Park, where, along with the lovely tour organizers from Fun Activities, I don wet socks, water shoes, a wetsuit, a helmet, and a harness. First, we’re on a 20-minute hike up a waterfall through what’s literally BZ. The path is so narrow and overgrown that apparently, if you don’t go there for a week, you have to clear it all again. Once you get there, it’s time to descend. But by river. So off we go. [Music] [Music] And here’s an optional waterfall. Luckily, the guide knows a bit of Polish. As you can see, negotiations are underway. And after the party, it’s a blast. Three hours in the river, but the wetsuits held up; it wasn’t that cold. At that last waterfall, it was like that. I was a bit hesitant before buying the tour, but as it turns out, I needn’t have. It lasted three hours and cost €75. Not cheap, but totally worth it. Interestingly, you don’t need to know how to swim, as the wetsuits are incredibly buoyant, and you can also wear glasses. Contact lenses are not allowed, though. And here’s a flower that you can peel here. It’s green. Once you peel it, there’s a cork at the end, you have to bite it off, and you can drink, because it’s like honey inside. The location itself is also worth visiting. A very atmospheric spot with many waterfalls, mills, benches, and a picnic area. [Music] H [Music] Our next destination is one of the tea plantations. The climatic conditions on the northern slopes of the island, along with the humidity, lack of frost, and acidic volcanic soil, are conducive to tea cultivation. We visited the Gorena Tea Plantation. You can enter the factory and drink a decoction made from the local leaves completely free of charge. Founded in 1883, it is the oldest still-operating tea factory in Europe. It has been managed by the same family for five generations. The plantation covers approximately 32 hectares, and the annual production is approximately 33 to 40 tons of green and black tea. [Music] On the opposite side of the street is the largest part of the plantation, which at first glance resembles green waves frozen in motion. These hillside plantations are Crucial not only for aesthetics, but also for the tea. The terrain allows for natural drainage, and exposure to sea breezes and mountain air creates a microclimate in which the tea grows slowly, acquiring a deep, distinctive flavor. There are no large machines here to disturb the soil. Harvesting is often done by hand. Workers navigate the paths between the rows, picking only the young, tender leaves. Every centimeter of this green mosaic is the result of hundreds of hours of work, care, and patience. [Applause] What huge chestnuts look like a blanket. Hungry. This is my favorite sea fish, a fillet. Here’s an octopus. Okay. Octopusi. For now, the octopusi sauce is very long. [Music] We’re going somewhere, we can see something. Lagoa do Fogo is our next destination, and it’s a crater lake inside the volcanic massif called Agua Depau. It’s estimated that this lake was formed around 15,000 years ago, and the last collapse of its walls occurred around 5,000 years ago. The lake lies over 500 meters above sea level, and of course, we’re mostly covered in clouds, waiting a few minutes for the clearing to finally arrive. I thought, hmm, we’re kind of in the clouds. I’ll launch the drone and fly down to get a better picture. After taking off, it quickly became clear that this was a restricted flight zone, and the drone automatically entered immediate landing mode, so we had to return as quickly as possible. I managed to record just one shot from above. [Music] Ah. [Music] [Music] [Applause] On our last day, we traveled to the west of the island. For example, we passed through the atmospheric town of Nordeste. Here, among other things, we find the Seven Arches Bridge, built in 1883, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the commune and its symbol. [Music] A little further on, we reach the Arnel lighthouse. A very steep descent leads to it, with an inclination of about 35 degrees. There’s supposedly a road down, but there’s also a warning sign telling us not to drive down there. So we leave the car at the top and go down. We quickly discover why it’s best not to drive down here. It’s incredibly steep. Some daredevil drove up here. Oh, and I can hear it now. Oh, I lost it. Oh my. I was just pushing that other car to get it moving. And now for a few views. [Music] Heh. [Music] The next stop is the Ponta Sossego viewpoint. A beautiful park and beautiful views. And the clouds have rolled in again. Literally. Then we stop for lunch in the town of Powołaakao, which literally means village or settlement. Powołakao was the first place where the Portuguese colonizers of the island arrived and settled, back in the 10th century, around 1432 . According to legend, sailors landed here. They tested the safety of the area by tying a goat to a tree. If it survived the night, it meant the place would be suitable for habitation. That’s why the goat is the city’s symbol. Today’s papu, beef with eggs, fries , and rice. [Music] Grilled swordfish with dancing vegetables. Show the world your cheese. Along with Tabasco or something. I bet it’s Tabasco. On the way, we stop briefly at Fogo Beach. It’s worth cooling off in the water, at least for a moment. The beach itself is in a bay surrounded by green cliffs and slopes. It takes a bit of a detour to get here. Of course, there are also amenities available , like parking, restrooms, and showers. Free of charge, of course. [Music] Well, I’m washed up and definitely not rich anymore. We’re nearing the end of the trip. On the way, we try to see the Kongro Lagoon, but the weather is what it is. [Music] Our final destination is the diocesan sanctuary of Our Lady, located in France. The first chapel on this site was likely built in the 15th century, and the current structure was erected in 1764 and rises to a height of approximately 200 meters above sea level. Along the path leading to the sanctuary, there is a distinctive staircase of 100 steps arranged in a zigzag pattern with 10 Stops related to the mysteries of the rosary. From here, you can see the southern part of Sao Miguel. And here’s a view of Franca, because this city is that city. [Music] And so our extraordinary 11-day trip to the Azores came to an end. First, we visited the vibrant city of Porto. Then we moved on to Terceira Island, where we actually had time to have dinner and see a bit of the city. Next, we visited Flores, a true pearl of the Azores with extraordinary wildlife, waterfalls, and pristine greenery. And finally, we reached Sa Miguel, the largest of the islands, where we could admire spectacular landscapes, hot springs, and picturesque lakes that will long remain in our memories. During these 11 days, we took a total of six flights. Thank you for joining us on this extraordinary journey. I hope this video didn’t bore you and that you too will decide to visit the Azores someday. This is a place that truly enchants. Well, see you on our next trips. Bye. Ah.

✈️ W tym vlogu zabieramy Was w podróż po Portugalii – lecimy na magiczne Azory i do przepięknego Porto!
Zobaczycie najpiękniejsze miejsca, lokalne jedzenie, widoki zapierające dech w piersiach i kilka przygód, które nas tam spotkały.

🌍 Jeśli planujecie wakacje w Portugalii, szukacie inspiracji, co zobaczyć na Azorach i w Porto, ten film jest dla Was!

📍 Miejsca, które odwiedziliśmy:

Ribeira, Porto

Terceira (Azory)

Flores (Azory)

Sao Miguel (Azory)

💬 Dajcie znać w komentarzu, czy byliście już w Portugalii i gdzie warto pojechać następnym razem!

👉 Subskrybuj kanał, jeśli lubicie vlogi z podróży: www.youtube.com/@TheWorldInAFrame66

#VlogZPodróży #Portugalia #Azory #Porto #Podróże #Flores #SaoMiguel #Terceira