Azores. The green wonder of Atlantic.

The script introduces the Azores, a remote and green archipelago with a unique climate and scenery. Situated in the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores are geographically distant from Europe and Canada, making them difficult to locate on a map. Despite not being the most remote islands, they are home to 250,000 people with well-developed infrastructure supported by tourism. The video promises a historical journey, starting with the first European settlers and moving through to the Azores' autonomy in 1976. The narrator highlights the distinct culture and climate, which differs from mainland Portugal, and sets out to explore the islands' pleasant winter conditions.

This paragraph details the exploration of Sao Miguel, the largest island in the Azores. The narrator discusses the practicalities of renting a car during low season and the limited options for automatic transmission. The exploration begins in the city of Ponta Delgada, the island's capital, and continues through scenic roads and parks. The island's nickname, 'Green Island,' is highlighted through its lush greenery and forests, which are attributed to the climate and mountainous terrain. The narrator also touches on the island's biodiversity, mentioning the European Union's bio reserve and the variety of endemic species found only in the Azores.

The narrator delves into the biodiversity of the Azores, emphasizing the abundance of endemic plants and animals unique to the islands. The presence of a daylight-hunting bat and the Azores bullfinch are mentioned as examples of the islands' endemic wildlife. The absence of mosquitoes and venomous animals is noted, alongside the ecological efforts to protect the islands' flora from mainland epidemics. The Azores are depicted as a haven for various plant species, including a relic forest and imported trees, contributing to the islands' status as one of the most eco-friendly places on Earth.

The script describes a visit to the Monte Palace, a deserted hotel that once offered luxury accommodations but closed due to low turnout. Despite its abandonment, the hotel has become a tourist attraction, offering stunning views from its balconies. The narrator speculates about the potential for the hotel to be revitalized by Chinese investors, given the growing tourist flow to the Azores, and highlights the main attraction of the island, a lake in a volcanic crater, visible only from the sky.

Volcanoes play a significant role in shaping the Azores, as the narrator explains. The islands are built on volcanic activity, which has created unique landscapes and benefits for the locals, such as geothermal power and hot springs. The city of Sete Cidades, built within a volcanic crater, is featured, along with its 400-meter deep and 5-kilometer diameter lake. The volcanoes' influence on the soil fertility is also discussed, contributing to the islands' agricultural success, particularly in pineapple cultivation and the only tea plantation in Europe.

The narrator expresses surprise at the beauty of Sao Miguel's parks, which are described as serene and filled with an abundance of flora. Terra Nostra, a park with a thermal pool and numerous hot springs, is highlighted for its tranquility and natural beauty. The island's viewpoints are also praised for their scenic beauty, offering stunning ocean views and well-equipped facilities for visitors. The town of Nordeste and its lighthouse mark the eastern edge of the island, symbolizing the end of the journey through Sao Miguel.

The script shifts to Faial Island and its capital, Horta, known for its protected bay and marina, a crucial refueling point for transatlantic flights in the mid-20th century. Today, it is a popular spot for yachtsmen, with a unique tradition of leaving drawings to commemorate their visit. Peter's Cafe Sport, a historic establishment with a scrimshaw museum, is also featured, showcasing the island's rich maritime history and the local customs that have developed around it.

The narrator explores Fayal Island, noting its compact size and the advantage of easy travel between locations. The island's volcanic past is evident in the landscape, with a caldera and a hiking trail around the crater. Despite the weather challenges, the narrator is fortunate to witness the peak of Pico Island, a dormant volcano. The island's history includes a significant eruption that reshaped its geography and led to a population exodus, creating a large Azorean community in the U.S.

Pico Island is introduced as a place of unique agricultural practices, with grapevines protected by UNESCO. The island's landscape, initially appearing desolate, is revealed to be a tapestry of greenery and color. The narrator visits a winery that once supplied wine to the Russian tsar family, tasting a rare and expensive wine produced through natural fermentation. The island's tranquility and natural beauty make it a favorite among the Azores.

The final paragraph takes the viewer to Flores Island, the westernmost and one of the smallest in the archipelago. With a population of only 3,700, the island offers a secluded and untouched experience. The main attraction, Ribeira de Ferrero, is a cascade of waterfalls accessible through a stone-paved trail. The narrator reflects on the island's beauty and the tranquility of exploring its nature in the off-season, despite the unpredictable weather.

The script concludes with the narrator's departure from the Azores, reflecting on the trip at the Lisbon airport. Despite the weather challenges and not being able to visit all the islands, the experience was rewarding. The Azores' greenery, beauty, and tranquility left a lasting impression, and the narrator expresses a desire to return and explore the remaining islands, encouraging others to seek out their own hidden gems.