This volcanic island is about 4,000 years old and today it’s one of the largest tourist attractions in Portugal. The island’s interior hides an almost perfectly circular natural lake (crater of a submerged volcano) that connects it with the Atlantic Ocean through a narrow passage.
Thanks to the rich flora and fauna that surround the island, it is classified as a nature reserve and it’s highly protected by the state.
This island got the attention it deserves when the first World Rock Climbing Championships took place here. The 20-meters high cliff was the deciding point for tourists all over the world to start coming and appreciate the heaven on earth that is this place.
Other than diving, you can see many different species of birds on the island, and the undersea world is one of the richest and rarest on this planet.
From July to September you can also go on a boat tour around the island and its surroundings for less than 10 euros. Heaven on earth indeed.
