Islands of the Azores, Crossing the Path of the Solar Eclipse

Originally a fortified island, the walled city of St Malo is located at the mouth of the River Rance on the Brittany coast, and is now connected to the mainland by a ‘Sillon’ causeway. The walls were mainly rebuilt after the Second World War. The town is famous for its links with the seafarer Jacques Cartier, who set out from here to discover the New World in Canada, and who is buried in the Cathedral in Saint Malo.

Brest has a Celtic maritime history stretching back to medieval times, and today Brittany’s cultural identity is still as strong, often expressed through their customs and folklore, such as playing the bagpipes (known as biniou or cornemuse). Significant landmarks here include Pont de Recouvrance, a huge vertical-lift bridge, which allows ships to sail along the River Penfeld; and the unique Océanopolis marine centre – home to 120 marine mammal species and a thousand different types of fish.

In April 2024, a full Solar Eclipse will be visible when it passes from the Pacific to the Atlantic oceans, with the peak point located over mainland Mexico and the United States, as it moves Northeast across the country. As the duration of the full eclipse increases to its peak point, it then progresses along a path, with an ever decreasing duration thereafter, until this path ends in the North Atlantic, where it then becomes only partially visible.

The Azores are located on three tectonic plates – the Eurasian, African and North American. Volcanic activity in the area led to the creation of these islands, and Terceira sits on a geological structure called the Terceira Rift. Praia da Vitoria has a magnificent natural harbour which served as a port of call for fleets sailing to Africa and the Indies. The beaches here are mainly dark, with volcanic sand and very little waves, making them popular with locals and visitors alike.

The main town and capital of the island of São Miguel, Ponta Delgada has a history stretching back 500 years, showing its importance as a key trading post between Europe and the Americas. The cobbled streets and colourful houses are undeniably Portuguese, and are a perfect blend of historic and modern buildings. The island is home to many plantations, including tea and also pineapples, introduced to the Azores around 100 years ago, and said to be sweeter than any other kind in the world.

As the most southerly of the Azores’ nine volcanic islands, Santa Maria is also the sunniest, warmest and most arid, earning itself the nickname ‘Sunshine Island’, which is particularly evident when the sun rises and sets over the island. Its landscapes are much drier and the green hues of the forest valleys, peaks and dramatic cliffs are lighter compared to those of the other eight islands in the archipelago. Known for its white sandy beaches and rock pools, the still-working Gonçalo Velho Lighthouse can be spotted from the sea.

Madeira’s highest sea cliff, Cabo Girao, seems to loom high over the village of Câmara de Lobos. It is the second tallest sea cliff in the world and was created by extensive volcanic activity in this part of the Atlantic Ocean. Translated as Cape of Return, Sea Captain João Gonçalves Zarco is said to have turned his ship around here in the 15th century, as the cliff was so intimidating, he deemed it must be a place of demons and beasts.

Famous for its outstanding natural beauty, the Atlantic island of Madeira is known as the ‘floating garden’, with its array of subtropical flowers and plants – grown from the bulbs and seeds of the British merchants who came to the island after making their fortune from selling Madeiran wine. Produced since the 17th century, Madeira Wine’s historical and maritime links make for fascinating reading, of course accompanied by a glass or two of the ‘liquid history’, as described by Winston Churchill.

A short journey from Leixões takes you into the heart of Oporto, with its fortress-like Cathedral – offering stunning views across the city, and the Baroque Church of Clérigos. Head to the historic Ribeira District, where the narrow, cobbled lanes wind their way down to the Douro River, or visit one of the many wine cellars for a taste of the rich and smooth fortified wine named after the city, Port.