Azores: A Driving Adventure Across the Atlantic Island (Lighthouses + Unmarked Roads)

Lighthouses + Unmarked Roads

The Azores not only has some of the most stunning vegetation that I've ever witnessed, but it also carries a history of unique lighthouses. Since it is situated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, lighthouses are essential to the islands. My favorite lighthouse adventure was when we visited the Arnel Lighthouse. Situated on the eastern part of the island, constructed in 1876, it was the first lighthouse installed in the Azores.

Though it appeared as if it would be simple to get to, the roads are quite steep and your safest option is to park at the top of the hill and hike down. My sister and I began our hike, thinking it would only take 30-minutes or so. Well, we were incorrect. Spanning a couple of miles, between its steepness and twists and turns, it was a challenging venture. Once we reached the lighthouse, we noticed how the road continued all the way down to the sea. And so, we walked. When we reached the bottom, it was astounding--loud crashing waves, the smell of the salt, the sounds of the fishing community. As I turned around to gaze at the strenuous hike ahead, I found myself longing for a funicular to take me effortlessly back up to the top. But since I didn't have a choice in the matter, I started to climb. Many minutes later, I reached the top. My sister was sitting by the car anxiously ready to continue our adventure. I only wanted to drink water and catch my breath. I felt exhausted and yet invigorated. I had climbed what the lighthouse keeper climbed on a daily basis. My sister and I both agreed that we deserved a hearty dinner. And so we journeyed onward to a local restaurant. After getting my fill of fish and chips, I hopped back in the car. As the sun set, the night sky turned as black as coffee. The stars started to come out and appeared as diamonds on a velvet blanket. As we were returning back to our hotel, a sense of adventure came over me. I wanted to explore and grab hold of more of the day.

And so, I took a turn down an unmarked road. As we traveled down the road, it got steeper and steeper. My sister begged me to turn around, but I was determined to reach the bottom. Our map had indicated that there was a swimming hole in the sea that was roped off. How fun it must be to take a night swim! Well, we reached the bottom and all the public lights had been turned off. It wasn't safe for us to swim. But we laid on the hood of the car and gazed up at the nighttime sky--in awe of the stars above us. The unmarked road had a hidden gem at the end of it and I was fortunate enough to be its witness.