A Leafy Legacy: Tea Fields of Gorreana

Welcome to the first stop in our journey experiencing the stunning Azores. Today, we invite you on a journey to the Gorreana Tea Plantation, a slice of tranquility steeped in history and natural beauty.

The Gorreana Tea Plantation is the oldest tea plantation in Europe and has been in operation since 1883. The plantation produces black and green tea, grown without the use of herbicides, fungicides, or pesticides due to the island's unique climate that doesn't support the survival of common tea pests. This natural approach to tea cultivation results in a truly organic product.

During your visit, you'll find that the plantation isn't crowded, making it a serene place to explore. There is a free tea tasting on offer inside the plantation's facility, where you can sample the delicately crafted green and black teas. We recommend trying both to appreciate the full range of flavors.

For a sweet treat, visit the pastry section and enjoy some snacks alongside your freshly brewed tea. The pastries are a perfect complement to the nuanced flavors of the tea.

The journey from the port to the plantation is a feast for the senses. As you drive through the mountains, you'll be reminded of the lush greenery of the Pacific Northwest. When you reach the other side of the island, the scenery transforms into a tropical paradise, reminiscent of Hawaii.

For your day trip to the plantation, we recommend bringing a rain and windproof jacket, a pair of touch-screen friendly gloves, a couple of thin sweaters, a hoodie or fleece, jeans, hiking boots or sneakers, and a pair of flip flops or sandals for warmer days. Don't forget a dark colored bathing suit for a dip in the hot springs and a travel towel. Other essentials include sunscreen, hand sanitizer, Kleenex packets, a solid shampoo bar, face wipes, menstrual supplies if applicable, deodorant, travel-sized liquid toiletries, a razor, and lip balm with SPF. This list ensures you'll be prepared for a day of exploring and enjoying the Azores.

Join us as we embark on this exciting series, exploring the Azores one extraordinary destination at a time. Stay tuned for our next stop on this stunning archipelago!