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    Azores

    -> January 13, 2026

    Azores
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    Rising dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores are one of Europe’s most extraordinary archipelagos. This autonomous Portuguese region consists of nine volcanic islands spread across vast stretches of ocean, offering crater lakes, lava caves, hot springs, dramatic cliffs, and some of the best whale watching on Earth. Remote yet accessible, wild yet welcoming, the Azores are ideal for travellers seeking nature, authenticity, and adventure.

     

    Understanding the Azores: Geography, History, and Atmosphere

    The Azores sit roughly halfway between mainland Portugal and North America, shaping both their landscape and identity.

    • Volcanic origin responsible for calderas, lava tubes, and geothermal activity

    • Mild Atlantic climate with lush green scenery year-round

    • Strong maritime traditions rooted in fishing, whaling history, and navigation

  1. Slower pace of life with a focus on nature, sustainability, and community

  2. Each island has its own character, traditions, and landscapes

  3. Together, the islands form a destination unlike anywhere else in Europe. We’ve collected the best things to see and do on the archipelago to make sure your trip is an unforgettable xperience.

     

    1. São Miguel: The Green Island

    Image with caption

    Lagoa de Sete Cidades is just one of several crater lakes across São Miguel

    São Miguel is the largest and most diverse island, often considered the gateway to the Azores.

    • Home to Gorreana Tea Plantation, the only tea plantation in Europe, operating since the 19th century

    • Rolling green tea fields open to visitors with free self-guided walks

    • Famous for Cozido das Furnas, a traditional stew slow-cooked underground using volcanic heat

    • Opportunity to soak in natural hot springs such as Furnas, Terra Nostra, and Poça da Dona Beija

    • Crater lakes like Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo offer iconic Azorean scenery

    São Miguel perfectly combines food, geothermal wonders, and dramatic landscapes.

     

    2. Terceira: Volcanoes and History

    Image with caption

    Explore Angra do Heroísmo, the most beautiful city in the Azores

    Terceira blends geological wonders with one of the Azores’ most important historic cities.

    • Explore dormant volcanoes and dramatic volcanic terrain

    • Descend underground into lava formations such as Gruta do Natal

    • Visit Algar do Carvão, a rare volcanic chimney open to the public

    • Discover Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage city

    • Once served briefly as Portugal’s capital during the 16th century

    • Elegant streets, fortifications, and churches reflect its global maritime importance

    • On the north coast, trenches and fortifications built to prepare for a possible invasion in the Second World War, known as trincheiras, are free to visit

    Terceira offers both subterranean adventure and cultural depth.

     

    3. Faial: Volcanoes, Sailors, and Atlantic Culture

    Image with caption

    Horta Marina is known for its colourful murals

    Faial is known as the meeting point of the Atlantic, especially for sailors.

    • Visit the dramatic Faial Caldera, a vast volcanic crater at the island’s centre

    • Learn about eruptions and geology at the Volcano Museum

    • Explore Horta Marina, famous for its painted murals by sailors from around the world

    • Ranked among the most colourful marinas globally and one of the busiest in the Atlantic

    • Relax in natural settings and enjoy coastal viewpoints shaped by volcanic activity

    Faial’s atmosphere blends adventure, science, and global maritime culture.

     

    4. Pico: Mountains, Wine, and Whales

    Image with caption

    The slopes of Mount Pico, a dormant volcano, provide unique conditions for wine-growing

    Pico is dominated by the tallest mountain in Portugal and a UNESCO-listed wine landscape.

    • Mount Pico rises 2,351 metres, making it twice as tall as any other Portuguese mountain

    • Guided climbs offer sunrise views across neighbouring islands

    • Explore unique volcanic vineyards, built from black lava stone

    • Enjoy wine tastings of Verdelho grown in extreme conditions

    • Pico is also one of the best islands for whale watching

    This island is raw, powerful, and deeply connected to nature.

     

    5. São Jorge: Dramatic Cliffs and Local Flavours

    Long, narrow, and rugged, São Jorge is famous for its dramatic geography and food traditions.

    • Home to steep cliffs and fertile coastal plains known as fajãs

    • Renowned São Jorge cheese, aged and intensely flavoured

    • Local specialities include canned tuna and Espécie, a traditional sweet cake

    • Hiking trails run through picture-postcard peaks and remote villages

    • Less developed tourism offers a truly authentic island experience

    São Jorge is ideal for hikers and food lovers alike.

     

    6. Flores and Corvo: The Wildest Azores

    Image with caption

    The giant Caldeirão dominates Corvo, the smallest of the Azorean islands

    The westernmost islands are the most remote and untouched.

    • Flores is known for waterfalls, lush valleys, and volcanic lakes

    • Swim in natural pools formed by lava along the coastline

    • Ideal for nature photography and quiet exploration

    • Corvo, the smallest island, features a massive central caldera dominating the landscape

    • Walking the caldera rim offers views into a volcanic amphitheatre unlike any other

    • Limited population creates a deeply personal travel experience

    These islands showcase the Azores at their most pristine.

     

    7. Whale Watching: One of the Best Places on Earth

    Image with caption

    The Azores provide some of the best whale-watching conditions anywhere in the world

    The Azores sit on major whale migration routes, making sightings frequent and diverse.

    • One of the world’s top whale-watching destinations

    • Sightings include sperm whales, blue whales, fin whales, and dolphins

    • Tours operate from several islands, including São Miguel, Pico, and Faial

    • Marine biologists often accompany expeditions

    • Responsible tourism practices are strongly enforced

    Few places offer such consistent and ethical marine encounters.

     

    Getting to the Azores

    Despite their remote location, the Azores are well connected.

    • Direct flights from Lisbon and Porto to multiple islands

    • Increasing number of direct international flights from Europe and North America

    • Main entry points include São Miguel (Ponta Delgada) and Terceira (Lajes)

    • Flights between islands are frequent and relatively short

    Reaching the Azores is far easier than their isolation suggests, and as the islands are a part of Portugal, no additional visas or border are involved.

     

    Getting Around the Azores

    Each island requires a slightly different approach to transport.

    • Car hire is the most flexible option on larger islands

    • Local buses operate but may be limited in frequency

    • Inter-island travel by short flights or ferries (seasonal)

    • Roads are well maintained but winding and scenic

    Planning transport in advance enhances the experience.

     

    Food, Shopping, and Island Life

    Azorean cuisine is simple, fresh, and deeply local.

    • Heavy focus on seafood, beef, dairy, and volcanic cooking methods

    • Specialities include lapas, tuna steaks, cozido, cheeses, and sweet breads

    • Small local shops sell handicrafts, ceramics, and food products

    • Nightlife is low-key, centred on cafés, bars, and local festivals

    • Entertainment often revolves around nature, food, and community events

    The islands prioritise quality of life over mass tourism.

     

    Why Visit the Azores?

    The Azores offer something increasingly rare in Europe.

    • Untouched landscapes shaped by volcanoes and ocean

    • Authentic island cultures and traditions

    • Outdoor adventure without crowds

    • Wildlife encounters found in few other places

    • A sense of discovery that feels genuinely unique

    The Azores are not about ticking off landmarks: they’re about immersion, nature, and awe. These islands remind visitors that Europe still has frontiers left to explore, and this archipelago, green, wild, and rising from the raw Atlantic, is the furthest frontier of them all.


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