Azores
The Azores are what happens when volcanic islands covered in lush green vegetation sit in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean for millions of years without anyone really noticing. These nine Portuguese islands are one of the last great undiscovered destinations in Europe: dramatic crater lakes in shades of emerald and sapphire, hot springs heated by volcanic activity, hydrangea lined roads cutting through rolling pastureland, and whale watching that rivals anywhere on the planet. And the best part? They are just five hours from the US East Coast, closer than any point in mainland Europe.
The Azores have been gaining attention in recent years as travelers discover what nature enthusiasts and surf communities have known for decades: this is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled island groups in the Atlantic, with affordable prices, excellent hiking, and a food culture built around fresh dairy, seafood, and volcanic slow cooked stews.
Where to Go
Sao Miguel is the largest and most visited island and an excellent introduction. Sete Cidades, a twin lake of blue and green water inside a massive volcanic crater, is the island’s most iconic sight. Furnas, in the eastern part of the island, has bubbling hot springs, a geothermal cooking area where the traditional cozido das Furnas stew is slow cooked underground, and the Terra Nostra botanical garden with a naturally heated iron rich swimming pool.
Whale watching from Sao Miguel, Faial, or Pico is world class. Over 20 species of cetaceans pass through Azorean waters, including sperm whales (resident year round), blue whales, fin whales, and several dolphin species. The volcanic underwater topography creates upwellings of nutrients that attract marine life in extraordinary abundance.
Pico Island is dominated by Mount Pico, the highest point in Portugal at 7,713 feet. The summit hike is challenging but rewarding, with views across the ocean to neighboring islands. Pico’s UNESCO listed vineyard landscape, where grapevines grow in stone corrals built to protect them from Atlantic winds, is unique in the world.
Flores, the westernmost island, is the most remote and arguably the most beautiful, with cascading waterfalls, deep green valleys, and a population of fewer than 4,000 people. It is the Azores at their most pristine.
Where to Stay
Octant Furnas on Sao Miguel is a boutique hotel with its own thermal pools and a peaceful garden setting. White Exclusive Suites and Villas in Ponta Delgada offers contemporary design on the waterfront. Azor Hotel is the most modern full service hotel on Sao Miguel with excellent dining. On smaller islands, charming guesthouses and converted manor houses provide intimate stays. Aldeia da Cuada on Flores is a restored village turned eco lodge that is one of the most unique stays in the Azores.
Let Us Plan Your Azores Trip
The Azores are one of the best value destinations accessible from the US East Coast, and they are still relatively unknown. We will help you choose which islands to visit, arrange inter island flights, and build an itinerary that captures the volcanic landscapes, the marine wildlife, and the peaceful rhythm of island life that makes the Azores so special.
