Close to midway between Europe and Canada, a cluster of tussled, rugged, lush, and windswept isles type Portugal’s far-flung Eden-like archipelago – the Azores. Piercing the Atlantic Ocean, these 9 volcanic-yet-verdant specks showcase a few of mom nature’s most interesting work, and one of the best issues to do within the Azores are as adrenaline-pumping as they’re effortlessly soothing.
Lengthy a port of name for these crusing – and smuggling – between the 2 continents, the archipelago has been scripting seafaring tales for hundreds of years. Extra lately, nonetheless, the isles have turn into an in-the-know sanctuary from the fashionable world – one thing I can testify to since I made Portugal my house.
This can be a world the place whales and dolphins dance in uninterrupted waters, geysers and geothermal exercise tease from the underworld, sizzling springs alleviate, rhododendron-lined trails lure, and epic hikes to lofty peaks elate. Panoramic from all angles, patchworks of pastures spill down mountainsides in the direction of the ocean, sometimes interrupted by charcoal-hued vineyards, basalt stone church buildings, and whitewashed rural villages. The Azores don’t warrant any Hawaii comparisons; they greater than stand on their very own 9 toes.
So whether or not you need to stroll by way of lava tubes, ascend to the highest of Portugal’s highest peak, or recharge in an eco-resort after browsing the Atlantic’s snarling swell, these prime ten issues to do within the Azores will depart you underneath the archipelago’s spell.
100% sure. The Azores’ rugged and mystical attraction, unimaginable pure sights – resembling volcanic craters and geothermal exercise – and the possibility to identify dolphins and whales are simply the tip of the iceberg. Due to the island’s distant location, they’ve remained pristine, and the Azores are usually not solely the proper journey vacation spot but in addition ultimate as a get-away-from-it-all retreat.
Should you solely need to go to São Miguel, you may ‘tick off’ the primary issues to do within the Azores in three days, because the island is compact and simple to get round. I consider that The Azores deserve not less than every week so you may ‘change off’ and admire the laid-back landscapes. If you wish to hop between all the islands, then enable not less than a fortnight and when you plan to journey between a number of islands, enable spare time in case of delays or cancellation of flights or ferries on account of antagonistic climate.
São Miguel is the most suitable choice to expertise a little bit of all the pieces, particularly because it has essentially the most worldwide connections. If you wish to effortlessly island hop, decide Pico, Faial and São Jorge as a three-island journey, because the ferries between them are extra common. Pico has unimaginable vineyards chiselled from volcanic rock and Portugal’s highest peak, whereas the extra distant islands of Flores (famed for its waterfalls) and tiny Corvo are greatest for serene rambles removed from the crowds.
Sadly, there isn’t a ferry from the mainland to the Azores. Due to this fact, to get to the Azores, you’ll must take a home flight from Lisbon or Porto (there aren’t any flights from the Algarve) or a global flight from one of many linked cities in Europe and North America (TAP promote direct flights from New York’s JFK). Alternatively, visiting the Azores on a cruise or a yacht constitution is feasible.
Whereas there are quick inner flights between all of the islands – the frequency varies relying on their dimension – the extra sustainable solution to journey between the 9 isles and full all of the issues to do within the Azores is by ferry. Sadly, this isn’t attainable on all of the routes as the space between some islands does imply a flight is critical. The Atlantico line ferries fluctuate by season, with solely quick native connections in winter, whereas summer time has extra routes.
Whereas it’s attainable to go to the excursions by public transport – I’ve achieved it twice – it’s not that straightforward (particularly on a few of the lesser-touristed isles), and you’ll anticipate loads of lengthy walks, bike rides or waits for sporadic buses. As such, you would possibly need to hire a automobile to succeed in one of the best spots on the island simply. Alternatively, group excursions are choice – particularly if you wish to do some journey actions. I just like the native operator Futurismo, as in addition they embrace whale and dolphin recognizing and vastly respect the surroundings. They provide a fair-priced one-week journey tour which covers all of the highlights.
Delve deep underground in lava tubes
Whereas Madeira, Portugal’s second archipelago, may need its distinctive levada (irrigation channel) strolling trails, the Azores can boast of one thing much more particular: lava tubes.
Given these lovely islands have volcanic origins, it’s unsurprising that lots of the greatest issues to do within the Azores had been formed by seismic exercise and magma eruptions. However, for me, this is without doubt one of the most outstanding volcanic-related experiences throughout the archipelago.
Fortunately, a couple of island has accessible lava tubes. On São Miguel, the Gruta do Carvão is on the outskirts of Ponta Delgada; Terceira has Gruta do Natal; and on Pico, you’ll discover Gruta das Torres – the longest present in Portugal and my favorite of all of them.
When you can’t simply wander in freely anymore – as soon as you may, preserve an eye fixed out for graffiti in a few of the tunnels – the expertise continues to be unimaginable. At Pico’s Gruta das Torres for instance, you’ll be given a briefing and fast video overview of the tunnels’ historical past earlier than being kitted out with a tough hat and being led into the darkish depths of the tube. Nonetheless, solely a specific amount is open to the general public.
Not solely is the expertise critically cool, however it’s additionally informative. Alongside the cavity, you may see the markings on the darkish partitions, which present the scars of the totally different temperatures and outbursts. By the point you come again into the sunshine, you’ll be greater than in awe on the energy of nature.
GETTING TO THE AZORES
Many individuals assume that Ponta Delgada on São Miguel is the one gateway to the Azores. Nonetheless, TAP Airways (together with Azores Airways) additionally supply direct flights from the mainland to Terceira, Faial, Pico, Graciosa and Santa Maria, that means you may begin and finish your journey on totally different islands. Should you’re travelling from additional afield, TAP’s stopover programme, which incorporates Lisbon and Porto, is price contemplating, as it is going to additionally offer you a 25% low cost on all home flights.
Hike to epic viewpoints
With quite a few spectacular trails throughout all of the islands, one of the best free factor to do within the Azores is go mountaineering. Fortunately, complimentary doesn’t imply lacking out right here, because the spectacular panoramas are genuinely priceless.
My favorite place for mountaineering is São Jorge, an extended and skinny ridge-like island that dramatically spills downwards into the Atlantic Ocean. Azoreans have a particular phrase for these – faja – which describes the flat a part of the land which meets the ocean, often shaped by lava spill cooling on contact with the water.
Probably the most well-known and spectacular of those is the Fajã dos Cubres, which has a lake-like space separated from the ocean by a slight stretch of land. Reachable on the PR1 path, which begins in Serra do Topo, it’s one in all many unbelievable routes you’ll discover on this lush isle.
On São Miguel, the showstoppers are the paths across the Sete Cidades crater lake. Usually mistaken for 2 totally different lakes on account of one being blue and the opposite inexperienced, they’re, actually, the identical physique of water – the totally different hues are brought on by the sunshine’s refraction. The comparatively straightforward path to Boca do Inferno is probably one of the best recognized, however the entire island has loads of well-marked routes. For a close-up of the lake, enable an hour for some serene kayaking.
If you would like the Azores’ outside exercise with essentially the most alien-like panorama, hike throughout Capelinhos on Faial island. Whereas the island’s capital known as Horta –which interprets as ‘vegetable backyard’ on account of its greenery, this facet of the island is darkish mud, crimson rock, and decidedly bleaker. Attributable to an intense 13-month-long eruption in 1957 – which in flip noticed 1000s of Azoreans relocate to the USA – this facet of the island was wholly re-shaped and expanded.
If mountaineering is without doubt one of the issues to do within the Azores you’re most eager to do however are travelling solo, concern not, there are numerous well-traversed and non-dangerous hikes to do. Alternatively, think about reserving a bunch mountaineering tour.
Whale watching and dolphin recognizing
When the navy waters of the Atlantic encompass you, there’s no query that you just’ll need to embrace a ship tour when planning your Azores’ outside actions. Fortunately, all the islands supply journeys out into the deep blue, as some of the fashionable issues to do within the Azores is to attempt to spot marine mammals.
With 4 resident species – sperm, fin and sei can typically be sighted – and loads of dolphins, you’ll be in good palms on a marine-biologist-led boat tour. Most firms take their accountability to the surroundings and wildlife critically – sustainability is revered within the Azores, each with tourism and in day-to-day life – and firms resembling Futurismo additionally supply accountable wild dolphin swims from Ponta Delgada.
Nonetheless, it doesn’t matter which island you’re primarily based on; you’ll be capable to discover firms providing whale-watching journeys throughout the archipelago, together with common departures from Pico Island, Horta on Faial Island, and on glass-bottom boats from Terceira.
Prime whale-watching season kicks off in Spring, making this among the finest European locations in April, as you’ll hopefully not be jostling with any cruise ship crowds by this level.
Descend wine terraces to golden sands and uncover currals
Whereas sipping wine is actually not an journey exercise, the artwork of rising them very a lot is within the Azores. Not solely is that this some of the excessive locations to domesticate wine, however it’s additionally some of the visually spectacular.
Probably the most tranquil issues to do within the Azores is to discover the vineyards on the island of Pico, that are one in all Portugal’s UNESCO websites in their very own proper. Weathered vines rise from the basalt volcanic rock, telling the back-breaking story of making viniculture in such an antagonistic setting.
Growers must – and typically nonetheless do – chisel into the cruel volcanic rock to plant their grapevines, utilizing the hacked-out stone to construct the currals (stone-walled areas) which shield the vegetation from the typically fierce Atlantic gales.
Near Pico’s vineyards, you’ll discover a wine museum (Museu do Vinho do Pico), however I’d additionally counsel a go to to the Wine Interpretation Centre on the opposite facet of the airport. Right here, you may get pleasure from sampling the distinctive wines whereas studying the historical past of the vines. Afterwards, go to the Casa dos Vulcões subsequent door to face on an earthquake simulator and be taught concerning the volcanic nature of the island, together with a breakdown of what makes every one distinctive.
Whereas Pico has essentially the most well-known vineyards of the Azores, I additionally discovered the terraced vines on Santa Maria island – the place you’ll discover the Azores’ solely golden sand seashores – simply as spectacular and dramatic. The descent down by way of the steeply stacked rising space of Maia will not be for the faint-hearted, however this nook of the island, full with a waterfall, is charming.
Not like Pico, Santa Maria’s wines are usually not exported on account of authorized causes. Due to this fact the wines are solely fermented for native consumption. So, if yow will discover a glass of it throughout your go to, you’ll style one thing unimaginable to seek out elsewhere.
Bathe within the thermal waters
Not all adventures and outside actions within the Azores must get your coronary heart thumping, and typically you’ll need to give your self over to the pure state of move these islands boast by bathing within the therapeutic waters.
São Miguel island is house to almost all of the Azores’ sizzling springs and thermal swimming pools, and some of the fashionable issues to do within the Azores is to go to the Terra Nostra Sizzling Springs in Furnas. This massive, spherical, and paid-access bathing pool is a murky brown because of the minerals, but the botanical gardens which envelope it are far prettier.
I favor the opposite close by choice at Poça da Dona Beija – which has some manicured landscapes across the handful of swimming pools. Higher nonetheless are the springs at Centro de Interpretação Ambiental da Caldeira Velha, that are just a little additional out. Nonetheless, you’ll need to arrive early to keep away from summer time crowds.
São Miguel additionally has a thermal pool overlooking the ocean at Termas da Ferraria. Simply across the nook from there, you’ll discover Ponta da Ferraria, a no-charge bathing location within the ocean itself, warmed by thermal vents beneath. Whereas different islands have extra unimaginable pure swimming pools – such because the Piscina Pure Simão Dias on São Jorge – they don’t have the thermal springs and sizzling waters that São Miguel affords.
On Graciosa Island, you’ll discover a much less enticing sizzling spring choice – it’s extra like a conventional pool – at Carapacho.
Snorkel on a protected islet inside an uncovered volcanic crater
If you end up on São Miguel Island between June and early October, make sure to take the quick boat journey from Vila Franca do Campo to Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo.
Idyllic and tranquil, this small islet is a protected nature reserve and one of many world’s most unusual swimming and snorkelling spots. The island’s round ‘swimming pool’ is definitely the crater of a submerged volcano, and whereas the seashore is compact, the calm waters and epic location make this a spot to not miss.
Truthful warning, this is without doubt one of the hottest issues to do within the Azores throughout summer time. With customer numbers capped at round 400 individuals every day, it is best to completely e book your tickets prematurely.
Summit Portugal’s highest peak
Whereas Torre within the Serra da Estrela claims the title of mainland Portugal’s loftiest level, the nation’s precise highest pinnacle is on the island of Pico.
Towering as much as the heavens and sometimes piercing the clouds, Mount Pico – which accurately interprets to peak and offers the island its identify – affords one of many Azores’ greatest journey actions.
From afar, it would look like extra of a steep hike than a climb because of the decrease slopes’ much less intense ascent, however when you begin heading up, you’ll rapidly realise that it’s a slog because of the difficult terrain. Nonetheless, when you’ve reached the highest (2,351 metres) and brought within the far-reaching vistas, you’ll seemingly agree it’s one of many final issues to do within the Azores.
New restrictions have come into drive in 2023 to guard the delicate panorama, and a information is extremely really useful, particularly on an evening hike. Because the climate can change rapidly within the Azores, it is best to all the time verify in on the mountaineering centre beforehand or register your plan to hike with no information on the brand new on-line portal earlier than heading up.
Marvel at majestic waterfalls (whereas canyoning)
Probably the most extraordinary outside adventures within the Azores is chasing, swimming in and canyoning across the waterfalls. From small scenic tumbles to vertical falls, you’re spoilt for selection on the subject of cascades.
Flores island – which interprets to flowers – ought to be known as Cascata Island, as this true hidden gem in Europe is one of the best vacation spot for waterfalls. There are quite a few cascades littered throughout the dense vegetation of the island, with Poço Ribeira do Ferreiro and Poço Ribeira do Ferreiro and maybe essentially the most spectacular.
Hunt down Cascata do Aveiro on Santa Maria, whereas São Jorge’s Cascata do Cruzal is a extra tame affair. São Miguel additionally shines in waterfalls, with varied spectacular tumbles to be discovered.
For individuals who need to embrace these fast-running waters, among the finest issues to do within the Azores is to go canyoning. You are able to do this on Flores Island or in Ribeira dos Caldeirões Pure Park on São Miguel, the place the rappel adventures are pretty priced, open to all ranges, and could be booked prematurely.
Embrace the geothermal exercise
No journey to São Miguel could be full with out visiting Furnas, the fiery coronary heart of the island. In addition to the beforehand talked about thermal springs, there are lots extra probabilities to embrace the geothermal exercise.
Within the city itself, you’ll discover smoke billowing and geysers effervescent within the open-to-all public areas. Then, settle into one of many native eating places and order Cozido das Furnas. This typical dish is a mix of meat and a few greens, however what makes it particular is the cooking methodology because it’s positioned underground and cooked by volcanic exercise, just like a hāngī in New Zealand.
One other place you may go to – though there’s a small entrance cost – is the Antigo Pomar das Caldeiras, the place boardwalks go atop the hive of geothermal exercise effervescent beneath. Whereas it’s a bit out of the way in which and extra synthetic because of the picket walkways, the lakeside setting and hive of motion make it extra spectacular than the spots on the town.
Should you’re primarily based in Ponta Delgada, you would possibly discover it simpler to e book a day tour – which additionally features a cease on the island’s lovely tea plantations – to expertise all of it.
Surf or sunbathe
You may’t speak about all of the issues to do within the Azores with out mentioning the seashores; these are islands, in any case. It doesn’t matter what form of seashore day you’re craving, you’ll absolutely discover the proper slice of sand alongside these shorelines.
Surfers particularly are spoilt for selection, with swell favourites together with the Praia do Areal de Santa Bárbara on São Miguel or the Fajã de Santo Cristo on São Jorge – though the latter will contain lugging your board.
For golden sands and dazzling bays, you’ll need to head to Santa Maria Island. Right here, São Lourenço Bay shines with the stone-walled vineyards behind it, whereas Praia Formosa is equally inviting.
Household-friendly seashores may also be discovered on the sheltered Praia de Porto Pim on Faial or Praia Grande on Terceira. For one thing just a little totally different, enterprise to Praia do Fogo on São Miguel, the place, when you bury your toes far sufficient into the sand, they are going to be warmed by the hydrothermal vents beneath.
Positive, these aren’t the standard vacation sands you’d get in Spain’s islands, however that doesn’t make them any much less lovely!
GETTING TO THE AZORES
Many individuals assume that Ponta Delgada on São Miguel is the one gateway to the Azores. Nonetheless, TAP Airways (together with Azores Airways) additionally supply direct flights from the mainland to Terceira, Faial, Pico, Graciosa and Santa Maria, that means you may begin and finish your journey on totally different islands. Should you’re travelling from additional afield, TAP’s stopover programme, which incorporates Lisbon and Porto, is price contemplating, as it is going to additionally offer you a 25% low cost on all home flights.
