Azores, Portugal's wild archipelago
A natural paradise in the heart of the Atlantic.
Discover the hidden treasures of the Azores islands.
The Azores, an unforgettable journey through nature.
Synonymous with sun and mildness in Europe, the Azores anticyclone is still much more famous than the Azores archipelago, scattered over 600 kilometers in the North Atlantic Ocean and preserved from mass tourism, just two hours by plane from Lisbon. And yet, a trip to the Azores, with family or friends, on a guided tour or a self-drive tour, has everything of the perfect destination for nature lovers and wild hikes, responsible tourism and off-the-beaten-path adventures less known than Madeira or Cape Verde. As an autonomous region of Portugal, the archipelago is composed of nine volcanic islands each with their dominant color (the blue island of Faial, the black island of Pico, the green island of Sao Miguel, the red island of Sao Jorge...) and they all invite you to discover some of the most beautiful geological works in the world, halfway between Europe and North America. From Sao Miguel, the largest island, to the tiny Corvo, from Pico's volcano, the highest point of the Portuguese archipelago (2,351 m) to natural seaside pools heated by geothermal energy, there is no shortage of getaway options of all kinds.
A Harmony Between Nature and Culture
The islands of the Azores archipelago are distinguished by their extraordinary and varied landscapes: fishing villages, green pastures, hedges of blue hydrangeas, calderas, hot water waterfalls, and tropical forests.
The Hidden Treasures of the Azores
Hiking around Lagoa do Fogo, the highest crater lake or lagoon on the island of Sao Miguel, is an unforgettable experience. It is undoubtedly the most beautiful in the Portuguese archipelago. This “lagoon of fire” blazes with a thousand and one colors in the heart of the lush Barrosa mountains, offering a magical hike.
The lake road between Ponta Delgada and Sete Cidades is a unique adventure. Leaving the city for Sete Cidades means discovering impressive natural scenery. You can take a walk of just a few meters or several kilometers around the extraordinary volcanic lakes: the Blue Lake and the Green Lake.
The Caldeira Velha natural park, renowned for its hot springs, is an ideal spot for a relaxing break. On the island of Sao Miguel, this nature reserve offers private pools naturally heated to nearly 30°C thanks to underground volcanic activity.
On the islands of Faial, Sao Miguel, Pico, Santa Maria, or Terceira, head out to sea to observe around thirty species of cetaceans, including the blue whale, and swim with dolphins if possible.
Discovery of the Azores, Hidden Jewel of the Atlantic
Canyoning in Sao Miguel, San Jorge or even Flores offers an unforgettable experience among rivers, waterfalls, lush vegetation, and mountains. The Azores are filled with breathtaking routes for sporty and refreshing itineraries in the heart of nature, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
Why not take advantage of this exceptional setting to try surfing? The waves that form off the nine islands of the archipelago are among the best in the Atlantic. It's a great opportunity for a group trip with friends.
The port of Horta, on the island of Faial, has always been a must-stop for sailors crossing the Atlantic. Even today, some of the most beautiful sailboats in the world regularly stop there. Don't miss visiting Peter Café Sport to meet the modern-day old sea dogs.
Preservation of the Archipelago: A Challenge for the Future
If the lack of large beaches lined with coconut trees has preserved the archipelago from tourist influxes, as seen in Madeira or the Canaries, it is very likely that the emergence of low-cost flights to the Azores will somewhat change the situation. A trip to the Azores still remains steeped in authenticity. Tourists are rare outside of the beautiful season. There are many vast unspoiled areas, solitary hiking trails, bucolic and quiet roads, peaceful villages, small human-sized towns, and warm hospitality. A true little paradise!
Quality Infrastructure in the Azores
The Azores have good tourist infrastructures with competent tourist offices on each island, a wide choice of accommodations, many quality dining options, and an efficient car rental service, although it is preferable to book in the summer. Azoreans often speak better English than their mainland counterparts, due to historical and geographical reasons. Although tourism is reasonable, some services can become crowded in the summer and the best establishments fill up quickly.
Regional Delights to Discover
Between the wine of Pico, the local beef, seafood, the cheese of São Jorge, and the sweet pineapples, the Azores are full of regional products. Both terrestrial and marine, northern and southern, these products deserve a dedicated visit. There are very few imports, fresh products, and minimal industrial processing: the islands are organic ahead of their time. One will be pleasantly surprised by the quality of their gastronomy.
An Authentic and Preserved Paradise
There is a lot of emphasis on the natural beauty of the archipelago, but it should also be noted that people have managed to integrate perfectly. There are few contemporary eyesores, featuring simple and luminous Portuguese colonial architecture: white villages with beautiful balconies and magnificent gardens, and small towns that highlight baroque elements and the architectural styles of the 18th and 19th centuries.
The main cities of the Azores are all worth a visit: Angra do Heroísmo, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, holds many treasures; Horta, the international maritime stopover, boasts a very pretty historic port and a charming old town; Ponta Delgada also has its old-world charm. Not to mention the captivating rural landscapes of bocage, with cows and hydrangea hedges: the Azores are a land of nature that humans have managed to appropriate with balance and respect.
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