8 adventures you must have in the Azores
On the hunt for an enchanting volcanic island escape? Look no further than the Azores with its towering volcanoes, captivating coastlines, thriving forests and healing hot pools.
The Azores archipelago is an autonomous region of Portugal in the Atlantic Ocean, situated about 900 miles (1,445km) from the mainland. Each of the nine islands boasts its own unique characteristics, making it a source of endless variety for the island-hoppers among us.
The main island of São Miguel (also called ‘the green island’) has ever-changing landscapes with lush green pastures, natural hot springs, prehistoric forests and a harbour capital. Because of its geographical location, the Azores has a subtropical climate with mild temperatures year-round.
Your next trip could include volcanic landscape ventures, exploring historical towns, relaxing on white sand beaches, sampling some of Portugal’s best wines and tasting authentic dishes from the Earth's core.
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1. Marvel at the natural beauty of Sete Cidades
If you’ve seen any photos from the Azores, it is most likely of Sete Cidades. The civil parish owes its name to the mysterious ‘Isle of the Seven Cities’ that supposedly lies somewhere in the Atlantic and consists of a picturesque village hugged by two vast crystal lakes that are connected by a narrow strait.
Various tours to discover this magnificent area are on offer, but the surrounding hiking trails will give you the best opportunity to take in the breathtaking scenery. The Miradouro da Boca and Vista do Rei lookouts both offer marvellous views over the 36,000-year-old valley.
Legend has it that a princess and her beloved, a shepherd, were forced by the king to never see each other again. During their last meeting, their tears filled up the craters, taking the colours of their eyes and turning one bright green and the other sky blue.
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2. Taste the mouthwatering Azorean delicacies
Whether it's exploring local markets such as Mercado da Graça in Ponta Delgada or dining in top restaurants tucked away in the alleyways of charming fishing villages, the regional cuisine is what defines the unique flavour of the Azores.
Because the islands are volcanic, the soil is extremely fertile, making it an oasis for fruit, tea from the only tea plantation located in Europe and delicious ice cream straight from Azorean cows, plus an abundance of seafood is right on the islands’ doorstep.
Local delicacies include sweet pineapple, fried mackerel, buttery cheese, herby green tea, blood sausage, tangerine liqueur and full-bodied wine.
You cannot miss satisfying your palate by dining at A Tasca or Restaurante Gastronomo in Ponta Delgada, both offering Portuguese cuisine with a focus on seafood and Azorean specialities. Tables are always packed with locals and tourists feasting on the well-priced dishes, so make sure to book in advance.
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3. Lodge at a volcanic vineyard
If you’re an adventurous wine-lover, book an overnight stay at the modern Azores Wine Company on Pico island. The company is following in the footsteps of former wineries by being not just a place for exquisite tastings, but also a haven for social gatherings. The interior design is minimalistic but effortlessly stylish, and the grapes grown on the vineyard are some of the rarest (and most expensive) in Portugal.
Pico’s stratovolcano is twice as high as any peak in the Azores, at a whopping 7,713 feet (2,351m). Climbing to the top is a challenge not for the faint of heart (it takes about six-eight hours) but those who do, receive astonishing views as a reward.
For less experienced hikers, there are still plenty of superb views of the pristine landscapes that surround the volcano. Afterwards, relax on the patio at the hotel with a glass of top-tier wine or book a gastronomic journey at the in-house restaurant.
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4. Soak in the geothermal hot springs
The most relaxing Azores adventure is undoubtedly taking a dip in the various volcanic pools. The geothermal activity is most concentrated on the island of São Miguel, providing plenty of scenic hotspots for a steamy soak.
The rich mineral content of the water is said to have medicinal purposes and helps relieve stress and pain, and clear skin conditions. Take caution, because it can discolour anything it comes into contact with (including swimwear, jewellery and even dyed hair).
Don't miss the hot springs of Caldeira Velha, which are surrounded by beautiful waterfalls, lush vegetation and rocky mountains. Be sure to stop at Lagoa do Fogo (Lake of Fire) on your way, a blue mountain-rimmed lake situated just a 10-minute drive from the springs.
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5. Explore the cobbled streets of Angra do Heroísmo
You can almost touch the past while visiting the medieval city of Angra do Heroísmo, historically, one of the most vital cities for connecting Europe to the New World. Located on Terceira island, the so-called ‘Bay of Herois’ has been deemed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1983. Most of Angra’s architecture dates back to the 1700s and it is filled with coloured houses, mosaic pavements and Baroque churches and convents.
Escape to Jardim Duque du Terceira for a welcome stretch of nature with blooming flora, ponds and a pavilion. Make sure to hike through the park to the lookout point at Alto da Memória and feel like you're at the edge of the world.
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6. Walk among steaming fumaroles in Furnas
Furnas is a small civil parish located inside a dormant crater. In this thermal centre you can visit not one but two active volcano sites and walk on boardwalks between smouldering calderas and steaming fumaroles (vents in the Earth's surface through which volcanic gasses escape). For a good waterside picnic, visit Lagoa das Furnas – a crater lake surrounded by green mountain peaks and vegetation.
A must-see is the award-winning Terra Nostra Garden. The mesmerising 30-acre botanical gardens have a wide array of flora and fauna, ponds, cafés and even thermal pools.
You can end your day with an exclusive Furnas speciality: Cozido de Furnas, a filling stew of various meats, cabbage, carrots and potatoes that is cooked in the volcanic soil for about six-seven hours. The heat radiating from the calderas boils the food and gives it a distinct flavour. Be smart to make a reservation beforehand to try this authentic Azorean dish – if you’re lucky you’ll get to spot the chefs pulling their boiling pots straight out of the ground.
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7. Walk on a volcanic desert in Faial
In 1957, the Capelinhos volcano raged havoc across the island, making it the most recent volcanic eruption in the Azores. It is impressive to behold the powerful nature by walking the volcanic paths and standing in a volcanic desert formed just 70 years ago. The Capelinhos lighthouse, which was partly destroyed, has been repurposed as a fascinating museum that shines a light on the widespread effects of the eruption.
After exploring, dive into Faial's historical capital, Horta, for a bite and a drink. Horta is the main recreational harbour for the Azores so you can spot super yachts and travellers from every corner of the world. It remains a mystery how the harbour became an open-air museum filled with paintings, but it is said to give good luck to the seafarers passing through.
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8. Set sail to Santa Maria
Feel the seabreeze on the inter-island ferry to Santa Maria, the oldest and most southern island in the Azores. The 'sunny island of the Azores' is best-known for its white-sand beaches and more of a hot and dry climate, making it perfect for those looking for a spot of relaxation on their holiday too.
When you arrive, visit Vila do Porto, the only city on the island. Along with its Old World architecture you'll get endless views of crystal blue waters. Soak up some rays at Praia Formosa, a calm beach with white sands. In comparison to the other islands, Santa Maria is the most flat and pedestrian friendly, offering endless hiking trails through stunning nature reserves and ecosystems.
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