The Azores: 9 islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean can only be synonymous with brutal nature, guaranteed adventure and the occasional surprise that will end up making you fall in love with this Portuguese treasure. Can you miss a place without even knowing it? We guarantee you can, and if you don't believe it, read this article where we tell you the best things to see and do in the Azores and then tell us...
Prepare your backpack without forgetting your swimsuit and flip-flops, but also hiking boots and a good raincoat: the trip you are about to take will take you to one of the most complete and surprising destinations in all of Europe.
What is Macaronesia?
But before we start, let us tell you that these 9 islands are part, together with Cape Verde, the Canaries and Madeira, of “ Macaronesia ”, a biogeographic region so curious and beautiful that it is also known as “the fortunate islands”. Specifically, the Azores are divided into 3 groups : the eastern one (Santa Maria and San Miguel), the central one (Terceira, Graciosa, San Jorge, Pico and Faial) and the western one (Corvo and Flores).
Now that we have made the official introductions, we are heading to the Azores.
What to see and do in the Azores Islands
Before we tell you what our favorite things about the islands are, let's briefly describe each one:
- São Miguel : the largest and most populated island, also known as the “Island of Adventures”. Here you can find Lago das Sete Cidades , which looks like something out of a fantasy movie, and the Furnas hot springs , perfect for a relaxing bath after a tiring day.
- Terceira : famous for its main town, Angra do Heroísmo , which is a World Heritage Site. It is also notable for its green landscapes and rich history.
- Pico – Home to Portugal’s highest point, the Pico , at a towering 2,351 metres . Here you can challenge yourself with an epic climb, or simply relax in its terraced vineyards, where the wine is as spectacular as the views.
- Faial : also known as the “ Blue Island ” for its seemingly endless fields of hydrangeas , the port of Horta is the meeting place for sailors from all over the world, so if you want to hear adventure stories, this is the place!
- Santa Maria : with white sandy beaches that invite you to relax and a warm climate that will make you feel like you are in eternal summer. Its arid landscape and unique geological formations give it an extra touch.
- São Jorge : is known for its fajãs , which are coastal plains formed by volcanic landslides. The island is also famous for its cheese, queijo São Jorge .
- Graciosa : the smallest and quietest island in the archipelago, ideal for a peaceful retreat hehe. Its Caldera de Graciosa is impressive and also has numerous volcanic caves.
- Flores: one of the most beautiful islands and takes the prize for natural exuberance, with waterfalls and lakes and landscapes of unforgettable greenery.
- Corvo : the smallest and least populated , with a volcanic caldera in its centre which is a true spectacle of nature. Ideal for hiking enthusiasts .
Now, let's take a closer look at the most impressive sites in the Azores:
1. The most beautiful beaches to see in the Azores
If there's one thing you'll find in this paradise with 9 islands and thousands of kilometres of coastline, it's beaches! Whether you're a lizard who loves to spend hours lying in the sun, or a surfer looking for good waves, we assure you that you'll be very happy: the beaches of the Azores satisfy everyone. Of course, we have very clear which are our essential beaches :
- Vila Franca Beach (San Miguel Island), to swim in a volcanic crater (inactive, don't worry!).
- Formosa Beach (Santa Maria Island), to enjoy a great day and go up to the Miradouro da Macela, from where there are some amazing views.
- Arenal de Santa Barbara Beach (San Miguel Island), we are not really into surfing (between the fear of sharks and not being able to take off my wetsuit, of course...) but watching the surfers is something that relaxes us a lot (and if they are also good looking... ahem, just kidding). So whether you want to catch waves or enjoy the spectacle of the " shadows of the sea " this is a good place.
Although not everything is beaches... there are some natural pools that are equally or more impressive, especially those of Carapacho, in La Graciosa and those of Capelas, in San Miguel.
2. See dolphins and whales
Can you imagine coming across the largest animal in the world in the wild? In the Azores you can make that dream come true, without having to pray seven rosaries to Neptune, because it is quite simple. In these islands you can find about 24 different species of whales, in fact there are some that pass through the Azores during their migratory route, specifically the blue whale at the end of winter and the northern fin whales, baleen whales and sperm whales in summer. In addition, throughout the year it is easy to see bottlenose dolphins.
In short, whenever you go, there is a spectacular underwater world to discover... just remember to be a responsible tourist and rely on sustainable companies that follow a code of conduct that respects these protected species: it is forbidden to feed and disturb the cetaceans, swim with them, make noise, spend more than 1 hour in their company and of course, there cannot be more than 3 boats at a time in the sighting area and a minimum distance of 50 meters must be maintained (100 meters in case there are babies).
More info: FAADA
3. Eating, one of the best things to do in the Azores
The gastronomy of the Azores is very influenced, as it could not be otherwise, by Portuguese cuisine (Pasteis de Bacalhau, Caldo Verde...), although it has a few very interesting characteristics and even peculiarities that vary from island to island.
From such a lush land and such a clean sea, you would expect nothing but a varied and quality product... come on, if you are a good eater, you will really enjoy it!
Typical dishes to eat in the Azores
- Alcatra : a typical stew from the island of Terceira prepared with beef, cabbage and bacon.
- Caldeirada : a soupy fish (usually cod) stew.
- Cozido : the most famous dish of the Azores, is a beef stew prepared in natural volcanic ovens, the furnas .
- Cracas : they are a peculiar and exquisite crustacean. They have a curious taste between a snail and a crab.
- Bolo lêvedo : typical of Furnas, it is a kind of muffin that can be eaten alone or with compote.
- Caldo de peixe : originated on Pico Island and is a broth made from fish, onion, tomato and butter.
And don't forget to try the island's wines . Our tip: try the Cheiro wine, with fruity touches and quite light, and the Terras de Lava wine, more robust but just as delicious.
Fun fact. Did you know that the only tea in Europe is grown and produced in the Azores ? Yes, you heard right, there are two plantations on the island of San Miguel, namely those of Gorreana and Porto Formoso.
More info: typical cuisine of the Azores islands
4. Adrenaline or relaxation? Plans for everyone
Are you one of those who never stops and for you holidays are synonymous with sport, adventure and adrenaline? The Azores Islands are your ideal destination! Do you prefer to live a relaxed trip, surrounded by tranquility, wellness and pampering? The Azores Islands are also for you! We already told you: this is one of the most complete places for a holiday.
Adventurous plans in the Azores
For the adventurous , these are the alternatives:
- Canyoning , San Miguel, San Jorge and Flores (especially the latter) are the best islands to practice this sport (and all levels). Info and prices of the tours here
- Paragliding , in San Miguel there is one of the best places in the world to paraglide: Sete Cidades.
- Geotourism , from islands of volcanic origin we could only expect brutal landscapes, volcanoes, lagoons and calderas... and so it is: if you love trekking and cycling you have to go to the Azores!
- Diving , if you like being underwater (and the more company the better) you should know that the Azores hide an exciting marine world, made up of some 3,000 species and some great protagonists: the blue sharks. You can also try your hand at diving. Info and prices here 🙂
Quiet plans in the Azores
For those who prefer relaxation , here are a few plans:
- Enjoy the hot springs , especially those of Ferraria in San Miguel or those of Carapacho in Graciosa.
- Bathe in the Caldeira Velha , a beautiful little lake of hot springs.
- Visit fascinating towns such as Angra do Heroísmo (Terceira) or Ribeira Grande (San Miguel) and enjoy all the sunsets possible: they are magical on these islands, a good place to do so is the Rocha dos Bordões viewpoint, in Flores.
5. Places to visit in the Azores yes or yes
Nature is the great owner of this destination, so it is not difficult to find landscapes that seem taken from a science fiction movie, of wild and abrupt beauty. There are 5 places that we are dying to see with our own eyes:
Sete Cidades (San Miguel Island):
One of the most impressive places to see in the Azores Islands. Here you will find two lakes, one green and one blue, which occupy a volcanic crater of about 12 km in diameter. To fully enjoy them, it is recommended to visit one of its viewpoints (Cerrado das Freiras, Vista do Rei and Gruta do Infierno). There are hiking excursions like this one
Mount Pico (Pico Island)
Nothing more and nothing less than the highest mountain in Portugal with its 2,531 metres. From its summit you can see the islands of Graciosa, San Jorge, Faial and Terceira. However, to reach its summit you will first have to undertake a steep trek (the gradient is approximately 1,200 m) lasting about 3 hours.
Serra do Cume (Terceira Island)
From its viewing point you can contemplate one of the most memorable landscapes of the Azores, the “manta de Retalhos”, a group of fields that from above look like an immense patchwork blanket.
Poço do Bacalhau Waterfall (Flores Island)
Bathing in a waterfall is one of those experiences you have to experience at least once in your life and this one, with a drop of about 90 metres, looks great!
Lagoa do Caldeirão (Corvo Island)
It is a spectacular lagoon in the crater of the volcano responsible for the birth of Corvo Island. The best way to get to know it is to take the 5 km trek that surrounds it (it will take you approximately 2.30-3 hours). Don't miss it, it is one of the epic places to see in the Azores Islands.
This concludes our list of things to see and do in the Azores , although we are sure that this paradise has many more surprises in store…
And if you need to move between islands , we always look at the DirectFerries website .
Have you been to the Azores ? What did you like most?
