From the green island of São Miguel, to the black island of Pico, passing by the blue island of Faial, it is impossible not to fall under the spell of the volcanoes and lakes that have shaped this earthly paradise archipelago. From the beaches of Praia da Vitoria to the bustling marina of Horta, to the bubbling volcanic ground “ovens” of Furnas, these islands offer unique experiences to discover.
The Azores are nine gorgeous islands in the middle of the Atlantic sea. The Azores are perfect for whale watching, sailing, diving and hiking.
Discover the Azores
The Azores contain two of Portugal’s Unesco World Heritage sites, the old town of Angra do Heroismo on Terceira and the vineyards of Pico. The 9 islands are perfect if you’re looking for a tropical adventure, a little romance or just a great time with the kids.
All the Azore islands are Flores, Corvo, Graciosa, Terceira, Sao Jorge, Faial, Santa Maria and Pico, where you will find Portugal’s highest mountain, Mount Pico. You could choose Pico for volcano-climbing and wine-drinking, opt to go whale-watching on Faial, sign up for hiking and mountain biking on Flores, or go beach-hopping on Santa Maria.
Overall, the Azores make for a fantastic vacation destination.
The Azores Information
Capital: Ponta Delgada
Official Language(s): Portuguese
Currency: Euro
The Azores Highlights
Sete Cidades
São Miguel’s most famous attraction is Sete Cidades, a crater that encompasses a pair of side-by-side lakes, one green and one blue. According to the legend, the two lakes were formed from the tears of a shepherd and a princess who shared a forbidden love. Lagoa Sete Cidades can be seen from the Vista do Rei.
Mount Pico
Swimming and hiking are the top activities in Azores; Pico island offers both with the largest man made salt water swimming pool and a hike up Pico Mountain, the tallest mountain in Portugal. Adventurers can climb the mountain which is 2351 meters above sea level.
Caldeira Velha
Drive down the mountains to Caldeira Velha with warm waterfalls and pools lined with unique plants and flowers. They are quiet at the Caldeiras of Ribeira Grande, where the thermal building dating back to 1811 is surrounded by trees and fumaroles.
Best time to visit The Azores
High Season: June, July, August, September
Shoulder Season: January, February, March, April, May, October, November, December
Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a delightful city where we step back in time an era long past. Angra was the first settlement in the Azores to receive city status, in 1534, and remains one of the finest examples of Renaissance town planning. Its snug harbour is protected by a volcanic cone which made Angra a major staging point during the 16th to 18th centuries, for ships bringing the wealth of the New World colonies to Europe.
Flores & Sao Jorge
But if you are visiting the Azores for hiking and nature, the best islands are without a doubt Flores and Sao Jorge because of their dramatic fajés, vertical coastlines, lush mountains, and scenery.
Whale Watching
São Miguel’s booming whale industry has thankfully been replaced by whale viewing, and today the Azores is considered one of the top whale-watching destinations in the world, attracting 25 species of whales and dolphins year-round. Much like their balmy annual temperatures, the whale-watching opportunities in the Azores are excellent year-round, but travel between February and April to catch a glimpse of the humpback or blue whales which migrate through the area.
The vineyards of Pico
A coastal hike from Candelaria to Magalena reveals a area with a unique technique of viniculture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through vineyards surrounded by stone walls made of black lava and admire the views over the ocean and Pico volcano.
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