Holiday in the Azores

What makes Azores special as a destination?

The Azores, Portugal's volcanic archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic, is a paradise for those who wish to travel off the beaten path. Nine islands offer an overwhelming variety of emerald-green crater lakes, hot springs, whale watching, and streets lined with hydrangeas that lead through lush pastures — all in a pleasant climate and largely free from mass tourism. Sao Miguel, the main island, impresses with the twin lakes of Sete Cidades in a massive volcanic crater — one lake blue, the other green, framed by steep, wooded slopes. In the Furnas Valley, fumaroles steam from the earth, and the Cozido das Furnas, a stew that cooks for hours in volcanic heat, is a culinary uniqueness. The hot springs in Terra-Nostra Park with its rust-colored thermal water are a must-see. Pico, dominated by the highest mountain in Portugal (2,351 meters), is famous for its UNESCO-protected wine-growing landscape: vines thrive directly by the Atlantic in painstakingly hand-built lava stone walls (Currais). Faial, with its port city Horta, has been a meeting point for transatlantic sailors for centuries. Flores, the westernmost island, enchants with waterfalls that plunge directly into the sea. Whale watching is an outstanding experience in the Azores: over 20 species of whales and dolphins traverse the waters, including sperm whales, blue whales, and large schools of common dolphins. Former whalers now accompany boat tours as guides. Hikers will find marked paths along dramatic coastlines and through laurel forests on all the islands. The Azores are a hidden gem that is slowly being discovered — those seeking nature, tranquility, and authenticity will find one of the last unspoiled travel destinations in Europe.