Azores Travel Guide
Nothing can prepare your eyes for the lush green lands they will feast on in the Azores. Every island has a miradouro (viewpoint) that competes with the other for full on, unabashed wild and wonderful, nature in all its glory. Basically, it borders on the obscene. How on earth can a place can look so beautiful? The answer lies in the volcanoes. On the oldest islands, the fertile soils have carpeted jagged mountain tops with greenery and centuries of flora and funghi have taken over. It’s a big deal and your holiday to the Azores will be all the richer for it. Away from the craters? Well it’s hard to ever be away from the power of the magma chambers under the islands. The heat warms the sea in places to perfect temperatures, creates a wild spa or provides a toasty spot to cook a stew in the ground.
Sure, there are some historic buildings, centuries old churches and a few marinas to potter around in. But you’ll likely find yourself called back to the wild. Every. single. time. Blue whales spend spring here. And why wouldn’t they? American migrating birds stop in on the islands for a rest. We’d suggest you do the same. Just do anything BUT rest. There’s too much you’d miss out on.
Azores Travel Guide
Nothing can prepare your eyes for the lush green lands they will feast on in the Azores. Every island has a miradouro (viewpoint) that competes with the other for full on, unabashed wild and wonderful, nature in all its glory. Basically, it borders on the obscene. How on earth can a place can look so beautiful? The answer lies in the volcanoes. On the oldest islands, the fertile soils have carpeted jagged mountain tops with greenery and centuries of flora and funghi have taken over. It’s a big deal and your holiday to the Azores will be all the richer for it. Away from the craters? Well it’s hard to ever be away from the power of the magma chambers under the islands. The heat warms the sea in places to perfect temperatures, creates a wild spa or provides a toasty spot to cook a stew in the ground.
Sure, there are some historic buildings, centuries old churches and a few marinas to potter around in. But you’ll likely find yourself called back to the wild. Every. single. time. Blue whales spend spring here. And why wouldn’t they? American migrating birds stop in on the islands for a rest. We’d suggest you do the same. Just do anything BUT rest. There’s too much you’d miss out on.
Soundtrack of the country
A slice of island life
3 course meal for 2: £34.14
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A regular cappuccino: £1.59
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A medium beer: £1.71
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One-way (Local Transport): £1.49
A slice of island life
-
3 course meal for 2: £34.14
-
A regular cappuccino: £1.59
-
A medium beer: £1.71
-
One-way (Local Transport):£1.49
Soundtrack of the city
Azores weather
The best time to visit the Azores all centres on whether you want to see a blue whale or not. You do? Drop by in April or May. It’s spring, the water’s lovely but the jellyfish make diving an issue. Whales not your bag? September delivers on summer weather and fewer jellies and crowds.
Discover the Real Azores
The real Azores is found on the smaller, less inhabited islands. There, you’ll find original buildings built by early settlers and little seems to have changed. There are still pockets of wilderness on the larger islands, but for a peek into remote island life, hop around the islands.
Much of your time here will be spent staring into volcanic craters. If you’re not looking at them, you’ll be hiking, biking, swimming and boating in them. And possibly snorkelling. World class scuba diving is also on the menu – along with an Azores essential: whale watching.
Food and drink gets a little niche on these islands. Pineapples, coffee beans and gin all have their own passionate purveyors you should seek out. And each individual island has its very own take everything from cakes to stews. If you try one thing? It has to be the dishes cooked underground.
The nine islands in the Azores could all equally compete for your time. Each comes with its own charm and batch of must sees. Don’t let that FOMO get to you though. Our hints and tips guide you through everything from which island to hop to and what to see when you get there.
- See & do
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Much of your time here will be spent staring into volcanic craters. If you’re not looking at them, you’ll be hiking, biking, swimming and boating in them. And possibly snorkelling. World class scuba diving is also on the menu – along with an Azores essential: whale watching.
- Food & Drink
-
Food and drink gets a little niche on these islands. Pineapples, coffee beans and gin all have their own passionate purveyors you should seek out. And each individual island has its very own take everything from cakes to stews. If you try one thing? It has to be the dishes cooked underground.
- Guides & tips
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The nine islands in the Azores could all equally compete for your time. Each comes with its own charm and batch of must sees. Don’t let that FOMO get to you though. Our hints and tips guide you through everything from which island to hop to and what to see when you get there.
- Map View
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More of Portugal
Back on the mainland, Portugal delivers far more than the fortnight by the pool it’s become famous for. Yes, the beaches are great, but head inland and there’s a side of Portugal few can see from their sun lounger. The national parks just call out for hiking and wildlife adventures. Castles conjure up Medieval fantasies and vineyards provide the perfect pitstop to sip away an hour or two.
