The Azores Islands, Portugal
A Hidden Gem of Portugal, Here is How to do The Azores
By: Kristina Scuoteguazza
In the summer, it is the playground for wealthy Europeans, but make no mistake about it – these volcanic islands are known for beautiful and dramatic landscapes, charming and quaint villages and outdoor adventures. Hotels are almost invisible as they are all small and blend in with the local architecture. Don’t count on a big city nearby or any luxury shops to entertain your retail therapy- this is purely eden portraying nature’s beautiful landscape canvases.
With some of the best hiking, canyoning, whale watching, kayaking and outdoor adventures on the planet, you better believe this island chain is known for their eco-friendly way of life.
You must rent a car (as you must do on these islands) to start exploring. Wind your way through the mountains with roads lined by hydrangeas and fields divided by lava rock, and pass through small towns to see locals milling about – outside of summer, tourists are far and few between. Stop at each town and walk around. Often times, you will walk into a small cafe or restaurant that only holds 10-15 people. It is the ultimate cultural immersion destination.
Throughout your stay on these islands, stop in the tea factories and eat biscuits made by locals, visit the thermal baths, hike around the lakes, visit the Furnas – thermal vents. At the Furnas on Sao Miguel, a local restaurant actually puts a tin full of meat and vegetables into the ground and lets the steam heat it up for hours before serving it for dinner.
Here is list of the things you Must Do in Sao Miguel and Terceira:
Sao Miguel
Cha Porto Formosso – a tea factory with some of the best views on the island.
Ponta Delgada – walk around the town. There are some amazing restaurants here and some local stores.
Lagao das Furnas – the lake and thermal vents.
Lagao dos Canario – a hike with beautiful views overlooking a lake.
Sete Cidades – a quaint town situated on the edge of two beautiful lakes.
Nordeste – a town on the North side of the island with lighthouses and views of the crashing waves of the ocean.
Lagao Do Fogo – a must see beautiful lake.
Ribeira dos Caldeiros – a beautiful nature park with numerous waterfalls.
Terceira:
Angra do Heroismo – a UNESCO World Heritage site and a bustling town with restaurants and beautiful architecture.
Algar do Carvao – lava tubes you can hike down into. It is breath-taking.
Furnas de Enoxfre – thermal vents.
Serra do Cume– the second highest point on the island with great views of the ocean.
Biscoitos – a town on the ocean with a Wine Museum and natural pools where you can swim in the ocean while being protected by lava rock.
Without giving away too much, you will have copious amount of fun exploring the archipelago on your own. Don’t believe me? Click here for more imagery.
-KS
Photography by GG: Kristina Scuoteguazza
