The Azores, Portugal: Europe’s Secret Garden in the Atlantic 🇵🇹🌿
The Azores: Wild, Green, and Wonderfully Remote
Floating 1,500 km west of mainland Portugal, The Azores are a breathtaking collection of nine volcanic islands that feel like another planet. Think emerald crater lakes, fumaroles steaming from the earth, hydrangea-lined roads, and dramatic black-sand coastlines. This is where nature still rules—and invites you to explore it.
The archipelago is an adventure lover’s paradise and a peaceful retreat all in one. Whether you’re hiking up a dormant volcano, diving into natural thermal pools, or savoring seafood with views of the Atlantic, The Azores are Portugal’s best-kept secret.
🏝️ Top Islands and Attractions in the Azores
1. São Miguel – The Green Island 🌋🌿
The largest and most accessible island. Home to the surreal twin lakes of Sete Cidades, geothermal cooking in Furnas, and the volcanic tea plantations of Gorreana.
Rating: ⭐ 9.7/10
Best for: First-timers, hikers, and food lovers.
2. Pico Island – The Mountain of the Sea 🏔️🍷
Dominated by Mount Pico, Portugal’s highest peak. Also famous for lava-rock vineyards and whale watching.
Rating: ⭐ 9.5/10
Best for: Adventurers, climbers, and wine lovers.
3. Faial – The Blue Island 🌸⛵
Known for its marina, sailors from around the world, and fields of blue hydrangeas. Don’t miss the alien-like Capelinhos Volcano site.
Rating: ⭐ 9.2/10
Best for: Sailing, photography, and volcano history.
4. Terceira – Culture Meets Nature 🏛️🌋
Charming historic towns like Angra do Heroísmo (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) meet rugged landscapes and lava caves.
Rating: ⭐ 9.0/10
Best for: History buffs and off-the-beaten-path explorers.
🥘 What to Eat in the Azores
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Cozido das Furnas – A stew slow-cooked underground by volcanic steam
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Lapas grelhadas – Grilled limpets, a coastal delicacy
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Alcatra – Azorean pot roast, especially good in Terceira
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Fresh cheeses – Especially Queijo São Jorge
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Pineapple from São Miguel – Grown in greenhouses, sweet and unique
Top spots: Restaurante Tony’s (Furnas), O Ancoradouro (Pico), Beira Mar (Terceira)
🏨 Where to Stay
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Octant Hotels Furnas (São Miguel) – Sleek, geothermal spa retreat
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Azor Hotel (Ponta Delgada) – Urban chic with ocean views
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Aldeia da Fonte (Pico) – Eco-lodge with dramatic coastal scenery
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Caparica Azores Ecolodge (Terceira) – Sustainability meets comfort
🧭 Insider Travel Tips
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Best Time to Visit: May to October for good weather, especially June for whale watching and July–August for hydrangeas in bloom
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Getting Around: Flights or ferries connect islands; rent a car for full flexibility
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Currency: Euro (€)
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Language: Portuguese, but English is widely understood
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Must-Do Experience: Sunrise from Lagoa do Fogo or climb Mount Pico
🌍 Final Thoughts: Discover Portugal’s Wild Side
In the Azores, nature speaks in green hills, steaming earth, and crashing waves. Each island offers its own rhythm, its own story, and a feeling that you've truly stepped away from the modern world. Whether you're chasing waterfalls, soaking in thermal pools, or sharing a bottle of Azorean wine under the stars, you’ll discover that paradise doesn’t always shout—it whispers.
📸 Pro Tip:
Rent a drone or take a scenic flight—the calderas and crater lakes from above are unforgettable.