 Faial - The Blue Island, known for its hydrangeas Nine islands. Dramatic volcanic landscapes. Charming villages. And a refreshingly different European getaway. Imagine an island escape with lush green mountains, brilliant blue crater lakes, cascading waterfalls, dramatic coastlines, natural hot springs, and charming seaside villages. Now imagine enjoying all of this without the crowds often associated with Europe's most popular destinations. Welcome to the Azores, one of Europe's most intriguing and wonderfully unspoiled island destinations. Often compared to Hawaii for their volcanic landscapes and extraordinary natural beauty, the Azores are actually an autonomous region of Portugal, located in the North Atlantic Ocean, approximately 900 miles west of mainland Portugal. And here's something that might surprise you. The islands are just about a five-hour nonstop flight from Boston, making them more accessible than you might think! Nine Islands....Nine different personalities The Azores archipelago consists of nine inhabited islands, each with its own character, scenery, traditions, and experiences. While they share a volcanic heritage, no two islands are quite alike. This is a destination where Mother Nature takes center stage. Think emerald-green pastures, hydrangea-lined roads, rugged cliffs plunging into the Atlantic, and picturesque fishing villages where life moves at a gentler pace. The Azores offer something for just about every traveler. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike volcanic trails, explore lava caves, kayak on crater lakes, cycle, golf, or go whale watching. Others may prefer wandering historic towns, discovering botanical gardens, tasting local wines, relaxing in geothermal pools, or simply taking in the extraordinary scenery. And while the islands have become better known in recent years, they still retain much of the authentic charm that makes them so special.   São Miguel, the Green Island São Miguel is the largest and most visited of the nine islands and, for many travelers, the perfect introduction to the Azores. The island's main city, Ponta Delgada, is a wonderful base for exploring. Its historic center, traditional Portuguese architecture, waterfront promenade, and excellent restaurants offer a lovely combination of culture and island life. But the real magic lies beyond the city. One of São Miguel's most spectacular sights is Sete Cidades, where two beautiful crater lakes, one appearing green and the other blue, sit within an enormous volcanic caldera. According to local legend, the lakes were formed from the tears of a princess and a shepherd whose love was forbidden. Equally memorable is Lagoa do Fogo, a stunning crater lake surrounded by protected natural landscapes. In the Furnas Valley, geothermal activity creates steaming fumaroles, bubbling mineral springs, and naturally heated pools. Here, visitors can enjoy a relaxing soak surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. São Miguel is also home to something rather unexpected: Europe's only commercial tea plantations, along with pineapple greenhouses where the fruit is cultivated using traditional methods. And don't miss the opportunity to head out on the Atlantic for whale and dolphin watching. The waters surrounding the Azores are among Europe's most rewarding destinations for observing marine life.
 Pico, the Mountain Island Pico is dominated by the magnificent Mount Pico, Portugal's highest mountain, rising approximately 7,713 feet above sea level. Its dramatic volcanic landscapes make this island especially appealing to hikers, nature lovers, and those who appreciate scenery that feels almost otherworldly. But Pico has another fascinating claim to fame: wine. For centuries, islanders have cultivated grapevines in small plots surrounded by walls of black volcanic stone. These walls protect the vines from strong Atlantic winds and salty ocean spray. The result is a remarkable patchwork landscape recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wine enthusiasts can visit local vineyards and wineries to discover how this challenging environment produces distinctive wines. Pico is also home to Gruta das Torres, the longest known lava tube in the Azores, and museums that tell the story of the island's maritime and whaling heritage.  Faial, The Blue Island Just across the water from Pico lies Faial, affectionately known as the Blue Island for the beautiful hydrangeas that bloom along its roads and countryside during the summer months. The colorful harbor town of Horta has long been a legendary stop for sailors crossing the Atlantic. Its marina is famous for the paintings and messages left by visiting yacht crews, creating an ever-changing outdoor gallery of maritime history. Another fascinating sight is Capelinhos, where a volcanic eruption in 1957–1958 dramatically reshaped the island's western coastline. The stark, almost lunar landscape is a striking contrast to the island's otherwise lush scenery. Faial, Pico, and nearby São Jorge form the Azores' central island triangle, making them particularly appealing for travelers interested in exploring more than one island.  Terceira - History, culture and volcanic wonders Terceira combines spectacular natural scenery with some of the archipelago's richest history and cultural traditions. Its capital, Angra do Heroísmo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its colorful architecture, historic churches, cobblestone streets, and important role in Atlantic maritime history. Terceira is also known for its distinctive volcanic formations, including Algar do Carvão, an extraordinary volcanic chimney that visitors can descend into when access is permitted. Above ground, the island's patchwork green fields, traditional villages, and dramatic coastal viewpoints are equally appealing. Terceira is an excellent choice for travelers who enjoy combining outdoor exploration with history, architecture, local traditions, and wonderful regional food.  Five more islands worth exploring While São Miguel, Pico, Faial, and Terceira are among the best-known islands, the remaining five offer equally compelling reasons to visit.
A delicious destination for food lovers Food is an important part of the Azorean experience, and the islands have a wonderful culinary identity shaped by their volcanic landscapes, fertile pastures, and surrounding Atlantic waters. Fresh fish and seafood are naturally highlights, but the islands are equally celebrated for their beef, dairy products, artisan cheeses, locally grown produce, and increasingly recognized wines. One particularly memorable experience is Cozido das Furnas, a traditional meat and vegetable stew prepared in large pots and slowly cooked underground using the natural geothermal heat of São Miguel's volcanic soil. Yes, your lunch is literally cooked by a volcano! Cheese lovers will want to sample the famous cheeses of São Jorge, while wine enthusiasts should make time to explore Pico's unusual volcanic vineyards. And don't overlook the local bakeries, traditional sweets, and delicious Azorean pineapples. Best time to visit One of the attractions of the Azores is their relatively mild climate throughout the year. Temperatures are generally comfortable, with cooler winters and pleasantly warm summers. However, the weather is famously changeable. Sunshine, clouds, mist, and occasional rain can all make an appearance in a single day. May through October is generally the most appealing period for exploring the islands, with June through September offering warmer weather and longer days. July and August are the busiest months, particularly with European vacationers. For travelers who prefer fewer crowds, late spring and early fall can be especially attractive. The islands are green for a reason, so even during summer, it's wise to pack a light rain jacket! How many islands to visit With nine islands to choose from, it's tempting to try to see them all. But this is one destination where slowing down is part of the pleasure. For a first visit of approximately one week, São Miguel alone offers plenty to discover. With 10 to 14 days, combining São Miguel with two or three of the central islands can provide a wonderful introduction to the archipelago. Travel between islands is possible by regional flights and, on certain routes, ferries. However, schedules, weather conditions, and travel times need to be considered when planning an itinerary. A thoughtfully designed trip allows time not only for the highlights but also for those unexpected discoveries that often become the most memorable moments. An Island escape without the usual crowds The Azores may no longer be quite the secret they once were, but they remain a refreshing alternative to many of Europe's busier island destinations. There are no endless stretches of mega-resorts or a need to rush from one famous attraction to the next. Instead, you'll find dramatic landscapes, fascinating history, welcoming communities, wonderful regional cuisine, and plenty of opportunities to connect with nature. Whether you're looking for an active outdoor adventure, a relaxing island escape, or a combination of both, the Azores deserve a place on your travel wish list. And for travelers who appreciate a little more elbowroom, these nine remarkable islands may be just what you're looking for. Ready to discover the Azores? Let's create an island getaway that matches your interests, travel style, and sense of adventure. Call 602-540-7338 or email [email protected]. This updated article was originally written in May 2020.
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