Hotels in Caniço

The Azores are an archipelago of volcanic islands renowned for breathtaking natural scenery. Spanning 370 miles across the Atlantic Ocean, each of the Azores islands offers its own unique qualities, from idyllic beaches to lush green mountainous regions. From the geothermal wonders on São Miguel Island to the picturesque landscape of Pico Island, it’s easy to see why The Azores grow more popular with visitors every year.

Azores holidays promise a getaway of a lifetime. Spend your time exploring black-sand beaches, wander through charming cities and marvel at volcanic wonders. Situated around 850 miles west of mainland Portugal, these magnificent islands offer something for everyone, whether you’re visiting as a family, a couple or a group of friends. One thing’s for sure – you’ll never be bored.

Discover Natural Wonders

The Azores are a paradise for nature lovers. These Portuguese Islands are adorned with vibrant green scenery and are home to over 800 species of plants. Often referred to as ‘The Hawaii of Europe’, the Azores islands are characterised by their pyramid-shaped mountains separated from mainland Portugal by a vast stretch of ocean.

Each island has unique sights including green pastures, volcanic landscapes and hedgerows of blue hydrangeas. São Miguel, the largest and most popular island with tourists, is where you can witness volcanic craters.

A 45-minute drive from São Miguel’s capital will take you to the charming village of Furnas, home to one of the most active geothermal areas on the planet. Here you can bathe in a hot thermal pool and wander amongst centuries-old trees.  

Black-sand beaches

Black-sand beaches are a beautiful reminder of the Azores islands’ volcanic history. Made up of lava fragments and volcanic minerals, these beaches are one of the most awe-inspiring sights across the entire archipelago. One of the best black-sand beaches to visit is Mosteiros Beach in São Miguel, characterised by natural swimming pools and stunning scenic views.

Staying Active

There are plenty of fantastic views to discover across the Azores. Head to Flores, the westernmost island, and hike along one of the beautiful coastal routes here. Join a guided tour and explore all the wonderful scenery this island has to offer, including waterfalls, lagoons and caves.

Or spend a day climbing Mount Pico on Pico Island and be rewarded with wonderful views at its peak. Standing at 2,351 metres, this impressive volcano constitutes the highest point across the archipelago.

For something a little different, try out paddleboarding on one of the many lakes dotted across the islands. Explore crater lakes and the coastline on a standup paddle – an activity perfect for adventure-seekers. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a total professional, paddleboarding is an activity not to be missed during your Azores holiday.

Best Beaches

The Azores are home to many idyllic beaches, ranging from black-sand beaches to white sandy beaches. Whether you want to learn more about the archipelago’s volcanic history or relax on soft sands with a good book, there’s a beach for you.

Praia Grande, located on Terceira Island, is a great place to spend an afternoon sunbathing. Nestled in the bay of Praia da Vitória, it’s the largest sandy beach on the island. Although it’s a popular beach, there are plenty of peaceful spots to unwind and watch the world go by. A main promenade surrounds this beach, so there are lots of places nearby to grab a drink or a bite to eat.

Or spend an afternoon on Praia Formosa Beach, located on Santa Maria Island. Framed by a backdrop of stunning green hillsides, this beach is renowned for its fine sand and clear water popular with windsurfers.

Welcome to Madeira’s 500-year-old capital, perched on a hill along the Garden Island’s southern coastline. Cobbled streets, stunning gardens, and a cosmopolitan marina are all part and parcel of Funchal holidays.

This place flawlessly blends old with new, from the historic Old Town to the smart boutiques and bars. And it’s home to some super-stylish clubs, too, along with rustic restaurants serving up classic local fare. Don’t miss the famously colourful gardens; you can enjoy spectacular views across the bay from some of them. Looking for a beach? There are four of them nearby, just a half-hour walk from town.

Things to do

You could spend hours and hours exploring the cobbled streets of Funchal’s Old Town, dipping in and out of the shops and museums. How about a trip to the Museum of Contemporary Art? It’s housed in the 17th century São Tiago Fort. But there’s so much more to this place, too. Holidays to the Garden Island are a change to explore the great outdoors, so pack your swimsuit and your hiking boots and see where your trip takes you.

Excellent beaches

There are only a few sandy shores in Funchal, as most are pebble beaches, so you’ll find a unique take on a traditional afternoon by the beach. It’s common to find paved promenades with lidos on the edge of the coast with sunbathing facilities and you can still swim in the calming waves as a safe section of the sea is usually marked off. In the Old Town you’ll find Praia da Barreirinha where you can relax on the promenade on sun loungers before taking a dip in the pool.

Follow the steps down to the sea and have fun swimming in the stunning setting. If you want to find sand, one of the more popular beaches is the small man-made one in nearby Calheta. The golden sand was imported from Morocco and is ideal for reclining on sun loungers under the glorious warm sunshine.

History and culture

Funchal is Madeira’s largest city and the island’s 500 year old capital. The area became popular with tourists in the 1850s and the main export of the island is the famous Madeira wine, which began trading in the 17th century. You’ll find most of the island’s history and culture in the cobbled streets of the Old Town and 16th century buildings in the centre of Funchal.

The general atmosphere when walking around Funchal is upbeat and modern, but tradition oozes through in the shape of traditional food and age-old customs, such as picking grapes in September’s Wine Harvest Festival. Another celebrated tradition is toboggan rides down the steep hill that connects Monte to Funchal. Drivers, also known as Carreiros de Monte, push the wicker cart, which was described by writer Ernest Hemingway as the ‘most exhilarating experience’ of his life.

Nightlife

Madeira follows a typically English way of life, with many of the clubs and bars dormant throughout the week. However, you’ll be able to find evening entertainment throughout the week in Funchal. Enjoy a cocktail or two in outdoor seating and dance to live music if the moment takes you. Madeira has a great selection of traditional food to try too. Dine on hearty meals and sip on the famous Madeira wine transported directly from the vineyards found in the mountains.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including Algarve | Lisbon | Madeira