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.
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