If you’re tired of crowded beaches, noisy hotels, and artificial cultural experiences, then the Azores Islands are for you.  For the most part, the Portuguese island chain has remained “off the map” in terms of mainstream tourist destinations.  It has since become more popular, but the secluded islands allow for a quaint, culturally authentic trip.

If you want to experience an archipelago that is a true nature sanctuary with stunning landscapes and never-ending views, along with a captivating history and culture, join us on this four-island adventure!

Naturally rich in history, beauty and culture, the Azores are a hidden gem in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.  The Azores may be an autonomous region of Portugal, but the archipelago offers a vastly different experience to the mainland.  These nine volcanic islands each have their own character, from the lush hills of São Miguel to the towering volcano and stone-walled vineyards of Pico.  Hiking, cycling or traveling the quiet roads, you’ll come across waterfalls, hot springs, steaming fumaroles, lush meadows and cerulean lakes.  This was also the first archipelago in the world with a certification in sustainable tourism!

Although the Azores appeared on nautical charts from the 14th century, the uninhabited volcanic archipelago was only officially discovered and settled by the Portuguese and Flemish in the 15th century.  The rich volcanic soil and freely available water sources meant the settlers prospered and were soon exporting wheat and plant dyes to mainland Europe and Africa.  Their livestock thrived too, and today the cows on the island of São Miguel live the life every cow dreams of.  The fresh meadows, natural springs, and endless green pastures make it an ideal location to produce some of the country’s best dairies. 

Cheesemaking has been a time-honored Azorean craft since the first Flemish settlers arrived on the Islands more than 500 years ago, and upon your arrival, it won’t take long to see signs of the Azores’ fondness for dairy everywhere.  The number one cheese of the Azores is the famous Queijo de São Jorge.  The cheese is so beloved, it has been granted the Protected Designation of Origin status.

The Azores also produces some great wines, particularly the wines of Pico Island.  Pico wines are of the highest quality, and are grown in a very interesting way--in stone-walled vineyards.  Most of the soil across the islands is volcanic, which combines with the climate to give Azores wine its vast range of aromas and consistencies.

It’s no surprise that the Azores are an epicurean delight for foodies.  The archipelago’s many unique microclimates, abundant water supply, and the volcanic nature of the islands, make it possible to offer a large variety of delicious dishes.  Based on a rich and hearty peasant-style of cooking, Azorean cuisine is so scrumptious, it will leave you asking for seconds.

The most famous dish from São Miguel Island is the beloved Portuguese stew known as Cozido.  This hearty and robust stew, consisting of a hodgepodge layering of pork, beef, chicken, sausages, and vegetables, is cooked in underground holes known as fumaroles.  These holes are dug in hot volcanic soil located right next to the beautiful and scenic Furnas Lake.  Once the stew has been simmered and cooked to perfection by the natural heat, it is best enjoyed with some Portuguese red wine to complete the feast.

The Islands We'll be Visiting

São Miguel

The largest of the nine islands, São Miguel is known as the green island for its several shades of green that cover the island.  Big landscapes and fields can be admired from every viewpoint, including Europe’s only tea plantation.  The island is home to the regional capital, Ponta Delgada, which is known for its century-old churches, quaint cobbled streets, a long seaside promenade, and a delicious collection of local bars and restaurants.  São Miguel is also known for the various lakes created by the volcanoes that once raised this island: Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo and Lagoa das Furnas, among others.  Explore the geothermal wonders of the Furnas Valley, a dormant volcanic caldera where bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles and hot springs offer the chance to soak in thermal pools.

Pico

Pico is the second largest island of the Azores archipelago and is home to Pico Mountain, the highest mountain in Portugal.  Pico is nicknamed the grey island because of its dramatic volcanic landscapes.  Lava formations dominate the scenery, contrasting with the blue of the ocean and the white from the foam of waves.  Wine production on Pico Island dates back to the 15^th century and in 2004 the vineyard landscape was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Pico wine is a product recognized and certified for its quality, and winemaking is a very important activity on the island and the center of life for many families.  Pico is also one of the best islands in the Azores for dolphin and whale watching.  Many whale and dolphin species choose the Azores as part of their migration route or even as their permanent home, including sperm and blue whales, as well as common and bottlenose dolphins. 

Faial

Faial, the blue island, got its nickname from the many deep-blue hydrangeas seen all over the island.  Faial is most known for the Capelinhos Volcano which erupted in 1957-58 and created a very unique moon-ish landscape.  Also dominating Faial is the dormant Caldeira Volcano with its impressive crater.  This crater is 400 meters deep, 2 kilometers wide and is surrounded by lush vegetation.  Not to be missed is the city of Horta.  Its famous marina is the preferred stop over for ships crossing the Atlantic Ocean.  In Horta you can explore several historical buildings telling the story of the diverse history of the city and island.

São Jorge

São Jorge, the brown island, reveals itself in the dramatic cliffs and dark rocks that you can see while exploring the island.  São Jorge is best known for its fajãs, which are small flat lands along the coast that contrast with the island’s many steep cliffs.  Apart from their unique beauty, the fajãs across the southern coast have a particular climate that allow for coffee to grow.  In fact, the Azores is the only place in Europe where coffee is grown!  Besides its fajãs, cheese is another icon of this island, as its particular taste is already well known worldwide.  Queijo de Sao Jorge will delight those who appreciate a strong cheese taste, a flavor that is considered one of the best in the Azorean region.

Trip Highlights

We'll be spending four nights on São Miguel, the largest of the islands, and four nights on Pico.  We'll also visit the smaller islands of São Jorge and Faial on day trips via ferry.  You will get to know all that these beautiful islands have to offer as we have many incredible experiences on tap.

Furnas Valley – Enjoy this magical place full of geothermal activity where you will feel and experience the volcanic regions of São Miguel.  We will see an interesting variety of hot springs--some are muddy, others have clear waters and others are just sulfurous steam.  We will stop at the gorgeous Terra Nostra botanical park, with an exquisite collection of plants from all over the world, where we can swim in a thermal pool of iron-enriched water.  At Furnas Lake, we will observe how Cozido, one of the most emblematic dishes of the Azores, is made.  This is a very special meal cooked only with the steam of the Earth.  We will then enjoy a Cozido lunch at a local restaurant.  This is a gastronomic experience you cannot miss!

Hiking at Gorreana Tea Plantation – In operation since 1883, this is the oldest and only tea plantation in Europe.  The plant, camellia sinensis, used for the green and black tea, was introduced to the island in 1750, brought by the ships returning from the East.  We will walk a circular trail along the tea plantations.  The trail ends at the Gorreana factory, where you can rest and enjoy a cup of tea and learn more about tea cultivation on the island and its production. 

Caldeira Velha Hot Springs - Here you can enjoy a relaxing bath in the four thermal pools, each at a different temperature. The pools are not too deep so you can stand or even sit.  One of the main attractions is undoubtedly the gorgeous waterfall at the end of the park which makes for great photos.  We will also visit the Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Center where you will learn all about the formation of São Miguel Island and the volcanic origins of the Azores.

Gruta do Carvao (Carvao Cave) – Explore the largest lava tunnel tube in São Miguel.  Along the almost 2 kilometers of cavern walls, you will find stalactites, stalagmites, columns, bridges and many other volcanic structures that show how the lava moved inside.

Bicycling and Kayaking at Lagoa das Sete Cidades – Sete Cidades Lake on São Miguel island is the most well-known postcard photo of the Azores with its contrasting blue and green waters.  You can choose to walk along the shore, ride a bicycle in the surrounding area, or paddle a kayak in the lake's still waters.  For people who like physical activity, this is definitely the best way to enjoy the magical nature of the Azores. 

Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventure – The Azores is home to several species of whales and dolphins, including sperm and blue whales, as well as common and bottlenose dolphins.  Before going out to sea on a boat, the marine biologists will provide you with a briefing about security and respect for the animals and their natural habitat.  After that, be prepared for 3 hours of intense encounters at sea with magnificent whales or a playful school of dolphins. 

Adega A Buraca Winery and Criação Velha Vineyards – We will visit a small family-owned winery where we will taste their unique wines and learn about the history, culture and winemaking process on Pico Island.  We will also stop to admire the Criação Velha vineyards.  Wine production on Pico dates back to the 15th century and in 2004 this vineyard landscape was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Caldeira Grande – This impressive crater is one of the main landmarks on the island of Faial.  Situated in the center of the island, it is 2 kilometers wide and 400 meters deep and surrounded by lush vegetation.  When the weather conditions are good, the views from the rim of the crater are spectacular!

Capelinhos Volcano and Interpretive Center – Here on the island of Faial, the landscape was completely changed by the 1957/1958 eruption with the houses and fields covered by volcanic ash which created a barren rock desert with a moon-ish volcanic landscape.  After admiring this unique landscape, we will visit the Interpretive Center of the Capelinhos Volcano where we will learn about the eruption, the history of the Azorean lighthouses, and the formation of the Azores archipelago.

São Jorge Cheese Factory – Cheesemaking has been a time-honored Azorean craft since the first Flemish settlers arrived on the islands more than 500 years ago.  We will make a stop to sample the number one cheese of the Azores, the famous Queijo de São Jorge.  This cheese is so beloved, it has been granted the Protected Designation of Origin status.

Fajã dos Vimes – Fajãs are a flat and fertile terrain at the foot of a coast cliff.  They are formed by landslides or lava flows and usually have a microclimate due to the unusual mix of mountain and ocean.  Apart from their unique beauty, the fajãs across the southern coast of São Jorge island have a particular climate that allows for coffee to grow.  At Fajã dos Vimes, we will take some time to admire the beautiful landscape as well as the largest coffee plantation in the Azores.