The Azores Region in Portugal is definitely worth a visit

The Azores is an “archipelago” of nine islands and this is one archipelago you need to visit.

The Azores is one of the most popular regions in Portugal, and it is divided into three groups; Eastern, Western, and Central.

The islands boast breathtaking landscapes which include the sea on one side, and the volcanic mountains on the other, as a beautiful backdrop. On these nine islands, you will also find a spectacular show of azaleas and hydrangea flowers, which is definitely worth worth-seeing.

Santa Maria Island
Terceira Island
Graciosa Island
Faial Island
Pico Island
São Miguel Island
Sao Jorge Island
Flores Island
Corvo Island

Of the 9 volcanic islands, I want to highlight a few must see places and things to do:

Horta Faial

Horta is beautiful. The pristine Pria Do Porto Pimm beach and a visit to the Caldeira do Faial – Volcano crater is two things you must do while visiting Horta.

The meaning of: Faial (meaning “beech wood”) was named for the wax myrtle, once abundant, which its discoverers mistook for beech trees.

Flores Island

Then Flores Island with its lush vegetation is the perfect island for a hiking experience. Find the beautiful waterfalls on your way to on the Western most point of Europe. For the more adventurous traveler there is also the option of exploring the island while doing some canyoning.

Also known as Ilha das Flores, part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it sits in the Western group of the Azores. The island is known for its abundance of flowers. Like, during the summertime when the island is covered with thousands of Hydrangeas, hence its Portuguese name of Flores.

Pico Island

The perfect place according to experts to grow a vineyard. Here you must go on a wine tasting tour and explore Madalena on foot. The island does not hide the fact that it is a volcanic island as you will see black volcanic rock and sand everywhere. On Pico Island you will also find the highest mountain in Portugal, the Ponta do Pico and it is open for hikers. I would suggest that you book a tour. It is more fun in a group and you will get much more information from a tour guide.

São Miguel

This is the biggest island of the archipelago, and as part of the Eastern group, São Miguel Island is also in my opinion the most famous and the one you definitely have to add to your bucket-list.

The Island has the nickname “Ilha Verde” – ‘Green Island’, because of its lush vegetation. Here you will find huge craters, beautiful lakes and gardens and much more.

Let’s start with a list of things you must do and see on the São Miguel Island:

If you are looking for those Instagram beautiful photo spots, you have to visit Sete Cidades. Thee is a beautiful trail to a view point on top of a hill which will give you stunning 360 views over the volcanic lakes (Caldeira das Sete Cidades).
Visit the Hot Springs –São Miquel Furnas and thermal baths.
Beautiful Lagoa das Empadadas with flowering azaleas is a very tranquil destination.
Hiking in the Azores is breathtakingly beautiful. Hike up to the top to get a view on Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde.
Now everyone is talking about the view from the top of the abandoned Hotel Monte Palace. This was a bit creepy for me, but for photographers it is a dream spot.
Actually anywhere high up on the São Miguel Island will reward you with awesome views: Miradouro do Cerrado das Freiras / Miradouro do Monte Santo / Miradouro do Nossa Senhora da Paz / Miradouro da Bela Vista (as its name give away: Beautiful View).
Visit Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz
Ribeira Grande
The tea plantations at Cha Gorreana with a sea view is beautiful.
The city Nordeste speaks of history
Miradouro da Ponta do Arnel with its cute Lighthouse.
The UNESCO World Heritage site “Angra do Heroisme” is a beautiful, almost undiscovered, town with amazing architecture.
Another must see is the main city Ponta Delgada.
Go to the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden – Furnas
Lagoa do Fogo / Lake or Lagoon of Fire
Jardim Jose do Canto Garden in Ponta Delgada

Best time to visit the Azores

In my opinion it would be June to September. The wet season is from October to April.

Things to do

You might also like to read about Madeira.

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