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The Azores
Portugal (mid-Atlantic) 37.78° N · 25.50° W
Nine volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic, with crater lakes, hot springs, tea plantations and whales passing offshore.
“Reaching the Vista do Rei viewpoint as the clouds lift, and seeing the twin lakes of Sete Cidades — one blue, one green — filling the crater below.”
In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, almost halfway between Europe and North America, a string of volcanic islands rises from the sea. The Azores are wrapped in green: pastures divided by stone walls and hydrangea hedges, forests of cedar and ferns, and crater lakes shining in the bottom of ancient volcanoes.
It belongs on the list because it feels like a world that has been quietly kept aside. At Sete Cidades, two lakes of different colours lie side by side inside a huge caldera. In Furnas, steam rises from the ground and lunch is cooked by burying pots in the earth. At the end of a hike, you can sink into a warm, orange thermal pool under giant tree ferns.
And all around, the ocean is alive. Dolphins ride the waves beside small boats, and whales pass close to the islands. The weather changes by the hour, the light is soft and the pace is slow. It’s Europe — but it doesn’t feel like anywhere else in Europe.
From someday to a real plan
- Days needed
- 5–7 days (10+ for several islands)
- Best months
- May – Sep
- Budget
- US$100–220 per person per day
- Getting there
- Straightforward
- Crowds
- Light
A week on São Miguel covers crater lakes, hot springs, hikes and a whale-watching trip. Add inter-island flights for Pico, Faial or Flores.
The warmest, most stable weather and the full range of boat trips. The islands are mild all year, but winter is wetter and windier.
Good value by Western European standards. A rental car is almost essential on São Miguel. Some sights have small fees, such as the summer shuttle to Lagoa do Fogo (€5 at last check). Orientation ranges — verify before booking.
About 2 hours by plane from Lisbon or Porto to Ponta Delgada (São Miguel), with seasonal direct flights from other European and North American cities.
August is the busiest month and viewpoints fill at midday, but trails and smaller islands stay quiet.
The year at a glance
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
The Azores are famous for 'four seasons in one day' — clouds can hide crater lakes in minutes, then clear again. Spring is a good time for whales, including large baleen species passing through.
What you'll remember
- 01
Sete Cidades
Twin lakes in a vast crater on São Miguel, surrounded by hydrangeas and forest, with a walking trail around the rim.
- 02
Lagoa do Fogo
A wild crater lake in the island's mountains; in summer, access to the viewpoint area is by shuttle bus.
- 03
Cozido in Furnas
A stew slow-cooked for hours in pots buried in the hot volcanic ground.
- 04
Thermal pools at sunset
Warm, iron-rich springs in gardens and forest pools around Furnas and Caldeira Velha.
- 05
Whale and dolphin watching
The islands are one of the world's great places to see cetaceans, with many species recorded in Azorean waters.
- 06
Climbing Pico
Portugal's highest mountain, a volcano on its own island, climbed with registration and good weather.
The honest catch
Sitting roughly 1,400 km off mainland Portugal, the Azores have long been overshadowed by Lisbon, the Algarve and Madeira. The islands have a reputation for rain, flights were limited for years, and there are no big resort strips. For hikers, food lovers and anyone who likes green, dramatic landscapes, that's exactly the appeal.
How the trip fits together
- 1 day
Ponta Delgada
Arrival city on São Miguel, pick up the car.
- 2 days
Sete Cidades & the west
Crater lakes, viewpoints and coastal hot springs.
- 2 days
Furnas & the east
Hot springs, cozido, Gorreana tea plantation and waterfalls.
- +3–4 days
Pico or Flores (optional)
Volcano climbing and vineyards on Pico, waterfalls on remote Flores.
Put it on your list if…
- Green volcanic landscapes, hiking and hot springs are your idea of paradise.
- You want a wild-feeling destination without long-haul flights from Europe.
- Changeable weather feels like part of the adventure.
Maybe skip it if…
- You want guaranteed sunshine and beach days.
- You don't want to drive — public transport is limited.
- Big resorts and nightlife are high on your list.
- Check the regional government's trail information for closures and access rules before hiking — some trails close after storms or flooding.
- Book whale-watching with certified operators that follow cetacean-watching rules.
- Book summer car rental early; supply on São Miguel runs out in July and August.
- Check entry requirements for Portugal (Schengen area) for your passport on official sources.
