The volcanic archipelago of the Azores, comprising nine islands jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, is still considered relatively uncharted territory for travelers. While these Portuguese territories have recently gained a reputation for their hot mineral springs and first-class whale-watching, the Azores are still a reasonably priced escape for visitors interested in vacationing off the beaten path. From the breathtaking volcano that practically overwhelms the island of Pico to the lush local flora of Terceira and the magnificent whale-watching tours of Faial, travel to the Azores will satisfy your wildest island daydreams. Let Travel + Leisure’s Azores travel guide point you to the best sights on all nine islands, with breathtaking natural wonders and adrenaline-pumping activities.
Things Not to Miss in the Azores
• Whale watching on Faial
• Visiting Lagoa das Furnas, a hot spring with steam vents, mud pots and geysers
• Climbing the volcano on Pico
• Bird-watching on São Miguel, where you may just see the endemic "Priolo"
• Hiking through the subtropical flora and hidden waterfalls of Flores
• Visiting the UNESCO heritage city of Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira Island
• Scuba diving off Terceira
When to Go to the Azores
The Azores enjoys a balmy climate year-round, so make your Azores travel plans at your leisure. Keep in mind that summers will be hotter and more humid, while the winter season sees cooler climates that might discourage any long swims in the Atlantic. Visit the Azores in the summer if you’re interested in whale watching; travel to the Azores in the spring for the ideal temperatures. However, the climate can be temperamental year-round, so be prepared for occasional showers and storms.
-
This Remote Portuguese Island Is Home to Volcanoes, Whales, and Thermal Baths
With an abundance of banana fields, pineapple greenhouses, and one of the most underrated cheese- and tea-producing settlements in Europe, São Miguel is... Read More
-
20 Gorgeous, Green Destinations Where You Can Have an Eco-friendly Vacation
What makes a place green? Well, that depends on how you define it. For some countries, like Indonesia, it’s all about building a school with sustainable... Read More
-
In the Azores, You Can Cook Your Dinner Inside a Volcano
I stood back from the steaming, manhole-sized crater and watched my lunch being lowered into the ground. Next to me stood Valter Vieira, the chef at... Read More
-
After This Woman's Flight Was Canceled, She Met Her Future Husband on the Rebooked One
A canceled flight might turn out to be the best thing to ever happen to you.Back in 2015, Anna Gorga’s flight from the Azores to Lisbon was canceled.... Read More
-
Start Summer Off Right With a Trip to One of These Surf Destinations
Whether you consider yourself to be a surfer or not, you’re likely influenced by surf culture. If you drop a “dude” from time-to-time, highlight your... Read More
-
The Top 15 Islands in Europe
European culture, history, and food only get better when paired with the relaxation quotient of an island. The spectacular coastlines of the best... Read More
-
The 15 Best Islands in the World (Video)
One of the greatest rewards of traveling — discovering the new — is reflected in T+L readers’ picks for the world’s best islands. Not only do several... Read More
-
15 of the World’s Most Beautiful Islands
When you think about the most beautiful places on earth, images of pristine white sand beaches on remote tropical islands often come to mind. And while... Read More
-
The Best Places to Go Whale Watching This Summer
There’s something magical about whales. It may be the fact that one species – the blue whale – is the largest animal on Earth, reaching as much as 100... Read More
-
The Best Summer Trips for Solo Travelers
Craving some adventure this summer? The notion of a solo trip might be a bit overwhelming at first, but once you get past the initial fear of traveling... Read More
-
Why This Small Island in the Middle of the Atlantic Has the Most Beautiful Hydrangeas in the World
You may think you’ve seen blue hydrangeas. But there’s a place in the middle of the Atlantic where the hydrangeas are so vibrant, they are sure to... Read More
-
8 Gorgeous Tropical Destinations That Are Zika-free
This story originally appeared on Departures.com. While the media furor surrounding Zika has calmed down quite a bit over the past year, travelers are... Read More
-
Flights to One of Europe's Best Islands Are on Sale for $391 Round-trip
Recently voted one of the best islands in Europe by Travel + Leisure readers, the Azores are celebrating their World’s Best Awards win with a 3-day... Read More
-
The Top 10 Islands in Europe in 2018
The love affair with Greece continues for our readers, who have voted six of the country’s islands into the European Top 10 list this year. But beyond... Read More
-
The Azores Aren’t the ‘Next Iceland’ — and That’s Exactly Why You Should Go
“Everyone says the Azores are the new Iceland,” says Catarina Maia, emphatic despite the patchy connection on our transatlantic call between New York... Read More