Summary of Top Attractions in the Azores
Volcanoes and the Azores are intricately connected; nearly every volcano located in Portugal exists within these islands. Spectacular indicators of their potency can be found at a peninsula in Faial, formed in the 1950s, as well as in the geothermal activity surrounding the town of Furnas on São Miguel, where local chefs utilize the earth’s heat for cooking.
Also situated on São Miguel are dormant calderas that have transformed into serene lakes, adorned with ferns, juniper bushes, and conifers lining their peripheries. Given this natural beauty and a mild subtropical climate, the Azores present an exceptional environment for outdoor activities such as hiking, diving, or observing the diverse whale species that gather offshore.
Let us delve into the best activities to experience in the Azores:
1. Sete Cidades Caldera
The grandeur of the Sete Cidades Massif, located on the western side of São Miguel Island, is truly breathtaking.
Two lakes, one green and one blue, are nestled within lush vegetation and shielded by an enormous volcanic crater that appears like fortifications.
This landscape has undergone transformation through multiple volcanic events over the past 38,000 years.
The most recent eruption possibly occurred as late as the 1400s, just prior to the island’s colonization.
Numerous vantage points offer remarkable views, particularly the Vista do Rei lookout situated on the southern rim adjacent to the abandoned Monte Palace hotel.
2. Capelinhos
From September 1957 to October 1958, the landscape of Faial Island was irrevocably altered with the eruption of the Capelinhos volcano.
This event resulted in the formation of a new landmass, which subsequently connected to Faial via an isthmus.
Additionally, this devastation compelled 1,800 individuals to migrate permanently to the United States, though there were no fatalities.
Standing on land that was previously ocean merely 60 years ago is a remarkable experience, as are the roofs submerged in ash.
Photographs fail to convey the impressive scale of this new expanse of volcanic desert.
Make sure to visit the remnants of the lighthouse, which now houses a museum dedicated to the volcano.
3. Angra do Heroísmo
It was not until the advent of the steam era in the 19th century that transatlantic traffic could effectively bypass this key harbor on the Island of Terceira.
During the 15th and 16th centuries, in particular, it served as a crucial stop for expeditions heading to the New World.
Angra do Heroísmo is a charming, vibrant city characterized by architecture primarily from the 1700s.
Rua da Sé is a delight, featuring mosaic pavements and traditional houses adorned with brightly colored door and window frames.
Be sure to pause for a photograph of the cathedral, explore the shops, and engage with the rich history at the city’s museum.
4. Montanha do Pico
Pico Island is home to the highest peak in all of Portugal, Montanha do Pico, standing at 2,351 meters.
Often disappearing amidst the clouds, this stratovolcano may appear imposing, with its most recent eruption occurring in 1718. However, it is not as difficult to scale as one might think, and it does not require advanced equipment beyond suitable hiking gear.
Prior to embarking on your journey, it is necessary to register at the visitor center; the entire ascent is marked by wooden poles every 50 meters providing elevation information.
If fortunate enough to ascend on a clear day, stunning views of Graciosa, Faial, Terceira, and São Jorge islands await.
5. Lagoa do Fogo
Another spectacular crater lake located on São Miguel Island is among the largest bodies of water in the Azores.
Given the calmness of this setting, accompanied by endemic Azorean flora adorning the steep slopes, it is remarkable to consider that the last eruption took place as recently as 1563. There exists a natural reserve to safeguard the untainted atmosphere of the lake.
Your journey begins with a drive up to the rim, which is an adventure in itself with its winding roads.
After taking photographs, you can slowly make your way down to the shore.
Be sure to check the weather forecast and time your visit for a clear day, as the crater is frequently enveloped in mist.
6. Monte Brasil
This landmass protruding into the ocean to the south of Angra do Heroísmo is the remnant of another volcanic cone.
Positioned between the city’s Fanal and Angra bays, it was an ideal location for fortifications.
The Fortress of São João Baptista, dating back to 1567, is reinforced at the isthmus with five bastions.
Since the 1960s, it has been restructured as a Pousada de Portugal (a luxury hotel). If inclined, you can access the trail to the summit directly from Angra do Heroísmo, which takes no longer than an hour.
At the summit, a monument commemorating Portuguese occupation, gun emplacements from the World Wars, and a captivating view of the city await.
7. Algar do Carvão
Deep within Terceira, you have the opportunity to descend 100 meters into an ancient lava tube.
Entering the magma chamber of an extinct volcano provides a surreal experience as you gaze upward to see the sky through the high cone overhead.
The geological features of the volcano, along with the protection these chambers enjoy from the elements, have allowed mosses and ferns to flourish, creating a striking green hue throughout the upper regions of the cave.
As you venture deeper, the walls are coated with silica stalactites, and a large lake with clear waters lies at the cave’s base.
8. Lagoa das Furnas
Our third lake on São Miguel features unique volcanic activity observable along the northwest shore.
A raised boardwalk provides an excellent perspective of the pools and small calderas releasing steam.
These small craters are even utilized by local chefs in the town of Furnas, who submerge their pots of cozido (a meat and vegetable stew) to simmer in the hot earth.
If you arrive around midday, you may see them retrieve their meals from the calderas.
Afterward, you might be inclined to visit the town to savor traditional dishes prepared using volcanic heat.
9. Poça da Dona Beija
Regardless of the weather conditions, you will undoubtedly enjoy a rejuvenating experience at this hot spring complex located near Furnas on São Miguel.
The pools are replenished by a hot spring that emerges from a cave, with a temperature of 40°C. Initially, individuals bathed in the cave until it became feasible to channel the water into man-made pools, each featuring varying temperatures.
Furnas has garnered a reputation for its hot springs, which play a vital role in supporting local yam agriculture.
The pool complex has undergone recent upgrades and is enveloped in tropical vegetation.
10. Caldeira
This stunning caldera in the heart of Faial illustrates the dynamic nature of the landscapes in the Azores.
Prior to the eruption to the east at Capelinhos in the 1950s, this area contained a lake reminiscent of those found on São Miguel.
Currently, the crater, measuring almost 1.5 kilometers in diameter, is predominantly dry but brimming with vegetation; the varying hues of greenery shift with the light and time of day.
The crater rim rises 400 meters and can be accessed via an eight-kilometer trail that is challenging yet manageable with the appropriate equipment.
11. Marina da Horta
On Faial Island resides the Azores’ primary recreational harbor.
This site serves as a vital stop for transatlantic regattas and amateur sailors crossing the sea, which may come as a surprise given its bustling atmosphere.
People from around the globe frequent this harbor, where super yachts are moored alongside smaller vessels capable of accommodating one or two passengers.
What they all hold in common is a sense of superstition: The walls and floors of the quays, docks, and breakwaters are adorned with paintings created by almost every captain to have passed through, documenting the name of their vessel and the date of their journey.
12. Islet of Vila Franca do Campo
Few individuals can claim to have sunbathed on the slopes of an ancient caldera and swum in its crater.
This fascinating opportunity awaits on this diminutive island situated one kilometer off the coast of São Miguel.
A boat service operates from the pier at Vila Franca do Campo for the brief journey.
Upon arrival, you will discover a partially submerged cone enveloped in rich vegetation.
A lagoon exists in the center, fed by the ocean from the landward side, offering shelter from ocean currents.
This intriguing and picturesque location fills quickly on sunny days.
13. Wave Sports
Exposed to the powerful forces of the Atlantic, the Azores are a paradise for surfers, showcasing waves shaped by volcanic seabeds.
With multiple point breaks, reef breaks, and beach breaks, coupled with substantial swells generated by tropical storms hundreds of kilometers away, every island offers excellent surf opportunities; however, São Miguel stands out for its superior infrastructure and variety.
On the north shore, the stunning volcanic beach of Praia de Santa Barbara is served by a range of surf schools and has hosted World Surf League events since 2010.
14. Whale and Dolphin Watching
Historically, whaling was a significant source of income in the Azores.
Moreover, approximately 25 species of cetaceans, both resident and migratory, grace these waters.
It is entirely feasible to plan a holiday centered around wildlife observation, as numerous expeditions are accessible at every marina, significantly increasing your likelihood of witnessing extraordinary marine life.
Whales and dolphins inhabit the waters surrounding the Azores throughout the year; however, certain species are more seasonal.
In the spring, sei, blue, and fin whales traverse the area, while sperm whales are generally more prevalent during summer.
15. Diving
Due to the Azores’ latitude, diving is not a year-round activity.
Nevertheless, from June to October, when water temperatures rise, the volcanic geology and exceptional ecological diversity create opportunities for unparalleled diving experiences.
Each island features unique underwater landscapes; for instance, near the old port of Angra do Heroísmo in Terceira, there lies an underwater anchor graveyard, while Pico Island boasts striking underwater topography with sheer volcanic cliffs.
Conversely, São Miguel reveals volcanic canyons at shallow depths, providing habitats for octopuses and triggerfish.
