Azores Travel Guide

What a special destination this is, I must say. So nice that Transavia has been flying directly from Amsterdam to here since this season, because before you always had to transfer in Lisbon. And that makes a big difference, because now it is just over four hours of flying away from us. Yes, I'm talking about the Azores. Funny: when I went here, I actually didn't expect many people to know about it, but that turned out not to be the case. I heard a lot around me that the Azores were already on their bucket list, just like on mine. And now that I've been there, I can tell you: it rightly belongs there, you know. I can now cross it off and share my best tips with you.

The Azores archipelago
The Azores consist of nine inhabited islands, of which Sao Miguel is the largest (that is also the island where I spent a week). In addition, you have Terceira, Faial, Sao Jorge, Santa Maria, Pico, Graciosa, Corvo, and Flores. Each of these islands has a different unique aspect, so it's good to familiarize yourself with them before deciding which island you want to go to. Below is a little overview.

Sao Miguel
The largest island of the Azores and also the island where you find the capital Ponta Delgada. A beautifully green island with countless beautiful viewpoints (miradouros), which are also easily accessible by car. If you prefer long walks, then this is also the island for you. What I liked the most? Lagoa do Fogo, Sete Cidades, and Vila Franca do Campo, a sunken volcano. Definitely download the Spot Azores app, because this way you can see the weather at each of these highlights — which can be quite changeable.

Terceira
This island is known for its rich culture. The locals also describe it as ‘the amusement park’ of the Azores, because there is always something to celebrate. So check that well when you want to visit this island, because it's extra fun if there are different festivities.

Faial
This island is also called Ilha Azul, or ‘the blue island’. And that name does not come from the blue sea, but from the hydrangeas that grow everywhere on the island. It is not a large or densely populated island: in the largest city, only 6500 inhabitants live. A nice base if you really want to relax, but still want to enjoy nature. Be sure not to miss the Cabeco Gordo volcano, which is over 1000 meters high.

Sao Jorge
Fun fact: on all the islands of the Azores, you find the same kind of cow as in the Netherlands, but because the Netherlands is a lot flatter than the Azores, they are much more muscular here. You see them a lot, especially on this island; for every resident, there are about three cows. Furthermore, this island is also very green and has many beautiful miradouros. Be sure to visit the Fajas, because they are definitely worth it; they are small flat land tongues that have formed due to land subsidence or lava from the volcanoes.

Santa Maria
This is the oldest island of the Azores and also the sunniest, which is why it has the nickname ‘the sunny island’. This is because this island is the southernmost, resulting in an average temperature of 20 degrees. A lovely temperature to lie on the beach. This is also a good island for divers; you can book various trips to dive with manta rays at Dollabarat Reef.

Pico
The ultimate attraction of this island is the gigantic volcano, the Ponta do Pico. You can also climb this volcano, which takes about three hours and you go up over 2300 meters. Once at the top, you can look down thirty meters into the crater. Not for people with a fear of heights, then. Additionally, you can taste some excellent wine here, such as the Verdelho. Delicious.

Graciosa
If you are looking for true ultimate peace, then this might be the island for you. Here, on average, the fewest tourists come, which may also be due to the lack of the striking highlights that the other islands have. But of course, you will also find the beautiful nature here, and it really feels like time has stood still.

Corvo
This is the smallest island of the Azores. It is beautiful (if you love photography, you can indulge yourself here), but also very quiet. Staying here for a long time is not necessarily recommended, but it is great to combine your stay here with island hopping.

Flores
And those photography lovers should definitely not skip Flores. Everywhere you look, you see flowers, beautiful waterfalls, and various crater lakes. Also, bring good shoes, because you will be walking a lot to special viewpoints. Notably, many lakes here have different colors, caused by the different depths. From pitch black to bright green – very special.

Eating in the Azores
What I didn't know before I went to the Azores is that they are known for their pineapples. Funny, right? You definitely have to try them here. In addition, they have many different types of wine, so booking a wine tasting is also a must. Not so much into alcohol? Then visit one of the many tea plantations and/or book a tea tasting. Very nice to do.

For fresh fish, you are of course also in the right place in the Azores. In addition, they have many local meat specialties such as alcatra, a dish that owes its name to the pot in which it is prepared. It is a kind of stew with beef, onions, bacon, and wine.

Accommodations in the Azores
I booked my trip to the Azores via Eliza Was Here, and I really enjoyed it. They have the most beautiful accommodations here. No gigantic hotel chains, but beautiful boutique hotels in the most special locations. Extra handy that the rental car was included, which is really a must in the Azores.