12 reasons to visit the Azores

Are the Azores worth visiting? We certainly think so and we're about to tell you why!

12 reasons to visit the Azores GTRES

5 August 2022, 15:34

The Azores, a Portuguese archipelago made out of nine volcanic islands, is situated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Because they are so remote and far from the mainland, tourism hasn’t reached the massive proportions that mainland Portugal experiences and thanks to this, nature on the islands is unspoiled. The islands are also a leading sustainable tourism destination.

So, is the Azores worth visiting? What is the best month to visit the Azores? You're in luck, as there are tens of reasons why you should travel to the Azores or even consider living in this area. We are about to tell you just a few of the reasons to visit the Azores that will make you fall in love with these islands which are great to visit all year round, but especially in July and August when the weather is at its driest.

Breathtaking waterfalls

There are countless waterfalls all around the Azores and even though most of them are a bit difficult to reach and require a lot of hiking, the views are incredibly beautiful and worth the effort. Search for these hidden gems and swim surrounded by the most amazing natural atmosphere. The must-see waterfalls in the Azores that will take your breath away include Poço do Bacalhau Waterfall on Flores Island, Salto do Cabrito Waterfall on the São Miguel island and Caldeira Velha Waterfall where you can also take a dip under the waterfall.

Famous hot springs in the Azores

A breathtaking view of the Furnas thermal pool Nuno Antunes on Unsplash

If you’ve done some research about the Azores you'll almost certainly have read or heard about their famous hot springs. Where are the hot springs in the Azores? All the hot springs in the Azores are found on São Miguel island, while the most famous one is the thermal pool of Furnas that allows you to swim in hot water, with the palms, ferns and conifers of a subtropical Atlantic forest all around you.

Tropical geysers

Yes, the Azores also have geysers! Unlike the Icelandic ones, though, these are in a tropical environment. In Furnas, for example, you can find one of the most active volcanoes of the archipelago and the pressure and heat lead to some wonderful surprises for visitors!

Lakes in all shades of blue and green

The lakes in the Azores are a must visit and will leave you truly awestruck, thanks to their waters in every shade from blue, to green and even black. The best way to enjoy the lakes on te Azores is to take a hike around them. Our recommendations include Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Lagoa Rasa and the "Lake of Fire", Lagoa do Fogo.

The Azores, a hiker's paradise

The boundless nature of the Azores is a walker's paradise GTRES

If you are a fan of hiking, then the Azores is an amazing destination. On São Miguel alone you can find more than 20 official trails, so you can imagine how many possibilities there are on the 9 different islands. Every hike will allow you to discover more about the beauty of the Azores.

Peace and quiet beyond compare

If you really want to disconnect and be in tune with your own self, this is the place to be. Although the islands are increasingly popular, the Azores don’t really have mass tourism so don’t worry about overcrowded places, waiting lines, loud tourists… it will be just you and the sound of nature.

Welcoming locals

Hospitality is a Portuguese trademark and the Azores are no exception. Everyone is very welcoming, kind and ready to help at any time, and while people speak less English than on the mainland, the locals will make sure you feel right at home.

Charming small towns

If you want to escape the hustle and noise of the big city, you have to visit the small towns which are scattered across the Azores. Don’t expect to find big residential areas, shopping centres or department stores. This is the kind of place where you’ll buy a few groceries at the local corner shop, where everyone knows your name, where kids play in the street and cars hardly ever drive by. All in all, it's the perfect place for a retreat.

Must-try traditional food

The famous Azorean cheese GTRES

The Azores has a fantastic climate and fertile land, which means the islands are all self-sufficient and don’t really need to import fresh food from mainland Portugal in order to survive. The products are also of excellent quality and are very affordable.

The most famous dish of the Azores is Cozido das furnas, a stew that’s cooked inside a volcano! Other food highlights included the tangy Azorean cheese, the amazing Azorean wine, the juiciest pineapples you will ever have, and snacking on unusual seafood whenever you get the chance.

Catch a glimpse of whales and dolphins

The Azorean Archipelago is one of the best sites to spot whales and dolphins since no less than one third of all cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) in the world can be found here. In São Miguel these elusive species are spotted by people who are at a lookout on the coast. Arm yourself with powerful binoculars and be prepared to be amazed!

Magnificent coastlines

Picturesque coastline on the Azores GTRES

With dark cliffs decorated with different shades of green, waterfalls that drop into the ocean and massive rock formations formed by lava, every island of the Azores has its own different look.

Take note that the sea is often pretty rough and should only be ventured into by experienced swimmers, but there are still sections you can swim in, because in many areas there are built up rocks that have created a kind of 'sea swimming pool'. You get all the benefits of sea swimming, without having to worry about being swept out to sea!

Easy to get around

Thanks to the paved roads and very little traffic, it's really easy to get around the islands by car. The only downside is that there are very few public transport services so, if you can’t drive yourself that can be a problem. You can also move around visiting different islands using the many interconnecting flights from different companies, or even the ferry for a cheaper option.