Azores Tourist Guide

Discover the amazing Azores and its nine volcanic islands. Nature has created a magical land, with an untouched and wild beauty. It is this unexplored characteristic that makes this archipelago so special. Each island is different having its own individual attractive and unique natural features.

The land formations have marked clear differences: explore the island of Flores, where jagged mountains can be seen around the island and compare it to the infinite pasturelands of São Miguel. It is this latter island, the main island of the archipelago that exhibits some of the most impressive evidence of volcanic activity: the Furnas. They are Hot Springs, with naturally boiling water that burst forth equally hot steam. Here, the famous Furnas Stew is cooked.

The serene blue lagoons and dense lush green forests of São Miguel, the historic buildings of the centre of Angra on Terceira, or the multicultural port of Horta on Faial will surely attract a special kind of traveller, one who looks for beauty, discovery, diversity and modernity.

Due to their individual geographic locations, each island has been explored and developed differently. The strategic position of the Azores between Europe and the Americas has made it a special place for several encounters, emigrations and immigrations. A clear example of this is Terceira, which was used as an important point for trade during the 15th and 16th centuries, increasing its economic importance. This is clearly shown by the rich city centre in Angra do Heroismo.

The Azores Islands have also been isolated from the Portuguese mainland, both socially and politically for many years. People’s customs and practices are different from those in the mainland, as is the case of the Holy Spirit celebrations that take place throughout the archipelago from May to September.

Experience traditional Azorean hospitality, the flavours of its cuisine, the wilderness spread amongst valleys, cliffs, craters down to the ocean. It is on these islands that some of the most delicious Portuguese cheese is made. The waters around the islands team with life; snorkelling and scuba diving are available on most islands offering the opportunity to see the stunning beauty that lays beneath the Atlantic. Take a boat trip and see a few species of dolphins, but if you are lucky you might get a glimpse of a large whale. And last but not least, golfing on the Islands of São Miguel and Terceira is an exquisite experience, as these 18-hole greens are embedded in this beautiful landscape.

Mother Nature used her agile hands to create a land filled with a natural beauty ready to be explored, where you can practise several sports, taste its special gastronomy, get to know the typical customs or simply soak up the stunning landscapes. The Azores will be different for each visitor, but will certainly create the same sense of mysticism and tranquillity one looks for in a holiday.