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Azores

The Azores is a charming Portuguese archipelago located in the midst of the North Atlantic Ocean, some 1500-kilometres from the European coast. Comprising nine volcanic islands, the Azores are both stark and striking in appearance, boasting verdant volcanic ridges cradling emerald-green lakes, and sapphire-blue bays below. Beyond the craters, much of the land is used for farming, and the rugged landscape is somehow seamlessly interspersed with beautifully manicured fields and prairies. As you can imagine, the hiking here is magnificent, with many must-see footpaths meandering from peak to peak.

Whilst each island has its own unique charm, they all share a similar sleepy ambience reminiscent of times long passed. You’ll find a wonderful mix of architecture which capitalises on the archipelago’s beautiful black volcanic stone. Grand colonial manor houses stand tall with pride, alongside humble, hunching farm houses and fascinating 15th-century churches. In fact, the historical and cultural merit of these islands is evidenced with not one, but two, UNESCO World Heritage sites - the vineyards of Pico and the old port town of Angra do Heroismo Terceira.

Daily flights depart from both Lisbon and Porto to the Azores, landing in Sao Miguel, Faial, or Terceira. Santa Maria and Pico can also be reached from Lisbon or Porto, but flights are not offered daily. International travel to the Azores has become easier in recent years, with weekly direct flights offered from London and Manchester to São Miguel. Boston also services the Azores, with direct flights to Terceira and São Miguel. Surprisingly, during popular tourism periods, you can even fly direct to the Azores from Oakland, California! Although the trip takes a solid 11-hours. Other countries offering direct flights to the Azores include Canada, Denmark, Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands and Spain.

The Azores are well connected to one another by inter-island flights, but prices can be steep. Ferries are far less expensive, readily available, and very scenic, but bear in mind that you’re in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, and conditions can sometimes be rough. Car hire, taxis and buses are all readily available to help you get around the islands.

Corvo and Flores

These two remote UNESCO Biosphere Reserves are all about getting back to nature. In fact, the tiny island of Corvo has less than 500 inhabitants! Expect waterfalls, lakes, and breathtaking landscapes to explore at your leisure, plus a few charming guesthouses.

Pico and the central islands

Pico has become a hotspot for whale watching, and as such, is a popular island base when visiting the Azores. Despite this, it remains less developed than some other islands, even with its dramatic volcanic peak. Terceira has the second largest population and is known as the party island of the Azores. And while it is far from being Portugal’s answer to Ibiza, there’s always something going on, such as the Sanjoaninas street party in downtown Angra do Heroísmo.

São Jorge is known for stunning scenery, delicious unpasteurized cheese, and great surfing, while Graciosa is home to a charming old-age-style farming community. And finally, Faial is a legendary hub for sailors making long, transatlantic journeys between America, Europe and Africa.

São Miguel and Santa Maria

São Miguel is the largest and most populated island of the archipelago, and is also known as the ‘green island’. Many iconic photographs of the Azores are taken from this island, with its stunning verdant scenery, hot springs, and official hiking trails meandering through the landscape. For those looking for a little extra luxury from their accommodation, São Miguel might be a good bet. As for Santa Maria, as the southernmost island in the archipelago, it’s also the warmest, offering predictable and sunny climate and a chilled vibe to match.

One of the great things about the Azores is that almost everything coincides to create the trip of a lifetime. The main diving and whale watching seasons run from July to October, offering the best chances to spot mobulas, mantas, blue sharks, and whale sharks. Not to mention sperm whales, all manner of dolphins, and much more. This is also when the archipelago experiences its best and most consistent weather, with temperatures reaching the low 20s - both on land and in the water - and suitable conditions at the more remote offshore sites. Larger baleen whales such as blue, fin and sein whales often pass through a little earlier in the year, around April and May, while humpbacks are generally more common in October.

As well as hosting two UNESCO World Heritage sites, a third of the islands in the Azores are designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserves - specifically, Graciosa, Flores and Corvo. And, the regional government has implemented an impressive network of natural parks and marine reserves to help further protect the unspoiled natural environment. Up until the 1980s the Azores was probably best known for hunting whales, not watching them. And you can still see the towers that line the coasts of several islands where ‘spotters’ - or vigias - used to stand watch. These expert viagas used to earn a living by directing whaling ships from the towers, but are now utilised in better ways. Whale-watching operators now employ the viagas, who use the same skills passed down through generations, to guide the tour boat towards the action.