Ever heard of the Azores? You can reach this hidden Portuguese gem in half the time it takes to get to Hawaii from the United States East Coast. While its climate is not quite as tropical as Hawaii's, its archipelago of nine islands offers beautiful coastlines, stunning waterfalls, outdoorsy adventures, and volcanoes that rival the iconic Pacific island. Read on for a brief overview of what a stay in the Azores Islands can look like.
Stay Active
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The Azores is a great holiday destination for travelers who like to stay active. Here are a few of the activities you can partake in while visiting:
- Hiking: The Azores Islands are a paradise for hikers. There are many hiking trails that will expose you to various scenery. Discover emerald lakes, picturesque mountains, and more.
- Diving: From diving with rays to a sunken ship, there are a lot of memorable diving opportunities in the Azores. Discover ten popular attractions here.
- Surfing: The Azores is also a great place to surf without big crowds. You can check here the best time of the year to enjoy surfing based on your difficulty level.
- Canyoning: If you want to enjoy an outdoorsy adventure, canyoning is for you! From rappelling down rocks to making your way through the water, experience the islands differently.
You can find a more exhaustive list of activities here.
Relax With Thermal Baths
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If you need to recharge your batteries after your outdoor adventures, the Azores offers beautiful, natural hot springs due to its volcanic activity. Parque Terra Nostra and Caldeira Velha are popular spots. Caldeira Velha is the perfect place to relax amid greenery, and Terra Nostra stands out due to its orange water!
Connect With the Local Fauna
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The Azores Islands are very special due to the rich fauna (and flora!) found there. Animal lovers can enjoy the following:
- A Lot of Endemic Species: Endemic species are only found in one geolocation. The Azores have many birds that can only be found on the islands, which brings us to…
- Bird Watching: The Azores are the perfect destination for bird watchers. They have over 400 species of birds, including the endemic Azores bullfinch.
- Whale Watching: The Azores Islands are also one of the world's largest whale sanctuaries, making it the ideal destination for whale watching.
Visit a Tea Factory
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Another highlight of a trip to the Azores is visiting its popular tea factory. It is the oldest tea plantation in Europe and well worth the visit. You can roam the tea fields and enjoy a guided tour and complimentary tea. You can also check out their cafe and have a lovely meal there. Bonus: You might see some beautiful hydrangeas along the way, a symbol of the Azores.
If you're more of a wine drinker than a tea drinker, don't miss Pico vineyards, a UNESCO site.
Indulge In Azorean Gastronomy
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The Azores Islands also have unique dishes worth enjoying on your visit. If you're a big foodie, you should enjoy:
- Cozido Das Furnas: This dish is cooked by burying it in volcanic soil. It includes a variety of meats and vegetables cooked together in a large pot underground. You can see the process here!
- Pineapples: The Azores are known for their delicious, sweet pineapple growing in big glasshouses.
- Bolo Lêvedo: Enjoy sweet, fluffy muffin-like bread! They are slightly larger than an English muffin.
- Seafood: We recommend lapas, cracas, and cavaco. Lapas are similar to clams, cracas are a local barnacle, and cavaco is a type of lobster.
- Cheese: Try the São Jorge cheese, a semi-hard raw cow's milk cheese with a mild, buttery flavor profile.
Parting Tips
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- Weather: Weather changes fast on the Islands, so bring various clothes to withstand all the conditions. You can also use Spot Azores to view the weather around the Islands in real-time.
- Do Your Research: Read forums and watch videos to understand what the Islands are like.
- Stay Connected: Get an eSIM to save money on roaming fees. Use Google Maps, video call your friends, and post your pictures online seamlessly.
Ready to discover the magic of the Azores? Make the most of your trip to these stunning islands! Airalo gives travelers access to eSIMs for 200+ countries and regions worldwide, including the Azores. Choose a package, install it, and instantly connect to a mobile network at your destination.
