What to visit in the Azores? Yes, getting to know these nine beautiful islands of the Azores archipelago is like discovering an immense world of green and blue landscapes. For those who haven’t visited any of these islands yet, in this blog we’ll tell you a bit about the most unmissable places that should be part of your memories! Get your suitcase, your umbrella and some good boots ready to walk with us through this itinerary of the Azores!
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Lagoa das sete cidades, São Miguel, Azores
Formed by the tears of a green-eyed shepherd and a blue-eyed princess (as the legend tells), the lagoon of the seven cities is, above all, one of the most magical places you can ever see!
One of the seven natural wonders of Portugal. This lagoon is, as strange as it may sound, a single caldera formed by successive rock collapses. A small bridge divides the two colors of the lagoon, separating the reflection of the green toned waters on one side and a blue tone on the other.
Thus, the Seven Cities Lagoon is the largest natural freshwater reservoir in the Azores, occupying a depth capable of reaching more than four square kilometers. Impressive, don’t you think?
Take the opportunity to be dazzled by the Vista do Rei viewpoint! There you will be able to get a close look at one of the most recognized places in the Azores. Although the place is often covered with clouds, when you visit São Miguel you will see this landscape as soon as it is a sunny day!
Never forget, this lagoon is an important passage for migratory birds and other endemic species of the Azores. Try not to litter. Take the opportunity to visit the other more hidden lagoons.
The seven cities are a unique place in the world. It is impossible not to surrender to a landscape as special as this one!
Sete Cidades Lake, São Miguel, Açores -
Pico Mountain, Pico, Açores
Pico Island Mountain is a volcano with more than 2300 meters high. It is located on the island of Pico and is considered the highest mountain in Portugal!
This wonderful place is perfect for those who like to demand a little more of themselves. It is possible to climb the entire mountain and enjoy a breathtaking view over the sea and the other islands around Pico island. Believe me, climbing the mountain is a very tiring experience, but truly unique!
It is very worthwhile to visit Pico and go up the mountain. It’s an island full of culture and history. And for those who want to know the Azores better, this is the perfect destination among the best places to visit in the Azores.
Pico Mountain, Pico Island, Açores -
Terra Nostra Park, São Miguel, Azores
And who doesn’t want to take a hot thermal bath after a day exploring the island of São Miguel? That’s right, on this trip to the Azores you can’t leave behind the wonderful place that is the Terra Nostra Park!
Located in the Furnas Valley, this 200-year-old garden is the place where you can find countless native plants from many countries! Its botanical patrimony is so beautiful that you will even surrender to the immense quantity of flowers that exist throughout the garden. These are some of the examples you can find:
. Ferns (with about 300 specimens);
. Cycadales;
. Camellias collection (with more than 600 specimens);
. and much more!
The thermal tank is another of the great advantages that exist inside this garden. A 40ºC. water, super rich in iron and other minerals that are very healthy for your skin! It is perfect for those who wish to rest inside this place in the center of the Furnas Valley.
Parque Terra Nostra, São Miguel Island, Açores
Photo credit: D-Stanley on VisualHunt -
Capelinhos Volcano, Faial, Azores
A unique landscape, the result of an eruption formed by the lava spills of this volcano. It is a unique visit for those who wish to appreciate the true strength of Mother Nature! The visit to the lighthouse and even some of the houses, destroyed by the eruption, reinforce this dramatic character to the territory. This volcano still had activity in 1957 and 1958!
After all, the Azores are still islands with a very present volcanic activity. Thus, dozens of earthquakes occur every day that are not even felt. However, to visit the island of Faial is to live the force of this volcanic eruption.
The Capelinhos volcano erupted at sea and ended up on land, destroying some land. After all these years, we can confirm that this is one of the most beautiful landscapes of the island of Faial and also of the whole archipelago.
The Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Center was built underground, so that all those who want to visit it can learn more about this volcanic activity.
If you are traveling to the Azores don’t forget to stop by Faial Island. Come and get to know this magical place!
Capelinhos Volcano, Faial, Azores
Photo credit: Giåm on Visualhunt.com -
Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo, São Jorge, Azores
Finally, this is the last of our suggestions on what to visit in the Azores. Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo is located in the parish of Ribeira Seca, on the island of São Jorge: the well-known island of fajãs.
It is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places on the island of São Jorge, classified in 1984 as a Natural Reserve by the Regional Government of the Azores. This place is perfect for those who like to go trekking in the Azores and feel the fresh air of nature!
Despite being an isolated place, it is super interesting for those who like to experience a completely different day!
Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo, São Jorge, Azores Discover the most beautiful thing this landscape has to offer you! Visiting this place makes you breathe peace. Don’t miss this opportunity, it’s really worth it!
What did you think of these incredible places we have just shown you? Are your bags packed and tickets ready? Not yet? Then what are you waiting for? Look now for the perfect local accommodation for your trip! Azoresbeds has many houses waiting for you!
There are so many other places to visit in these nine beautiful islands of the Azores archipelago. There are so many that they wouldn’t fit inside this blog!