Visit the Azores

02 August, 2024 | Reading Time – 5 min

Are you planning to visit the Portuguese islands?

Here are some reasons why you should visit the Azores. For many, the Azores are the place to go for a wonderful vacation in Portugal. Not only because of its world-renowned natural attributes, but also because this enchanting archipelago is a world apart.

So, when you embark on this adventure, you should be prepared to face breathtaking landscapes, delicious cuisine and embrace a vibrant culture.

There are a thousand reasons to visit the Azores, but above all because the aura that lives here is magical.

But let’s not go on any longer, check out the reasons to visit the Azores and make this one of your favorite places on your bucket list!

Azorean specialty

Nature

The Azores are undeniably about nature, which is one of the biggest reasons why you should visit this place.

Of all the islands that make up the archipelago, there isn’t one where nature isn’t stamped all over the landscape.

So it’s only natural that you’ll find green fields full of flora and fauna, lakes, lagoons and waterfalls.

When you come across this magical scenery, take a deep breath and enjoy every color, every movement and every sensation.

The island speaks, you just have to be willing to listen to it!

During your trip, take the time to explore these natural monuments.

Furnas on São Miguel Island

Furnas is known worldwide for its thermal waters. In this sense, they allow you to take a wonderfully relaxing bath. Here you will find fumaroles and boilers of unique beauty, their waters boil at extremely high temperatures, giving them unique characteristics.

In addition, Furnas uses the heat of the volcano to cook the famous “Cozido das Furnas!”. A typical meat and vegetable dish that is cooked underground for six hours.

Capelinhos Volcano

Located on the western tip of Faial Island, the Capelinhos volcano is close to a lighthouse, which was almost buried after its last eruption in 1958.

There is currently no volcanic activity here and the lighthouse serves as a landmark. In addition, a Capelinhos Visitor Center has been built underground, thus maintaining the stunning volcanic landscape.

A mystical place well worth a visit!

Fajãs of São Jorge Island

The island of São Jorge, part of the Azores archipelago, is well known for its fajãs and fantastic coastal views. A fajã is the result of a landslide or lava flow.

You can find more than 40 of these structures in the Azores archipelago. Most of them are accessible via hiking trails or can only be admired from the numerous viewpoints.

In this sense, venture to Fajã of Caldeira do Santo Cristo, famous for its clams, pass by Fajã of Cubres, with its sparkling lagoon, and finish at Fajã of Ouvidor, diving into its natural pools!

Admirable gastronomy

While nature is a great reason to visit the Azores, the cuisine is second to none.

In addition to the delicious Furnas stew mentioned above, made with steam from the volcano, which is a surreal experience in itself, there are other delicacies you should try.

We start this feast with a delicious seafood starter, with some wonderful grilled limpets with butter, garlic and a lemon pepper sauce.

Next, try one of the stars of the Azores: cheese! One of the most popular cheeses is São Jorge cheese, with a taste unlike any other you’ve ever tasted. Spicy, intense and delicious!

For your main course, we recommend you try the Terceira style rump.This dish is a meat stew prepared by hand. Experts say that the secret of this dish lies in the fact that it is cooked in a clay pot.

Finally, sweeten your palate with a malassada, a typical sweet consisting of fried dough filled or sprinkled with sugar.

Culture and History

In addition to its natural and gastronomic riches, the Azores archipelago is endowed with museums that represent the history of its inhabitants.

In this way, cultural and historical identity is preserved. Most of these monuments contain sculptures, photographs, paintings and personal objects that belonged to the families of the first settlers of these islands, who began settling them in the middle of the 15th century.

Thus, it is said that Christopher Columbus made a stop on the island of Santa Maria on his first voyage to America, having visited one of the island’s chapels to pray and ask for divine help for the rest of the journey.

However, it is in the architecture of its towns and cities that one of the archipelago’s greatest reserves of heritage can be found.

The Historic Center of Angra do Heroísmo and Pico’s Vineyard Culture have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

Azores: a natural open-air spa

After so many reasons to visit the Azores, you might think there’s not much more to say, but don’t be fooled – we’re not finished yet! This place is an authentic open-air spa, in which we highlight the Terra Nostra Park on the island of São Miguel.

With the largest thermal pool in the Azores, the water temperature varies between 35º and 40º.

In addition, its thermal waters have various therapeutic properties that promote skin cleansing and hydration.

These natural conditions help to combat and prevent numerous pathologies and offer a sense of well-being to those who visit.

The only tea plantation in Europe

Finally, we have a surprise for you…

The Azores are home to the oldest tea plantation in Europe. Located on the island of São Miguel, the Gorreana Tea Factory has been producing tea since 1883.

This product is 100% organic and is not subject to any use of herbicides, fungicides or pesticides.

This is due to the island’s climate, which makes it impossible for pests to survive. When you visit the factory, you can learn more about tea cultivation and production.

You can also taste the wonderful Gorreana tea, which has a unique flavor.

In short, the Azores have many reasons to visit. Whatever the reasons, remember that the Azores are meant to be experienced and felt. Let yourself be enchanted and take back memories that will last a lifetime!