My Azorean Adventure

Discovering the Azores: São Miguel & Terceira

I’ve just returned from an unforgettable journey to the Azores, a collection of mid-Atlantic volcanic islands often described as the “Hawaii of Europe.” Dramatic crater lakes, natural hot springs, waterfalls and lush green landscapes define this remarkable destination, alongside a deep and visible connection to the land. It’s a place that genuinely engages all the senses.

Peaceful, unspoilt and proudly sustainable, the Azores offer a calmer alternative to destinations such as Iceland or Madeira. While the comparison to Hawaii speaks to their volcanic drama and natural beauty, the reality here is slower, quieter and far less crowded - wild yet welcoming, adventurous without being overwhelming.

This trip took me to São Miguel and Terceira, two islands that perfectly showcase the diversity of the Azores and reveal just how refined and luxurious this nature-led destination can be.

São Miguel - The Green Island

São Miguel is the largest island in the Azores and the one that most captures the imagination. Rolling hills, volcanic lakes and rugged Atlantic coastlines sit effortlessly alongside boutique hotels and refined dining - a balance the Azores achieve exceptionally well.

We stayed at Pedras do Mar Resort & Spa, ideally positioned between the ocean and countryside. It’s the kind of place where mornings begin with cliffside walks and evenings end with a quiet soak in the spa. The location made exploring São Miguel easy, while still allowing time to slow down and enjoy the views.

One of the most memorable experiences was visiting Furnas, a volcanic valley where nature quite literally cooks your lunch. Here, Cozido das Furnas, a traditional stew, is prepared underground using geothermal heat. Watching it being lifted from the earth beside Furnas Lake is unforgettable - and a standout experience for travellers seeking authentic food and culture.

Lunch followed at Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, set within one of Europe’s most beautiful botanical gardens. The thermal pool alone is worth the visit - warm, mineral-rich and deeply restorative - while the gardens themselves feel like a living showcase of the island’s biodiversity.

Exploring More of São Miguel

São Miguel is ideal for what I’d describe as soft adventure. You can tailor each day to be as active or as relaxed as you like - from waterfall swims at Caldeira Velha and panoramic views at Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake), to gentle village walks and long, leisurely lunches overlooking the sea.

We also visited Santa Bárbara Eco-Beach Resort and White Exclusive Suites & Villas, both excellent examples of the Azores’ growing collection of design-led, boutique properties that blend seamlessly into the landscape. They offer a sense of indulgence without ever feeling out of place.

An afternoon at Sete Cidades, one of Portugal’s Seven Natural Wonders, was a real highlight. Twin lakes — one blue, one green - sit within a vast volcanic crater. Viewed from Vista do Rei, the scene is dramatic yet peaceful, and undeniably romantic.

Dinner in Ponta Delgada at Alcides rounded off our time on São Miguel - traditional, generous and full of flavour, and exactly the kind of restaurant clients love for a genuine taste of local life.

Terceira – The Purple Island

Terceira offers a completely different perspective on the Azores. More historic and colourful, it feels deeply rooted in Azorean culture. We stayed at Boutique Hotel Teatro in Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its pastel façades, cobbled streets and relaxed elegance.

A walking tour revealed centuries of maritime history, with highlights including Sé Cathedral, Monte Brasil, and local bakeries serving Donas Amélias - spiced honey cakes created to mark Queen Amélia’s visit in 1901. History here feels authentic and lived-in, rather than staged.

Lunch and wine tasting at Materramenta Wines showcased Terceira’s volcanic terroir, followed by visits to lava tubes, natural swimming pools and geothermal fumaroles. Dinner at Tasca das Tias was relaxed, local and full of character - exactly the type of experience travellers remember most.

Food & Wine in the Azores

Food is one of the Azores’ great surprises. Expect:

Fresh Atlantic seafood

Volcanic cooking methods

Artisan cheeses and island-grown produce

Locally produced tea and coffee

Honest, flavour-led cooking

While Cozido das Furnas is the most iconic dish, there’s also an excellent range of modern restaurants, traditional tascas and beautifully presented dining in boutique hotels such as Santa Bárbara. For food-loving clients, the Azores offer quality and authenticity without the premium prices of other nature-focused destinations.

Nature, Adventure & Local Life

Whale watching is one of the Azores’ most iconic experiences, particularly around São Miguel and Terceira. When conditions aren’t suitable, the islands still offer endless alternatives - scenic viewpoints, coastal villages, walking routes and coffee producers all provide rewarding ways to explore.

The Azores suit a wide range of travel styles:

Adventure seekers: hiking, canyoning, cycling, diving

Wellness travellers: thermal pools, spa resorts, slower pace

Luxury travellers: boutique eco-resorts and design-led hotels

Couples: romantic viewpoints and sunset moments

Families: safe, friendly and outdoors-focused

Small groups: walking holidays, food and wine trips, celebrations

The destination adapts to the traveller — not the other way around.

When Is the Best Time to Visit the Azores?

April–October: best for whale watching and settled weather

June–September: warmest months

Spring & autumn: excellent value, fewer visitors and vibrant scenery

The islands are green year-round, but shoulder seasons are particularly appealing for travellers seeking quieter, more immersive experiences.

Reflections

The Azores deliver something increasingly rare: dramatic natural beauty without the crowds, paired with thoughtful hospitality and a genuine commitment to sustainability. Add boutique hotels, exceptional food, geothermal experiences and easy access via Lisbon, and it’s clear why this destination leaves such a lasting impression.

It’s not about ticking sights off a list - it’s about how the place makes you feel.

Thinking About the Azores for Your Next Trip?

If this has sparked your curiosity, I’d love to help you explore whether the Azores are right for you. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, romance or a beautifully balanced mix, I can design a tailor-made journey that reflects how you like to travel.

First-hand experience makes all the difference - and this is a destination I’ll be recommending with complete confidence.