The Azores: An Unspoilt Blend of Adventure, Wellness & Volcanic Beauty

My recent trip to the Azores was the perfect reminder of how powerful nature-led travel can be. We explored two very different yet equally captivating islands: São Miguel and Terceira. Together, they showcased just how versatile this Atlantic archipelago really is, equally suited to adventure seekers, food lovers, and those craving rest and wellness.

We travelled with TAP Air Portugal, connecting through Lisbon before heading west into the Atlantic. The journey was seamless and well-paced, and despite the Azores’ remote location, they felt surprisingly easy to reach.

São Miguel: Volcanic Landscapes, Culture & Cuisine

Our time on São Miguel was a mix of dramatic landscapes and unique cultural experiences. One of the highlights was visiting Furnas, where we took part in preparing the island’s famous local dish, Cozido das Furnas, at Octant Furnas. Placing our pot into the steaming volcanic ground to cook naturally using geothermal heat was unforgettable, and tasting the finished dish later made the experience even more special.

We also explored the Gorreana Tea Plantation, one of Europe’s oldest tea plantations. Walking through endless rows of tea bushes overlooking the ocean felt worlds away from mainland Europe and perfectly captured the island’s lush, unspoilt character.

Nearby, we visited Terra Nostra Park, a botanical garden filled with exotic plants from around the world. A swim in the park’s iron-rich thermal pool was the perfect way to slow down and unwind, surrounded by towering trees and tropical greenery.

Terceira: History, Tradition & Local Flavours

On Terceira, the experience shifted toward history and tradition. We took a walking city tour of Angra do Heroísmo, the island’s UNESCO-listed historic centre. Wandering its cobbled streets, pastel-coloured buildings, and elegant squares gave us a deeper appreciation for Terceira’s cultural heritage and slower pace of life.

Food played a big role here, too. We visited O Forno Bakery, where we watched the baking process and tasted Dona Amélia cakes, a traditional local sweet. Simple, comforting, and deeply rooted in the island’s history, they were the perfect introduction to Terceira’s culinary traditions.

We also headed to Biscoitos, a coastal area known for its volcanic wine region. A wine tasting tour here offered insight into how grapes are grown in lava rock soil, producing distinctive wines that truly reflect the island’s volcanic origins.

Whale & Dolphin Watching: A Global Marine Sanctuary

One of the Azores’ most extraordinary natural assets lies beyond the coastline. The archipelago is considered one of the world’s largest whale and dolphin sanctuaries, making it one of the best places on the planet for marine wildlife encounters.

An incredible 27 of the world’s 80 known whale and dolphin species have been spotted in Azorean waters, including resident sperm whales and playful bottlenose dolphins, which can be seen year-round. Watching these animals in their natural environment, surrounded by open Atlantic and volcanic islands, is a truly humbling experience.

Spring is an especially special time to visit. During their migration, the Azores become a vital stopping point for some of the ocean’s most magnificent giants, including blue whales,s the largest animals to have ever lived and humpback whales. Seeing these creatures glide through the deep blue Atlantic is once-in-a-lifetimeme moment and reinforces just how wild and unspoilt this destination remains.

Whale and dolphin watching in the Azores is carried out with a strong focus on conservation and respect for marine life, ensuring encounters are both ethical and sustainable, perfectly aligned with the islands’ commitment to protecting their natural environment.

A Destination for Adventure & Wellness Alike

What makes the Azores so special is their incredible versatility. It’s a dream destination for outdoor lovers, offering hiking, surfing, diving, whale watching, fishing, biking, and even golf,f all set against a backdrop of volcanic landscapes and dramatic coastlines.

At the same time, the islands are ideal for wellness escapes and yoga retreats, with their calm energy, natural hot springs, and deep connection to the land. Few destinations manage to balance adventure and relaxation so effortlessly.

How I’d Describe the Azores

If I had to describe the Azores in just a few words, I’d say they feel like a blend of New Zealand and Iceland, with the lushness and volcanic soul of Hawaii earning them the title of the “Hawaii of Europe.” They remain beautifully unspoilt, refreshingly authentic, and deeply connected to nature.

Final Thoughts

Visiting São Miguel and Terceira gave me a real sense of how diverse the Azores are. From cooking dinner in the ground using volcanic heat to soaking in thermal pools and wandering historic streets, every experience felt grounded in nature and tradition.

The Azores aren’t a place you rush through; they invite you to slow down, explore, and truly experience your surroundings. And once you’ve been, it’s hard not to start planning your return!

Hotels Visited

Pedras do Mar Resort & Spa

Terra Nostra Garden Hotel

Santa Barbara Eco Beach Resort

Grand Hotel Acores Atlantico

Hotel Teatro