Off the coast of Portugal sits a group of nine islands called the Azores. And the Azores Islands are a tropical paradise that you have to see to believe. Nature lovers, adventurous travelers, and those looking for luxurious locales will all have the time of their lives in the Azores. It’s also a lesser-known vacation spot, so you’re less likely to have to compete with the throngs of tourists that other major cities and islands have. From whale-watching, to rock climbing, to incredible hikes, the Azores are truly a wondrous place to visit. So join Viewcation, as we take you through the Best Things to Do in the Azores Islands, Portugal!
Whale Watching
If you’re headed to the Azores, you’re absolutely going to want to try a whale-watching tour. It’s arguably one of the top spots on the planet for it, so you’d be missing out if you skipped this particular activity. There are more than 20 species of whales in the area, whether its ones that live there all the time, or ones that pass through during their yearly migrations. And whales aren’t the only incredible animals you’ll see on a tour. There are spotted dolphins, striped dolphins, and more during the summer too. You’ll see those in the summer, along with pilot whales. And in the spring, you’re more likely to catch blue whales, sei whales and fin whales. And basically all year round you’ll see sperm whales and bottlenose dolphins. The area is teeming with sea life, so you’re basically guaranteed to see some of these incredible creatures swimming hear your tour boat.
The tours usually go for around 3 hours, and you can buy tickets (and take off) from a bunch of the Azores Islands. Futurisimo is a top-rated one, and it leaves from Sao Miguel and Pico. Then there’s Terra Azul, which is another highly respected tour. They leave from Sao Miguel as well.
When you go on a whale watching tour, you’re going to want to bring a few supplies. Most recommended are some water and a jacket. And you’ll probably want to eat before you go, as always wear sunscreen! Keep in mind that you’re on the ocean, so there’s a chance of a rocky ride. So if you get motion sickness, you might want to start getting Dramamine into your system a few days prior. The cost of a tour is usually a little over $50.
Lagoa do Fogo
This area of the Sao Miguel island is perfect for hiking. And it’s more secluded than some of the other well known hikes on the island, so you’re less likely to run into too many people while you hike. Lagoa do Fogo is a crater lake with gorgeous nature surrounding it. But visitors arrive at the top of an area that features the lake down below. Thus, there are opportunities to hike down to it. What’s nice is there are two options to get down. One is a lot less challenging, and will get you down to the lake in around a half hour. But for those looking for more of a hiking challenge, you’ll want to take the Praia – Lagoa do Fogo trail. It’s 13 miles long and winds around, taking you through a variety of terrains and landscapes. This includes wooded areas, valleys, and farmlands towards the beginning of the hike, before you descend into the rocky terrain towards the lake itself. It’s a challenging hike, but certainly worth the trek if you’re physically able to do it.
Of course, there’s also the option to drive or join a tour bus which will drop you directly at the lake. Once you’re at the Lagoa do Fogo, you’re treated to a stunning vista you won’t soon forget. One tip is to check the weather report before making the trek, because it can get quite foggy. And a jacket is recommended because of the wind in the area. There aren’t any set hours of the lake, nor does it cost money to visit it. So, take your time and enjoy the hike and the lake for free!
Before we tell you more about the best things to do in the Azores Islands, be sure to give this video a like, and subscribe to Viewcation if you haven’t already!
The Beaches!
Naturally one of the best parts about visiting a tropical island is going to be the stunning beaches. And the beaches at the Azores are no exception. The shorelines here are breathtaking, but in ways that perhaps you haven’t seen before. The islands were all created by volcanic activity, and the beaches are a reflection of that geological phenomenon. The beaches aren’t particularly huge, but they are plentiful around the islands. And many of them feature dark sands because of the volcanic activity over the millennia.
On the island of Faial, there’s a gorgeous and popular beach called Praia Porto Pim. It sits within a bay, making the waters a bit more calm than in the open ocean. It’s surrounded by bluffs of evergreen trees, making it a stunning setting to sit and sunbathe. The Praia do Almoxarife offers a black sand beach, and while suntanning there, you’ll be able to look out at the Pico Mountain, which is on a neighboring island of Pico. Both of these beaches offer amenities like local restaurants and even lifeguards.
The island of Santa Maria has one of the only lighter sanded beaches in the area. Its most popular beach is Praia Formosa, and it sits in front of intensely blue waters and is surrounded by cool looking cliffs.
There are some popular beaches on Sao Miguel too. The small Praia dos Mosteiros has black sand and has expansive cliffs on either side of it. And you’ll be able to see a variety of volcanic rock formations as you sit in the sun. And if you’re looking for some great surfing, check out Praia de Santa Barbara, because of it’s rougher sea conditions.
Perhaps the coolest beach on Seo Miguel is on the the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo. It’s a swimming hole iin the middle of the ocean that was created over time from a partially submerged crater. You can take a kayak to get there, or hop on the ferry. But expect there to be more crowds than in many of the other beaches we mentioned, due to its unique nature.
Hike Pico Mountain
Have you ever wanted to climb to the top of a volcano? Well, Pico Mountain provides a great opportunity to do just that. It’s located in the middle of Pico Island, and is more than 7,700 feet tall. It’s also quite the challenge to climb, so it’s not for everyone. But for anyone looking for a good workout and a tough, steady uphill hike, Pico Mountain is incredible. The very top of the mountain is called Piquinho, and it requires an even greater effort to get to once you’re close. You’ll have to crawl on hands and knees at various times before you hit it.
But the hike, and the extra challenge at the top are absolutely worth it. The hike itself is gorgeous, providing lush greenery at every turn. And at the top, the view of the entire island of Pico is breathtaking, and you can even see the other Azores islands on clear days.
We do recommend preparing adequatedly for this hike, as it can take all day. You’ll want to bring along supplies like water and snacks, as well as ample clothing. There are often suddenly rain showers, so be sure to dress in waterproof layers. But it can also get hot, so make sure your clothing is breathable too. There’s a fee for climbing as well, which ranges from around 2 bucks to 25 bucks, depending on how high up you are looking to go.
There’s also the option of going on a guided hike up the mountain, which might be a great way for adventurous people who need a little assistance now and then. Tripix Azores and Épico are two tour companies with good reviews. They’ll likely ask for an additional 60 or 70 bucks to take you up the mountain.
The Azores are an incredible and unique place to visit. They are also a little more off the beaten path than most other vacation spots in Europe, which means they’ll likely be a little less crowded. And that can make a huge difference if you’re trying to enjoy some time in a tropical paradise. Hopefully this video has given you a good sense of some of the many great things to do on the nine islands of the Azores. It’s an area of the world that’s perfect for people who love the outdoors, and anyone looking for some outdoor adventures. Of course, you can also hit up the Azores simply to relax, lie on their incredible beaches, and take in the incredible views of these volcanic islands. So we highly recommend trying out the Azores for your next European vacation. Just remember to bring a lot of sunscreen, and some good hiking boots!
So there you have it – the best things to do in the Azores Islands, Portugal. Now it’s time to hear from you. Have you ever been to the Azores? Let us know in the comments section below. And before you go, make sure to give this video a like, and subscribe to Viewcation if you haven’t already. Click the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest content.