Exploring the Azores Islands

1. Azores Geopark

There’s no place quite as geologically interesting and breathtaking as the Azores Geopark. Comprised of a network of 121 geological heritage sites scattered throughout 9 stunning islands and surrounded by beautiful marine areas, the Azores Geopark is representative of the archipelago’s vast and varied volcanic geodiversity.

Other stunning areas of natural beauty to behold in the park include about 300 volcanic cavities, underwater geothermal sources, fumarolic fields, crater lakes, dry calderas and so much more. Book a nature tourism tour to get the most of the geopark and to see all of the secrets that it beholds.

9900-038 Horta, Azores, Portugal, Phone: 35-12-92-29-35-25

2. Islet of Vila Franca do Campo

Dive headfirst into a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo. Intrepid vacationers can enjoy an afternoon sunbathing on the slopes of the ancient caldera or go for a cooling and relaxing swim within the Islet’s crater.

This tiny island is just a kilometer away from São Miguel’s coast, so all it takes is a short boat ride from the Pier of Vila Franca do Campo to get to this amazing location.

Spot beautiful and vibrant vegetation, a gorgeous lagoon shielded from the ocean’s currents, and marvel at the natural cone that the islet creates. Make sure to take some food and water with you!

Villa Franca do Campo, São Miguel, Azores, Portugal

3. Lagoa das Furnas

There are three spectacular lakes on São Miguel Island and one of them is the Lagoa das Furnas. While that may not sound special at first, there’s no denying that Lagoa das Furnas is unique in scenery and experiences.

One of the most unique features of Lagoa das Furnas is the clear and amazing sign of volcanic activity that takes place on the lake’s northwestern shore. Exploration of this area isn’t just offered, it’s encouraged as there is a raised boardwalk that guests can navigate to get a great view of the small calderas and pools at the lake spouting steam.

Interestingly, many of the craters at the lake are actually used by restaurant chefs who simmer large pots of stew there.

São Miguel, Azores, Portugal

4. Algar do Carvao

Descend 100 meters through an ancient lava tube when you travel to Algar do Carvao. Located in the center of Terceira, Algar do Carvão offers travelers a surreal experience in the heart of an extinct volcano.

Entering the volcano’s magma chamber may be a bit daunting for some, but the view of the sky through the cone overhead is bound to take every participant’s breath away.

Explore the unique geology of the volcano and marvel at the lovely hues of green at the upper portions of the cave thanks to the growing ferns and moss. Traveling further down into Algar do Carvão also grants visitors the magnificent view of silica stalactites as well as a visit to a huge lake at the bottom of the chamber with crystal clear waters.

Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal

5. Terra Azul

Connect with Mother Nature and enjoy a fantastic and unique water adventures with Terra Azul. Based on São Miguel Island, Terra Azul is a family-friendly experience that brings eager travelers to the marine wildlife oasis that are the Azores Islands.

Available tours include Whale Watching, a truly exciting experience, and the Swim with Dolphins Tour, which gives animal lovers the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the world’s friendliest and exciting creatures.

Groups and those who want to enjoy a unique and private experience can also book a Private Marine Wildlife Boat Tour. Full-day tours to the Ringlet Island are also available which is home to great local food, whale watching and snorkeling.

Marina Vila Franca do Campo 4, 9670-909 São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal, Phone: 35-19-13-45-30-30

6. Caldeira

One of the most beautiful things about Azores is that it’s gorgeous landscapes always seem to be in a constant state of flux. No place in Azores demonstrates this as beautifully as the Caldeira, a stunning location nestled in the heart of Faial.

Formerly a lovely lake, much like those one would see at São Miguel, the Caldeira was reformed into the crater it now is after a volcanic eruption that took place in the 1950s.

Nearly 1.5 kilometers in diameter, the Caldeira is now, for the most part, dry, but boasts of diverse plant life and a stunning array of green hues all year round. The highlight of trips to Caldeira is the 8-kilomoter trail that takes visitors from the rim of the crater to the center. It’s a challenging trail, but doable with the right gear and companions.

Faial, Azores, Portugal

7. Capelinhos

It’s not every day that travelers can explore a recently formed patch of onyx-colored volcanic desert. For people eager to experience that, however, Capelinhos at Faial Island is the place to do it.

Between 1957 and 1958, the landscape of Faial Island was changed when the Capelinhos volcano erupted. It was the volcanic lava that gave way to the creation of a whole new island that was connected to Faial by a narrow strip of land called an isthmus.

Visitors touring Capelinhos can experience the awe and wonder of how one volcano can create and destroy. For example, travelers can visit a ruined lighthouse at the island, which is now part of a museum dedicated to the volcano.

Faial Island, Azores, Portugal

8. Gorreana

Pay a visit to the only remaining tea plantation in Azores when you stop by the Gorreana Plantation.

Owned and operated by the family of Ermelinda Gago da Câmara, the Gorreana Tea produced here is internationally celebrated for being Europe’s oldest tea, and a world class kind of tea at that.

Visitors at the plantation can learn all about the rare teas that the estate produces, while also sampling some of their fantastic offerings.

With 32 beautiful acres and a sterling history in the tea industry, there are tons of things to see, learn and experience at the Gorreana Tea Estate and Plantation.

Plantações de Chá Gorreana, 9625 304 Maia, São Miguel, Azores, Portugal, Phone: +35-12-96-44-23-49

9. Lagoa do Fogo

Arguably one of the largest bodies of water in the whole autonomous region of Azores, the Lagoa do Fogo is remarkably tranquil and a treat to the eyes as well as the soul. The Lagoa do Fogo, which just happens to be one of the country’s astounding crater lakes, is home to stupendous endemic flora.

So beautiful is the lake and its sharp slopes that a natural reserve has been established Lagoa do Fogo to maintain the lake’s atmosphere. The drive to the lake is a treat all on its own, as the winding roads take visitors through lush greenery and hairpin turns.

São Miguel, Azores, Portugal