10 Reasons to Choose The Azores for Your Next International Trip
Dramatic coastlines, cascading waterfalls, striking volcanoes, picturesque hot springs, pristine sandy beaches, and vibrantly green vegetation – the Azores offer all of this and more! Located in the North Atlantic Ocean, the Azores are a group of remote Portuguese islands that remain largely undiscovered by many travelers. Often overlooked in favor of Europe’s mainland, this set of islands is the perfect destination for a vacation off-the-beaten-path. From stunning scenery to endless outdoor adventures, exotic cuisine, and unique opportunities for ecotourism, here are ten reasons why you should choose the Azores for your next international trip!
Why Travel to the Azores
Not only are the Azores incredibly beautiful, but they also offer a wide array of activities and experiences. With nine different islands to explore, the archipelago really has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling adventure, a relaxing escape, a sustainable getaway, or a culinary excursion, you’re sure to find it here and so much more!
10 Reasons to Choose The Azores
Here are ten reasons why the Azores deserve to be at the top of your bucket list!
The Hiking is Phenomenal
The Azores are known for their stunning scenery, and one of the best ways to take in the views is to immerse yourself in the landscape. Scattered throughout the islands, you’ll find countless hiking trails leading to some truly unforgettable destinations. From volcanoes to waterfalls, shorelines, ancient vineyards, and volcanic lakes, you’ll have the opportunity to see it all. In fact, there’s even a hike on Graciosa Island that takes you down and into the crater of an extinct volcano!
There Is an Abundance of Natural Hot Springs
Today, there are approximately 26 active volcanoes in the Azores Islands, eight of which are currently underwater. Given this, it should come as no surprise to hear that the archipelago is overflowing with natural hot springs. This is especially true on the island of Sao Miguel, which sees the most volcanic activity of all. Here you’ll find several spa-like establishments that offer access to the hot springs and thermal pools. One of the most popular is Poca da Dona Beija Hot Springs, which is home to five man-made thermal pools that you can explore on your own or through a tour.
You Can Go Whale Watching Year Round
The waters around the Azores Islands are teeming with marine life, and at any given time, you can expect to find a variety of whales and dolphins out at sea. Some of the most commonly spotted crustaceans include sperm whales, bottlenose dolphins, and common dolphins – all of which reside near the islands year-round. Meanwhile, during the migratory season, it’s possible to encounter blue whales, fin whales, pilot whales, sei whales, and several other species of dolphins.
There’s World Class Scuba Diving
Considered by many to be one of the best scuba diving destinations in Europe, the Azores offer an abundance of underwater adventure. From coral reefs to shipwrecks, cave diving, shark diving, and liveaboards, there’s certainly plenty to see and explore in the waters around the Azores. One of the most popular diving destinations near the islands is Princess Alice Bank. Located off the shores of Pico Island, this dive spot features a large coral pinnacle home to a plethora of pelagic fish, hammerhead sharks, blue sharks, and Mobula rays.
It’s the Tea Capital of Europe
The Azores are home to Europe’s only commercially operated tea plantations. Located on Sao Miguel Island, these plantations, the Gorreana Tea Factory and the Tea Porto Formoso, have been operating in the Azores for over a hundred years. Using primarily organic methods, the companies produce a variety of green teas, black teas, home blends, and tea infusions. Factory tours are available at both plantations if you’re interested in visiting them, and you can find their teas available for purchase throughout the islands.
The Culinary Scene is Unique and Diverse
Food in the Azores is unlike anything else you can find in Europe. With an emphasis on local sustainability, the islands rely on that which they can harvest themselves. This means mostly everything served is local, fresh, and quite delicious. While seafood is the main component of many meals, one of the most famous dishes is a meat and vegetable stew. Called Cozido das Furnas, this stew is buried in volcanic soil and cooked by underground geysers. Needless to say, it’s a must-try for any visitor to the Azores!
The Country is a Leader in Ecotourism
Sustainability lies at the heart of the Azores’ tourism industry. Not only are large areas of the archipelago protected as designated biosphere reserves, but the community also puts forth great effort in preserving the islands. Many businesses, hotels, and tour companies employ a variety of sustainable practices, including rainwater irrigation, strict recycling methods, low-impact architecture, as well as the use of locally produced products. The islands have been so successful in ecotourism efforts that they are the first archipelago to receive a sustainability certification from EarthCheck, the world’s leading sustainable tourism company.
You Won’t Find Large Crowds
So far, the Azores have managed to remain off the radar and undetected by many travelers to Europe – at least for now. This means that long lines and major crowds are pretty much non-existent, especially if you travel during the off-season. While summer does tend to see a bit more tourist activity, it really is nothing compared to the massive influx of visitors that mainland Europe experiences around the same time.
It’s an Affordable Destination
Despite its designation as a tropical European destination, the Azores are surprisingly affordable. Since most of the food throughout the archipelago is harvested locally, eating out is very reasonable, as you don’t have to factor in import costs. In addition to this, many popular outdoor activities, such as hiking and swimming, are entirely free. Meanwhile, the hot springs can be accessed for a very nominal fee. On top of this, the daily cost of lodging and transportation is quite affordable, especially compared to mainland Europe.
Find the Best Sustainable Hotels in the Azores
It’s Easy To Get To
Even though the Azores are located in a remote area of the North Atlantic Ocean, they are still relatively easy to get to. You can find direct flights from several North American airports, including Boston, New York, Newark, Toronto, and Montreal. And, of course, direct flights from mainland Europe are also possible – so if you’d like to make a stop in the Azores on your way to or from Europe, that’s definitely doable!
Visiting The Azores
The Azores archipelago truly is an incredible destination, one that definitely deserves a spot on your bucket list. From exotic food to adventurous activities, stunning scenery, and authentic experiences, this small group of islands certainly has much to offer!
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