Things to do in Azores

Why go to Azores

• Sete Cidades Twin Lakes (São Miguel)

  A collapsed volcanic crater holding two differently colored lakes, one green, one blue, that is simply one of the most surreal sights in all of Europe.

• Whale Watching in Pico or Faial

  The Azores is one of the world's premier whale-watching destinations, with resident sperm whales and dozens of other species year-round.

• Furnas Valley & Caldeiras

  Bubbling volcanic mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and the famous cozido das Furnas stew slow-cooked underground make this an otherworldly experience.

• Pico Mountain Climb

  Scaling Portugal's highest peak, a dramatic 7,713-ft volcanic cone, rewards hikers with sunrise views stretching across the entire archipelago.

• Termas da Ferraria (São Miguel)

  Soak in a natural rock pool where warm volcanic water meets the crashing Atlantic Ocean, free at low tide and utterly unforgettable.

Good to know in Azores

• Inter-island ferries (Atlanticoline) are far cheaper than inter-island flights, a Faial-to-Pico ferry is under $5 and takes 30 minutes; book ahead in summer.
• Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory, rounding up or leaving 5-10% is generous and perfectly acceptable at local tascas.
• Tap water is safe and excellent on São Miguel and most islands, carry a reusable bottle and skip expensive bottled water entirely.
• Many municipal museums in Ponta Delgada and Angra do Heroísmo offer free entry on Sunday mornings or the first Sunday of each month, check local câmara municipal websites.

Trip essentials