Planning your Azores holiday? Discover 10 epic things to do in the Azores to make your travels to these Portuguese islands the best they can be.
Where is the Azores?
The Azores is a collection of islands, an archipelago, in the middle of the Atlantic. An autonomous region of Portugal, the Azores is found between Europe and America in the mid-Atlantic. Depending on the time of the year you visit the Azores you can fly directly from countries like England or via Portugal.
Why should you visit the Azores?
If you’re looking for epic things to do, the Azores should be on your list. This island is overflowing with beautiful views, cool activities and amazing natural wonders. Plus, it’s a pretty cool spot to tick off – how many of your friends know there is a collection of islands in the mid-atlantic?
10 must do things in the Azores
1. Explore Terceira Islands via buggy – one of the most epic things to do in the Azores.
Starting off the list of 10 epic things to do in the Azores with one of the best experiences I had while exploring the islands. Located on Terceira Island, spend half a day exploring the island by buggy. While this tour is guided, you’ll still be self-driving as you’ll follow your guide through the best spots on the island behind their buggy. Depending what time of the year you go (we went in April), you’ll want to rug up because the buggy is open and you’ll pick up a little bit of speed making it quite chilly but we really loved exploring the Terceira Island this way. This tour is operated by Azores Retreat (website here) and you can book it through Try Azores (website here).
2. Visit the oldest tea plantation in Europe
Azores is home to the oldest tea plantation in Europe. Established in 1893, you can find the Chá Gorreana (Gorreana Tea Factory) on the northern side of São Miguel island. This tea plantation is spread quite far and wide, giving you a number of perfect photo opportunities for those looking for Azores’ most Instagrammable locations. We visited in the late afternoon for softer lighting and less people.
3. Have a whaley good time
Whale watching is one of the most epic things to do in the Azores. Due to its location in the middle of the Atlantic, you’re spoiled for choice with 20 species of cetaceans passing by the islands from April to October each year. Not visiting between April and October? Don’t worry – the Blue Whale is spotted all year round. When visiting the islands be sure to add a whale watching tour to your itinerary with many whale watching operators to choose from.
4. Eat and drink your way through the Azores
If there is one thing this region is known for its delicious food and drink. With some incredible restaurants and bars across the islands, the Azores truly is a foodies paradise. From traditional Azorean food found at A Tascá on São Miguel island and Quinta do Martelo and Taberna do Teatro on Terceira island, to modern cuisine at Senhora da Rosa Hotel and Terra Nostra Garden Hotel on São Miguel island and Q.B. Restaurante on Terceira island.
5. Hang out in a lava tube
Yes really! You don’t get a region like the Azores without a number of impressive volcanos and lava tubes. One of the most famous places in the Azores, and one of the most epic things to experience in the Azores is the Algar do Carvão. Found in the central part of Terceira Island, this lava tube (or volcano vent depending what you call it) makes a roughly 40 hectare cave. With stairs and pathways built in, it’s perfect for tourists to explore and I’d recommend arriving early to avoid the busier times of the day.
6. Admire the views
There sure are a lot of views in this region and it’s your responsibility to admire them all. One of the best viewpoints we experienced during our holiday was the Serra Do Come viewpoint on the Terceira Island. From here we enjoyed sprawling views of the patchwork quilt style landscape the island is known for. Due to the wind and the higher altitude this spot was absolutely freezing so be sure to rug up before visiting (or get ready to brace yourself!).
7. Fruity things to do in the Azores
Love pineapples? I’ve got the spot for you. The Plantação Ananases A Arruda is one of the most epic things to do on the Azores and a must for everyone visiting São Miguel island. Established in 1864, this is one of the oldest pineapple plantations in Europe and on your visit you’ll learn about the Azores influence on the pineapple trade and how it has developed and changed over the time. Spend an hour exploring the plantation (note: it grows over 28,000 pineapples at a time!) before enjoying all the pineapple goodness from pineapple ice-cream, cocktails and treats.
8. Walk through the old towns
If there’s one thing that the Azores has, it’s cute old towns. Save some time in your itinerary to spend a few hours getting lost wandering through them. My favourite towns we explored include Ponta Delgada on São Miguel island and Angra Do Heroísmo on Terceira Island.
9. Visit the largest gin collection in Europe
In fact, it might even be the largest gin collection in the world. Found on São Miguel island, The Gin Library is one of the most epic things to do in the Azores. Spend an afternoon exploring their 1,800 strong collection, learning how to concoct the perfect gin and tonic and enjoying their Azores made gin. You can find out more about The Gin Library: Why you need to visit The Gin Library on São Miguel Island in the Azores.
10. Admire geothermal activity at Furnas Valley
The earth is alive and there’s arguably no better place to see it on the Azores than at Furnas Valley. Found about a 50-minute drive from Ponta Delgada on São Miguel island, Furnas Valley is an epic things to do when exploring the eastern side of São Miguel island. Explore on the specially made boardwalks as you admire the steam and sometimes even mud expelling into the air. Afterwards enjoy lunch at the nearby Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, one of the top rated lunch spots in the Azores.
Please note:
I explored the Azores as part of a collaboration with Visit Azores. For more information on my disclaimer and how you can work with me see: Work With Me.
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