The Azores

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Walking path leading to a view on the lakes of Sete Cidades, Azores.

© Vicky SP/Shutterstock

Overview

This remote archipelago simply abounds with adventures; it is, in fact, the Hawaii of the mid-Atlantic. It has world-class whale watching, sailing, diving, hiking and canyoning; excellent surfing and other watersports; rich opportunities for on horseback, on bikes or, for the daredevils, by paraglider. Then there is the landscape itself: a wonderland of seething mud pots, fantastical caverns, and vivid crater lakes that speak of a volcanic origin.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Lagoon Congro (Lagoa do Congro), Sao Miguel island, Azores, Portugal 1124234730 landscape - scenery, volcanic, lagoa do congro, lagoon congro

    Lagoa do Congro

    The Azores

    This hidden lagoon, about 5.5 km from Vila Franca do Campo on The Azores largest island of São Miguel, is an emerald-colored oasis. Surrounded by lush…

  • Lake of Sete Cidades from Vista do Rei viewpoint in Sao Miguel, Azores; Shutterstock ID 333806120; Your name (First / Last): James Kay; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Azores destination page highlights

    Sete Cidades

    The Azores

    The Azores are full of places that stop visitors dead in their tracks and cause a sharp, involuntary intake of breath. But the first glimpse of this…

  • View of the city of Angra do Heroismo with Mount Brazil on Terceira Island; Shutterstock ID 146612801; Your name (First / Last): James Kay; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Azores destination page highlights

    Angra do Heroismo

    The Azores

    A Unesco World Heritage Site since 1983, the historic centre of Angra do Heroismo on the island of Terceira is an architectural jewel. This once…

  • Mount Pico and a cow standing in water, reflected in a nearby lake; Shutterstock ID 378069745; Your name (First / Last): James Kay; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Azores destination page highlights

    Mt Pico

    The Azores

    The highest mountain in Portugal rears out of the Atlantic Ocean to a height of 2,351m. A near-perfect cone, Mt Pico is more than postcard material: an…

  • Lighthouse Capelinhos and dramatic landscape on the cliffs of island Faial, Azores islands; Shutterstock ID 169824179; Your name (First / Last): James Kay; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Azores destination page highlights

    Capelinhos Volcano

    The Azores

    The underwater volcano that erupted in spectacular fashion off the island of Faial in 1957 afforded scientists a unique opportunity to study a rare…

  • The Pico vineyards inscribed on the World Heritage List, Pico island, Azores,; Shutterstock ID 131557715; Your name (First / Last): James Kay; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Azores destination page highlights

    Vineyards of Pico

    The Azores

    The island of Pico has produced wine since the 15th century, but don’t expect neat rows of vines amid picturesque fields. The vintners here adapted to a…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

From lava-fashioned landscapes to wonder-inducing walks and whale watching, here are the top things to do across all nine islands in the Azores.

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Best Places to Visit

Come for the hiking and volcanoes, stay for the vibrant culture, unique cuisine and exceptional wine. Find the best island in the Azores for your vacation.

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Transportation

See the Azores - via ferry, plane, car or taxi - with these top tips for navigating all nine islands.

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Plan with a local

Articles

Latest stories from The Azores

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Pool in the Atlantic ocean. Caloura. Sao Miguel. Azores. portugal. Horizontal, License Type: media, Download Time: 2025-02-19T22:06:33.000Z, User: rhylton_redventures, Editorial: false, purchase_order: 56530 - Guidebooks, job: Lonely Planet WIP, client: Lonely Planet WIP, other: Rhianydd Hylton

Activities

15 top things to do in the Azores

May 21, 2025 • 12 min read

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