Azores Sustainable Destination
The archipelago of the Azores consists of 9 islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean with a breathtaking landscape. There are fishing villages, green pastures and rows of blue hydrangeas. The 9 volcanic islands are: São Miguel, the largest island and the easiest to reach, Terceira, São Jorge, Pico, where there is the highest mountain in Portugal, Faial, Flores, Graciosa, Corvo and Santa Maria. They are wild, mountainous islands, most of which are still fairly unexplored. Smaller islands such as Flores and Corvo are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and biosphere reserves. On the main island, São Miguel, there are volcanic lakes and the Gorreana tea plantation. The Azores are a paradise for those who like to spend green holidays in contact with nature by practising trekking, canyoning and marine activities. There is great diversity from one island to another.
To visit
1.Waterfalls
The Azores Islands offer numerous natural wonders to admire, including the waterfalls. There are streams, cliffs and steep walls surrounding deep volcanic lakes. You can swim there all year round. If you are a canyoning enthusiast, the islands of São Miguel, São Jorge and Flores offer the greatest number of possible routes. The best 10 unmissable waterfalls of the Azzores are: the Poço do Bacalhau waterfall on the island of Flores, the Salto do Cabrito waterfall on the island of São Miguel, the Furnas waterfall, the Caldeira Velha waterfall, the Ribeira dos Caldeirões waterfall, the Ribeira da Salga waterfall, the Salto do Cagarrão waterfall, the Salto da Farinha waterfall and the Ribeira Quente waterfall. On Santa Maria Island, we recommend a visit to the Aveiro Waterfall. Find out more about the unmissable waterfalls of the Azores here.
2. Miradouros Viewpoints
Miradouro is a Portuguese word and means "viewpoint". We recommend you to stop at the following viewpoints to enjoy the best views of the São Miguel Island landscape: Miradouro da Boca do Inferno, Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo, Miradouro da Vista do Rei, Miradouro da Vista dos Barcos, Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado, Miradouro do Pico da Barrosa, Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego, Miradouro do Castelo Branco, Miradouro do Cerrado das Freiras, Miradouro de Santa Iria. Explore the island of São Miguel through these unmissable viewpoints.
3. The Beaches
Most beaches in the Azores are of volcanic origin with ash-coloured sand. Several beaches have been awarded the European Blue Flag. The most beautiful and unspoilt beaches in the Azores are: Praia de Santa Bárbara on the São Miguel island, Praia Formosa on the Santa Maria island, Praia Canto do Areia on the Pico island, Praia do Almoxarife on the Faial island, Praia da Riviera on the Terceira island, Praia dos Mosteiros on the São Miguel island, Praia Fajã Grande on the Flores island, Fajã da Caldeira do Santo Cristo on the São Jorge island, Praia de São Lourenço on the Santa Maria island and Porto Pim on the Faial island. Relax on these fascinating volcanic beaches in the Azores.
4. Natural Pools
The archipelago of the Azores offers many natural pools formed by rocks originating from ancient volcanic eruptions. Take a dip in the best natural pools in the Azores: Santa Cruz das Flores on Flores island, Caldeira Velha on São Miguel island, Carapacho on Graciosa island, São Roque do Pico on Pico island, Terra Nostra on São Miguel island, Biscoitos on Terceira island, Simão Dias on São Jorge island, Dona Beija on São Miguel island, Poça das Mujas on Pico island and Ponta da Ferraria on São Miguel island.
5. Natural Parks
There are various natural parks where you can venture out to discover the best trees and flowers in the landscape. Discover the best parks: Fontinhas, Valverde on Santa Maria Island, Grená, Jardim das Quenturas on São Miguel Island, São Miguel, Luis Paulo Camacho, Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro on Flores Island, Vulcão dos Capelinhos on Faial Island, Ribeira dos Caldeiroes, Cancela do Cinzeiro Pedreira on São Miguel Island, Sao Joao on Pico Island.
Walking Itineraries
This is a great destination for trekking. The Azores offer beautiful hiking trails between lakes, hills, cliffs and lush forests. Choose the best day and set off on an adventure on one of these trails: Monte Pico on Pico Island, Monte Brasil on Terceira Island, Caldeirão on Corvo Island, Caldeira de Santo Cristo on São Jorge Island, Salto do Cabrito on São Miguel, Caldeira-Faial on Faial Island, Fajã Grande on Flores Island, Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo on São Miguel, Passagem das Bestas on Terceira Island.
Local Tastes to Try
The unique climate of the Azores gives rise to a range of food and wine specialities that can only be found on these islands. The Azores are the perfect destination if you are looking for a holiday that delights the senses, starting with the palate. Discover the flavours of the Azores' local cuisine with its local products and typical dishes! From Sao Jorge cheese to Bolo Lêvedo, and much more: Lapas (local seafood), passion fruit, Cozido de Furnas (local stew), Alcatra (local beef), Sopa da Sogra (local soup), Chá Gorreana (local tea produced by the São Miguel plantation), Bolo D. Amelia (local sweet) and Arinto dos Açores (local wine).
Where to Stay Eco-Friendly
If you are looking for an eco-friendly accommodation surrounded by nature, we recommend staying in one of the following eco-friendly establishments: The Solar Branco Eco Estate in Ponta Delgada, Quinta da Meia Eira in Horta, Banana Cabana in Angra do Heroísmo.
Discover here eco-friendly accommodation in the Azores.
Local Sustainable Companies to do Various Activities on Flores and Corvo Islands
The Azores have several local tour companies that allow you to explore the islands in a greenway. Below is a list of the main local companies located on the islands of Flores and Corvo.
- Passeios Turísticos (yachting)
- Westcanyon (Bike/MTB tour, birdwatching, canyoning)
- Flores by Sea (yachting)
- Extremo Ocidente (yachting, scuba diving)
- Noya Tours (car tour)
- Experience OC (guided tours)
How to Get There
The easiest way is to arrive by plane because the distances are quite large. During the summer there are many flights. Try to use local airlines as much as possible because their service is different and it would be a way to support the local economy. If you have time and you like adventure you can do island hopping, it takes a while, for example from Faial to Flores is an 8-hour trip. You can reach three islands very quickly by boat: Faial, Pico and São Jorge because they are very close to each other. Faial is a very famous island for sailors, many sailboats go to Faial because it is one of the main stops between Europe and America. For more tips on how to get to the Azores you can read the interview with Sandra Henriques, a local blogger.
Cover image: photo by Martin Munk via unsplash.com
Author: Irene Paolinelli