Wanderlust Travel Magazine (UK)
BE DAZZLED BY THE
volcanic lakes on horseback. However you choose to roam the land, be sure to keep an eye out for the 30 species of birds that call the Azores home, as well as some 400 migratory birds.
Don’t forget to explore beyond terra firma, too. The Azores offers some of the best diving in the world. Rosais Reef on São Jorge Island is great for beginners and offers a huge variety of marine life including barracuda, moray eels and octopus. For bigger sightings, go on a whale watching tour to spy dolphins and whales year-round.
Looking for something to get the heart racing? Canyoning is a thrilling way to see the Azores from a different angle. There are few things like jumping from the rocks into a cooling pool beneath a rushing waterfall.
As well as its vast natural landscapes, the Azores is also home to a fascinating culture and history. Museums and historic sites are scattered across the nine islands, but for a compact culture fix, head to the Terceira island’s Unescolisted city Angra do Heroísmo.
Walking the cobbled streets of the historic centre and marvelling at the Portuguese architecture is like going back in time. Don’t miss the whitewashed Sé Cathedral which dates back to the 15th century and is one of the biggest on the archipelago. Also worth a visit is the Church of Saint Francis, a former convent that now houses a museum where you can learn more about this historic city. Head to the Obelisco do Alto Da Memoria – a memorial built out of the stones of the Moinhos Castle – for sweeping views of Angra do Heroísmo.
Teceira island is also home to a charming Wine Museum, where you can learn the history of wine in the region and visit the cellar, distillery and tasting room.
With the island’s farm-totable ethos and the huge variety of product here, you’re in for a foodie treat wherever you eat in the Azores. Being surrounded by the sea, it should come as no surprise that fish is often on the menu here, with a huge variety of fresh seafood available on the menu. If you’re a meat lover, Cozido das Furnas is a must: head to the town of Furnas to watch this hearty stew being placed into the ground to be cooked by a volcano.
Other must-try food experiences include visiting the pineapple plantations on the Island of São Miguel and heading to São Jorge to try the tasty cheese that is produced there.
If there has been one positive from the world’s recent lockdown, it is that our planet has had the time to recover and revitalise, so it is perhaps more important than ever to travel with the lightest of footsteps. Travelling sustainably is made easy in the Azores which was the first ever archipelago to be certified under the Earthcheck Sustainable Destination program, recognising the Azore’s commitment to preserving its rich culture and marine ecosystems.
With a little bit of research, you can make sure you explore the pristine, unspoilt landscapes without leaving a trace. When choosing your hotel, be sure to opt for one with eco-initiatives, such as those that use renewable energy. Choosing to stay in a locally-owned hotel and to eat in a local restaurant rather than visiting chains is a great way to give back to the local economy. When booking your adventures, make sure you choose a responsible local tour operator with a good ecofriendly reputation; there are many to choose from. So however you spend your time in the Azores, you can be sure your visit will be a sustainable one.