July 201517 min read

Why Are The Azores The Next Big Travel Destination

Just like the myth of Atlantis, it’s time for the islands of Azores to rise and shine from its long sleep. Yap, they’re on track to become the next big travel destination!

The puzzled face of people when I say I’m from the Azores is a frequent dejà-vu in my life.

And I understand: for decades the islands has been under the shadow of other destinations and remained as one of the most exotic and remote places in Europe. Eventually the conversation reaches one question.

How is it like in your home island?

I like to answer back: How do you think it is? and find amazing how different can preconceived ideas on the exact same thing be. 

Some people imagine Azores as the Canary Islands or even Malta: full of top-notch beaches and with warm dry climate all year. Nope. Others see it more like Madeira: flowers, impressive cliffs and hotels everywhere. Still very far away from the truth. Idilic rocky beaches like in some Croatian islands? *Wrong buzzer sound*.

THIS is what you can expect in Azores.

Although I love how everyone thinks I come from some idyllic enigmatic place – wouldn’t mind to keep that mystery in the air -, I feel it’s about time to put some light on it once and for all, as I’m sure Azores can be the next big travel destination in Europe!

Where are the Azores?

Let’s start with the basics. Azores are a group of nine volcanic islands in North Atlantic ocean and a autonomous region of Portugal.

São Miguel is the biggest and most populous island (160,000 inhabitants) and also holds the largest city of the archipelago: Ponta Delgada.

They were first settled in the 15th century and today only 5-10% of the territory is build-up area, the rest is occupied by nature. The wild humid climate, dramatic landscapes, green pastures and fishing villages all result in a relaxing and remote-feel scenario. Excited already?

Azores map in the Atlantic

Azores location in the Atlantic. Yap, it’s quite remote.

A common misconception is that Azores are “just off the coast of Portugal”. That’s what I grew up thinking too. But after taking several 2-hour flights to reach mainland Portugal, I started thinking either the airplanes were terribly efficient or I lived far more remotely than I imagined.

Turns out the islands are about 2/3 of the way between the U.S. and Europe, so I was pretty much based in the Atlantic ocean.

So… how are the Azores like?

For a start, just think of Azores as if like one day someone grabbed Iceland, moved it south – no ice anymore, just greenery – and smashed it in nine pieces in the middle of the Atlantic.

Let’s get more visual. The landscape is actually insanely green in different shades with hills, meadows and lush vegetation as the most striking features. The craters from several volcanos are now occupied by awe-inspiring blue lakes and lagoons creating quite eye-catching contrasts.

The super black igneous volcanic rock makes up all the coastline. Finally some spots of whitehere and there from the numerous Frisian cows (they compete with humans for the most populous animal in the islands).

When wandering around in Azores, be careful with black/white stuff on the ground. You might be stepping on a cow.

I now have this mental exercise of trying to define random stuff in #hashtags (don’t ask). If I had to do it for the Azores it would be something like the following.

#nature #islands #volcanic #relax #green #cows

Apart from this nature-designed scenery that can (and will) step you back in time, the standard of living is not from decades ago. There are restaurants, spas, cafés and a wide range of supermarkets. And yes, computers, mobile phones and wi-fi connections are all available and DO work seamlessly. I would say living in one of the largest cities/villages is now equivalent to living in any european small-medium sized city.

Find out more information about the Azores on my micro-page about the islands. Climate info, best time to visit and much more for your perfect holidays!

Why you should go to the Azores

1. Nature. Nature. Nature.

For some reason Azores are constantly named as one of the most sustainable travel destinations in the world (they have actually reached the top spot in a couple of occasions).The best motivation to go to the islands is to be in direct contact with nature.

Hard to go back to my flat in chaotic Barcelona after this.

2. There’s a lot to do.

A few years ago Azores may have been a somewhat boring destination, but today there’s a tremendous potential in terms of activities to feed your adventurous and sporty side.

While they have always been sort of a diving mecca, they are now becoming increasingly popular for outdoor activities such as hiking, bird and whale watching and surfing. Here’s a quick introduction as what can you do in the island of São Miguel .

3. Kima.

If you ever are in the islands, you’ll see this name everywhere. Kima is a soft drink made from pulp of the passion fruit. It’s only available in the Azores so it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to drink this nectar of the Gods.

Start your search for accommodation in Azores with my pre-selected list of hotels/guesthouses/villaswith wifi and best value-for-money relation in Booking!

4. The volcanic experience.

Due to its volcanic origin, across all islands it’s possible to find volcanic phenomena such as thermal baths, hot springs (the bathable ones) and hot hot springs (the ones you’ll get boiled alive). In Furnas, it’s even possible to use the energy of the planet to cook your lunch.

Also, beaches in Azores are slight different to what you might be used to experience, as the sand is of a dark grey colour – I’ve even had eeewww reactions when I shared this with some people. Seriously? Can’t understand why, golden beaches are so last century!

This is one of the HOT HOT springs, not advisable to be used as a jacuzzi.

No reason to be racist regarding the color of the sand you put your towel in.

5. Four seasons of the year in just one day.

Yap. Even though the climate in Azores is tricky, don’t let it bring you down. The wind can get a bit crazy, it rains often and most importantly: the weather changes quickly and frequently. But that just adds to the thrill of it, right?

This photo and the cover of this posts were taken with a 2 hour difference. Quite a weather change!

6. The timing of going to Azores couldn’t be better.

In my opinion, this is key, When I was living in Lisbon, in a very good day I’d get a return deal to Azores from about 200EUR. Two years ago I even paid 430EUR. Sure it was kind of a last-minute purchase – my fault for not complying with the buying airline tickets most basic rules – but still, paying that amount of money for a 2 hour-long flight is ro-bbe-ry.

So… what has changed?

Short answer: everything!

Long answer: Since March 2015, the air space in Azores has finally been liberalised, which means literally any airline company can now fly there. Ryanair and Easyjet have already regular routes from Lisbon, Porto and London (they’ve promised more routes).

Nowadays, flights can be as low as 30EUR. To cater this herd of new low-cost tourists, guesthouses, hostels and other cool accommodation as well as new creative tours/things to do have been popping out like mushrooms. All of a sudden, EVERYONE IS COMING!

Anyway the islands are still gaining momentum in their state of semi-discovery. Which means now it’s that sweet spot where the minimum amount of tourism offers and services are in place to get you the maximum experience exploring the unspoiled nature of the islands. Take advantage of it.