Ever heard of the Azores?
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This archipelago is one of two distant Portuguese autonomous regions, along with Madeira. (If you follow international soccer, you might know Madeira as the birthplace of Cristiano Ronaldo.)
The Azores is located almost smack in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean—around 900 miles west of Africa and 1,200 miles from Canada. Along with Madeira, it’s widely regarded as one of the best-kept secrets in terms of Portuguese tourism.
That’s because the Azores aren’t quite like other European destinations. And it’s not hard to see why. From its mist-covered mountains to its ancient underground temples, it’s a world unto its own.
If you’ve been considering a trip to Portugal, here are the top six reasons you should consider the Azores instead.
Nine vacations on nine islands
The Azores is made up of nine islands, along with a few tiny islets. These are divided into three groups based on geographic location:
The western islands of Corvo and Flores; the central islands of Graciosa, Terceira, São Jorge, Faial, and Pico; the eastern islands of Sao Miguel, Santa Maria, and the Formigas Islets. Every island has its own distinct identity, which means you can island-hop from one unique spot to another.
In general, the remote western islands of Corvo and Flores are known for their rugged natural beauty and massive waterfalls. On the eastern side, by contrast, the islands of Sao Miguel and Santa Maria are more densely populated and known for their nightlife.
In the middle, you’ll find the best of both worlds, combining the magic of remote vacationing with popular tourist amenities.
Slow tourism
Sure, Sao Miguel has a pretty solid nightlife scene. However, one of the first things you’ll notice when you visit is the slow pace of life.
Though the islands are home to tourist infrastructure, it’s decidedly different than what you’ll find in European regions—especially mainland Portugal.
No hordes of rushing tourists, no waiting hours to snap a photo of a landmark. Just the slow type of island-living that you’ll find in places like the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.
Natural beauty (that you haven’t seen before)
I’ve already mentioned the beauty of the Azores a few times—but it’s really worth pointing out that these islands aren’t like other destinations. Because the islands are remote and volcanic, there’s a lot of unique flora. And by unique flora, I mean Jurassic Park-vibes plants.
Think: the vertical and green faces of Norwegian fjords combined with the steep and sleepy inclines of the Himalayan foothills. (More on this below.)
Hiking is a popular way to enjoy the various scenery of the Azores’ nine islands. You’ll find dozens of emerald lakes hidden in valleys, along with waterfalls that thread through the lush plant life. If you want to really delve into nature, head to the western islands of Corvo and Flores.
But even if you stay on the main track in Sao Miguel, you’ll have dozens of options for hiking trails. Just make sure to pack for a few rain showers.
Great wine, better tea
Speaking of the Himalayan foothills, if you know anything about cities like Darjeeling and regions like India’s Sikkim, then you know that these misted hills are the preferred climate for growing an ever-important herb: tea.
Across the islands, you’ll find tea plantations that grow a wide range of green and black variations. Sao Miguel, in particular, is covered in tea plantations that thrive in its elevated and damp climate.
But Corvo, on the far side of the archipelago, is blanketed with vineyards instead. Remember: nine islands, nine different worlds. Just like the Azores has a microclimate perfect for teas, the same is true for certain grape strains.
That means you’ll be treated to delicious wines and teas during your stay. While much of the local produce is exported, there are plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants that offer Azorean teas and wines.
Heritage & history
Remember those buried tombs I mentioned up top? Fun fact: they’re known to archaeologists as hypogea.
Over the last few decades, archaeologists have uncovered buried ruins and temples across the Azores. Recent research indicates that these hypogea were likely left behind by Scandinavian visitors.
But these early settlers were long gone when the Portuguese showed up in the early 1400s. Over the next few centuries, the Azores became a hotspot for Flemish refugees, English raiders, Spanish mercenaries, the allied forces of WWII, and dozens more groups.
During these tumultuous periods, the Azores faced issues like overpopulation, capital-destroying earthquakes, and mass emigration. In other words, there’s a deceptively large amount of history to wade through, if you like that type of thing.
The best way to delve into the Azores’ long and complex history is to take a cultural tour. Most available for the islands focus on outdoor adventuring, but some also offer short historical and cultural bylines.
Mild climate & outdoor adventures
The Azores don’t experience frigid winters or white-hot summers. In fact, it’s known for its temperate climate. Though you’ll face chilly breezes and more than a few rain showers, you don’t need to worry about hurricanes, snowstorms, or temperatures rising above 85 degrees.
Again, I can’t guarantee that your hikes won’t be under cloudy skies—but I can guarantee that you won’t face inclement weather that prevents you from experiencing the islands.
And speaking of experiencing the islands…
You can explore them with outdoor activities that cover a diverse range. Hiking is the most popular, but you can also find kayaking tours, swimming and boating on lakes, scuba diving, volcano tours, spelunking tours, and more.
But, most famously, you’ll see whale-watching tours offered by companies across the islands. Take advantage, as it’s one of the world’s most popular whale-watching spots.
