City: Azores
Top Things to do in Azores
What to do and see in Azores, Portugal: The Best Places and Tips
The nine islands that make up the Azores are in fact the peaks of some of the world's tallest mountains, reaching from deep beneath the Atlantic. The once-uninhabited, volcanic archipelago now hosts thousands of tourists every year who flock to the islands for sun, sand and verdant mountain scenery. From the beaches of Praia da Vitoria to the bustling marina of Horta, to the bubbling volcanic ground "ovens" of Furnas, these islands offer unparalleled--and unusual--adventures to discover.
Restaurants in Azores
1. Caldeira das Sete Cidades
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Lesterbeach - Winnipeg, Canada
There are many places to see the magnificent views with many parking spots along the road. Please don’t just stop in the middle of the road to take pictures ( unless the heard of cows is in the way). The best place to stop is at Lagoa do Canerios turn off the main road through the gates and drive to the end of the road instead of parking in the larger lot just off the highway. Then about a 15 min walk/ climb for spectacular views of the caldeiras don’t miss it.
2. Boca do Inferno Viewpoint
Overall Ratings
5 based on 154 reviews
Reviewed By DickandPaulineP - Worcester, Massachusetts
What a spectacular viewpoint of the twin lagoons. Beautiful place but parking limited, of course like typical places in Sao Miguel you can park partially on road. This is a must see attraction while on Sao Miguel. When you go to town of Sete Cidades you can actually cross between the two lagoons (one green, and other blue) and see up close. Nice little lunch place in town.
3. Lagoa do Fogo
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By mirole - Toronto, Canada
We hiked to the lake using the hike leaflet from the visitazores.com website. It is a very rewarding trail across a varied terrain.
The lake itself is beautiful and peaceful.
If you love great views and hiking, this is one of the best of both!
If you want to hike, keep in mind that there is no parking per se at the starting point, just a bit of space for several cars. We went in the morning and were able to park no problem.
4. Capelinhos
Overall Ratings
5 based on 304 reviews
The site of the volcanic eruption of 1957-58 on Faial, an island which is dominated by the volcanic cone of Caldeira.
Reviewed By Erzs_bet_S274887 - Budapest, Hungary
The Volcano Interpretation Centre is about 25 km from Horta city’s center (appr. 25 EUR for 4 persons by a taxi - in August 2017).
This is the only volcano which was observed, studied, photographed since it erupted until it became dormant. Now you can safely walk on this volcanic landscape originated by the eruption started in Sept 1957, the whole period lasted for 13 months.
The visitor centre building was constructed underground. Besides the permanent & temporary Exhibitions, it has an auditorium with 3D film shows, and interesting hologram.
5. Terra Nostra Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Sharron R
Plan on old bathing suit for this adventure .. very warm on a cool rainy day .. beautiful trees surround the water which is a mustard brown color . Outside Showers available . Bring water shoes / flip flops as the changing area is several yards away . Minimal entrance fee .
6. Faja Grande
Overall Ratings
5 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By travelagentincayman - Grand Cayman
If you like hiking then Flores is the place for you. It is absolutely stunning and feels like a step back in time. It is very green which means it can rain a lot but that is part of its beauty as it is so lush . Faja Grande was my favourite village , it is really cute with a great restaurant called Jonah's . There is one of the most stunning Waterfalls you will ever see that is near the village and then a pretty hardcore hike . Loved this area. Like I say, if you like hiking and adventure then Flores is for you.
7. Poca Da Dona Beija
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Poça da Dona Beija's ferruginous muds are indicated for cutaneous invigoration, and it's hot waters are therapeutic. All the pools have running water which ensures it's constant renewal. We receive tourists from all over the world looking for some time of relaxation and well-being. You can visit us anytime of the year. Our hot waters are revitalizing both in the Summer and Winter!
Reviewed By Ana C - Radovljica, Slovenia
For only 4 eur, you can enjoy the hot Springs for a loooooong time. Clean, well-maintained, nice, romantic, with toilets, showers, lockers, and a shop where you can buy souvenirs, drinks and even swimsuit.
8. Pico Mountain (Montanha do Pico)
Overall Ratings
5 based on 312 reviews
Classified as a nature reserve since 1972, this is the highest mountain (7,800 feet) in Portugal, which is capped by a crater, the Pico Grande, from which a small cone emerges.
Reviewed By FrannyAB - Ottawa, Canada
Pico mountain is the highest mountain in Portugal, and given that it is situated in the mid-Atlantic the views, if the weather cooperates, are incredible. This is not a technical climb, however it is steep and involves scrambling up rock/lava formations so you do need to be in good shape, sure footed and with lots of recent experience going up and downhill. Check the weather forecast and make your final decision that morning as it would be a shame to do the climb without the views of surrounding Islands.
9. Salto do Prego
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 158 reviews
Reviewed By HadarShaked
been there a week ago, on a rainy day.
the way to the waterfall (by the hike plan that can be shown on the azores hikes official website) is really great and mellow, full of green and the sound of water flow, reaching the waterfall is great! having fun in the cold water and just admiring mother nature.
The way back though... if following the trail on a rainy day it might be tricky, and pretty stressful, slippery little stones in high angle, possible, yet challenging, if we knew it before, we would probably go just the other way around (just , going up the stones and down the inner trail would have been easier.
10. Algar do Carvao
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 715 reviews
Reviewed By Amanda R - North Miami Beach, Florida
Algar do Carvao is possibly one of the most unique volcano experiences you can have on this planet. The site is only open during certain hours, and a combination ticket will provide you access to another completely explorable dormant lava tube nearby. Upon entering through a tunnel into the side of this dormant extinct volcano, you are able to actually walk through the main tube of the volcano. As you look up, the sun shines through the Boca do Algar or “Mouth of the cave,” and encourages nature to thrive within the volcano’s hollow cavity. The cave has man made stairs built into its mineral deposited walls, and it is a tremendous experience to be able to reach the bottom of the cave, where in the rainy season a pool of bright blue water collects and can be over 45 feet deep. There are several different areas of the cavernous volcano that you can explore, each as exceptional as the next. Exploring the cave took only 30 minutes, but the memory will last a lifetime. We then carried on to the next lava tube attraction that our combination ticket offered us entrance to, called Gruta do Natal, or “Christmas Cave.”
On the way to Gruta do Natal, we came across a sign for “Furnas do Enxofre” and decided to see what it was about. Not even a mile down the road was a park with a walkway built through it, making this excursion even more amazing because it is highly accessible for anyone to enjoy. The walkway allows you to appreciate a relaxing sight-see tour through a small sulfur field. I am told they do not compare to the hot Springs of neighboring island São Miguel, but regardless I found them to be an incredible and unexpected addition to our adventure.
We spent about 15 minutes at the furnas and then continued to Gruta do Natal. There we entered a much smaller cave and explored the areas where lava once flowed through, prior to erupting out of the larger main cavity of Algar do Carvao. The caves are lined with informative plaques, which make this an easy, self-guided, 30-minute tour.
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