Have you heard of the Azores?
That lush green archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean?
I had been dreaming of going there for years—of seeing the vibrant landscapes, the beaches, the volcanic craters, and soaking in the local culture.
In June 2025, I can finally say I’ve set foot on three of the nine islands in the archipelago, and they did not disappoint.
That lush green archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean?
I had been dreaming of going there for years—of seeing the vibrant landscapes, the beaches, the volcanic craters, and soaking in the local culture.
In June 2025, I can finally say I’ve set foot on three of the nine islands in the archipelago, and they did not disappoint.
First 5 days
I arrived at night in Ponta Delgada, the capital of São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores. My first stop was the hostel. I grabbed a taxi and had my first taste of Azorean culture: the accent is so strong that even speaking Portuguese, I struggled to understand the locals.
The taxi driver told me I would fall in love with the Azores—and I already knew he was right.
The next morning, I woke up ready to go: hiking? Surf lessons? Let’s do it!
I picked up my rental car and started exploring: downtown Ponta Delgada, Sete Cidades, Ribeira Grande, Lagoa do Fogo…
The weather didn’t help much at first. My new friend and I could barely see anything from the viewpoint at Sete Cidades. So we settled for a small hike around Lagoa Verde, along a path that made us feel like true explorers.
The landscape looked like something out of Jurassic Park—sadly, my new friend hadn’t seen the movie, so I had to hum the theme song alone.
I visited Furnas and was amazed by the number of geysers. The rising steam gave the town an otherworldly, alien vibe. They say the local spring water can cure all sorts of things, but I stuck with my tap water.
One day I had booked a surf lesson near Ponta Delgada, but the instructor took us to Ribeira Grande, where the waves are stronger. It’s only a 20-minute drive to the north coast. After being told again and again to paddle harder, I ended up exhausted and barely managed to stand up on the board.
During the break, I swam and rode the waves with just my body, letting the ocean carry me. I felt completely in tune with the sea. I believe if you don’t understand the ocean, you’re lost in its waves.
I spent the last few days on São Miguel in a quirky hostel full of Germans. The only other Portuguese guest became my instant friend.
I chatted with Noah, the cook. He’s a photographer, and we shared ideas. He showed me his current project—he’s shooting for a local clothing brand.
I visited the abandoned hotel in Sete Cidades with Viktor, and we talked about everything on the way.
I went out partying with a German couple, and I was surprised at how spontan the guy was. Us Portuguese girls decided we should adopt him for his charm and drinking skills.
If you listen closely and have some patience, people can tell you amazing stories.
The taxi driver told me I would fall in love with the Azores—and I already knew he was right.
The next morning, I woke up ready to go: hiking? Surf lessons? Let’s do it!
I picked up my rental car and started exploring: downtown Ponta Delgada, Sete Cidades, Ribeira Grande, Lagoa do Fogo…
The weather didn’t help much at first. My new friend and I could barely see anything from the viewpoint at Sete Cidades. So we settled for a small hike around Lagoa Verde, along a path that made us feel like true explorers.
The landscape looked like something out of Jurassic Park—sadly, my new friend hadn’t seen the movie, so I had to hum the theme song alone.
I visited Furnas and was amazed by the number of geysers. The rising steam gave the town an otherworldly, alien vibe. They say the local spring water can cure all sorts of things, but I stuck with my tap water.
One day I had booked a surf lesson near Ponta Delgada, but the instructor took us to Ribeira Grande, where the waves are stronger. It’s only a 20-minute drive to the north coast. After being told again and again to paddle harder, I ended up exhausted and barely managed to stand up on the board.
During the break, I swam and rode the waves with just my body, letting the ocean carry me. I felt completely in tune with the sea. I believe if you don’t understand the ocean, you’re lost in its waves.
I spent the last few days on São Miguel in a quirky hostel full of Germans. The only other Portuguese guest became my instant friend.
I chatted with Noah, the cook. He’s a photographer, and we shared ideas. He showed me his current project—he’s shooting for a local clothing brand.
I visited the abandoned hotel in Sete Cidades with Viktor, and we talked about everything on the way.
I went out partying with a German couple, and I was surprised at how spontan the guy was. Us Portuguese girls decided we should adopt him for his charm and drinking skills.
If you listen closely and have some patience, people can tell you amazing stories.
Day 6–7: Faial
On day six, I flew to Faial, where I spent two relaxing days on the beach, visiting the coastal town of Horta, and enjoying great food.
These were the only two days I spent alone—this time in a glamping tent—so I took the chance to catch up on sleep.
On the bus from the campsite to Horta, I met a friendly driver from Cape Verde. He told me that if I liked good weather and good living, I’d love Cape Verde. I promised to add it to my list, and honestly, I think I should check out the travel guide when I get home.
These were the only two days I spent alone—this time in a glamping tent—so I took the chance to catch up on sleep.
On the bus from the campsite to Horta, I met a friendly driver from Cape Verde. He told me that if I liked good weather and good living, I’d love Cape Verde. I promised to add it to my list, and honestly, I think I should check out the travel guide when I get home.
Day 8: Pico
The second-to-last day I spent on Pico island. I had originally planned to climb the mountain, but once I got there, I realized it wouldn’t be realistic—I was too tired and unprepared.
Instead, I joined a whale-watching tour… in German. Not by choice, but because it was the only one available at that time.
We saw a small family of sperm whales. One had a baby, barely two meters long, only a few weeks old. It swam alone, waiting for its mother to return with food. It looked curious and peeked its nose out of the water.
They told us sperm whales can dive 200 meters deep and that they’re resident animals in the Azores, unlike dolphins or orcas, which migrate.
Instead, I joined a whale-watching tour… in German. Not by choice, but because it was the only one available at that time.
We saw a small family of sperm whales. One had a baby, barely two meters long, only a few weeks old. It swam alone, waiting for its mother to return with food. It looked curious and peeked its nose out of the water.
They told us sperm whales can dive 200 meters deep and that they’re resident animals in the Azores, unlike dolphins or orcas, which migrate.
Last day
On my last day, I flew back to Ponta Delgada. I used the time to explore the city a bit more and buy a souvenir or two.
The next day, I flew back to Lisbon, and from there, home. It was a long trip—I woke up at 4 a.m., passed out on the first flight, suffered through the second, and the train ride felt like the cherry on top of a never-ending travel day.
But honestly? It was absolutely worth it. And maybe one day I’ll return to that green paradise they call the Azores.
The next day, I flew back to Lisbon, and from there, home. It was a long trip—I woke up at 4 a.m., passed out on the first flight, suffered through the second, and the train ride felt like the cherry on top of a never-ending travel day.
But honestly? It was absolutely worth it. And maybe one day I’ll return to that green paradise they call the Azores.
If you want to see the full photo album, go check the gallery under ¨Açores¨
