The Azores are a hidden gem in the Atlantic, offering dramatic landscapes and a calm, untouched environment. Visitors can take advantage of the islands' geothermal activity by visiting hot springs or watching geysers in action. With an abundant marine life, the Azores is one of the best places for whale and dolphin watching in the world. The combination of stunning landscapes, rich history, and unique culture makes the Azores a must-visit destination for those seeking adventure and tranquility in equal measure.
Cost of Living (10)
Medium
Minimal List TL;DR
๐SeeWhale Watching
4.7Naturalist Whale WatchingExperience the thrill of whale watching in the crystal-clear waters around Pico Island, with a chance to see various marine species up close.
๐ฃEatJapanese
4.7รtakaA trendy fusion restaurant offering Azorean twists on Japanese dishes.
๐ดEatPortuguese Cuisine
4.6Casa do AbelA traditional restaurant with a homely atmosphere, offering delicious regional meals.
Places to See
Rua do Miradouro, 9555-307 Sete Cidades
4.8
Free
Open 24/7
Stunning panoramic views
Get:
Bus: 21 (Sete Cidades)
A viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Sete Cidades Lagoon and surrounding area.
Ponta do Pico, Pico, Azores
4.8
Free
Open year-round
Spectacular views of Pico Mountain and ocean
Vibe:
Panoramic and Peaceful
Tip:
Miradouro Craveiro Lopes
Get:
Car rental available
An incredible lookout point offering sweeping views of Pico Island and the Atlantic Ocean.
Must Visit:
Whale Watching, Festivals
The Azores are a hotspot for whale and dolphin watching, offering one of the best spots in the world for marine life observation.
Places to Eat
Sรฃo Miguel, Azores
4.8
โฌ10 - โฌ20
Open daily from 12PMโ12AM
Amazing sunset views and cocktails
Vibe:
Relaxing and Scenic
A beachfront restaurant and bar offering great cocktails with an incredible sunset view.
Rua Dr. Josรฉ Nunes da Ponte, Ponta Delgada
4.8
โฌ20 - โฌ40
11AMโ10PM
Known for seasonal, organic Azorean cuisine
Get:
Bus: 160 (from central Ponta Delgada)
A unique restaurant offering farm-to-table dining.
Rua Josรฉ do Canto, 9500-315 Ponta Delgada
4.7
โฌ3 - โฌ10
7AMโ7PM
Local favorite with freshly baked goods
Get:
Bus: 150, 160 (from central Ponta Delgada)
A beloved bakery offering a wide range of pastries.
Rua dos Mercadores, Ponta Delgada
4.7
โฌ15 - โฌ35
12PMโ11PM
Specializing in Azorean-inspired Japanese cuisine
Get:
Bus: 150, 160 (from central Ponta Delgada)
A trendy fusion restaurant offering Azorean twists on Japanese dishes.
Sรฃo Miguel, Azores
4.7
โฌ20 - โฌ40
Open daily from 12PMโ10PM
Specialty in steaks and local cuisine
Vibe:
Tasty and Satisfying
Tip:
Casa do Bife O Galego
A family-owned restaurant offering mouthwatering steaks and traditional Portuguese dishes.
Rua de Sรฃo Joรฃo, Ponta Delgada
4.7
โฌ10 - โฌ25
12PMโ10PM
Known for hearty Azorean dishes
Vibe:
Traditional and Cozy
Get:
Bus: 150 (from central Ponta Delgada)
A local favorite offering traditional dishes from the island.
Rua do Mercado, 14, 9500-057 Ponta Delgada
4.6
โฌ12 - โฌ18
11AMโ9PM
Known for traditional Azorean dishes
Get:
Bus: 12, 15 (Ponta Delgada)
A traditional restaurant with a homely atmosphere, offering delicious regional meals.
Must Try:
Cozido (a stew cooked in volcanic heat), fresh seafood (octopus, tuna), local cheeses, passion fruit desserts.
Places to Drink
Avenida Joรฃo Bosco Mota Amaral, Ponta Delgada
4.6
โฌ8 - โฌ15
6PMโ2AM
Great cocktail selection
Get:
Bus: 15 (Ponta Delgada)
A trendy cocktail bar offering creative drinks and a vibrant atmosphere.
Music & Dance:
Traditional folklore music and the famous โCantares ao Desafioโ (a form of competitive singing).
Places to Network
We'll be updating more places soon!
Key Industries:
Tourism, Agriculture
Azores
"Experience the untouched beauty and peaceful serenity of the Azores, where nature thrives."
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Rugged & Natural
stunning volcanic landscapes, lush greenery, and dramatic coastal cliffs that define the islands.
The Azores are known for geothermal activity.
The Azores are a breathtaking archipelago of volcanic islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, known for their stunning natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and geothermal activity. With lush greenery, towering volcanoes, and crater lakes, the Azores offer some of the best hiking and outdoor activities in Europe. The islands are a paradise for nature lovers, where travelers can enjoy whale watching, hot springs, and unparalleled scenic views. Each island offers unique experiences, from the city of Ponta Delgada to the beautiful Sete Cidades Lake, making it a top destination for adventurous travelers.
Watch Out
Watchย out for Crowded Areas
Skip
Skip Super Touristic Places
Off the beaten path places in
Azores
Transportation
Well-connected by air, ferries to islands
City Overview
The Azores, an archipelago in Portugal, is known for its stunning landscapes, volcanic craters, and rich biodiversity. It's a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
3 Day City Guide
- Day 1: Morning: Hike around Sete Cidades. Afternoon: Visit the local market in Ponta Delgada. Evening: Dinner at a traditional restaurant. - Day 2: Morning: Take a whale-watching tour. Afternoon: Relax in the hot springs at Furnas. Evening: Sample local cheeses and wines. - Day 3: Morning: Explore the hiking trails on Pico Island. Afternoon: Visit a local botanical garden. Evening: Attend a cultural performance.
Current Trends
- Eco-tourism: Increasing interest in sustainable travel experiences. - Culinary trends: Emphasis on local ingredients and traditional recipes. - Outdoor adventures: Growing popularity of hiking, birdwatching, and marine activities.
Local Events Guide
- Festas do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres (May): Celebrating religious and cultural heritage. - Azores Fringe Festival (July): Showcasing local arts and culture. - Whale Watching Festival (September): Celebrating the marine life of the islands.
Local Insider Tips
- Explore the Sete Cidades crater lakes. - Discover local whale-watching tours. - Enjoy the hot springs at Furnas.
Sustainable Travel
- Sustainable tourism: Focus on eco-friendly practices in accommodations and tours. - Conservation efforts: Protecting native flora and fauna. - Community support: Promoting local artisans and traditions.
Explore the Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences:
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Each spot in our City guide is handpicked to help you experience the city like a local, avoiding the crowds and discovering the best-kept secrets.
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Follow our recommendations for an unforgettable adventure and see why these places stand out as favorites among locals.
For more unique experiences like these, explore our full collection of off-the-beaten-path city guides and make every trip a journey of discovery.
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4๏ธโฃ Very low cost of living, particularly in terms of food, transport, and housing.
Bulgarian Lev (BGN) ะปะฒ
Ancient & Modern Sofia
Vibe:
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Tip:
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๐๏ธ๐๏ธโต
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15-30ยฐC
6๏ธโฃ Moderate cost of living, driven by tourism and seasonal fluctuations in prices.
Turkish Lira (TRY) โบ
Coastal Charm Kas
Vibe:
Dalyan, located along Turkeyโs southwest coast, is famous for its Lycian tombs carved into the cliffs, stunning diving spots, and the nearby Iztuzu Beach, known for its loggerhead sea turtle nesting grounds. The areaโs natural beauty, hot springs, and mud baths make it a popular eco-tourism destination. Dalyan is also renowned for its crystal-clear rivers, which visitors can explore by boat. The blend of ancient history and pristine nature makes Dalyan a must-visit location for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
Tip:
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๐๏ธ๐ด๐๏ธ
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28.5ยฐC
8๏ธโฃ High living costs, with luxury living options but also affordable local services and transport.
UAE Dirham (AED) ุฏ.ุฅโ
Dubai Hidden Gems
Vibe:
Dubai is a modern metropolis that offers the worldโs largest shopping mall, the Dubai Mall, complete with an indoor ice rink and aquarium. Known for its luxurious lifestyle, Dubai features towering skyscrapers like the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. The city is also famous for its opulent hotels, desert safaris, and vibrant nightlife. Dubai blends modern architecture with rich cultural traditions, offering a unique experience to visitors. Its innovative approach to architecture, retail, and tourism continues to set global trends.
Tip:
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๐ข๐๐ถ
HamburgHidden Hamburg Wonders
9.4ยฐC
7๏ธโฃ Moderately high cost of living, with housing being the most expensive aspect.
Euro (EUR) โฌ
Hidden Hamburg Wonders
Vibe:
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Tip:
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๐๐ธ๐
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24-33ยฐC
5๏ธโฃ Affordable cost of living, particularly for food and transportation, but higher for housing.
Thai Baht (THB) เธฟ
Spiritual, Exotic Bangkok
Vibe:
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Tip:
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๐๐๏ธ๐
ColumbusAcademic Columbus Culture
4-28ยฐC
6๏ธโฃ Affordable, with moderate housing and local service costs.
US Dollar (USD) $
Academic Columbus Culture
Vibe:
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Tip:
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