Azores

"Find tranquility in the lush, volcanic landscapes and serene shores of the Azores islands."

🌋

Currency

Euro (EUR) €

Best Time

May - September

Population

250,000

Weather °C

17

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.
State

Azores

Year

1439

Airport

Ponta Delgada

Cost of Living (10)

Medium

Minimal List TL;DR

🏔
Mountain Hiking
Mount Pico
An adventure for seasoned hikers
🍇
Vineyard Tours
Pico Island Vineyards
Unique volcanic wine-growing region
🌋
Hiking
Caldeira do Faial
A large crater with scenic hiking paths
💧
Thermal Baths
Poça da Dona Beija
A must-visit for natural hot springs lovers
🌊
Waterfall Hike
Poço da Alagoinha
A hidden gem for hikers
🏞
Natural Park
Parque Terra Nostra
A botanical garden with natural hot springs
🌋
Crater Exploration
Caldeirão Crater
Ideal for adventure lovers and hikers
🐋
Whale Watching
Horta Whale Watching Tours
Best location to observe marine life
🌄
Cliff Viewing
Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo
Remote area perfect for dramatic cliff views
💧
Lake Viewing
Lagoa das Sete Cidades
One of the most beautiful lakes in the Azores
🏖
Beach
Praia Formosa
Best beach for relaxation
🕳
Cave Exploration
Algar do Carvão
Amazing underground experience
🌊
Coastal Walks
Capelinhos Volcano
A unique chance to walk in a volcanic landscape
🌿
Hiking
Lagoa do Fogo
A stunning lake surrounded by nature
🕳
Cave Exploration
Gruta das Torres
A fascinating underground experience
🏖
Beach
Praia de Santa Bárbara
Popular beach for surfing and swimming
🍲
Restaurant
Tony's Restaurant
Traditional volcanic cuisine
Café
Louvre Michaelense
Cozy café with history and great coffee
🧀
Cheese Shop
Queijo Vaquinha
Delicious local cheeses
Coffee Shop
A Colmeia
Charming café for a coffee break

Places to See

🏔
Mount Pico
Mountain Hiking
Mount Pico Road
5
Free
24/7
Highest peak in Portugal
Vibe:
Challenging
Tip:
Adventure Seekers
Get To:
No
An adventure for seasoned hikers
🍇
Pico Island Vineyards
Vineyard Tours
Rua dos Vinhos
4.9
$$$
10 AM - 6 PM
UNESCO-listed vineyard landscape
Vibe:
Scenic
Tip:
Wine Enthusiasts
Get To:
No
Unique volcanic wine-growing region
Caldeira Road
4.9
Free
24/7
Stunning volcanic crater
Vibe:
Adventurous
Tip:
Hikers
Get To:
No
A large crater with scenic hiking paths
💧
Poça da Dona Beija
Thermal Baths
Rua da Água Quente
4.9
$$
10 AM - 10 PM
Hot thermal springs in a tropical setting
Vibe:
Relaxing
Tip:
Wellness Seekers
Get To:
Yes
A must-visit for natural hot springs lovers
🌊
Poço da Alagoinha
Waterfall Hike
Estrada Regional 1-2
4.9
Free
24/7
Cascading waterfalls in a lush valley
Vibe:
Majestic
Tip:
Hikers
Get To:
No
A hidden gem for hikers
🏞
Parque Terra Nostra
Natural Park
Rua Padre José Jacinto Botelho
4.9
$$
9 AM - 7 PM
Famous for its thermal pools and lush gardens
Vibe:
Tranquil
Tip:
Nature Enthusiasts
Get To:
Yes
A botanical garden with natural hot springs
🌋
Caldeirão Crater
Crater Exploration
Caldeirão Road
4.9
Free
24/7
Majestic volcanic crater with two lakes
Vibe:
Majestic
Tip:
Adventurers
Get To:
No
Ideal for adventure lovers and hikers
🐋
Horta Whale Watching Tours
Whale Watching
Port of Horta
4.8
$$$
8 AM - 5 PM
Top spot for whale and dolphin sightings
Vibe:
Serene
Tip:
Wildlife Lovers
Get To:
Yes
Best location to observe marine life
Rua do Santo Cristo
4.8
Free
24/7
Impressive cliffs and lagoons
Vibe:
Majestic
Tip:
Nature Lovers
Get To:
No
Remote area perfect for dramatic cliff views
💧
Lagoa das Sete Cidades
Lake Viewing
Lagoa das Sete Cidades Road
4.8
Free
24/7
Scenic lake surrounded by greenery
Vibe:
Serene
Tip:
Photographers
Get To:
No
One of the most beautiful lakes in the Azores
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

🍲
Tony's Restaurant
Restaurant
Rua Largo do Vale das Furnas
4.8
$$$
12 PM - 10 PM
Famous for 'Cozido' cooked in volcanic heat
Vibe:
Traditional
Get To:
Yes
Tip:
Foodies
Traditional volcanic cuisine
Rua António José D'Almeida
4.7
$$
9 AM - 8 PM
Trendy café in a historic building
Vibe:
Cozy
Get To:
Yes
Tip:
Coffee Lovers
Cozy café with history and great coffee
A Colmeia
Coffee Shop
Rua de Lisboa
4.6
$$
9 AM - 8 PM
Historic café with locally sourced coffee
Vibe:
Cozy
Get To:
Yes
Tip:
Coffee Enthusiasts
Charming café for a coffee break
🧀
Queijo Vaquinha
Cheese Shop
Vila Nova Road
4.6
$$
9 AM - 5 PM
Local farm shop offering traditional cheeses
Vibe:
Rustic
Get To:
Yes
Tip:
Cheese Lovers
Delicious local cheeses
Must Try:

Cozido (a stew cooked in volcanic heat), fresh seafood (octopus, tuna), local cheeses, passion fruit desserts.

Places to Drink

Music / Dance:

Traditional folklore music and the famous “Cantares ao Desafio” (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."

Places to Shop

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Luxury

For More Tips Read Further

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

Watch out for Crowded Areas
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.

Azores

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.

Azores

Explore the Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences:

Ready to see through a local’s eyes?
Our curated guide unveils top hidden gems, secret spots, and local favorites that you won’t find in typical travel guides.
Whether it’s a cozy café tucked away in a historic neighborhood, a scenic trail only known to insiders, or unique cultural sites, has so much more to offer beyond the tourist hotspots.
Dive into our off-the-beaten-path guide and discover the true heart —perfect for adventurous travelers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone looking for an authentic journey

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Unlock the Hidden Side:

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.
From charming local eateries and breathtaking viewpoints to tucked-away art galleries and vibrant local markets, this guide lets you explore beyond the surface.
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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Berlin Hidden Gems
9.9
7
Euro (EUR) €
Berlin Hidden Gems
Vibe:
Berlin is home to over 1,700 parks, including the sprawling Tiergarten, and is a city that blends history and modernity effortlessly.
Tip:
Berlin’s unique cultural blend creates an exciting atmosphere. It offers a perfect mix of history, art, and innovation. Explore the remnants of the Berlin Wall, immerse yourself in contemporary art at the East Side Gallery, and visit its 170+ museums. Berlin's ever-evolving food scene, from vibrant street food markets to upscale dining, showcases the city's fusion of tradition and modernity. Whether you're in a minimalist café or a techno club, Berlin is constantly changing, with new trends emerging every day.
🇺🇸
Chicago
Local Chicago
10.4
8
US Dollar (USD) $
Local Chicago
Vibe:
Chicago has the world’s first skyscraper, the Home Insurance Building, built in 1885, shaping modern architecture.
Tip:
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🇵🇹
Lisbon
Hidden Lisbon
16.7
6
Euro (EUR) €
Hidden Lisbon
Vibe:
Lisbon is home to the oldest bookstore in the world, Livraria Bertrand, established in 1732.
Tip:
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🇭🇺
Budapest
Budapest Unveiled
11.5
8
Hungarian Forint (HUF) Ft
Budapest Unveiled
Vibe:
The Széchenyi Thermal Bath is one of the largest medicinal baths in Europe, with 15 pools and 3 outdoor pools.
Tip:
Budapest offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. The city’s historic buildings, such as Buda Castle and the Parliament, are a testament to its rich past. The Danube River adds a magical charm to the city, especially at night when the bridges and buildings are lit up. Budapest’s thermal baths are a must-experience, offering visitors the chance to relax in natural hot springs. Whether it’s enjoying Hungarian dishes at a traditional restaurant, exploring the city’s museums, or dancing in the vibrant nightlife scene, Budapest is a city that never fails to captivate.
🏙️
Columbus
Academic
4-28°C
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US Dollar (USD) $
Academic
Vibe:
Home to Ohio State University, major business hub
Tip:
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🇦🇹
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Unseen Vienna
11.4
7
Euro (EUR) €
Unseen Vienna
Vibe:
Vienna has a rich tradition of coffeehouse culture, with many establishments dating back centuries.
Tip:
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