Why choose a custom trip to the Azores?
The Azores archipelago deserves a tailored approach to reveal its full splendor. Located 1,500 kilometers from the Portuguese coast, this set of nine volcanic islands offers a diversity of landscapes and experiences that require expert planning to be fully appreciated.
An archipelago with nine unique islands
Each island of the Azores archipelago has its own personality and hidden treasures. São Miguel, nicknamed the green island, reveals its crater lakes with changing colors and its natural hot springs. Pico Island, dominated by Portugal's highest peak at 2,351 meters, offers exceptional ocean views. Faial, the blue island, attracts with its colorful hydrangeas and maritime heritage, while São Jorge enchants with its fajãs, fertile plateaus suspended between volcanoes and the sea.
Terceira unveils a rich historical heritage with Angra do Heroísmo, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Santa Maria, the most southern island, offers unique sandy beaches in the archipelago. Flores and Corvo, the westernmost islands, boast preserved wild nature, while Graciosa charms with its authenticity and tranquility.
The expertise of our local Travel Planners
Our Travel Planners intimately know every corner of the Azores archipelago. They assist you in creating a trip to the Azores that perfectly matches your desires and pace. Thanks to their local expertise, they select the best accommodations, organize your inter-island transfers, and advise you on the optimal times for each activity.
Your custom trip benefits from their knowledge of the least frequented hiking trails, the best cetacean watching spots, and authentic experiences away from the typical tourist circuits. They tailor every detail of your stay according to your preferences: family trips with child-friendly activities, romantic getaways in preserved locations, or an adventurous sports journey between volcanoes and the ocean.
Which islands to discover during your custom stay in the Azores?
The richness of the Azores archipelago allows for composing varied itineraries depending on the duration of your stay and your interests. Our Travel Planners guide you in choosing the islands that best meet your expectations.
São Miguel, the essential green island
São Miguel is often the ideal starting point to discover the archipelago. This 759 square kilometer island encapsulates a remarkable variety of volcanic landscapes. The lake of Sete Cidades, nestled in a 12-kilometer diameter crater, offers a striking spectacle with its reflections in shades of blue and green. The Furnas region unveils a unique geothermal landscape where hot springs and fumaroles bubble.
The Ribeira dos Caldeirões natural park allows you to admire spectacular waterfalls amidst lush vegetation. The north coast reveals grand panoramas from Pico da Vara, the island's highest point at 1,103 meters. Your personalized trip can include relaxing moments in the natural thermal pools of Terra Nostra or a tasting of the famous cozido, a traditional dish cooked by volcanic heat.
Pico and Faial, between high mountains and the ocean
Pico Island offers a unique experience with the ascent of Portugal's high mountain. This 7 to 8-hour climb reveals lunar landscapes and a breathtaking view of the entire archipelago on clear days. Pico's vineyards, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, reflect the centuries-old work of winegrowers facing the challenges of the Atlantic climate.
Faial Island, located just 6 kilometers from Pico, perfectly complements this discovery. Its port of Horta is a legendary stop for sailors from around the world. The caldera of Faial, two kilometers wide, offers an exceptional panorama of the neighboring islands. The Capelinhos volcano, formed during the eruption of 1957-1958, presents a striking desert landscape that contrasts with the lush vegetation of the rest of the island.
The other gems of the archipelago
Terceira captivates with its exceptional cultural heritage and spectacular volcanic caves like the Algar do Carvão. This 90-meter deep volcanic chimney reveals unique geological formations. São Jorge fascinates hikers with its fajãs accessible by steep trails offering breathtaking ocean views.
For a family trip, Santa Maria offers golden sandy beaches and warmer waters, ideal for swimming. Flores and Corvo, the most isolated, unveil preserved wild nature with crater lakes of changing colors and an exceptional birdlife. Graciosa provides a peaceful atmosphere with its traditional windmills and rolling landscapes.
What activities to include in your trip to the Azores?
The Azores archipelago offers a range of activities suitable for all types of travelers. Our Travel Planners compose your program according to your passions and activity level.
Hiking and natural discoveries
The volcanic islands of the archipelago offer exceptional hiking trails. The tour of Lake Fogo on São Miguel reveals stunning panoramas of this crater lake perched at 575 meters above sea level. The Rocha da Relva hike offers an unmatched view of the Sete Cidades lakes from a privileged viewpoint.
On Pico, besides the summit ascent, numerous trails allow you to explore the mysteries of Azorean volcanism. The Mistérios da Prainha trail crosses a landscape of recent lava flows where vegetation gradually reclaims its rights. Geology enthusiasts enjoy visiting the Torres caves, a lava tunnel more than 5 kilometers long.
Your custom trip can include gentler activities such as exploring the botanical gardens of Terra Nostra or electric bike rides through the Azorean countryside. Families with children appreciate the developed trails of the Ribeira dos Caldeirões natural park with its traditional watermills.
Cetacean watching and marine activities
The Atlantic Ocean surrounding the Azores archipelago is home to an exceptional marine fauna. More than 20 species of cetaceans frequent these waters, making the archipelago one of the best spots for watching in the world. Cetacean watching outings from Pico, São Miguel, or Faial offer unforgettable encounters with sperm whales, dolphins, and whales.
The crystal-clear waters of the archipelago also reveal exceptional seabeds for scuba diving. The Formigas islets, off Santa Maria, are a protected marine reserve where groupers, rays, and sharks
