By Soren Rivero
The Azores Islands are an autonomous region of Portugal located in the North Atlantic Ocean, made up of nine major islands and an islet cluster. Beautiful landscapes composed of vast valleys, dazzling lakes, and enormous volcanoes characterize this global treasure.
But aside from its uniqueness and overall beauty, what makes a trip to the Azores so worth it? To answer your question, here are 10 reasons why you should visit the Azores!
The Weather is Phenomenal
If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit the Azores Islands, the answer would be all year round. Because of this autonomous region’s unique position in the North Atlantic Ocean’s gulf stream, the islands experience moderate and cool temperatures throughout the year. The official climate of the Azores Islands is a subtropical climate. Temperatures usually linger between 53F in the winter and 76F in the summer, making it an ideal vacation destination for any time of the year.
Gorgeous Plant and Animal Life
One of the Azores Island's official government goals (also a goal of the locals) is to preserve the natural beauty that is inherent to the region. The Azores Islands are known for the rich natural beauty they hold that derives from the region’s massive supply of untouched valleys, hills, lush greenery, dazzling blue lakes, and volcanic landscapes. This must-visit destination in 2022 is such a highly-picturesque landscape, that no other island cluster can even come close to rivaling its unspoiled beauty. The indigenous wild and plant life is also quite notable as well. Hydrangeas in varying colors, unique bilberries, endemic junipers, and the eye-catching whales and dolphins are all must-see sights in the Azores Islands.
Diverse Populations
Most of the Azorean population differs greatly from the rest of Portugal. Unlike mainland Portugal, the people of other nations make up a good portion of the population in this autonomous region. If you trace back the history of the islands back to when it first colonized, you’ll see hints of immigrants coming from France, Spain, Belgium, as well as slaves from Cape Verde, Guinea and São Tomé. You can see the diversity reflected in the language, food, art, and customs spread across the island.
Leading Region in Sustainable Travel
For years on end, the Azores Island went largely unnoticed by tourists from all over the world. The region stayed unimpacted and fresh with natural beauty until recent years, when travel to the islands became quite popular. In an attempt to preserve the breathtaking landscapes, official restrictions on travel were set that limits how many people can go every year. Additional commitments were made to protect the cultural heritage, marine life, and geographical hidden gems in Azores Island. In 2019, the Azores were the first ever officially-recognized island archipelago to be certified by the EarthCheck Sustainable Destination Program. This means it's one of the absolute must-visit destination in 2022, an honor shared by only 13 other regions on Earth.
Low Amount of Industrialization
So we just mentioned how the Azores government made official attempts to preserve the land. An additional goal was kept in mind while making these attempts, and that is to keep it at an extremely low developmental level. As of now, less than 6% of the entire landmass is urbanized, making the region a great travel destination for those who love nature— or just want some peace and quiet away from highly-urbanized cities. The Blue Azores program set in 2019 also implemented more marine areas for aquatic-friendly management.
Dozens of Festivals + Cultural Events
Because of the island’s rich diversity, you’ll see many cultural events taking place throughout the islands in the Azores Region. Some of the best things to do in Azores are attending these events, such as the Carnival that takes place just before Lent in February. Religious festivals are the most dominant of the popular activities to do in Azores, since the population is largely Roman Catholic.
Unique and Hearty Cuisine
Most of the must try foods in Azores are those that are prepared in traditional, hearty ways that stimulate both your body and mind. These dishes incorporate the full spectrum of hand-farmed foods such as colorful root vegetables, fruits, and the optional addition of meat and fish. If you visit the Azores, you need to try cozido nas caldeiras, a one-pot stew that combines various meats with vegetables (cabbage, potatoes, and kale) that’s cooked underground near volcanic craters for around seven hours.
Free Lighthouse Tours
Ample lighthouses are scattered throughout the region where you can visit to take pretty pictures and gaze at the vast Atlantic Ocean. On some days, you can even get tours throughout parts of the island (depending on where you are at) by one of the guards at the lighthouses. A good place to start is the Arnel Point Lighthouse where you can be guided through the steep hills located along the coastline.
Amazing Exploration Opportunities
One of the most fun things to do in the Azores is to go exploring. Whether you decide to hike along the hills and valleys of one of the islands for some much-needed time in nature, or want to explore Sao Miguel’s abandoned 5-star hotel, there’s something for everyone to do in the Azores. If you're looking for some fun things to do in Azores, you should visit the Algar do Carvão National Reserve in Terceira Island. The remnants of a caldera (the depressed land area after a volcanic eruption), this natural wonder is a great place to start your outdoor adventures.
Historical and Artistic Focal Point
Azores is not just great for its natural beauty but also for its great art world as well. For this experience, you’ll want to visit the region’s biggest island, Sao Miguel and head over to the municipality of Ponta Delgada. Murals, graffiti, and paintings are located in and around the city’s walls and exteriors for you to indulge yourself in by taking photos or getting inspiration for your own work. Pottery is also big in the city, and tours will take you through some of the most notorious pottery factories in the island!
So, are you ready to visit the Azores Islands, or do you need more inspiration?
