Azores Holidays
About our group trips to the Azores
The Azores are a Portuguese archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and one of Europe's most exciting destinations for nature lovers. Here you will find green volcanic craters, turquoise and emerald lakes, dramatic cliffs, hot springs, flowering roadsides and a pleasant climate that makes the islands inviting for much of the year. For many who search for the Azores, Azores Portugal or where is the Azores located, the answer is a remote but easily accessible island world between Europe and North America, where nature is at the center.
With a group trip to the Azores, you get to experience the highlights of the islands in a comfortable and informative way. Our trips combine excursions, scenic views, local flavors and time for your own discoveries. Many tours in the Azores focus on São Miguel, the largest island, where attractions such as Sete Cidades, Furnas and Lagoa do Fogo give a clear picture of the volcanic origin of the archipelago. The trip is suitable for those who want nature experiences, culture, hiking, beautiful photo opportunities and the security of traveling with others.
Country
★ Portugal
Largest island
★ São Miguel
Capital city
★ Ponta Delgada
Known for
★ Volcanic landscape, crater lakes, hiking and hot springs
São Miguel – the green main island of the Azores
São Miguel Azores is often the natural starting point for a first trip to the archipelago. The island is the largest of the Azores and offers an unusually varied mix of nature, city life and culture. In the capital Ponta Delgada you will encounter cobblestone streets, churches in black and white basalt, small shops, cafes and a port that recalls the islands' historical role in the Atlantic. Outside the city, the landscape opens up with tea plantations, pineapple plantations, green pastures and viewpoints where the sea is constantly present. A round trip to the Azores often includes several of São Miguel's most famous places, which makes the island perfect for those who want to get a broad picture of the archipelago without having to change accommodation several times. Among the highlights is the fabulous crater lake Sete Cidades, where blue and green water surfaces are surrounded by steep volcanic slopes. Another classic is Lagoa do Fogo, a high-lying lake with magnificent views. For many travelers, it is precisely the combination of close nature, Portuguese everyday life and convenient excursion distances that makes São Miguel an ideal base.
Volcanic landscapes, hot springs and unforgettable excursions
The Azores were created by volcanic activity, and the traces are visible everywhere in the landscape. Here there are craters, lava coasts, hot springs, black cliffs and steaming earth. In Furnas on São Miguel, this is particularly noticeable. The town is located in a volcanic crater and is known for its thermal baths, mineral-rich springs and the traditional stew cozido, which is slow-cooked in the hot earth. Excursions in the Azores are often about nature experiences at a moderate pace. You can visit viewpoints with views of lakes and sea, stroll through botanical gardens or experience coastal communities where fishing is still an important part of everyday life. For those interested in photography, there are motifs everywhere – from mist-shrouded mountains and blooming hydrangeas to lava cliffs and the waves of the Atlantic. Many who search for Azores pictures are attracted by the colors: the intense green, the dark volcanic beaches, the blue lakes and the white houses with dark stone edges. On a group trip, you get help reaching several of the most interesting places without having to plan transportation and route choices yourself.
Hiking in the Azores – nature up close
Hiking the Azores is one of the most popular ways to experience the archipelago. The trails vary from easy walks to more hilly hikes through forests, past waterfalls, over green hills and along stretches of coastline with views of the Atlantic. The mild climate means that hiking is often possible for much of the year, although the weather can change quickly. A hiking trip to the Azores is suitable for those who want to combine active days with comfortable accommodation and socializing. The pace is often adjusted to allow time for both nature experiences and breaks at viewpoints. You get to see sides of the islands that are easily missed from the road – small paths, remote valleys, flowering roadsides and views where the sea and mountains meet. It is wise to pack good hiking shoes, a light rain jacket and clothes in layers. The weather in the Azores can change from sun to fog and rain in a short time, but this is precisely what creates the lush nature that makes the archipelago so special. For those who want to travel actively but safely, an organized hiking trip is an excellent choice.
Beaches, sea and practical things for the trip
The Azores are perhaps best known for their dramatic nature, but there are also great swimming opportunities. Azores beaches are different from many classic sun destinations – here you often encounter dark volcanic sand, natural sea pools and rock pools where the clear waters of the Atlantic crash against the lava coast. Swimming temperatures are at their best during the summer and early autumn, but the sea is also an important part of the experience during other parts of the year. For those wondering about flights to the Azores, the journey from Sweden usually goes via a European airport, often in Portugal, before continuing on to Ponta Delgada. Travel time can vary depending on the flight schedule, but once there, a destination that feels both exotic and European awaits. Since the Azores belong to Portugal, the euro is used and the archipelago has a safe and well-organized infrastructure for visitors. A trip to the Azores is suitable for those who want a holiday with content rather than a pure sun and beach trip. Here you get cities, excursions, local flavors, green landscapes and seaside experiences in the same trip. Whether you dream of a tour of the Azores, hiking, photography or just want to discover a different part of Portugal, the Azores is a destination that will stay in your memory for a long time.