Azores Islands: Why This Portuguese Paradise Is Captivating Global Travelers
The Azores Islands, a remote Portuguese archipelago in the North Atlantic, have emerged from obscurity as one of Europe's premier destinations. Once a well-guarded secret, they're now celebrated by top travel publications for their unparalleled natural beauty and adventure opportunities. Here's what experts are saying—and why you should visit soon.
The Ultimate Adventure for Your Boldest Friends
"This Portuguese archipelago in the North Atlantic has beaches, jungles, and an elusive allure; it's particularly elusive for American travelers, as there is currently only one non-stop flight available from the U.S.: Boston to Ponta Delgada, via Azores Airlines." – Condé Nast Traveler
An Unspoiled Natural Paradise
"Picture emerald beaches, dazzling blue lakes, verdant pastures, volcanic caverns, bubbling mud pots, sprawling sunrises and waterfalls cascading deep into ravines (which you can rappel into, by the way). UNESCO designated the Azores a Biosphere Reserve in 2009 for their impeccable preservation. Indeed, the islands make a very good case for heaven on Earth." – Huffington Post
Island-Hop Before 30: Embrace Carpe Diem in the Azores
"When it comes to island hopping in Europe, countries like Croatia and Greece usually come to mind, but the Azores—nine islands of the autonomous region of Portugal—deserves to be on your radar, too. The island cluster boasts an incredibly diverse and stunning terrain, including mountains, jungles, beaches, hot springs. The best part? It's a lot closer than you think." – Refinery29
Unplug and Reconnect in Nature
"With the islands located at the largest concentration of thermal waters in Europe, The Azores' hot springs boast an untapped potential to drawing US travelers seeking the natural formation in an unencumbered and unpopulated way." – Popsugar
Every Island Offers a Unique Experience
"Unlike other archipelagos, where the scenery remains consistent across the region, each island in the Azores has a distinct personality. From the lost-in-time village of Corvo (population: 400) to Terceira, whose capital, Angra do Heroismo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s impossible to pick just one island and not feel like you’re missing out." – Travel + Leisure
Escape Winter in Mild, Geothermal Bliss
"December isn’t chilly here, despite the archipelago’s Atlantic location—the Gulf Stream keeps the year-round temperatures surprisingly balmy, with the mercury rarely dropping below 60 degrees or so. Logistics can be challenging, so book a trip with tour operator Azores Getaways, making sure to incorporate a visit to one of the local, geo-thermally heated hot springs—the new Furnas Boutique Hotel on São Miguel has its own thermal spa." – Condé Nast Traveler
