2019-02-12, 8)19 PM17 Things To Do in Portugalʼs Azores Islands | AMA Travel

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17 THINGS TO DO IN PORTUGAL’S AMAZING AZORES ISLANDSIf you’re considering a tropical island vacation, it’s easy to turn to the Caribbean staples. But ifyou’re looking for something a little different – a place filled with European history, incredibleseafood, AND amazing beaches – then we recommend Portugal’s Azores islands.

The Azores are a group of nine volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic – a 2.5 hour flightfrom Portugal’s capital, Lisbon – that were settled by the Portuguese 500 years ago. Theislands are relatively small (the largest being Sao Miguel, which has a population of only140,000), making them intimate destinations.

Most importantly, the weather is always temperate, with there never having been a recordedsnowfall, frost, or freeze on the islands below their mountain peaks.

Here are a few other reasons why the Azores should definitely be on your vacation hit-list.

1. FURNAS VALLEYKnown as a spa town for its 30-acre botanical garden, nutrient-rich iron pools, and organicallygrown food served in several resort restaurants, Furnas Valley is an incredible place to stopand be pampered by nature.

2. BLACK SAND AREIA BEACH ON THE ISLAND OF CORVOThe black sand of the homey island of Corvo was created from waves pounding down onvolcanic rock, making for a unique beach view you can only find on islands formed fromvolcanoes.

3. THE NATURAL SWIMMING POOLS OF GRACIOSAIf you want to slip into the Atlantic Ocean, the 24 square miles that make up the island areprimarily dedicated to visitors exploring bathing pools, beaches, and the tide.

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4. PLATES OF DELICIOUS COZIDO DAS FURNASA dish straight from Azorean culture, Cozido das furnas is cooked in large pots buried belowthe ground, where the heat of the soil slowly cooks the food. This unique dish usually includespork, chicken, sausage, stewed kale, cabbage, and other delights.

5. THE WHALE WATCHINGThe Azores is one of the world’s largest whale sanctuaries. Visitors can see over 20 species,including dolphins, sperm whales, minke whales, blue whales and many more, no matter thetime of year!

6. PLAY ON THE PRAIA GRANDEIf you want to be a part of the biggest party on the island, then you need to visit the largestsandy beach on Terceira Island – Praia Grande. It’s a tourist favourite and considered to be oneof the best places for windsurfing.

7. THE WINES OF PICO ISLANDThe wine culture of the Azores has been around for 500 years, and the soil makes its grapesincredibly unique, infused with both the ocean air and volcanic minerals. Take a stop on “TheIsland of Wine” for brilliant whites such as the vinho branco, a great combination of fruitysweetness and licorice tang.

8. SAMPLE CHEESE AND BUTTER OF FLORESOf course, what is wine without a fine pairing of cheese? Portugal has a surprisingly robustcheese production industry, specifically on the island of Flores. Sample the traditional queijocheese, that tastes something similar to a parmesan.

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9. SWIMMING IN A WATERFALL IN CALDEIRA VELHAOn the north slope of Fogo Volcano, you’ll find a pool of water taken from paradise, filled withwarm iron-filled water that rejuvenates the skin.

10. GRUTA DAS TORRESThis lava tunnel is a must see. Climb through five kilometers of natural underground tubescultivated from the flow of magma rivers. And while the tunnel system was formed thousandsof years ago, the first scientific exploration only happened in 1990!

11. THE ONLY TEA PLANTATION IN EUROPEEstablished in 1883, the Gorreana tea plantation fills the island of São Miguel with the scent ofblack and green teas. Take a tour to learn about the plantation’s history and how all thedifferent varieties of tea are grown and cultivated.

12. THE INCREDIBLE SITE OF BAIA DE SÃO LOURENCOBaia de São Lourenco is a valley shaped like an amphitheatre. Up the slopes, the locals havebuilt square plots vineyards that climb up the walls of the valley. At the valley’s base, near thetidal pools, you’ll find a sleepy town with resorts along the water, and plenty of places to swimin the shadow of the valley. It’s possibly the most picturesque location on Santa Maria.

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13. INCREDIBLE BIKE TOURSHow many bike tours have you taken where you can travel from mountains to beaches in asingle ride? Go for a long bike ride across one of the Azores islands until you can’t bikeanymore, then relax in one of the warm water baths or tidal pools.

14. SAMPLE THE HOME-GROWN TROPICAL FRUITMake sure to stop at every fruit stand you come across as the local pineapples, bananas,passion fruit, and oranges are as fresh as you’ll ever find. Also, make time to visit the Arrudapineapple plantation for an up-close look (and taste) of this beautiful fruit.

15. GET A CUP OF LOCALLY GROWN CUP OF JOEUnbeknownst to most, the island of São Jorge features full coffee plantations! The beans areorganic and untreated, and most coffee shops you’ll find are small family operations that givea personal taste to every cup.

16. BIG GAME FISHINGWhen we say big game fishing, we really mean BIG. Blue fin tuna, blue and white marlin, andall sorts of trophy fish swim these waters, just waiting for a challenge. Rent a boat, and youcould have one as long as your arms!

17. SAMPLE THE SEAFOODChefs of the Azores are masters with fish: tuna, wreckfish, Cavaco lobster, and parrot fish areall delish, but if you want to venture out into some cultural favourites, try the breaded anddeep-fried moray eel, as well as the limpets, a sea snail served in hot butter.

ABOUT THE AUTHORABOUT THE AUTHOR

Caleb CaswellCaleb CaswellCaleb Caswell is the digital copywriter for AMA Travel. When travelling,he enjoys not making plans and expanding his wardrobe. His top travelrecommendation is trying Japan’s raw-chicken tataki. C’mon, live a little.