#1 Destination abroad: The Azores
The Azores (pronounced “ah-SORSH”)are a beautiful place you’d imagine when you think of an exotic locale. The Azores, a group of nine islands located in the Atlantic Ocean are approximately 1,000 miles from the coast of Portugal. They were formed by a series of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that occurred thousands of years ago. Its mild Atlantic climate has developed lush, evergreen vegetation, covering a landscape that is both unique and inviting the traveler to explore it.

The Azores are filled with multi-colored lakes and ancient Portuguese villages. On São Miguel Island, in Furnas Valley there are thermal pools with minerals, which are believed to therapeutic for ailments. Also located on São Miguel, Sete Cidades is a breathtaking area of rugged landscape found northwest of Ponta Delgada made up of both a blue and a green lake, picturesquely placed in the center of a three-mile wide caldera. Many gorgeous vantage points and hiking trails are to be found as well as a small village, located at the base of the lakes. If you follow the EN9-1A road that takes you directly to Sete Cidades you will find everything all the way.

With its prime location far out in the Atlantic Ocean, The Azores is one of the best places in the world to go whale watching. It’s one of the world’s largest whale sanctuaries. Over 20 different species of cetaceans either call these islands home or pass by during yearly migrations. Whale and dolphin watching tours in the Azores can be arranged and tend to last for a few hours. You’ll be able to see bottlenose dolphins and sperm whales on your tour. The beginning of spring is great for blue whales, sei whales and fin whales, while
summer brings spotted dolphins, pilot whales and bearded whales. Futurisimo, Terra Azul, and Ocean Emotion are highly rated tour operators
for whale watching.
Another picturesque crater lake to visit on São Miguel Island is Lagoa do Fogo. Located in the center of island, Lagoa do Fogo is more secluded than Sete Cidades, making it an ideal spot to trek if you want to hike. At some viewpoints like Miradouro do Pico da Barrosa, you will likely find more visitors. If you desire to get close to Lagoa do Fogo, from Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo you can descend down to the lake, which takes about 30 minutes. For the more adventurous, venture down the scenic Praia–Lagoa do Fogo trail. This route a nearly 13-mile round-trip hike runs through farmlands, wooded areas, verdant valleys and culminating with the rocky shores at the water. No swimming, however, the Azorean government does not allow it in the lake.

You can’t visit this island paradise without getting an eyeful of its incredible shorelines. The beaches here are unique in that, like many other natural attractions in the Azores, they feature characteristics that are a result of the islands’ volcanic history. You won’t find many long, wide expansive beaches here, but rather smaller spots that are flanked by towering cliffs and filled with rocky dark or black sands.
São Miguel features a large number of beautiful beaches. Praia dos Mosteiros is a fine example of a typical beach of this archipelago. The beach is compact in size, but has black sands, flanked by lush cliffs that stretch far and wide. Volcanic rock formations like pillars, rise upward from the sea as you gaze cerulean waters of the Atlantic. Praia de Santa Bárbara has comparable geography, but provides beachgoers more ample beach acreage. Not known as a good spot for wading, with waves here known to be rough, it’s more popular with surfers. Praia do Fogo has one of the bigger shorelines, particularly gorgeous views thanks to the towering, cliffs that border the beach. One of the more intriguing beaches is the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo. On the central southern coast of São Miguel, the islet is unique in that it’s a partially submerged volcanic crater, converted into a sizable swimming hole in the middle of the ocean. You can reach it via ferry or kayak.

Sao Miguel is also the primary location of the best hotels in the Azores. In the port town of Ponta Delgada on the water you will find three of the best. Grand Hotel Acores Atlantico is a 5 star hotel and is the best value. The Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico is one of the most emblematic hotels in Ponta Delgada, well-known for its prime location, close to the historic center, with an exceptional view of the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel evokes the European style of Grand Hotel, combining elegant atmosphere with excellent service.” Another fine choice is the 5 star Octant Ponta Delgada, Azorean sophistication and natural beauty meet right in the city centre. Right in the heart of the city, we offer 123 rooms and suites overlooking the sea, the À TERRA restaurant supplied by local producers and serving local dishes, the Lobby Market and a new, full spa and gym open round the clock, a conference centre and a panoramic outdoor pool. Hotel Marina Inspired by the nautical atmosphere that surrounds it, Hotel Marina Atlântico invites you to a harmonious experience of welcome and comfort. Facing the Ponta Delgada marina and a few minutes from the historic center, its the ideal hotel for those who want to discover the Azores on a leisure or business trip. With a unique and breathtaking view of the Atlantic, it offers a wellness area with a gym and state-of-the-art indoor swimming pool, as well as the perfect conditions to organize your meetings and events.