Ah, the Azores, the Azores…! The Azores are trending, and the truth is that more and more people are choosing the Azores as a vacation destination. But many of you may have wondered why you should visit a remote archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The truth is, there are countless great reasons to visit the Azores at least once in a lifetime.
The Azores are a unique corner of the world, sometimes called Europe’s last wild sanctuary—or even the Hawaii of Europe. Some authors have described them as fragments of the lost continent of Atlantis. Whatever you choose to call them, one thing is certain: the Azores are a true paradise.
So, we’d like to share a few reasons why you absolutely must visit the Azores, from the perspective of those who live here.
- Breathtaking landscapes, islands of magical nature
This is undoubtedly the top and most fundamental reason to visit the Azores at least once in your life. Having the chance to witness movie-worthy scenery—shaped by Mother Nature herself—makes us reflect on our place in the world. One is left speechless by magical lagoons, incredible waterfalls, islets, calderas, dormant volcanoes, and even the humanized pastoral landscapes that look like postcards from these beautiful islands.
- Strategic Geographic Location in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean
Only about two and a half hours from mainland Europe and around four hours from North America, the Azores aren’t actually that far away—it’s surprisingly easy to get here. We’re not on some unreachable islands, and what’s more, these are developed islands that are part of the European Union! - Vast ocean and its giant inhabitants
The sea that fills our souls is ever-present in the landscapes of all nine islands. However, setting out on a boat and encountering some of the ocean’s most famous giants is a whole different experience! The Azores are a sanctuary for wild marine life and one of the best places in the world for whale watching. In our waters, sightings of 28 species of cetaceans have been recorded—from blue whales and fin whales to humpbacks, orcas, and the iconic sperm whale, which is resident in the region. Whale watching is one of the main reasons to visit the Azores and one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have here.
- Feeling and state of safety
This is perhaps one of the most important factors—because nowadays, it’s increasingly difficult to find places where we feel truly safe. Crime rates in the Azores are very low, and the smaller the island, the lower the occurrence of crimes and the greater the sense of security. Since the Azores aren’t a mass tourism destination and don’t have large urban centers, the feeling of peace is nearly absolute in many areas. From a health standpoint, the Azores also stand out as a safe destination—especially in the context of a global pandemic, the islands’ low population density has helped position the Azores as an ideal travel destination during such times. - Small towns, authentic villages, and hidden gems
Continuing from the previous point, towns here are small with no large urban flows or major population clusters. For those seeking tranquility away from city life and daily stress, the Azores are undoubtedly the perfect place for peace and rest. Some islands increasingly invest in rural tourism accommodations where visitors can engage in unique activities organized by locals—or simply relax and enjoy some well-deserved downtime in this paradise.
- Rich historical and cultural heritage of unique depth
The Azores’ history and heritage are vast! Historical events that took place here, and the existing historical buildings, recount over 500 years of island history developed in parallel with that of Portugal. With a UNESCO World Heritage wine landscape and a UNESCO World Heritage city, these aspects alone reflect the grandeur of Azorean culture and heritage. Across all nine islands, local traditions and cultures are distinct and unique—shaped by a people who, due to geographic isolation, had to struggle against storms, earthquakes, and volcanoes.
- Spiced cuisine cooked with volcanic heat
Influenced by maritime trade routes from India and Brazil, the Azores became a stopping point for spice-laden ships, enriching the local cuisine with bold, aromatic flavors. Cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice are some of the most used spices in Azorean kitchens, where the most delicious meals are cooked with love and dedication. Beyond seasoning, we even have the unique opportunity to cook using volcanic heat!
- Parties, festivals, and celebrations on every island
The Azorean people love to celebrate—especially in spring and summer. Each island hosts cultural events, summer festivals, and religious celebrations such as the devotion to the Holy Spirit. The abundance of cultural and festive events is a strong reason to visit the Azores, as many of the region’s festivities are one-of-a-kind and deeply authentic. The hustle and bustle of locals preparing and organizing these events is intense, and one thing that sets Azoreans apart is their incredible hospitality and the warmth with which they welcome visitors.
