Visit the Azores islands tailored to you
A breathtaking archipelago of unspoiled and lush natural landscapes
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Unique and exclusive private and tailor-made trips
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Explore the prodigious natural treasures of the Azores islands
Nine spectacular islands of volcanic origin, an incomparable destination for unconditional nature lovers
The Azores are a destination of absolute ecotourism and adventure tourism, combined with a wealth of artisanal and gastronomic traditions. From the most populated and visited island, São Miguel (Azores), to the more isolated and wild islands, all offer impressive flora and fauna and a rich cultural, historical and human heritage.
Each of these islands of volcanic origin – São Miguel, Santa Maria, São Jorge, Faial, Terceira, Pico, Graciosa, Corvo, and Flores – has its own characteristics, each offering a different experience. You’ll be captivated by the extreme biodiversity of these magical places dotted with craters, lagoons, volcanoes, forests, sandy beaches, waterfalls, caves, and mountains.
Due to highly changeable weather conditions, access between each island is sometimes difficult or even impossible, so it’s better to plan your trip to the Azores ahead and in a flexible way.
Why visit the Azores Islands?
The archipelago of the Azores, one of the world’s wonderful protected terrestrial paradises, is part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve network.
Pure, unspoiled, wild, and exuberant nature is glorious everywhere. The irrefutable beauty of the area transports every visitor into a magical cloud of well-being and energy. There are countless endemic species of flora and fauna. The green mantle of vegetation that covers each island is stunningly beautiful. As well as being an exceptional bird sanctuary, the Azores archipelago is one of the world’s largest cetacean sanctuaries.
While hiking is undoubtedly the best way to experience the archipelago, the Azores Islands offer a diverse range of outdoor activities that provide sublime views of each island. Be prepared to find yourself in the clouds or in the morning mist, sometimes very quickly, and then marvel at the veil as it slowly retreats to reveal a landscape of intoxicating brilliance.
Although all the islands offer a similar natural spectacle in many respects. Nevertheless, each one has its own special features.
São Miguel
The largest and most visited island. Its many enchanting blue and green lagoons, sulphurous volcanic waters, and surprising fumaroles are just some of the attractions.
Santa Maria
It is full of impressive waterfalls and proudly displays its pretty white and coloured houses, reminiscent of southern Portugal.
Faial
Faial unfolds its immense, wide, and deep crater, surrounded by abundant wild vegetation.
Pico
Pico rises to Portugal’s highest peak at 2351m, and all the islands have a wealth of secret caves. The contrast between the black lava rock and the green of the vines growing between the stones is astonishing. The winegrowing practised for centuries in such inhospitable conditions is admirable, and the renowned Pico wines, often mineral in character (and with good reason!), are a must-taste.
São Jorge
This island impresses with its imposing cliffs and numerous fajãs. The fajãs are overhanging lava flows that have fallen into the sea and are now used for farming by the island’s inhabitants. In addition, São Jorge is home to the famous DOP São Jorge cheese, produced on the island to everyone’s delight!
Graciosa
Despite its small size, it is home to an unsuspected and extraordinary nature reserve. The white lava rock here gives the island a singular tone, explaining its nickname of the White Island. Moreover, the view over Santa Cruz, the town where most of the population lives, is charming.
Terceira
Terceira boasts one of the archipelago’s most fabulous cultural and historical heritages. In “Angra do Heroísmo,” the historic centre has been classified as a World Heritage Site. It brings together precious monuments and buildings that witness the island’s history between the 16th and 18th centuries. The vegetation is also very dense, and the virgin forest areas are particularly captivating.
Flores
Flores Island is an island of climatic uncertainties with an immense natural paradise. Further, the panoramic view of its 7 lagoons and agrarian vegetation is breathtaking. The island is particularly humid, with high humidity creating impressive peat bogs. The many waterfalls cascading into the lagoons and natural pools are an unusual sight.
Corvo
The smallest island in the archipelago. However, it boasts an impressive variety of endemic species. Nestling in a rugged, untouched, and sparsely populated landscape, the island also offers a magnificent view of the island of Flores.
Want to visit Azores Islands differently and experience memorable moments?
At SóPraSi, we believe that choosing sites is fundamental, but how you experience them makes all the difference. We rely heavily on sharing and fostering human connections. So, we enrich each program with extraordinary human experiences.
Here are some examples, completely adaptable to your tastes and desires:
Our partner guide, a native of the island, is a seasoned expert who will take you by jeep to the must-see fairytale sites, such as Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Lagoa de Fogo, and the surrounding area. That is to say, you will travel through breathtaking landscapes along dirt tracks and shortcuts. Moreover, you will reach some exceptional and lesser-known viewpoints, as well as typical little villages.
Meanwhile, the guide will share their in-depth knowledge of the area, its traditions, and the Azorean way of life through facts and amusing anecdotes.
Afterward, you will enjoy a picnic of typical flavours, with a breathtaking view of the majestic green island! Finally, you will end your day of exploration with a relaxing soak in the steaming hot volcanic thermal waters!
