Set in the middle of the Atlantic, the Azores are a volcanic chain of nine islands: São Miguel, Terceira, Faial, Pico, São Jorge, Graciosa, Santa Maria, Flores, and Corvo. Together, they form a region of crater lakes, steep cliffs, and ocean air.




Each island has its own personality. São Miguel is the largest and most visited, with twin lakes at Sete Cidades and hot springs in Furnas. Pico is home to Portugal’s highest peak, and vineyards that yield unique wines thanks to the volcanic soil. São Jorge is known by its ridged fajãs and the sharp, buttery cheese that carries its name, which has been named one of the best cheeses in the world. Faial is the sailor’s stop, with a marina painted in murals from passing boats. Graciosa is covered in green; Terceira is festive and full of heritage. Flores is a waterfall paradise, and Corvo—Portugal’s smallest island—offers dramatic cliffs, birdwatching, and the massive volcanic crater of Caldeirão, perfect for a quiet hike or simply standing still.
For food lovers, the volcanic soil of the Azores makes everything taste more alive—milk is sweeter, fruit is juicier, and the seafood is as fresh as it gets. You’ll find cozido, a stew slow-cooked underground in geothermal heat, and grilled limpets served with garlic and butter. The cheeses are a category of their own. São Jorge Cheese is a DOP-protected cheese made from raw cow’s milk, aged for at least three months, with a sharp, nutty profile. From the island of Faial comes Ilha Azul, a smooth, mild cheese with a golden rind—named after Faial’s nickname, the Blue Island.
The Azores are the kind of place where time slows down, the landscapes are layered, and the best memories are made off the beaten path.