Azores
8 days in
Highlights
- Explore Sao Miguel's diverse scenery with beautiful lakes, sandy beaches, rolling hills, high mountains, green plains, and crystal-clear water
- Spot some of the 24 different species of whales and dolphins that can be found in the Azores
- Visit Europe’s oldest tea producer
- Cycle around the breath-taking Furnas Lagoon
- Explore the island's capital, Ponta Delgada, with its centuries-old architecture
Teachers!
All of our expeditions are completely tailored to your needs – if you’re undecided about where to go, just call us, we love sharing ideas. The world really is your oyster!
Expedition
Finding Adventure
This trip is full of exciting adventures as you trek the rugged cliffs, volcanic craters and lush pastures, canoe across a lagoon keeping an eye out for the neo-gothic chapel and bike around the caldera that gave rise to the Furnas Lagoon.
Learn about biodiversity
The Azores are renowned for whale and dolphin watching, as the islands are an essential stopover for many species of migrating marine mammals. As a bonus, these incredible encounters occasionally include an additional species - giant oceanic mantas. The largest ray in the world, these massive filter feeders can reach a stunning seven meters across.
Discover Hidden Gems
Visit one of the 7 natural wonders of Portugal, Sete Cidades volcanic complex, with its famous blue and green crater lakes. Explore the unique black sand beaches, see how locals use the landscape to cook their famous traditional meat stew, cozido and view the dramatic rugged cliff line of this spectacular island.
Explore Natural Wonders
About 1km from the coast, the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo is a result of the crater of an ancient, submerged volcano and is one of São Miguel’s main tourist attractions. Classified as a Nature Reserve, the walls of its crater are lined by endemic vegetation, while inside there is an almost perfectly circular natural lake, which is linked to the sea by a narrow channel. An excellent location for a sea kayaking adventure.
What to expect
Terrain
São Miguel, also known as the Green Island, is the biggest island in the Portuguese Azores archipelago, with a diverse landscape. It is known for its volcanic & lush scenery, flora, and rich marine life, including whales & dolphins. The twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades, one green and one blue, lie to the northwest. To the east, Furnas has fumaroles and hot springs. Whichever part of the island you travel to, the cliffs are simply marvellous.
Weather
Located in the North Atlantic, the Azores has a moderate, maritime climate with warm summers and mild winters. The hottest months fall between June and August when temperatures can reach 28°C due to the effects of the passing Gulf Stream. However, the archipelago is far out in the Atlantic, so tropical showers should be expected, especially between November and March.
Culture
Over the years, the Azores culture has been crafted from Portuguese traditions and its own proud regional identity. Religion remains at the heart of the Azores Island culture, with festivals and celebrations dominating the calendar, in addition to retaining traditional cooking techniques and celebrations of their whaling and agricultural past.
