Made up of nine islands around 1,500 kilometres west of mainland Portugal, the Azores have quietly become one of Europe's most sought-after destinations for travellers looking to swap crowded beaches for nature, hiking and wildlife.

While the comparison with Hawaii may catch people's attention, the Portuguese islands offer an experience that is very much their own.

Volcanoes have shaped much of the landscape, creating everything from black lava fields to emerald-green crater lakes. On São Miguel, visitors can walk around the twin lakes of Sete Cidades, soak in the warm waters of Furnas or watch steam rise from the ground where traditional cozido is slowly cooked using the island's natural geothermal heat.


Sealife watching

The Azores are also one of the best places in Europe for whale and dolphin watching. More than 20 species pass through the surrounding Atlantic waters during the year, making the islands a favourite destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Unlike many Mediterranean destinations, the appeal of the Azores is not centred on sunbathing. The weather can change several times in a single day, but that unpredictability is part of the experience. One moment you may be walking through mist-covered forests, while the next, you're looking out across bright blue ocean from a cliff-top viewpoint.

Food is another reason many visitors return. Fresh seafood, locally produced cheeses, pineapples grown in greenhouses and tea from the only commercial tea plantations in Europe all give the islands a distinctive culinary identity.

International recognition

Despite growing international recognition, the Azores have largely avoided the mass tourism seen in some of Europe's better-known destinations. Many villages still move at a relaxed pace, hiking trails remain uncrowded, and nature continues to take centre stage.

For travellers visiting mainland Portugal, the islands are also surprisingly accessible. Regular flights from Lisbon and Porto make it easy to combine a city break with a few days exploring one of the country's most remarkable regions.

Whether or not they deserve the title of the "Hawaii of Europe" is open to debate. What is certain is that the Azores have become one of Portugal's greatest natural treasures, and for many visitors, that is reason enough to make the journey.