The Azores: The Hawaii of the Atlantic You’ll Instantly Want to Call Home

🌿 The Azores: A Fairytale You Can Actually Visit

To be honest, I’m not entirely sure where to begin when it comes to the Azores. These islands aren’t just beautiful — they’re surreal. Lush, volcanic, and cloaked in mystery, the Azores feel like the kind of place you accidentally stumble into in a dream... or a storybook. It's that magical.

Nestled in the heart of the North Atlantic, this nine-island Portuguese archipelago is often called “The Hawaii of Europe” — but that comparison barely scratches the surface. What makes the Azores so extraordinary is not just the landscapes (though they are breathtaking), but the sense of discovery that still lingers in the air. It’s a place where you can hike for hours without seeing another soul, wander cobblestone streets that whisper with history, and feel like you’re just a little ahead of the crowd.

One moment I’ll never forget: hiking the Mistérios Negros trail on Terceira. A fine mist clung to the trees, and not a single other person crossed our path the entire way. With each step through the dense, moss-covered forest, we felt like we’d been plucked from real life and dropped into a Tolkien novel. It was quiet. Peaceful. Alive. And absolutely unforgettable.

We did a lot of hiking on this trip — no surprise there, it’s one of our favorite ways to explore. If you're heading to São Miguel, don’t miss:

• Praia to Lagoa do Fogo trail – A jaw-dropping trek to a volcanic crater lake.

• Janela do Inferno – A magical jungle hike with waterfalls, tunnels, and cave vibes.

• Vista do Rei – Sete Cidades – Lagoa Verde loop – Unreal views of twin lakes from a dormant volcano.

• Salto do Prego – Waterfalls, ferns, and a dip-worthy plunge pool at the end.

On Terceira, the must-hikes include:

• Mistérios Negros – As mystical as the name suggests.

• Monte Brasil – A volcanic peninsula with panoramic views and grazing deer.

• Baías da Agualva – A coastal trail lined with wildflowers and sea cliffs.

While we only made it to São Miguel and Terceira this time, we’re already plotting our return — with plans to explore all nine islands over the next two years.

🗺️ A Little Azorean Backstory

The Azores were discovered by Portuguese navigators in the 15th century and have remained a largely untouched paradise thanks to their remote location. They’re volcanic in origin, which means the islands are a dramatic blend of craters, cliffs, hot springs, and lush forests. While tourism is growing, much of the Azores still feels authentic and local — and the people? Warm, welcoming, and more than happy to share their little slice of paradise.

We spent hours in charming town squares chatting with locals over espresso, surrounded by “Calçada Portuguesa” — intricate black and white mosaic sidewalks that feel more like art than pavement.

🚗 A Few Things to Know Before You Go

We rented cars on both islands and had zero issues — but there are a few local laws and quirks that are good to know:

• Seatbelts & Child Seats – Required for everyone.

• No Texting While Driving – It’s illegal and taken seriously.

• Legal Blood Alcohol Limit – 0.05% — so maybe skip that second glass if you’re the driver.

• Driving on the Right – Same as the U.S., but with tighter roads.

• Speed Traps Are Real – Radar and unmarked vehicles are common.

• No Filming the Police or Military – Doing so can get you into serious trouble.

• Learn some Portuguese. Learning simple phrases such as "Hello" and "Thank you," go a long way.

• Credit Cards. Our credit card was not accepted everywhere. Especially at gas stations and some restaurants. Make sure you have some Euros on you!

• Island Hopping. Getting from one island to the next can be quite difficult. There are some ferries that operate during peak season, but you will most likely have to fly from island to island. This can add up in terms of cost!

🌋 Unmissable Azores Experiences

• Bathe in a thermal hot spring – This is not optional. The volcanic energy of the islands makes for some seriously relaxing natural spas.

• Eat like royalty for $4 – We were blown away by the quality and affordability of the food. Fresh seafood, local cheese, and cold beer — for the price of a coffee back home.

• Soak in the views – Every corner, summit, and turn of the road unveils another jaw-dropping panorama.

• Time your visit wisely – The best times to visit are during the spring (April–June) and fall (September–October). The weather is mild, crowds are thinner, and the landscapes are at their most vibrant. Summer brings in cruise ships, which means larger crowds, especially on São Miguel.

Rhodes Traveled