Vista Tourism & Travel A.S.

A Secret in the Middle of the Atlantic

Floating between Europe and America like a lost paradise, the Azores are a cluster of nine volcanic islands scattered across the vast Atlantic. An autonomous region of Portugal, the archipelago offers a harmony that is both wild and refined — emerald crater lakes, lava tubes, waterfalls, thermal springs, and tea and wine plantations all coexisting in quiet balance.

Where nature still takes the lead and tourism is deliberately restrained, the Azores remain a sanctuary for travelers seeking a sustainable, simple yet deeply enriching journey.

When to Go?

The Azores enjoy a mild climate year-round, yet they’re famously unpredictable — the phrase “four seasons in one day” could have been written for them. June through September brings the most stable weather and calmest seas, perfect for swimming and outdoor adventures. The shoulder months of May and October are ideal for hiking and soaking in thermal pools.

Getting There and Between the Islands

From Istanbul, you can reach the capital Ponta Delgada via a short connection in Lisbon. Inter-island travel is easy: short domestic flights operate year-round, while summer months offer frequent ferries linking the islands. Public transportation is limited, so renting a car is the best way to explore at your own pace and uncover hidden corners

Suggested Route: 9 Days / 3 Islands

To experience the essence of the Azores, a balanced itinerary could include: São Miguel (4 days) → Faial (2 days) → Pico (3 days) If time allows, add a day trip from Pico to São Jorge, where lava once met the sea to create dramatic flatlands known as fajãs.

Days 1–4 | São Miguel – The Green Island

The largest and most diverse of the islands, São Miguel feels like an ever-changing natural laboratory.

• Sete Cidades

The legendary twin lakes — one blue, one green — form the archipelago’s most iconic vista. The Vista do Rei lookout offers postcard-perfect views, while kayaking across the lake or hiking the Boca do Inferno trail provides an unforgettable perspective

• Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake)

A trail descends into the heart of the crater, where the stillness at the shore feels otherworldly.

• Furnas & Terra Nostra

Steam vents, iron-rich hot springs, and the famous Cozido das Furnas — a hearty stew slow-cooked in volcanic soil.Few experiences connect you to the earth as deeply as a meal literally prepared by its warmth.

• Gorreana Tea Plantation:

Europe’s oldest still-operating tea estate, family-run since the 19th century. Walking through its terraced fields feels like stepping into a living museum of Azorean agriculture.

• Ilhéu de Vila Franca:

A lagoon formed inside an ancient submerged crater — a natural swimming pool and snorkeling haven during summer.

Days 5–6 | Faial – The Blue Island and the Moon of Capelinhos

A traditional meeting point for sailors, Horta Harbor is an open-air gallery of murals painted by transatlantic crews. On the island’s western tip lies Capelinhos Volcano, born from a 1957 eruption that added new land to the map. Its ash-covered slopes resemble a lunar landscape, and climbing to the lighthouse viewpoint offers a humbling sense of scale against the raw power of nature.

Days 7–9 | Pico – Stone-Walled Vineyards and Portugal’s Summit

• Pico Island Encircled by black basalt, Pico Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site where vines grow in small lava-walled enclosures known as currals, protected from salt and wind.

Taste the island’s signature grapes — Verdelho and Arinto dos Açores — at Azores Wine Company, and you’ll understand how the Atlantic air weaves itself into every bottle.

Another unmissable experience: Climbing Mount Pico, Portugal’s highest peak at 2,351 meters. At the summit, above the clouds, the surrounding islands stretch across the horizon like stepping stones on the sea — a view that defines the Azorean spirit of quiet connection with nature. (Note: Climbers must register and check weather conditions at the Casa da Montanha visitor center.)

Harmony at the Heart of Nature

The Azores are not only green, but also profoundly blue. Their crystal waters invite ethical dolphin and whale-watching tours, while hot springs, lava caves, and forest trails let travelers connect with a different element each day.

Where to Stay & What to Taste

• Ponta Delgada – Boutique hotels and garden-view terraces in the historic center.
• Furnas – Thermal resorts surrounded by steam and greenery
• Pico – Stone lodges nestled among vineyards.
• Faial – Harbor hotels steeped in maritime heritage.

Flavors to try:

Cozido das Furnas, São Jorge cheese, Pico’s volcanic wines, and Gorreana’s delicate tea — each a distilled expression of island life.

A Culture of Sustainable Travel

On these islands, respect for nature is not a rule but a way of living. Locals expect visitors to move with the same rhythm: stay on marked trails, shop from small producers, and keep silence when nature speaks. Small gestures ensure the Azores’ gentle beauty endures — not only as a destination but as a philosophy.

Why “The Hidden Garden of the Atlantic”?

Because this is one of the few places where the unspoiled is still consciously preserved. Here, where ocean and forest meet, travel becomes an act of gratitude — a reminder that simplicity and stillness can be the greatest luxuries of all. The Azores are more than a journey; they are a pause — a place to rest the eyes and clear the mind.