1. Furnas
A dramatically active volcano lies next to this scenic little town and gardens where you can swim in hot, mineral-rich water that bubbles up from deep within the earth.
2. Sete Cidades
A spectacular caldera and a pair of hauntingly beautiful crater lakes that are entangled with local myths and legends. Ethereal and mystical, the area makes for some of the best hiking on the islands.
3. Capelinhos
This wild headland only reared out of the sea split-seconds ago in geological time, though it first emerged in 1957. An enthralling museum is found within the lighthouse, which is still half-buried under volcanic ash.
4. Whale and dolphin watching
Wildlife-watching trips can be arranged from various ports, including Horta (Faial) where a museum brings to life the history of humans and whales.
5. Angra do Heroísmo
This UNESCO World Heritage city is steeped in history and packed with reminders of Portugal’s old empire and age of exploration.
6. Azores Geopark
A site protected for geological research. At its heart is the Algar do Carvão volcanic cone and lava tube.
Where to stay in the Azores
Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico, São Miguel
This local landmark sits on Ponta Delgada waterfront. It has great views over the harbour and some of the finest dining on the island at Balcony restaurant
Hotel do Canal, Faial,
This is a maritime-themed four-star hotel is by the Horta marina. It has legendary status in Faial’s seafaring history and was once an overnight stop for passengers on the Star Clipper flying boat between Lisbon and New York.
Terceira Mar Hotel, Terceira
This is a four-star stay set in luxuriant gardens by the sea and in full view of the Monte Brasil fortress. It is only a short walk to the historic centre of Angra do Heroísmo