Peering out your snow-laced window and dreaming of an escape this spring? We thought so. We invite you to take a short break to learn about the Azores, an alluring archipelago brimming with adventure, resplendent with natural beauty and boasting unique food and wine experiences. The nine islands that comprise the Azores will ignite your senses with emerald green landscapes, black sand beaches, plump pastel hydrangeas and heavenly hot springs. Did we mention this gem is just a short plane trip from the East Coast?
Here are ten reasons the Azores should top your list of spring trips
1) It’s super easy to get there.
The Azores are a short flight from the East Coast. You can fly from Boston to Ponta Delgada in São Miguel Island in around five hours. At press time, there were direct flights to Terceria from Boston on Azores Airlines and a special Azores Air Pass that makes travel between the islands seamless and economical.
2) There are nine islands to explore.
The nine islands of the Azores include São Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, Faial, Flores and Corvo, each associated with a color for their rainbow of attributes. We visited São Miguel and Terceira. São Miguel, the green island, is the largest of the Azorean islands, the most frequently visited for good reason. Its lush landscape is dotted with lakes, lagoons, hot springs and thermal pools. Terceria, the purple island, is a magical spot where the lush countryside unfolds in an emerald carpet. We adored walking the streets brimming with colorful architecture and European charm.
3) Experience lakes and lagoons. Go inside a vacant volcano.
The landscape of the Azores is a tribute to Mother Nature’s artistry. The archipelago’s magic includes spectacular shorelines, verdant fields and mountains and an everchanging sky filled with sweeping clouds and brilliant sunbeams. A few must-see natural wonders include Ilhéu da Vila Franca, a natural crater in São Miguel, Lagoa do Fogo, a crater lake; Vista do Rei viewpoint at Sete Cidades Lake (one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal) and Algar do Carvão Natural Reserve, the interior of an empty volcano!
4) Hot springs and thermal pools abound.
If you’ve never experienced the wonder of immersing in a thermal pool or hot spring the Azores is the perfect place to acquaint yourself with Mother Nature’s hot spots. Our drive to Furnas Village in São Miguel featured four seasons in one day (something that happens quite often) and a visit to the must-see Parque Terra Nostra. Along with immersing in the delicious thermal pools, you can also meander around one of the planet’s most beautiful botanical gardens. Other hot spots in São Miguel include Caldeira Velha Hot Spring, Poca Da Dona Beija Hot Springs and Ponta da Ferraria.
5) There are more cows than people. Smile and think cheese.
The Azores are bountiful with bovines. While some lay peacefully in pastures, others create traffic jams and lock eyes with curious tourists. A by-product of these happy cows is an assortment of cheeses named for some of the islands including Queijo São Jorge, Queijo do Pico and Queijo do São Miguel.
6) Boutique hotels are bountiful.
There are a plethora of places to stay in the Azores, from an exclusive villa snuggled in nature at Botania Hall by Terra Nostra in São Miguel to a perfectly situated modern hotel Shipyard Angra in Terceria just a skip away the marina and downtown. There are also many authentic accommodations sprinkled throughout the rural areas of the nine islands.
7) You can enjoy unique food and wine experiences.
Foodies looking to discover unique experiences will adore the Azores. The Azores are famous for their Cozido das Furnas meat stew cooked in a pot built in the geothermal ground. Tony ́s restaurant in São Miguel is a popular spot to delight in the iconic stew. You can visit a pineapple plantation, tout the oldest tea factory in Europe and enjoy a gin tasting in a gin library. A couple of memorable meals were enjoyed in Terceira at Quinta do Martelo where we dined in an Azorean rural setting and enjoyed a typical meal called Alcatra and QB restaurant that looks like a snack bar when you drive up, but the restaurant on the top level is out of this world. We also adored a novel wine experience at Materramenta where Luís Vasco Cunha shared the story of his family’s foundation vineyard, a Wine tasting and delicious toasts, Azorean cheese and homemade jam.
8) Dolphins and whales are waiting.
Our friends at Visit Azores report that one of the wonders of the Azores is spotting dolphins and whales. The water around the archipelago is brimming with whales and dolphins waiting to be discovered on a whale-watching expedition. A third of the world’s over 80 species of whales and dolphins reside in the Azores.
9) Amazing architecture.
While gazing at Mother Nature’s endless gift is one of the wonders of the Azores, there is also novel architecture to behold. Check out the rural homes, churches and manor houses that dot the landscape. Stone walls, waterfalls and winding alleys are abundant in the archipelago. We loved seeing the Azorean baroque architecture in Ponta del Gada in São Miguel and the rainbow of buildings in Terceira.
10) The weather is great
From March to May, temperatures range from the mid-50s to low 70s°F (13–22°C), creating ideal conditions for exploring the lush landscapes. The season brings a mix of sunshine and occasional light showers, keeping the volcanic terrain rich and green. This is when the famous hydrangeas, azaleas, and wildflowers begin to bloom, transforming the countryside into a painter’s palette of blues, pinks, and purples. The Atlantic Ocean remains calm, making it one of the best times for whale watching as migratory species like blue and humpback whales pass through the region.
For more ideas on where to go this year check out our guide to the top 10 places to add to your travel bucket list for 2025!