The Azores has everything you could need from a destination, from cheap prices to a spectacular scenery, yummy food options to desolate beaches, and dozens of areas to hike.
The Azores is one of the hidden gems in Europe. It’s a stunning group of islands that are rarely talked about by travelers. The Azores has everything you could need from a destination, from cheap prices to a spectacular scenery, yummy food options to desolate beaches, and dozens of areas to hike. The Azores are located right in the center of the Atlantic Ocean, about mid-way between the west coast of Europe and east of the United States. There’s nine islands, all of which are inhabited, so it makes sense to work one to two of them into a layover between North American and Europe. Read on to learn more about them!
It Is Easy to Get Around
The island of Sao Miguel is made for going on a road trip. Thanks to all the paved roads, sweeping curves, and a bit of traffic, you are practically guaranteed to an incredible day on wheels. Criss-crossing the islands on a scooter is very fun. Whether you prefer your adventures to take place with scooters and cars, Sao Miguel is compact enough for you to get from the primary city of Ponta Delgada towards the east or west coast in a single day without spending the whole time on the tarmac.
The Food Is Incredible
If there is one thing you can take away from the Azores, it’s that eating on the islands is a rare and enjoyable experience. All over Lisbon, you will find supermarkets and restaurants announcing their food is sourced right from the Azores, and they advertise this for one reason: the food from these islands is incredible and also affordable. The most famous dish of the Azores is cozido das furnas, which is a stew that’s cooked inside of a volcano. Some other food highlights include the cheese and wine in the Azores, as well as the fresh fruits grown here.
The Incredible Architecture to Admire
The buildings in Azore are surprisingly stunning. There is an abandoned hotel in Sao Miguel that plenty of people go to, so feel free to visit and take a few photos. The Monte Palace Hotel was built in the 1980s in an isolated area of the island before the tourism boom, and unsurprisingly it went into bankruptcy. You can take in a few of the best views in Sao Miguel from the very top, while also exploring the hotel’s bar, ballroom, hair salon, and the many bedrooms too.
Explore the World with AESU!
Are you ready to plan an adventure of a lifetime? AESU offers unique, thrilling travel programs for college students and young professionals at affordable rates. Each trip is action-packed and informal—designed just for people your own age. We are also able to design custom tours just for your group.
Experience an exhilarating adventure in 2023 on the Iceland Airwaves, Cosmopolitan (COS), Great Escape, and more! 2024 tour dates are now available, like our Cosmopolitan (COS), Great Escape tours! If you have any questions or want help booking your next adventure, please contact AESU by calling 800-638-7640, or fill out the contact form found on our website. Follow AESU on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.