WELCOME TO THE HAWAII OF EUROPE 🏝️🌺🌍

The Azores are a group of 9 Portuguese islands located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. I had never heard of them before last year, but on my summer trip to Portugal I decided to do a 24 hour layover in São Miguel. ✈️ It was an easy way to break up the normally 7 hour flight and get the chance to see just a little bit of what people refer to as the Hawaii of Europe. Because I had such little time there, I booked a full day group tour of the island so that I could see as much as possible! If there is one place that I wish I could have spent more time in, I would definitely choose the Azores.

Here are some of the reasons why you should visit!

🌟 1. The islands are untouched and offer incredible natural beauty. The landscapes are breathtaking and extremely lush. On São Miguel in particular you can find black sand beaches, turquoise lakes (including the famous Sete Cidades), stunning waterfalls, steep hikes (like the iconic Boca do Inferno), and even hot springs. There are so many hidden gems that I want to uncover.

🌟 2. During the summer, particularly in May, you will see thousands of hydrangea bushes along the winding roads and all around the hills. I didn’t go at peak time but I still have never seen anything so stunning! It seriously looks like it’s out of a painting.

🌟 3. The coastal villages are so quaint and relaxing. Time seems to slow down when you’re here, you’re really able to unwind and appreciate a quiet and peaceful ambiance.

🌟 4. The islands’ locals are so warm and welcome. Everyone is very eager to share their traditions and stories because tourism is so new to them. There are many ways to immerse yourself in the local culture. In just a day I passed by people playing live music in the middle of the street, a medieval festival called Quinhentista, and a play happening in a small park in the town of Sete Cidades.

Visiting the Azores was a completely different experience for me than what I am used to. The islands are so unique and not like your typical tourist destination. There is so much more to see and with it only being a 5.5 hour flight from NYC, I hope that I’ll get to experience it again! Don’t miss the chance to visit before it becomes a tourist hotspot.

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