5 Reasons You Should Visit the Azores in 2026
If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting a place that feels untouched and completely unlike anywhere else in Europe, the Azores might be your next favorite place to visit.
Sitting in the middle of the Atlantic, just a 4–5 hour flight from the east coast, these volcanic islands are wild, and full of natural hot springs, crater lakes, waterfalls, and black-sand beaches. And even though the Azores look almost too perfect to be real, this archipelago off the coast of Portugal is one of Europe’s most underrated destinations.
Here are five reasons the Azores should be at the top of your travel list this year.
Enjoying the scenery on a jeep tour through São Miguel Island in the Azores
1. The nature is unlike anywhere else in Europe
If you took the best parts of Hawaii, Iceland, and Ireland…and put them all on one island, you’d get São Miguel in the Azores.
Think:
- Electric-blue lakes inside volcanic craters
- Trails lined with hydrangeas
- Waterfalls hidden in lush green forests
- Dramatic cliffs
- Misty forests and black-sand beaches
Highlights you’ll see with EF Ultimate Break:
- Lagoa do Fogo, one of the most beautiful lakes in the Azores
- Sete Cidades, the iconic twin crater lakes
- Boca do Inferno, the viewpoint that looks straight out of a fantasy film
- This is the kind of place that takes the word “scenic” to a new level.
2. There are hot springs everywhere
Iceland isn’t the only European destination where soaking in a hot spring is a daily activity.
In the Azores, you'll find steaming geothermal pools tucked into tropical gardens, flowing through rivers, and even warming parts of the ocean.
Must-visit spots:
- Terra Nostra Garden, home to an otherworldly warm iron-rich pool.
- Poça da Dona Beija, a series of jungle hot springs open late into the night.
- Ferraria, where the ocean itself is naturally heated by volcanic vents. Pro tip: go during low tide for warmer water.
Most destinations give you one hot spring experience. The Azores gives you a list of options.
3. It’s one of the most affordable island trips in Europe.
Here’s the part nobody expects: you might assume the Azores is a luxury destination since it’s an island, but the prices prove otherwise.
Compared to Iceland or Hawaii, you’ll spend way less on:
- Food
- Activities
- Transportation
- Scenic experiences
Even the hot springs usually cost between $5–$15. And when you go with EF Ultimate Break, flights, hotels, transportation, and iconic experiences (like hot springs and crater viewpoints) are already included—making the trip surprisingly budget-friendly for an island that looks this unreal.
Taking a dip in the coves of São Miguel Island in the Azores
4. The culture and food are slept on
Portugal already has incredible food, but thanks to its volcanic soil, fresh seafood, and tiny farming communities, the Azores takes it to another level.
Don’t miss:
- Cozido das Furnas, a traditional stew cooked underground using volcanic heat
- Fresh octopus, limpets, and locally caught fish
- Famous Azorean dairy (the cheese here is elite)
- Pineapple plantations and Europe’s only tea plantations
The best part? The island still feels authentic and welcoming. The people are warm, the towns are charming, and the pace of life feels slower in the best way possible.
5. It’s the perfect destination for adventure
Whether you’re into hiking, exploring, eating, or relaxing, the Azores has a little bit of everything.
Some of the adventures we'd recommend doing:
- Whale watching in one of the world’s top locations
- Hiking volcanic trails and crater rims
- Jeep tours through old calderas
- Swimming in natural hot springs and waterfalls
- Visiting Furnas, a town built on geothermal activity
- Sunsets along the dramatic coastline of Mosteiros
Ready to see the Azores for yourself?
After visiting, it’s impossible not to call the Azores one of Europe’s most beautiful islands. It’s raw, wild, peaceful, stunning, and full of surprises. Truly one of the easiest bucket-list trips you can take. Ready?
Admiring the view of the Sete Cidades lakes on São Miguel Island
Key takeaways
- The Azores feel wildly untouched, with volcanic crater lakes, hot springs, waterfalls, and black-sand beaches—like Hawaii, Iceland, and Ireland rolled into one underrated European destination.
- Hot springs are everywhere, from jungle pools to ocean-heated coves, and many cost just $5–$15, making daily soaking an easy, affordable part of the experience.
- It’s one of Europe’s most budget-friendly island trips, with lower costs for food, activities, and transport, plus rich local culture, fresh seafood, and nonstop outdoor adventure.
Know before you go
From packing tips to local secrets—here’s what you need to know.
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