Looking to cool off from Summer heat? Dreaming of sipping some port wine while floating on the deceptively gorgeous water of Azores Islands? Thinking about surfing on the pounding waves of Sao Miguel Island?? Wishing to be under one of the hidden waterfalls or basking in a thermal pool at some exquisite location?? Then Azores Islands in Portugal should definitely be on your list!!
Two hours flight away from Lisbon lies this gorgeous hidden gem of Sao Miguel, one of the 9 Azores Islands. Where, the people are dandy, the Island is Jovial, the landscape is Captivating and my mind is craving for some more of Island love while I write about one of the most surreal trips of the year!!
Thankfully Azores Island isn’t tainted by tourism and retains the rawness which truly makes it an experience and not just another Island! Here are some highlights from my offbeat experiences in the Azores Islands.
A nap at the foot of the lake!
You cannot blame me, I was very sleepy as I had an overnight stay at the airport to catch a morning flight to Sao Miguel! It seemed pretty ideal to take a nice nap at the gorgeous lake.
It was a foggy day when we drove through gorgeous hydrangea clad curvy roads, when I saw Sete Ciadades for the first time. It was surrounded by handsome mountains hugging the green lake.
We drove to the foot of the lake to get away from the crowded Kings View to find ourselves relaxing with a cuppa coffee from São Nicolau restaurant nearby.
The view of the floating kayaks, colourful people and the shades of green around me was this beautiful islands first introduction.
An abandoned hotel with a splendid view!
The abandoned Hotel Monte Palace boasting the gorgeous view of Sete cidades, one of the most famous tourist attraction in Ponta Delgada feels nothing less of a tragedy.
An example of a bad investment on the island which was never on the international tourism radar is now left to its elements after the investors went bankrupt.
The only thing that remains is the building which was once the definition of luxury and the best hotel on the Azores island. There is nothing around in walking distance except for the breath taking sight of Sete Ciadades. Which made me wonder, what else do you even need?
Visit to a paradise within a paradise in Azores!
The idea of being surrounded by nothing but hammering waves of Azores in the middle of the ocean, now doesn’t that sound amazing for all beach bums?
Islet of Villa Franca Do Campo is a small paradise island which is the result of a volcanic crater.
The deceptive highs and lows of the tides is what makes this place so much fun and a perfect way of spending the day when in Sao Miguel!
Night life in Ponta Delgada!
Small town of Ponta Delgada, the capital of Sao Miguel Island, sure brought the best in me! I had no decent network and that reduced my usage of phone to minimum which compelled me to socialise with all the people on the streets over drinks and chat!
Most of them being tourists, were on the island for very unique reasons like gardening, research scientists, soil experts and so on, but when it was time to party everyone seemed to be on the same page!!!
With a ton of restaurants, bars, pubs, hotels around I don’t think one can ever have a dull moment on this island. Add quirk, taste, art, uniqueness and hard work to these variety of services and all you’ll have is a satisfactorily good time!
The parties in this small town are an intimate affair!!
It was a white party night when the whole town looked like it was painted in white. With everyone dressed in white and around 15 bands spread over the town playing great music, every corner was buzzing with eclectic energy. I ended up running into everyone I met since the time I landed on this small island and having a good time like a big happy family.
Relaxing on the beach is tricky!
It’s tricky for two important reasons, it’s hot so if you don’t have an umbrella you are going to burn unless you plan on staying in the water all the time, which is also a tricky option. The magnanimous waves of Azores are not a joke, it is beautiful though!
While trying to relax on a beach in Riberia Grande, the heat was discomforting and the waves were intimidating. Walking on the sand was like walking on burnt coal, trying to read a book felt like a torture, ice from cooler had melted and drinks were unpleasant. Other than that, it was a swell time!!
Bathing in a salt water pool, only in Azores Islands!
One of the best things about hanging out with the locals in their country, you get access to all the exquisite locations!
While browsing through a friends beautiful farm in Caloura, a glorious sight of the salt water pool made me think of a retired life with a view like that! Couple of dogs running in the open farm land, tomatoes growing in the backyard, Airbnb income on the side and the view!
Beach party at TukaTula
This place will instantly give you a big beach party vibe.
With a good restaurant, beautiful view, majestic mountains around, energetic crowd and good live music, you know what I’m talking about?
To top it all, Tukatula is one of the best beach bars and viewpoints for a gorgeous sunset!
An Ice-cream walk and talk with the wind by the stairs
It was a friends birthday when we were walking on the streets of Ponta Delgada after our delicious dinner at Restaurant O Churrasco. The stairs near the ice-cream store felt like a perfect place to indulge while celebrating the occasion.
It was windy and we were having a good laugh over our ice-cream when we decided to surprise our friend with a birthday pudding and sang the birthday song in our respective languages. Two Portuguese people, one Spanish and one Indian, who would have thought it to be such a fun combination when put together!
Here is the exact location of the stairs where you could just sit and enjoy your ice-cream or talk to the wind!
A hidden waterfall in Ribeira Grande, proving the beauty of Azores Islands!
I was chilling on the beach, enjoying a book, few dips in the pounding waves or conversation with friends.
Then I got a drink to quench my thirst. Soon I was hungry and there were no restaurants nearby so we all decided to leave. While walking towards the parking lot, the sound of the waterfall caught our attention and we had to check it out!
We passed a camp site (porto Formoso) on our way which had an incredible view of the beach!! A small walk through the bushes, steep hike down and few stairs later we found ourselves standing in front of the waterfall nestled amidst this beautiful valley. All of a sudden it felt like my heart was full and the hunger was satisfied! One of my most favorite moments on the Azores Islands❤️
Monkeying in the green lagoons
Azores Islands are named after colors and Sao Miguel means green color, which is why you’ll notice everything green on this island including its lagoons.
There are plenty of hot springs, thermal pools and lagoons needless to say. So pick your favorite, less crowded one and relax. Lucky me I had the best guide, my dear friend who took me to a quaint place where we could hide from the sun and cool off.
I don’t remember the name of the place honestly! However, I managed to get the location from my picture. Hope its right and takes you to the right place!
Viewpoint of the Mother of God Chapel for a gorgeous sunset!
In an attempt to kill time while waiting for a friend, we decided to drive by the chapel instead. What caught my attention was the white and black color which is very common in PD.
The view of the city, the mountains, the much needed greens and the sunset from here is something I would not miss, if ever again in Ponta Delgada.
My summer couldn’t start on a better note and destination. Exploring Sao Miguel Island made me feel like I was in a feel good movie where you meet strangers who end up becoming great friends while you venture around with them and stumble upon crazy experiences together.
I think the key is keeping an open mind towards new experiences, no judgments and being on the same wavelength in terms of enjoying, learning, helping, caring and creating unforgettable memories with new people!
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