These volcanic islands in the the middle of the Atlantic are a wild paradise. Lush unspoiled jungle, volcanic crater lakes, waterfalls and hot springs are just a few of the lures to these mystical islands.
1. Unspoiled Jungle
Hailed the "Hawaii of Europe," this archipelago boasts a stunning landscape. Shooting straight out of the middle of the Atlantic ocean, the emerald green Azores islands are uniquely wild and mysterious. It is said that the Azores may be the mountain peaks of what was once Atlantis, that pirates have hidden treasures here, and that the Vikings even had a long history on the islands. Today the islands remain wild in nature with lush jungle forests, cascading waterfalls, and jaw dropping cliff lines. Visitors to the Azores can enjoy a variety of activities throughout, including hiking volcanic crater lakes, world-class surfing, swimming with dolphins and soaking in hot springs to name a few.
2. Crater Lakes
It is mostly volcanoes that shape the archipelago of the Azores. There are 26 active volcanoes 8 of which are underwater. Some of the craters of the volcanoes have uniquely created lakes on the island. The Lago do Fogo or "Lake of Fire," offers the best views on San Miguel you can see the ocean from the top over the lake that has one of the best hikes on the island. If you like mountain biking - the Azores offers some of the best raw trails along the rim of Sete Cidades lake. Our next top pick is Lagoa dos Platos on Flores island has a crater lake with waterfalls. It's unlikely you will experience crater lakes like this any where else in the world, making it a top reason why you should visit the Azores.
3. Hot Springs
Picture soaking in hot springs amidst the jungle. At Caldeira Velha on Sao Miguel there is a cascading waterfall into the hot springs where you can choose from 4 diffferent pools of different temperatures. The most famous of the hot springs on the islands is in Terra Nostra Park in Furnas, Sao Miguel. There the iron rich waters turn the water an orange like color and are said to be very healing. Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo, a remote coastal area accessible by foot or boat, is a little slice of paradise where you can indulge in a soak in the warm natural pools formed by the springs in the ocean. After a day out hiking surfing or mountain biking or just for relaxation the hot springs are a top reason why you should visit the Azores.
For more on where to stay and what to do on the Azores contact JadenAllenTravel to plan a custom trip for you
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