The Essential Azores

Located on São Miguel, the largest of the Azores archipelago, Ponta Delgada is a place of whitewashed buildings, spectacular volcanic vistas, steaming hot springs and impressive landscaped gardens. This city is the gateway to the stunning landscape and lush nature of São Miguel. Ships will dock at Portas do Mar.

Top Things to Do in Ponta Delgada:

• go dolphin and whale watching
• soak in a hotspring in Furnas Valley
• view the Sete Cidades Crater Lakes
• stroll through a botanical garden
• explore São Miguel in 4x4

The port of Velas is on the southern coast of the island of São Jorge. A stunning island with cliffs that drop right into the sea and many fajãs that punctuate the island’s shores. Fajãs are flat forelands that formed by lava flowing into the ocean, landslides and collapsing cliffs, Velas is situated on one of São Jorge's fajãs.

In Velas, visitors can choose to take a scenic drive of the island, stopping at viewpoints of the three main fajãs, to visit the nearby towns of Calheta and Manadas or to enjoy a hike from Fajã dos Vimes to Portal. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the pier.

The main town on Faial Island, Horta has preserved a real authenticity and picturesque charm. It houses the main marina in the archipelago and the town boasts a number of frescos painted by sailors who dropped anchor there from around the world. Ships will dock at the Port of Horta.

Top Things to Do in Horta:

• look for whales and dolphins on a sea safari
• enjoy views of Horta from Espalamaca
• visit the Caldeira in the centre of the island
• take a scenic drive to Capelinhos
• hike from Capelinhos to Varadouro

Perched on the west coast of Pico Island, Madalena captivates visitors with its authenticity and tranquil atmosphere. Set amid enchanting volcanic landscapes, with white houses topped by red roofs, narrow streets, and a bustling harbour, the town opens onto the ocean, with the majestic silhouette of Pico volcano as its backdrop.

Here, time seems to slow down, offering the opportunity to enjoy coastal walks, moments of relaxation in one of the many natural pools, wine tastings from UNESCO-listed volcanic vineyards, and friendly encounters.

Nestled on the southern coast of Pico Island, Lajes Do Pico charms with its colourful little houses and its superb landscapes bearing rich history linked to the whaling period which made its reputation. The island is dominated by its enormous and majestic volcano, the highest in Portugal, which culminates at 2,531 metres.

Top Things to Do in Lajes Do Pico:

• visit the Whaler's Museum
• enjoy the scenery at Lagoa do Capitão
• hike the Vinhas da Criação Velha trail
• visit the Fortaleza de São Brásainsi
• admire the Gothic church of São Sebastião

Graciosa Island is known for its stunning landscapes with vines surrounded by walls of black basalt, steep shores and transparent sea beds.

The only municipality on the island, Praia, is notable for its typical houses and its narrow cobbled streets, which branch out from the large central square.

As part of a World Biosphere reserve, the island has been protected from mass tourism and will charm with its deserted volcanic landscapes and its beaches of immaculate sand.

Sitting atop the island of Terceira, Praia da Vitória dates back to the original settling of the island, one of two founding ports. Its bay shelters the largest sandy beach in the Azores and its historic centre is a charming maze of streets and alleys. Ships will dock at the Port of Praia da Vitória.

Top Things to Do in Praia Da Vitória:

• visit the island's capital, Angra Do Heroísmo
• explore the Algar do Carvão, an ancient lava tube
• admire the Church of Santa Cruz
• take in the view from Monte Brasil

Situated in the heart of Terceira Island in the Azores archipelago, Angra do Heroísmo was an essential staging post for fleets sailing to Africa and India in the 15th and 16th centuries. Its UNESCO-listed historic centre reflects this golden age, with a grid of streets lined with Renaissance architecture, palaces, imposing churches, noble residences, and meticulously maintained gardens. Born of trade and navigation, Angra do Heroísmo still radiates the refined charm of its prestigious past, offering visitors an atmosphere uniquely shaped by the ocean and history.

Located on São Miguel, the largest of the Azores archipelago, Ponta Delgada is a place of whitewashed buildings, spectacular volcanic vistas, steaming hot springs and impressive landscaped gardens. This city is the gateway to the stunning landscape and lush nature of São Miguel. Ships will dock at Portas do Mar.

Top Things to Do in Ponta Delgada:

• go dolphin and whale watching
• soak in a hotspring in Furnas Valley
• view the Sete Cidades Crater Lakes
• stroll through a botanical garden
• explore São Miguel in 4x4