Why the Azores Are Europe's Hawaii
2025-04-11 · 7 min read
The Azores — a nine-island Portuguese archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean — deliver volcanic landscapes, subtropical greenery, and ocean adventures that genuinely rival Hawaii's natural offerings. The difference is that the Azores are roughly half the price, virtually uncrowded, and reachable from the US East Coast in under five hours.
São Miguel, the largest island, is the natural starting point. The Sete Cidades twin lakes — one green, one blue — sit inside a massive volcanic caldera and rank among Europe's most dramatic natural sights. The Furnas Valley features hot springs, geothermal cooking pits where locals slow-cook cozido stew underground, and the Terra Nostra botanical garden with its iron-rich thermal pool.
Whale watching in the Azores is world-class. The deep waters surrounding the islands host over 25 cetacean species, including sperm whales that reside year-round and blue whales that pass through in spring migration. Operators like Futurismo in Ponta Delgada run boat excursions with marine biologist guides, and sighting success rates exceed 95 percent during peak season.
The hiking is exceptional and uncrowded. Trails cross volcanic ridges, descend into calderas, and follow coastal cliffs above the Atlantic. Faial island's Capelinhos volcano, which erupted as recently as 1957, offers a moonscape walk that feels like another planet. Flores, the westernmost island, features waterfalls, crater lakes, and a population density that makes rural Montana look congested.
Direct flights from Boston on Azores Airlines take about four and a half hours, making a long weekend feasible from the US East Coast. SATA Air Açores connects the nine islands with short inter-island flights, and ferries run between closer islands in summer. Accommodation ranges from converted manor houses to modern boutique hotels, with quality double rooms starting around 60 to 80 euros per night.
The food and wine deserve attention. The Azores produce excellent dairy — particularly the São Jorge cheese, a sharp semi-hard variety that rivals aged Gouda. Fresh seafood dominates menus, with limpets, tuna steaks, and octopus salad as staples. The volcanic soils of Pico Island support unique vineyards protected by UNESCO-designated stone walls, producing mineral-driven white wines you can't find anywhere else.
