Spiky pineapples popping out of the ground, volcanic rock spilling into the azure ocean, and thermal pools steaming with heat. You may think I’m waxing poetic about Hawaii, but I’m talking about the Azores.
This string of nine volcanic outposts between Portugal and the United States is as lush an island paradise as you’ll find anywhere in Europe. A less-touristy antidote to Madeira, it’s been a longtime favorite for adventurous Europeans lacing up their hiking boots or road-tripping the island’s craggy corners—and now, Americans are starting to take notice.
Dolphins in front of Mount Pico.Photo: Getty Images
The largest and most populous of its islands is São Miguel, nicknamed the “Green Island” for its pastoral rolling hills dotted with dairy cows. Narrow and long, travelers can drive from west to east in an hour and a half, but that would be a mistake. The island’s startlingly wild volcanic landscapes, terracotta-topped villages, and endless scenic viewpoints mean that it will actually take days.
So, this summer, skip the Greek Islands, packed like a can of tinned fish, and head for the hydrangea-lined roads of Portugal’s “Big Island” equivalent.
Where to Stay
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An outdoor pool at Octant Furnas.Photo: Courtesy of Octant Furnas