10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Azores That You Shouldn't Miss

March 5, 2022 Tambra Mccollister

The nine islands that make up the Azores are in fact the peaks of some of the world's tallest mountains, reaching from deep beneath the Atlantic. The once-uninhabited, volcanic archipelago now hosts thousands of tourists every year who flock to the islands for sun, sand and verdant mountain scenery. From the beaches of Praia da Vitoria to the bustling marina of Horta, to the bubbling volcanic ground "ovens" of Furnas, these islands offer unparalleled--and unusual--adventures to discover.
Restaurants in Azores

1. Caldeira das Sete Cidades

From Ponta Delaga 10 km, Sao Miguel 9240-113 Portugal +351 296 206 700 http://parquesnaturais.azores.gov.pt/pt/smiguel
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
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5.0 based on 4,535 reviews

Caldeira das Sete Cidades

Reviewed By Sunshine324317

One of the most popular spots in Acores Portugal for photography due to its breathtaking views , it's stunning greens and colors in the summer is really something to see, we have a beautiful island of Sao Miguel Acores Portugal

2. Lagoa do Fogo

Miradouro da Serra Barrosa Agua de Pau, Sao Miguel Portugal +351 966 885 448 http://parquesnaturais.azores.gov.pt/pt/smiguel
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
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5.0 based on 1,967 reviews

Lagoa do Fogo

Reviewed By Ashevilletraveler4 - Asheville, United States

The 4 of us agreed that is was one of the most beautiful places we saw on Sao Miguel Island and that's saying a lot because the whole island is beautiful. There is a steep hike down to a beach area and it's really well worth doing. It was so lovely to be by the lake at the bottom of the crater and listen to the sound of nothing except nesting birds. Amazing.

3. Boca do Inferno Viewpoint

Rua Ribeira Do Ferreiro 117 Candelaria Perto De Ponta Delgada, Sete Cidades, Sao Miguel 9555-043 Portugal +351 919 501 266 http://igoazores.com/sete-cidades-o-paraiso-do-atlantico/
Excellent
92%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 335 reviews

Boca do Inferno Viewpoint

Reviewed By vg-t-2012 - Toronto, Canada

Go in the morning for best photographs and to get ahead of most visitors (sun at back). If you can't walk very far or are short of time, don't park in the parking lot by the main road. If the gate is open, drive in and follow the dirt road that everyone is hiking along to the very base of the ridge where the trail goes uphill to the actual "miradouro"/viewpoint. There is room for several cars there. The view is amazing. If you have bad knees, bring trekking poles. It's about 5 minutes uphill to the viewpoint, depending on your uphill capability.

4. Pico Mountain (Montanha do Pico)

Pico Portugal +351 967 303 519 http://climbingpicoazores.blogspot.pt/p/the-mountain.html?m=1
Excellent
76%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
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2%
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4.5 based on 474 reviews

Pico Mountain (Montanha do Pico)

Classified as a nature reserve since 1972, this is the highest mountain (7,800 feet) in Portugal, which is capped by a crater, the Pico Grande, from which a small cone emerges.

Reviewed By laurenk127

My boyfriend and I climbed Mt. Pico in June and it was awesome! We lucked out with a clear, sunny day. We're not super intense, but do a decent amount of hiking and felt completely fine tackling this on our own. I do see how it could be challenging if it was super cloudy, especially since you need to follow markers to get up. We were also a little worried about the mountain filling up after reading some reviews, but definitely had nothing to worry about, we climbed in the beginning of June. We called the mountain House super early in the morning to see how full it was and were told there were four people on the mountain haha. I will say its still nice to get there early to see the sunrise and be in the shade. Also, if you're climbing, might as well go all the way to the top, it was worth it to really get those 360 views!

5. Caldeira

10 km from Horta, Horta, Faial Island Portugal http://turismo.cmhorta.pt/index.php/pt/o-que-fazer/trilhos-pedestres/perimetro-da-caldeira
Excellent
73%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
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4.5 based on 749 reviews

Caldeira

Reviewed By telemark - Wildhaus, Switzerland

We did the 360 degree crater rim hike in foggy and stormy weather. Pretty narrow path at times, views of the caldeira and the island are unbelievable. The 8 km hike can easily be done in 2 hours. Our family liked it a lot - and next time we want to descend into the crater!

6. Parque Terra Nostra

Largo Marques da Praia e Monfort 2, Furnas, Povoacao, Sao Miguel 9675-037 Portugal +351 296 549 090 [email protected] http://www.parqueterranostra.com
Excellent
75%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
4%
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1%
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4.5 based on 2,904 reviews

Parque Terra Nostra

A must see in the heart of São Miguel Island, inside of Furnas Valley, Terra Nostra Garden dates back to 1775, when American merchant Thomas Hickling fell in love with Furnas and decided to create the perfect relaxation haven which still seduces every visitor today. Aside from its large Camellia Collection (over 600 species, some of which unique in the World) and other rare species, the park surrounding Terra Nostra Garden Hotel is known worldwide for its Thermal Pool, filled with volcanic water from the hot springs at a steady 40°C (104°F), rich in iron and other minerals highly beneficial for the skin and creating complete and unparalleled relaxation.

Reviewed By 265kathleena - Antwerp, Belgium

I loved the Terra Nostra Parque, beautiful to see, amazing hot thermal baths and even some animals to watch; you can even feed the fish with special provided fish food. Top Place!

7. Furnas

Sao Miguel Portugal +351 296 584 436 http://www.greenzoneazores.com
Excellent
62%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
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1%
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4.5 based on 1,108 reviews

Furnas

Reviewed By randr360 - Cape Coral, United States

Great full day trip from Ponta Delgada east to Furnas & Tera Nostra Garden, Nordeste, along the north coast with Samual da Silva Regao (Greencorner Tours -([email protected];(+351)911936846. Second great trip west to Sete Cidades and Logoa. He grew up on the island, speaks excellent English and is a safe driver - highly recommend! He can tailor an excursion specific to your interests; has a van that carries 8.

8. Algar do Carvao

Estrada Algar Do Carvao Center of Island, Terceira Portugal
Excellent
72%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
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4.5 based on 1,060 reviews

Algar do Carvao

Reviewed By ckbucks - Guilford, United States

The tour time can vary according to how many stairs that you want to climb, The beauty of this extinct volcano is breath taking. There are so many photo opportunities. I would have to rate this as a sting MUST SEE.

9. Salto do Cabrito

Ribeira Grande, Sao Miguel Portugal http://www.ribeiragrande.pt/geo/cascata-do-salto-do-cabrito
Excellent
58%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
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4.5 based on 464 reviews

Salto do Cabrito

Reviewed By TheCrazyreyn - London, United Kingdom

We walked from Caldeiras de Ribeira Grande to this spot along the hiking trail, and it's ingenious in the way it uses a giant pipe (which services the hydro electric dam next to the waterfall) as part of the route. The heights on this route by the waterfall are something else! I'd also recommend visiting the abandoned dam at the Caldeiras de Ribeira Grande end of this route, which we almost didn't do but was absolutely worth the 10-15 minute detour.

10. Poca Da Dona Beija

Lomba das Barracas, Furnas, Povoacao, Sao Miguel 9675-044 Portugal +351 296 584 256 [email protected] http://www.pocadonabeija.com
Excellent
72%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
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Poor
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4.5 based on 3,139 reviews

Poca Da Dona Beija

Poça da Dona Beija's ferruginous muds are indicated for cutaneous invigoration, and it's hot waters are therapeutic. All the pools have running water which ensures it's constant renewal. We receive tourists from all over the world looking for some time of relaxation and well-being. You can visit us anytime of the year. Our hot waters are revitalizing both in the Summer and Winter!

Reviewed By 693kerrys - Hampshire, United Kingdom

Pay at entrance, scan barcode to go through Barrier, go to shop- pay for locker with waterproof electric key and leave 20 euro deposit. Explored the five pools- with various waterfalls and overflows dropping into the red river- all slightly different and all 39oC Favourite spot was in the mystic pool where you could lay flat on the smooth black stone and have the hot water flow gently under you dropping into the river. Entrance into the river itself was shut when I visited. Great place to relieve aching muscles from hiking. Accommodation had given us dark towels for using at the spas- Worth having to ensure you don’t wreck white towels! Tip: if you do not pay for the shower in the changing rooms afterwards it is very cold, you have to go to the shop after you have finished in the spa to pay for it, and they wouldn't let us pay before so ended up having the cold shower as couldn’t be bothered to go back as it was late - in hindsight a hot shower would have been a nicer end to the visit! You need to keep hold of your ticket to leave through the barriers

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