What to do and see in Azores, Portugal: The Best Nature & Parks

January 12, 2022 Cedrick Jardin

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. Capelinhos

Capelinhos, Faial Island Portugal +351 292 202 000 http://turismo.cmhorta.pt/index.php/pt/oquevisitar/centros-interpretacao/vulcao-dos-capelinhos
Excellent
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5.0 based on 374 reviews

Capelinhos

The site of the volcanic eruption of 1957-58 on Faial, an island which is dominated by the volcanic cone of Caldeira.

Reviewed By mikedZ5951IB - Littleton, United States

This volcanic eruption has been a very different kind. The fact that it erupted in 1958 and gradually escalated to a full blown natural disaster is amazing. We were lucky to be guided by Azores Experience they were just equipped to tell the whole story of the eruption and its impact on the people of the island what a story.

2. 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
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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

3. Lagoa do Fogo

Miradouro da Serra Barrosa Agua de Pau, Sao Miguel Portugal +351 966 885 448 http://parquesnaturais.azores.gov.pt/pt/smiguel
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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.

4. Priolo Environmental Center

Parque Florestal da Cancela do Cinzeiro Pedreira - Nordeste, Sao Miguel 9630-000 Portugal +351 918 536 123 [email protected] http://centropriolo.spea.pt/en/
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5.0 based on 26 reviews

Priolo Environmental Center

The Interpretation Centre of Priolo was developed by SPEA in partnership with SRAM (Regional Secretariat of Environment and Sea) and DRRF (Regional Direction of Forestry Resources) during LIFE Priolo Project. Its mission is to raise awareness for the "Priolo" and its habitat, the Laurel Forest. "Priolo" is one of most threatened birds in Europe, existing only in the east part of the Island of São Miguel, where several actions to preserve and guarantee its survival have been carried, since 2003. Objectives: 1. Reception and information center for all visitors to the SPA ZPE Pico da Vara/Ribeira do Guilherme. 2. Create an activity program, aimed to the local population, that can contribute to improve their knowledge and awareness about native species in the Açores. 3. Offer an interesting educational program for schools all over the Azores. 4. Encourage sustaintable development in the region by selling local handcraft and alimentar products, and by developing Eco-tourism. 5. Develop a group of partners and volunteers, that can contribute to the conservation of the Priolo and its habitat. 6. Develop a structure to encourage research on the SPA Pico da Vara/Ribeira do Guilherme. The centre has many activities for the visitors all year round. Visitors will have access to an interactive exhibition that will help to have a better understanding of the flora, fauna and conservation actions present in the SPA Pico da Vara /Ribeira do Guilherme. The center also has a specially designed children area in which they can do activities related to Priolo and Azorean Laurel Forest.

5. Pico Mountain (Montanha do Pico)

Pico Portugal +351 967 303 519 http://climbingpicoazores.blogspot.pt/p/the-mountain.html?m=1
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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!

6. 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
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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!

7. 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
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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!

8. Furnas

Sao Miguel Portugal +351 296 584 436 http://www.greenzoneazores.com
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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.

9. Gruta das Torres

Criacao Velha, Pico Portugal +351 924 403 921 http://parquesnaturais.azores.gov.pt/en/pico-eng/what-visit/interpretation-centers/visitors-center-of-gruta-das-torres
Excellent
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4.5 based on 346 reviews

Gruta das Torres

10. Algar do Carvao

Estrada Algar Do Carvao Center of Island, Terceira Portugal
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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.

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