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Top of the best tours in Azores and activities

Do you want to explore the archipelago of the Azores and discover the wonders present in islands such as São Miguel, Terceira and Flores? Then, read this article and get to know my suggestions for the best activities and tours in Azores so that your visit to the archipelago becomes one to remember.

Top of the best tours in Azores and activities

Whale and dolphin watching

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My first suggestion is this magnificent experience with a duration of three to eight hours, depending on the activity you choose.

Before starting this adventure in the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, know that you will first get to watch a brief presentation about the class of cetaceans, which includes whales and dolphins.

After getting the basics of what awaits you, the time has come to get on board a boat and set out in search of the beautiful marine animals. Know that the boat will be piloted by an experienced captain and have a team ready to assist you whenever necessary. Among other elements, you will have the support of marine biologists or experienced guides ready to tell you a little more about the beautiful animals that live in these waters.

You can enjoy this experience leaving from the island of São Miguel (click this link or this link). For these reasons, I believe that this is, without a doubt, one of the best tours in Azores.

Jeep or van tours in Azores

tours in Azores
© Kévin Langlais on Unsplash

Do you have little time to discover the island you are on or are going to visit in the Azores? Then, don’t hesitate and opt for a jeep / van tour that will take you to some of the most touristy and beautiful spots.

On the island of São Miguel, you can opt for a unique experience that divides the day in two: in the morning, you will go on a boat trip to admire cetaceans passing through this archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. After the boat ride, you can enjoy a delicious lunch that will take you on a flavour trip to local gastronomy and, in the afternoon, you will go to the beautiful Lagoa do Fogo.

If you are staying in São Miguel, do not hesitate to explore the whole island. In the west side of the island, discover magnificent sites such as the lagoons Lagoa das Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo. In the east side of the island you will have the opportunity to admire the beautiful location of Furnas as well as the tea plantations.

tours in Azores

Do you want to escape the main tourist routes on the island of São Miguel? Then, go on this tour and discover some of the island’s hidden gems in the company of an experienced guide.

Terceira is another island where you will have the opportunity to go by jeep / van to the best points of interest where you can admire natural pools, the interior of a sleeping volcano and, of course, the breathtaking landscape. Know that this activity is probably the easiest and fastest way to get to know Terceira. Alternatively, choose this tour that will take you to all the points of interest: rural, environmental and natural.

If you want to book a shorter activity, that lasts 4 hours, then you can click here. Starting early in the morning or right after lunch, explore the coastline and go inland on a jeep that will take to some of the most beautiful places on the island, always in the company of a knowledgeable guide.

Walking tours in Azores

When choosing a walking tour, know that you will enter a unique and unforgettable adventure that will take you to the best locations and show you the best landscapes the various islands of the Azores have to offer.

Whether you choose easier or more difficult routes, the truth is that you will be amazed by the various treasures that this archipelago has to offer: discover the beautiful round hiking trail of Salto do Cabrito or Lagoa do Fogo in São Miguel, the volcanic landscape or be astonished by the seascape in Terceira island. These are, without a doubt, breathtaking landscapes and authentic locations that you cannot miss!

Taking a walking route alone is a fantastic experience, but being able to do it with a local guide is even better as it will give you the chance to learn more about the history and formation of the island you are visiting.

Gastronomic tour

One of the best ways for a person to get to know a place is through its gastronomy and, as you know, Portugal is well known for its divine dishes and tasty snacks. The Azores are no exception and you will certainly want to know a little more about its gastronomy through a gastronomic tour.

On Terceira Island you can choose to go on a tour where you will discover the authenticity of this island through gastronomy, with tastings of cheeses, local pastries and sausages, and the local delicacy, top sirloin steak.

As an alternative, you can choose a gastronomic tour through Ponta Delgada, São Miguel. This activity lasts 3 hours, so there is a lot to discover and taste in the streets of this beautiful city!

Historic tour

Like mainland Portugal, the islands of the Azores also have a very rich history that stretches over several years until the first half of the 15th century with the discovery of the island of Santa Maria.

When choosing an activity like this, know that you will have the opportunity to discover and explore with experienced guides the historic centres of the most important cities in this archipelago: Ponta Delgada, in São Miguel, and Angra do Heroísmo, in Terceira.

tours in Azores

Lose yourself in the picturesque streets of these cities and admire the religious and military architecture as well as other points of interest that stand out there. Once, important stopping points for boats going to or coming from America, these cities are recognised worldwide for their beauty and Angra do Heroísmo is even a World Heritage Site.

Other activities

Since the archipelago consists of nine islands, it is only natural that there is no shortage of activities for all tastes. Below, you’ll find other activities that may interest you, activities that show the best these islands have to offer.

Do you want to discover the volcanic past of Terceira island? If that’s the case, book this 4-hour activity that will take you to the centre of the island and, more specifically, to the caves Gruta do Natal, Furnas de Enxofre and Algar de Carvão. An experience you don’t want to miss!

For the island of São Miguel, I have some activities that will make your visit memorable. Do not hesitate and start by booking a canoe that will take you on a visit to Lagoa das Sete Cidades.

Leaving from Ponta Delgada marina, you can choose to go to the high seas where you can enjoy a unique experience: swimming with dolphins.

Explore nature in its purest state, in the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, and venture into rappel, hiking and much more in an unforgettable experience.

Do you want to try canyoning on this island? Don’t miss the opportunity to discover some of the most beautiful waterfalls like the one of Salto do Cabrito.

Do you want to experience something different during your stay on Terceira island? Book this activity and go to a farm where you can milk a cow and taste its milk; also try the region’s wine and cheese and a traditional meal.

Information: all the links for these tours in Azores are affiliate links to local businesses, meaning if you book one of the mentioned activities, I’ll earn a small commission. You won’t pay more for using these links.

Are you going to visit Azores? Then don’t hesitate to book your hotel room, your car and the best activities by clicking the links below. This way you are helping me in the development of my blog and I’ll be able to offer you free tips and travel guides so that you can better prepare your visit to Portugal. Thank you!

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