The Azores: A Tapestry of Taste, Tradition, and Timeless Beauty

São Miguel Island – A Symphony of Fire and Flavor

Guests began their journey on São Miguel Island with an early check-in at the charming Hotel do Colégio, a boutique treasure steeped in history and grace.As twilight fell, the first evening unfolded in the mystical Furnas Valley, where guests bathed beneath the stars in the naturally heated thermal waters. The scene was nothing short of magical — warm mist rising into the night air, illuminated by the soft glow of the volcanic landscape.

In Furnas, tradition and nature intertwined deliciously. Guests savored the famed "Cozido," a nourishing, flavorful dish slow-cooked underground by the geothermal steam of the Furnas volcano geysers — a centuries-old culinary marvel rooted in the earth itself.

The adventure continued to the eastern side of the island, with visits to the dramatic Iron Viewpoint and a luxurious soak at the Dona Beija hot springs, followed by restorative moments at the renowned Octant Hotels Furnas Spa.

The next day brought an exhilarating full-day private 4x4 tour from Ponta Delgada. Traversing hidden paths and verdant landscapes, guests discovered the only tea plantations in Europe and explored a pineapple farm where Azorean sweetness thrived. The day’s pinnacle was a visit to Termas da Ferraria, where hot volcanic waters merged with the Atlantic Ocean in a rare, soul-stirring phenomenon.

Evenings were devoted to culinary discovery. Guests joined a curated Wine and Food Evening Walking Tour in Ponta Delgada, sipping five of the Azores’ finest wines, savoring perfect food pairings, and gathering tales of a unique terroir shaped by volcanic soil and ocean winds. The tour culminated in a private fine-dining experience, a fitting grand finale to a night of epicurean delight. Amid leisurely days, lunches at Rita’s Vegetarian and dinner at the beloved Quinta dos Sabores provided fresh, vibrant flavors.

Guests explored at their own pace — perhaps swimming in Ribeira Grande’s pools, dining on seafood at Adacha, soaking in Caldeira Velha’s lush hot springs, or gazing over the breathtaking vistas at Boca do Inferno and Vista do Rei.

The island’s culinary highlights were unforgettable: grilled tuna at Bar Caloura, succulent octopus and pastel de feijão at Américo de Barbosa, traditional Cozido at Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, and local steaks at Associação Agrícola — each meal a celebration of São Miguel’s generous spirit.

Pico Island – Wine Born from Lava and Legend

On Pico Island, guests embarked on a soul-stirring journey through the birthplace of volcanic wines.

They wandered through the labyrinthine UNESCO-protected vineyards of Madalena, where vines clung defiantly to black lava rocks at the base of the towering Pico Mountain. Here, guests tasted the fruits of heroic viticulture — wines imbued with saline breezes and ancient minerals, lovingly crafted by hands that have labored the same soil for over 500 years.

Following a coastal walk through the vineyards, guests refreshed at a secluded natural swimming pool, a hidden gem among volcanic cliffs. Whether lounging under the sun or sharing local stories, this pause set the perfect stage for a rustic seafood tasting or an earthy local meal, depending on the island's ever-changing moods.

The adventure culminated in an intimate wine tasting with an emerging local producer, offering small-batch, low-intervention wines that captured the raw beauty of Pico’s land and spirit.Guests also visited historic tavernas and private cellars, forging connections with the artisans quietly revolutionizing Pico’s winemaking traditions.

Off the vineyard trails, days were spent swimming in the Piscinas Naturais de São Roque, exploring lava caves, visiting the Wine Museum in Madalena, or ferrying to Faial Island for botanical garden tours and beachside reveries.

Evenings were crowned with memorable meals, including an exceptional dinner at Bioma, where local ingredients sang in harmony with contemporary culinary artistry.

Terceira Island – A Celebration of Heritage and Heart

The Shipyard Angra, Angra do Heroísmo

Arriving on Terceira Island, guests settled into the stylishly modern Shipyard Angra hotel. A rejuvenating in-room massage awaited, setting the tone for days steeped in slow travel and soulful connection.

A bespoke private tour with Ivo invited guests to delve deep into Terceira’s layered history and natural splendor. From the panoramic views atop Monte Brasil to the sacred halls of a 1455 church and the colorful impérios, every stop echoed centuries of tradition.

At the Serra do Cume viewpoint, the patchwork of Terceira’s landscape unfurled beneath them, a breathtaking mosaic of green fields and winding stone walls. Gentle explorations continued through Praia da Vitória’s sandy shores and the sweeping beauty of Ilhéu das Cabras.

A highlight was a premium culinary journey:

• Tastings of artisanal pastries and Azorean cheeses

• Tours of local coffee and tea plantations

• A masterful lunch curated by one of Portugal’s 2023 MasterChef finalists, featuring delicacies like dry-aged sirloin, Azorean pineapple salads, and decadent strawberry pavlova.

In the geological wonder of Algar do Carvão, guests marveled at the raw volcanic forces that shaped the island. Biscoitos' lava pools offered tranquil swims among ancient stone formations, a fitting tribute to nature’s artistry.

Further indulgences included vineyard tours with tastings of local wine, liqueurs, and moonshine, and a charming stop for artisan ice cream — a sweet, final note to days rich with discovery.

Cycling the wild west of Terceira on e-bikes offered one last exhilarating glimpse of the island’s rugged beauty and historic heart. Gastronomy, tradition, music, and nature wove together seamlessly, leaving each traveler with vivid memories and a deep, abiding connection to these remarkable islands.