A picturesque European island known for its dramatic landscapes, lush greenery, and unique culture is as pretty as Maldives.

The Azores is a stunning archipelago of nine volcanic islands located in the North Atlantic Ocean, about 1,360 km (850 miles) west of mainland Portugal. 

Located just two hours away from the UK, the Azores are an autonomous region of Portugal and a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

The islands were formed by volcanic activity, leading to a landscape of craters, hot springs, lava tubes, and volcanic peaks.

Picturesque crater lakes like Lagoa das Sete Cidades on São Miguel and Lagoa do Fogo are must-see attractions.

The Azores boast a rich array of plant life and serve as a haven for bird watchers and marine life enthusiasts.

Hot springs, fumaroles, and geysers, such as those in Furnas on São Miguel, add a touch of magic to the region.

The Azores are one of the best places in the world for observing whales and dolphins. They are a hotspot for diving, with opportunities to explore underwater volcanic formations and shipwrecks.

The island enjoys a mild maritime climate, with temperatures typically ranging from 14C to 25C throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for year-round travel.

Getting there is also not very difficult as there are several airports, with Ponta Delgada (São Miguel) and Lajes (Terceira) being the primary international gateways. Regular flights connect the islands to mainland Portugal, Europe, and North America.

Ferries and short flights are available to explore multiple islands during your visit.

Several travellers who have been to these beautiful islands have been left mesmerised by their untouched beauty. 

One person wrote on TripAdvisor travel forum: “The Azores are very photogenic with the small seaside villages and white houses with tile roofs. The people are quite friendly, and lots of them speak English. The language has a very French influence, so they could not understand our Spanish very well. 

“The Portuguese language is similar but very different in many words. The hydrangea bushes are the most beautiful I have ever seen, and they grow wild everywhere. We stayed in a hotel on the coast; the cliffs and ocean views were spectacular. 

“We also enjoyed Santa Maria Island for its friendly people and laid-back atmosphere. The best airline to take there is SATA. It flies directly to the islands from Boston and goes out on Tuesdays and Fridays from Boston and Saturdays from Providence. The food on the plane was very good.”

A second person wrote: “Discovery of this small Portuguese island during a transatlantic crossing to New York. 

“Arriving at the port, you absolutely have to take a taxi to go around the island: magnificent lakes, cows everywhere, mid-mountain landscapes with magnificent hydrangea massifs along the roads, it's really a little gem!”

A third person said: “The volcanic peaks of the Azores that rise out of the Atlantic and are said to be the legendary "Atlantis" are green, peaceful and very beautiful. 

“The people are all friendly and helpful. Depending on the time of year, there are great masses of hydrangeas in flower, now just about over, but the air is full of the scent of big areas of wild ginger, an attractive yellow.

“The main features are the dozens of volcanic cones and sunken volcanoes where you find lovely lakes. A rented car is the best for getting as round. Roads are good. We have used economic accommodation as we have found it each day. All are spotlessly clean and friendly owners, whether a hostel or hotel.

“The lovely gardens were a real surprise. Huge mature trees were planted over 200 years ago. All landscaped in a delightful way, lakes, specialised areas of camellias etc.”