Anyone visiting the Azores should, above all, bring time with them – life here follows a different rhythm than on the European mainland. But with a little patience and a few words of Portuguese, you'll quickly gain the trust of the islanders. Their way of life is strongly influenced by the forces of nature, and agriculture is still the main source of income for many families today. The cultivation of tea, pineapples, and wine, in particular, has a long tradition on the islands.

The landscape of the Azores is a stunning interplay of elements. Clear waters meet steep cliffs, dense forests alternate with volcanic craters and vast, flowering meadows. Hot springs and geysers bear witness to the geothermal activity that shaped the archipelago. Some even believe the Azores could be the last remnants of the legendary Atlantis.

A special highlight awaits visitors in July: This is when the roadsides and fields of the Azores transform into a sea of ​​deep blue hydrangea hedges – a breathtaking sight that immerses the islands in an almost magical atmosphere.

The Azores are actually just the peaks of a massive underwater mountain range, roughly 8.000 meters high. The oldest island in the archipelago, Santa Maria, originated about 15 million years ago, during Pico It rose from the Atlantic Ocean only about 2.500 years ago. Today, the volcano of the same name towers majestically into the sky and, at 2.351 meters, is the highest mountain in Portugal. Climbing it is not only a sporting challenge but also rewards climbers with one of the most spectacular views in the country.