ACTIVITIES, TOURS AND SPECIAL EXPERIENCES
With it's volcanic heritage and the mild climate all year round, the islands of the Azores come with their very own not to be missed range of cultural, culinary and traditional experiences.
A visit to the Gorreana Tea plantation
Visit the oldest, still running tea factory in Europe! Founded in 1883 Gorreana Tea remains a family business and produces high-quality tea, hundreds of kilometers away from industrial pollution in the lush mountains of the vast family estate in the Azores. Enjoy a self-guided tour through the extensive plantations and watch the entire production process from picking to packaging. Most of the machines are dating back to the 19th and early 20th century and are still in use today. Visiting Gorreana Tea is informative as well as entertaining and showcases a great example of a local success story in the Azores.
​
Cook your own Cozido over thermal heat
Your visit to the Azores wouldn't be complete without witnessing this unique local way to prepare this hearty traditional dish. You can either join in a full day cooking experience or venture around the hot spring area of Furnas where those hot Cozidos are bubbling away over a couple of hours. If you opt for the cooking experience, you will first join into the preparation of the traditional Azores version of the traditional dish - help preparing the vegetables, potatoes, meats and chorizos in a large fireproof pot. You will then make your way to the geothermal area of Furnas, where your Cozido is lowered underground to cook away slowly over the steam heat of the natural springs for a couple of hours. Take your time to venture around Furnas, visit the thermal Terra Nostra Baths or the local SPA before enjoying your sumptuous meal at the end of the day.
​
Cook your Meal in the countryside at a stately quinta
Are you ready to travel back in time and take part in a truly authentic Azores experience? Then join this 7-hour tour and become part of a local family for one day. In the morning you will help with rural daily routines such as taking care of animals or helping out in the fields. Afterwards it is time to get started on preparing a traditional meal from fresh produce. You will be using a typical hot wooden oven and learn how people cook and eat in the Azores. Despite enjoying delicious food you will be making friends and above all get a precious insight into Azores‘ customs.
​
The soothing thermal waters at Terra Nostra Baths
Enjoying a bath in Terra Nostra Thermal Water Pool is the pinnacle of relaxation when visiting the Azores. Located in an extensive Botanical Garden, the 35 to 40 degree hot water contains essential minerals that promise a unique sensation of wellness and help to restore your energy. The region of Furnas where it is located is in fact a volcanic crater and hence one of the most active thermal locations worldwide. It comprises a large number of volcanic springs and bath locations with Terra Nostra being the most spectacular one in the Azores. Come and enjoy, leave restored and content!
​
A guided tour to explore historical Horta Walking
Horta is one of the major cities in the Azores Archipelago and well worth a visit! Its colonial Portuguese architecture is typical for the Azores and an integral part of the local culture. A walking tour is the best way to discover the historical centre of Horta. It will take between 2-4 hours and lead you to the most important sites including the castle built in 1567, the church and former convent of St. Francis and the picturesque harbour. The latter is a regular meeting point for yachts and other boats on their way across the Atlantic Ocean which makes Horta an important seafarer centre.
​
Explore UNESCO world heritage in Angra do Heroísmo
Angra do Heroísmo is an historically important city in the Azores and has been its capital twice in the past. It is located on the island of Terceira which received its name - meaning the Third - due to its discovery by the Portuguese as third island of the Azores archipelago. In 1983 Angra was declared UNESCO World Heritage site because of its historical town centre. Its epithet “do Heroísmo“ it received due to the bravery of its people when it was defending the city against a Miguelist assault, supporters of absolutism in Portugal, in 1829. Take your time strolling through the city, taking in its rich culture and special atmosphere!
​
A day out to discover the UNESCO listed Pico wine cultivation
Enjoy a great day out in one of the Azores‘ most famous landscapes! On the island of Pico visitors can you go on a full-day wine tour visiting the beautiful vineyards and tasting some of the most delicious wines the Azores have to offer. Surrounded by magnificent nature the black lava fields are a landmark of Pico Island. Learn about the process of wine making in the Wine Museum and from your passionate wine experts who are leading you through the experience. A treat for your palate and your mind.
​
The legendary Sete Cidades lakes
Sete Cidades is also known as the Land of Tales. Due to its uniquely beautiful nature, many legends evolve around this mystical landscape of volcanic craters and glistening lakes. It is even believed that the underwater city of Atlantis lies here in this part of the Azores archipelago. Whether this is true or not it definitely is a place worth visiting and an unforgettable experience of peacefulness and serenity when looking down onto this natural wonder of the Azores. It is like travelling back in time and witnessing the end of an era and the beginning of a new one with these big volcanic craters, now filled with mesmerizing lakes dominating the mountains.
​
Fãja Islands hopping on São Jorge
Fãja islands alluvial fans creating natural extensions at the bottom of cliffs, forming tiny peninsulas and beautiful bays along the shores of the Azores. Fãjas can be found all over the archipelago, but São Jorge Island has the highest concentration of Fãjas and also some of the most stunning ones. Formed by ancient volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago, they still remain in the sea like flat, randomly shaped landmass. “Fãja Hopping“ is a great way of exploring this unique and impressive coastline in the Azores. Most of the Fãjas are inhabited and have historically been used to grow fruit, vegetables and crops due to their fertile soil. Whilst some of them are only accessible by sea, others are challenging to get to over land. Visiting the Fãja islands is definitely an adventure not to be missed when in the Azores!
​
Capelinhos Volcano - from ashes to lush green
Capelinhos Volcano in Faial is the only volcano in the Azores that last erupted in the 20th century. In 1957 and 1958 hot lava spewed out of the crater and its impact on the surrounding landscape can still be seen today. Only slowly vegetation is claiming back the surface with lush green breaking through the dark, but fertile soil. A natural phenomenon that can hardly be witnessed anywhere else as many of the volcanoes - even in the Azores - haven‘t been active in centuries. Therefore visiting the Capelo Peninsula is a unique experience letting its visitors gain an an insight into the impressive volcanic territory of the Azores archipelago.
​
A day of culture on Pico Island
The island of Pico is a playground for nature and outdoor adventures with its immense volcanic cone of Mount Pico inviting for hiking and amazing landscapes of black lava stones that are contrasting the bright green of ferns, vines and moss. But Pico is also a perfect island for a cultural day out. Museu dos Baleeiros gives insight into the history of whaling on the island just like the Museu da Indústria Baleeira, located in Santa Cruz das Ribeiras. It focuses on the whaling industry and its impact on the local communities.
Museu do Pico, in the town of Madalena, covers various aspects of Pico Island's history, geology, and local life, while the nearby Museu do Vinho will attract wine enthusiasts as it showcases the history and tradition of winemaking on Pico Island, including the unique "currais" vineyard walls that are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Of course, a visit to the wineries to taste the unique wines of Pico Island cannot be missed!
​
Contact us for an individual quote, visit our Azores adventures and Azores family adventures for touring inspiration or check out our selection of outdoor activities and family-friendly adventures on the Azores.
