33 Best Sights in The Azores, Portugal
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We’ve compiled the best of the best in The Azores - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
Azores Wine Company
Pico’s wine-growing landscape can be challenging, with its volcanic soil and proximity to the sea, but a new generation of winemakers is recovering neglected vineyards and putting Pico wine back on the map. The young Azores Wine Company was founded in 2014 with the goal of making minimal-intervention wines using traditional Azorean grapes, particularly the white varieties Terrantez do Pico, Arinto dos Açores, and Verdelho. Besides single varietal wines, they also produce white, red, and rosé blends. Visitors can stop by to hear their story and taste their wines, as well as to buy bottles to take home. There are also five apartments set among the volcanic rock where wine lovers can spend the night, plus a restaurant.
Caldeira
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Caldeiras da Lagoa das Furnas
Cooperativa Vitivinícola da Ilha do Pico
This cooperative was formed in 1949 by a group of local winemakers; by 1961, they had started producing wine using the traditional Verdelho, Arinto, and Terrantez grape varieties. Output remained small until the early 1990s, when the production processes were modernized and more varieties were introduced, including in 1997 the first fortified wine with a distilled spirit added (Lajido), and in 2001, the first sweet fortified wine (Angelica). Today, the cooperative is the largest wine producer in the Azores, with about 240 members growing grapes. Book well in advance or try your luck stopping by for a tour of the wine production facility.
Lajido
Montanha do Pico
Visible from many locations around Pico—unless it’s shrouded in fog and clouds, as is often the case—and even more visible from across the water in Faial, 7,713-foot Mt. Pico is the highest mountain in Portugal. Past eruptions have occurred on its flanks rather than from the summit, the most recent back in 1720. If you want to hike up Mt. Pico, you can start at the Casa da Montanha (Mountain House) at 4,035 feet. Though it’s not a difficult climb, it can still be quite challenging as the path is steep with uneven rocks; depending on your experience level, consider hiring a guide to accompany you. Come early or book online to be guaranteed a hiking spot, as hikers are limited to 120 per day. Bring photo ID to register.
Monte Brasil
This extinct volcano on the far west side of Angra, which can be seen from all over town, is now a deer-filled nature reserve with many trails winding throughout the area. Whether you drive or walk from town, you’ll first come across the Fortaleza de São João Baptista, a late-16th-century fort that’s still in use by the Portuguese army. You can only enter the fort itself by taking a free tour, which runs nearly every hour and is led by a soldier stationed there. Farther up the mountain, the best lookouts to stop at are Pico das Cruzinhas, Pico do Zimbreiro, and Pico do Facho, the highest point on Monte Brasil. There are picnic tables where you can rest, as well as a children’s play area.
Parque Terra Nostra
Poça da Dona Beija Hot Springs
Ponta da Ferraria
Praia de Porto Pim
Praia de Santa Bárbara
Praia do Almoxarife
Casa dos Vulcões
Centro de Interpretação Ambiental da Caldeira Velha
Centro de Interpretação da Paisagem da Cultural da Vinha da Ilha do Pico
Centro de Interpretacao do Vulcao dos Capelinhos
Forte de São Brás
Used as a military support hub during World War I and II and still partly in use today by the naval forces, this 16th-century fort on the far west side of Ponta Delgada’s waterfront houses a compact yet comprehensive museum chronicling the country's military history up to colonial times. Inside the museum, you’ll find collections of weaponry, uniforms, photos, and military vehicles, along with temporary exhibits such as the role of the Azores during World War II. Finish your visit with a walk along the ramparts to see the lovely harbor views.
Gruta do Natal
Jardim Duque da Terceira
Lagoa das Sete Cidades
The breathtaking Blue and Green Lakes (Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde) of Sete Cidades are one of the most photographed sights on the island of Sāo Miguel—and for good reason. If at all possible, plan your visit for a clear day, when one lake appears to be robin’s egg blue and the other jade green. The best way to see the lakes is from one of the vantage points high above, especially Vista do Rei, which has its own parking area. The viewpoint at Boca do Inferno offers what many visitors consider an even better view, overlooking not only the lakes, but also the entire volcano-shaped landscape. You can start a hike from either viewpoint, or at Lagoa Verde itself—though keep in mind that while this hike starts off easy, it becomes more difficult as it climbs up and down through the woods.
Miradouro de Nossa Senhora da Conceiçāo
Museu Carlos Machado
Museu da Horta
Museu de Angra do Heroísmo
Museu do Vinho
Museu dos Baleeiros
Whaling was a major industry in Pico up until the end of the 20th century. This small museum, set inside a former whaleboat warehouse, screens a movie (available in English) explaining the history of the whaling industry on the island along with historic photos and interesting displays showing some of the tools and equipment used in whale hunting. The exhibits offer an interesting look at this important part of the Azores’ history.