Portugal's Azores Islands: The Hawai'i of Europe

Hiking; Landscape

After an easy, 5-hour direct flight from New York City to Sao Miguel, the Azores' largest island, my partner and I made our way to the tiny island of Flores. Flores was our favorite island in the Azores, and the flowers that populate every inch of the scenery did not disappoint. We stayed at the adorable Aldeia da Cuada, which had the most calming salt-water pool and delicious homemade breakfasts. My first day, I booked a last-minute 90-minute massage, which the hotel was able to accommodate no problem.

Aldeia da Cuada; Flores

After three days of hiking and swimming beneath the majestic Bacalhau waterfall, we were ready for our next destination, Pico Island. Pico is known for its volcanic soil that yields unique wine profiles. We stayed at the design hotel Azores Wine Company, which also happens to be a vineyard and home to one of the best tasting menus I've ever experienced! Our chef had literally pulled fresh seaweed from the water on his way to work and incorporated it into our dishes.

Bacalhau; Hot Springs

Landscape

Back on Sao Miguel, our last stop, we found that we had only just scratched the surface of what the Azores had to offer. Each day, we discovered a new beach to relax on or hot springs to indulge in. Our hotel, the enchanting Octant Furnas, even had its own natural thermal pools and a decadent spa.

Beach

Overall, the Azores are for adventurers who like to be pulled out of their comfort zones — but that doesn't mean they aren't extremely luxurious at the same time. While my body was sore from long hikes and canyoning myself down waterfalls, the reward of bathing in hot springs was all the sweeter.

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