Island Adventures in the Azores

The Azores (Açores) are volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. They are part of Portugal and the European Union, but they are a world unto themselves. This is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and the culturally curious.

The National Geographic | Lindblad expedition is the perfect way to explore every day on six of the nine islands. Their all-inclusive package gives you plenty of choices at each port, including easy or strenuous hikes, or a more accessible bus or walking tours.

The Orion in Horta port

Spacious and elegant stateroom

The first stop on Pico Island was an amazing first impression, with its UNESCO world heritage site, Vinhas da Criação Velha region (Old Creation Vineyards). A patchwork of vineyard corrals, built with lava stone walls and dotted with bright red gates, stretching for miles. The total length of all these walls would wrap around the equator twice! Mind blowing!

UNESCO, Vinhas da Criação (Old Creation Vineyards) with Pico volcano

Next was our hike along the coastal lava trail on Faial Island leading to the Volcano Interpretation Center beside the most recent 1957 eruption. I loved the town of Horta, where Peter Café Sport has been serving their famous gin & tonic since 1918. Each island has its own unique character.

Peter Café Sport in Horta on Faial island

I could not get enough of the jaw-dropping emerald fields, miles of black and white calçada Portuguese sidewalks, decorative heritage buildings, and sweeping coastlines. The National Geographic photographers let me borrow a professional digital camera for the entire trip, and I got photo tips from them every day.

After another superb meal, our evenings were filled with fascinating insights from our onboard naturalists, historians, and marina biologists, who shared daily underwater videos of life around the ship.

This is definitely in the top five destinations of the 35 countries I’ve been to so far. I know you will love it!

Capelinhos Volcano on Faial Island

Lush green landscape and the town of Furnas inside a volcano

Touring the lava flows on the ship’s zodiac boat.

Thermal baths in Terra Nostra Garden and Hotel

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Azores page.

The expedition starts and ends in Ponta Delgada on the main island of San Miguel. There are direct flights from major eastern North American cities or through Lisbon if you want to extend your travels before or after.

As always, I recommend staying at least one night before departure. The Hotel Marina Atlântico is great and is where the ship’s hospitality suite is located. You can drop off your baggage the next morning and spend a few hours exploring the town before boarding late afternoon.

After disembarking the ship, stay for a couple more days, rent a car, and explore San Miguel Island. It’s very easy and safe to drive there. Take at least one day to explore the town of Furnas. Reserve your traditional Cozido lunch (meatlovers only) at Restaurante Tony’s, then go to the Fumarolas by the lake to see them take your meal out of the inground biothermal oven. Stay that night at the Hotel Terra Nostra. Their public gardens with thermal pools are private for hotel guests in the evening.

The Orion has got to be the best overall ship experience of the National Geographic | Lindblad expedition line. The staterooms are elegant, spacious, and very comfortable. The food is incredible. With a maximum of 102 passengers, there is an intimate atmosphere where you can get to know people over the week. The staff, many of whom have been onboard for decades, are so warm and welcoming. By the end of your voyage, they’ll feel like family. The next Orion sailing through the Azores is in June and July 2027. Contact me for more information.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Azores page.