The Azores islands off the coast of Portugal are gaining in popularity. They are a well-rounded holiday hotspot with something for everyone. Outdoor adventure is only a stone’s throw away. The unspoiled natural beauty found here is hard to surpass. Let us guide you through the range of activities and goings-on to get involved in.
Big game fishing
The sea reaches depths of up to 1,000m around the Azores. This makes for extremely good big game fishing between the islands. It is regarded as one of the best spots in the world. Huge Atlantic blue marlin tend to be an especially good catch for the day as well as white marlin, tuna and various species of shark such as hammerheads. A plethora of smaller fish such as barracuda and dorado can also be found. Any fish caught are released in accordance with guidelines. The charter makes for a challenging and exciting trip to sea. The optimum fishing season runs from early July to September. During this time, you’ll find plenty of big game fishing trips departing from the harbours. Even if there is a member of the group who doesn’t fish, they are invited along to spot other marine life such as turtles and more.
Whale and dolphin watching
Continuing the water-based theme, whale and dolphin watching is an incredibly popular activity. As with big game fishing, there are an abundance of boat trips to choose from. The skippers will know the best places to spot these mammoth mammals of the ocean. The most frequently spotted species of whale include sperm and pilot whales, beaked whales and false killer whales. Dolphins also frolic frequently in the waters. You’ll be likely to see several species of these too. The skippers will keep you informed the entire time. They will help you to identify the different species. They’ll also provide more information about them whilst you snap desperately with your camera! It can be challenging to get a good shot before they duck beneath the surface again. A whale and dolphin watching trip is sure to be a more than memorable experience.
Outdoor adventure – 4×4 tours
Get off the beaten tourist track and onto the literal beaten track on a 4×4 tours on the island of Sao Miguel. The tour guides can take you into the very depths of the island without fear of getting lost. They’ll lead you to see parts of the island that are rarely touched by visitors. The tour will allow you to climb steep tracks and thrilling trails. You will also be taken to see some of the more popular areas. You won’t be off-road the entire time but the comfort and convenience of the 4x4s is a welcome way to get around and see the best bits of this stunning archipelago. Choose from a half day or full day tour.
Hiking
The varied terrain and beautiful scenery in the Azores ensures wondrous hiking throughout the year. Embark on an outdoor adventure and witness the volcanoes, hidden waterfalls, lush valleys, and enchanting forests. Breathe in the sea air of the azure Atlantic Ocean surrounding you. Take the challenge of the mountains or trample down near to the coastline. Whichever spot you choose, you will rewarded with fantastic views and challenging but enjoyable trails. The impressive Sete Cicades Lake which rests inside a large crater is a popular spot to visit. It has some excellent trails which can be found in the vicinity. That said, whether you choose to hike on the island will most certainly be rewarding.
Travel to the Azores and get involved in the activities on offer on these unspoiled and enchanting islands!
Have you ever been? What did you get up to on your trip here? Add your suggestions and experiences in the comments.
