Why Travel to the Azores on a Small Group Tour?
Last year we welcomed a small group to embark on a Small Group Tour Azores, a certified “Sustainable Tourism Destination” according to the Global Council for Sustainable Tourism. Located in the middle of the Atlantic, it is easy to visit the Azores, only a 5 hour flight from New York or Boston or a 2.5 flight from Lisbon. Known as the “Hawaii of the Atlantic”, this stunning volcanic archipelago is the ultimate destination for sustainable, adventurous, luxury travel.
São Miguel Island Highlights
Santa Barbara Eco Resort
Small Group Tour Azores travellers enjoy a stay at Santa Barbara Eco Resort, the Azores’ first eco-resort, which combines sustainability, relaxation, and luxury. It is the perfect introduction to the island: massages were offered in the sea-view cabana, cocktails by the infinity pool, and yoga in the wellness centre. The resort overlooks a long black sand beach where deft surfers and bodyboarders flock to the best waves on the island.
Exploring Sete Cidades
Led by our local hiking guide, we set out to explore one of the most iconic sites of the Azores: the blue and green crater lakes of Sete Cidades. With picture postcard views and off the beaten path routes through the unique volcanic topography, we trekked along paths lined with the characteristic hydrangeas that bloom all summer.
We stopped for photos of unforgettable panoramas, sudden views of deep green lagoons in volcanic craters, and vistas of the sea and the endless horizon.
Marine Life at Ilheu de Vila Franca
Ilheu de Vila Franca is a striking half-sunken volcanic crater forming a perfectly circular swimming pool at its centre, and the protected home to a wide range of aquatic life in and around the islet. In a glass bottomed boat, local marine biologist Marina explained the history of the island and its multiple volcanic eruptions.
She identified the marine life we could see through the glass bottom as we circumnavigated the islet and we dived in to snorkel with colorful parrot fish, elegant triggerfish, and octopuses camouflaging themselves into the rock.
Geothermal Experiences in Furnas
Furnas is famous for its huge pots of stew cooked geothermally in the volcanic fumaroles (vents). To work up an appetite we rode ebikes through the lush volcanic valley, past waterfalls and rich greenery down to a small fishing village, before joining Paula at the historic Chalet da Tia Mercês for our Geothermal High Tea.
Paula is a biochemist who studies the microbiology and extremophiles of the volcanic environment andher deep understanding of the multiple geothermal springs, each with its own flavour profile, makes for a fascinating visit.
As well as serving us the delicious “cozido” she had prepared—recently extracted after six hours of slow cooking in volcanic heat—Paula introduced us to the green tea of the Azores, the only place in Europe where tea is grown.
While explaining the correct method for brewing green tea, she shared a local secret with us: purple tea, a rare chemical reaction between the tea and a specific geothermal spring water, which happens to have its outlet directly at the Chalet.
Adventure Travel on Pico Island
Unique Volcanic Landscapes
After the lush green of São Miguel, Pico, the youngest of the Azores islands, is primarily black, grey and brown with dark pumice and black basalt lava flows. All of the traditional buildings are built of black volcanic rock blocks, strikingly set against the bright red, orange or green shutters, window frames, and doors. On our Small Group Tour Azores, we stayed at the exclusive Adega do Fogo, a beautifully restored traditional liquor distillery. Combining black and red, it boasts an unforgettable view of Pico Mountain.
Climbing Pico Mountain or Whale Watching
Half of the group undertook the Pico Mountain hike with our guide Steffi, a challenging and extremely rewarding hike up this iconic peak. They reached the summit after a steep final scramble up Picinho, the baby volcanic cone that pokes out of the top of the mountain giving it its characteristic profile. The rest of the group opted for the other unmissable activity for travellers to the Azores: whale watching.
Home to a wide range of cetaceans, including a resident population of sperm whales, the Azores had a centuries-old tradition of whaling. In the middle of the Atlantic, it was a matter of food and survival.
Though whaling was banned several decades ago, the old skills have not been wasted: spotters, trained to spot whale blows from lookouts high on the hills and communicate their location to boats, collaborate with boats today to optimize the otherwise hit or miss experience of whale watching.
Through a crackling walkie-talkie an old man directed the boat left, right, forward, backward to encounter logging sperm whales, splashing pilot whales, and pods of bow-riding dolphins.
Diving Between Pico and Faial
The Azores archipelago attracts a wide range of sea life. We donned wetsuits and headed over to the neighbouring island of Faial to dive and snorkel in a sea life-rich sunken crater between the two islands. Beneath a shimmering shoal of mackerel, we encountered an enormous grouper up close and caught a glimpse of a shy hermit crab.
UNESCO Vineyards and Local Wines
Pico is home to the UNESCO-protected low-walled vineyards that grow despite the harsh environment, minimal topsoil, and ever-present Atlantic winds and sea spray. On our Small Group Tour Azores, we explore the result of this perseverance: a beautiful range of wines, particularly white wine, with an unforgettable hint of minerals and salt.
Farm-to-Table Dining
After a tour of the Azores Wine Company, we sat down for a spectacular six-course culinary journey paired with four wines. The young chef, who epitomizes sustainable farm-to-table principles, combined traditional recipes, locally grown or wildcrafted ingredients, abundant seafood, and products from the famous “happy cows” of the Azores with the refinement of haute cuisine.
Farewell and Final Reflection
During our delicious candle-lit farewell dinner, held al fresco with an open grill and a concert by local musicians performing traditional Azorean songs, we reflected on the adventures we had shared, the unforgettable meals we enjoyed, and the connections we made as we parted as friends.
Imagine yourself hiking volcanic peaks, tasting geothermal cuisine, and connecting with fellow adventurers. Our Small Group Tour Azores 2025 promises all this and more.
Reserve your spot before it’s gone!
