The Azores, a nine-island archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean west of mainland Portugal, has been named one of Europe's most beautiful places to visit by Lonely Planet. The destination, often compared to Hawaii and dubbed the 'new Canaries', is just a four-hour flight from the UK.
Why the Azores Stand Out
Lonely Planet highlighted the Azores as the best for a 'remote island escape', noting the islands have been "long overlooked" and are like "stepping stones to another world". The archipelago features subtropical gardens, forests, and "brilliantly blue caldera lakes" that attract nature lovers.
Recommended activities include "floating in the dazzlingly turquoise thermal waters of Caldeira Velha on São Miguel island, hiking through botanical gardens brimming with azaleas, camellias and hydrangeas on Flores, gasping out loud as sperm whales and humpbacks emerge from the deep blue on Faial, or climbing up to Mt Pico's cloud-shredding, 2351m cone for sensational views across the archipelago."
Getting There and Costs
Direct flights operate from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL), with a journey time of just over four hours. Prices start from £118 per person, according to Skyscanner, with limited availability.
Visitors can also enjoy remarkably affordable prices. A pint typically costs around €1.50 (£1.28), while a meal at a local restaurant ranges from €10 to €15 (£8.57 and £12.85) per person, or €30 (£25.70) at a popular establishment.
Top Spots on São Miguel
São Miguel Island, also known as the 'Green Island', is the largest in the archipelago and is famed for its twin-crater lake, Sete Cidades, which boasts contrasting blue and green-tinted waters. It is recognised as one of Portugal's seven natural wonders.
The island offers dramatic volcanic beaches with black sand and crystal-clear waters, including Praia de Santa Bárbara, a surfing hotspot, and Praia dos Mosteiro, with heated rock pools. The offshore islet at Vila Franca do Campo features a curved sunken volcanic crater forming a natural swimming pool.
Direct flights from the UK to the Azores depart from London Heathrow via British Airways, typically operating during the summer months. Other UK airports, such as London Gatwick and Manchester, offer one-stop options via carriers including TAP Air Portugal, connecting through Lisbon or Porto, or SATA Azores Airlines, via mainland Portugal or North America connections.
