The Azores, an autonomous Portuguese archipelago, have been dubbed the 'Hawaii of Europe' for their tropical landscapes and Caribbean-style luxury, yet they remain relatively undiscovered and more affordable than their Pacific counterpart.
Travel expert Gavin Lapidus of eShores describes the islands as 'Europe's best-kept secret', highlighting dramatic coastlines, mystical crater lakes, and world-class whale watching. Each of the nine islands has its own character, from Sao Miguel's thermal pools to Pico's iconic mountain.
Sao Miguel, the largest island and main entry point, offers whale and dolphin watching opportunities, including bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales, and blue whales. Visitors can explore the twin blue and green lakes of Sete Cidades and relax in the thermal pools of Furnas Valley and Terra Nostra Park.
Other islands include Pico, home to Portugal's highest mountain and local wine production; Faial, with its praised beaches; and Flores, known for waterfalls and volcanic craters. British Airways and Ryanair operate direct flights from the UK to Sao Miguel, taking just over four hours.
The best time to visit is between April and September for whale watching, while July and August are warmest but busiest. Portuguese is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
