Carrie-Marie Bratley - Moon Azores

Porto Pim Beach.

Theres something quite thrilling about going to a destination relatively few people have heard of, like being part of an intrepid club or exploring uncharted territory. The Azores, European but isolated in the middle of the Atlantic, have been known to explorers since at least the 15th century but are a relatively recent discovery to tourists.

Landing on a small island in the middle of a vast ocean is sobering; the remoteness doesnt quite hit home until you look around and see endless sea from all sides. The heady fragrance of moist, fertile earth, sea salt, and hot basalt rock perfectly enhances the exoticness of the Azores, with their luxuriant, pristine landscapes, staggering volcanic features, and four-seasons-in-one-day weather. On this archipelago of nine islandssome of which have more cows than peopleyou can soak in steaming hot spring water even if its rainy, and cool off in craggy tidal pools when its hot. If youre a surfer, diver, or snorkeler, the Azorean coasts are a paradise, with good surfing conditions year-round and some of the most breathtaking dives in Europe. If water sports arent your thing, just enjoying the view is exhilarating. Trek through jungle-like forests, rolling green massifs, and lava plains, and enjoy a slow and simple pace of life among friendly and welcoming people.

Caldeira Velha thermal pool

Ajuda Hill

Topo Lighthouse

The influence of Portugal is evident throughout the islands, in genteel, colonial cities like Ponta Delgada on So Miguel and Angra do Herosmo on Terceira, and in the food, which often riffs on mainland classics like bacalhau and hearty stews. But floating more than 1,500 kilometers (1,000 mi) from the nearest landmass means everything has a twist. In Azorean cuisine, the surprise is the ingredients: fresh cheese, unique volcanic wines, pineapples, and even island-grown tea and coffee. In the culture, theres the influence of sailors and whalers who have frequented these Atlantic outposts, visible in famous port cities like Horta on Faial and in relics of the whaling industry like vigia watchtowers, now used to spot cetaceans for visitors enjoying some of the best whale-watching on the planet.

Its not hard to romanticize the Azores; theyre remote little islands of tranquility, belied by their huge character and overwhelmingly beautiful scenery. But its even harder to not want to go back once you been.

the landscape of So Jorge

Furnas Lake church.

Terra Nostra Park

Soaking in a hot spring in

Experiencing So Miguel islands famous from every angle, climbing to gorgeous viewpoints and kayaking on the calm, greenish water.

Sampling the best products, from cheese made from the islands happy cows, to tea, coffee, wine, and even pineapples.

Lingering in the picture-perfect historic center of on Terceira, the oldest town in the Azores and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Exploring some of the more than 70 These unique, lush geological formations left over from lava flows are one-stop destinations for hikes, surfing, and stunning views.

Summiting : This dormant volcano, the highest point in Portugal, towers over its eponymous island and calls to hikers around the world.

Sunning on , famed for their soft golden sand.

Taking in the salty, gritty atmosphere of the

Getting a sense of the Azores isolation in the blue vastness of the Atlantic from one of the islands .

Where to Go

The Azores might be part of Portugal, but the archipelago is sharply different from the mainland. Lush, verdant gems with pristine landscapes and nature-infused activities, each of the Azores nine islands boasts its own distinct character and appeal.