If you’re a travel trendsetter, you need to know that the Azores is one of this year’s hottest destinations. Explore the lush Atlantic playground of Sao Miguel Island with KARRYON regular Zoe Macfarlane.
The Azores is a nine-island archipelago off the coast of Portugal that needs pointing out on a map to most. The island of Sao Miguel is arguably the fun capital, with a range of natural wonders, adventure activities and exquisite views to seduce.
Sleepy Streets
Ponta Delgadais Sao Miguel’s hub and a base for many. Skip staying here, instead spend a half-day wandering the sleepy cobbled streets, exploring historical buildings or walking alongside the Atlantic’s rough ocean waters.
Black & White
The Breathtaking WHITE Boutique Property.
Ten minutes down the road from Ponta Delgada is the sleepy village of Lagoa. Here the black sand beaches and rugged granite rocks provide a stunning coastal base. It’s here that my island highlight, the newly opened WHITE, is located.
This imposing boutique property was once a manor and wine storage area. The whitewashed walls and clean architecture work in harmony with the Atlantic, a few metres below. Each room opens out to awe-inspiring ocean views, with carefully designed hangout spots to view the sunset. It’s heaven.
Go Green
Miguel from Azores Greenmarket.
While a rental car is recommended to explore Sao Miguel, it’s not crucial as there is a range of touring options available to explore the lush volcanic landscape.
Sao Miguel’s only eco-tour operator, Azores Greenmark delivered great island insights; with guide Miguel breathing life into the landscape.
Azores locals have a saying that they have five seasons in one day but I was blessed with good weather. My view of the iconic Sete Cidades was uninterrupted by both clouds and tourists. These seven volcanic lakes are picture-perfect. Opt to hike the rim or take the lookout shortcut.
At the iconic Lagoa do Fogo, make the short hike down to the chilly waters. Most just snap and go.
Chasing Waterfalls
Canyoning with FUN Activities Adventures.
Adventure tourism is a growing business in the Azores so I threw my hand up for a day of canyoning with Fun Activities Adventures.
Jovial guides Paolo and Joao geared us up in wetsuits, boots, and helmets before we began our adventure, rappelling the rapid waters of Salto do Cabrito waterfall.
It didn’t take long to find the rhythm required to walk the streams, scale the rocks and launch into the big falls. Plunging into the thick rapids, surrounded by Jurassic Park-esque scenery, I was reminded why I love adventure travel so much.
A Sweet Stay
The rest of my stay was at the Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort. Environmentally friendly villas stand sentry over the celebrated Santa Barbara surf beach. Fun fact – it’s only 4km from the charming town of Ribeira Grande, where a delicious chocolate shop tempts with fruit-filled morsels.
Effortless Greetings
The people of Sao Miguel were welcoming and generous throughout my stay. One local, Ana, who I met at the iron-rich thermal pools of Poco Dona Beija, generously offered to show me more of the island, relaying stories throughout that only a local can.
The Azores provides ample reasons to earn that 2018 standout accolade but it’s the local’s warmth and generosity that will see me return.