Azores: A Solo Traveler’s Paradise
Azores: A Solo Traveler's Paradise - Indulge in Local Cuisine and Wine at Your Own Pace
The Azores are home to a unique cuisine with influences from Portugal as well as local ingredients like freshly caught seafood. Savor the islands’ culinary delights by dining at your own relaxed pace.
Start your day with a Pastel de Nata, the famous custard tart pastry of Portugal. Pop into one of the many local bakeries or cafés to indulge in this sweet treat along with a strong Portuguese coffee. The pastries are freshly made each morning and provide a perfect start to your day of exploring.
For lunch, savor the ultra-fresh seafood caught just off the islands’ shores. Octopus, tuna, and bacalhau (salted cod) are island staples served simply grilled or in stews and rice dishes. Wash it down with a glass of local vinho verde, the slightly effervescent “green wine” produced in the Azores. With its bright acidity, vinho verde pairs beautifully with seafood.
In the afternoon, nosh on queijo, the dense cow and goat milk cheeses made across the islands. The rich flavor balances out the acidity of the vinho verde perfectly. Slow down and savor them with some bread and olives, enjoying the breezy ocean views.
For dinner, indulge in cozido das furnas, the Azores’ famous “furnace stew.” This meat and vegetable stew simmers underground, using the islands’ volcanic heat to cook it to perfection. Dig into hearty chunks of beef, pork, and chorizo soaked in the natural cooking juices.
What else is in this post?
- Azores: A Solo Traveler's Paradise - Indulge in Local Cuisine and Wine at Your Own Pace
- Azores: A Solo Traveler's Paradise - Soak in the Healing Thermal Springs and Spas
- Azores: A Solo Traveler's Paradise - Trek Through Lush Green Landscapes on Foot
- Azores: A Solo Traveler's Paradise - Meet Fellow Travelers at Cozy Hostels and Guesthouses
- Azores: A Solo Traveler's Paradise - Embark on Exhilarating Water Sports and Whale Watching
Azores: A Solo Traveler's Paradise - Soak in the Healing Thermal Springs and Spas
On São Miguel island, head to the Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande, a complex of various pools fed by two different springs. One is cooler at 95°F, providing relaxation, while the other reaches a scalding 140°F, ideal for relieving muscle pain and tension. Change pools as needed and admire panoramic Atlantic Ocean views as you soak.
On Santa Maria island, visit the natural volcanic pools at the Baías de São Lourenço. Nestled along the coastline, these rock-lined pools fill up during high tide. Wade in during low tide to benefit from the pools’ natural infusions of lithium and magnesium, which boost mood and aid sleep. Nearby hiking trails lead through pine forests to more hidden pools prime for soaking weary feet after a day of exploring.
The Termas do Carapacho on Graciosa island is the Azores’ only spa utilizing the islands’ geothermal springs. Book a treatment and soak in the various pools and baths infused with minerals like iron, magnesium and calcium that nourish skin and relieve muscle fatigue. The spa’s tranquil setting surrounded by hydrangea gardens and Atlantic vistas provides the ideal spot to zen out.
Azores: A Solo Traveler's Paradise - Trek Through Lush Green Landscapes on Foot
With over 700 miles of hiking trails criss-crossing the Azores, outdoor enthusiasts will find endless options for exploring the islands on foot. Trek through mystical laurisilva forests cloaked in mist, past cascading waterfalls and bubbling hot springs.
On São Miguel, tackle the Sete Cidades trail. This 5 mile loop circles the rim of an ancient volcanic crater filled with twin lakes of startling blue and green hues. Gaze out over the vivid waters as the trail winds through meadows dotted with hydrangeas and grazing cows.
Meanwhile on Terceira, the 8 mile Biscoitos to Fontinhas trek traverses black lava fields from past eruptions. Contrasting the stark terrain, bright red vines twist their way among the rocks. Stop and sample vins at roadside wine shacks along the way.
For an overnight adventure, embark on the Grande Route of Flores Island. This demanding 28 mile trek navigates the island’s interior, with sweeping coastal views as reward. Wild azaleas in shades of fuschia, red and white bloom along the trail in springtime. Spend the night tucked away in stone cottages in the hillside villages of Fajãzinha das Flores or Ponta Delgada.
Azores: A Solo Traveler's Paradise - Meet Fellow Travelers at Cozy Hostels and Guesthouses
The Azores' charming guesthouses and hostels provide the ideal setting for solo travelers to mingle and share adventures. Ditch the anonymity of a big hotel chain in favor of the personal touches and convivial atmospheres found at these family-run accommodations.
At Hostel Terra Nostra on São Miguel island, guests gather in the shared lounge to swap tales of the day's hikes and hot spring soaks. The hostel's owners are eager to share their insider knowledge of the best hiking trails, whale watching tours, and restaurants serving up the freshest seafood. Before retiring to your airy, minimalist-chic room, join fellow guests for a nightcap in the cozy bar as traditional fado music plays softly in the background.
Across the islands, guesthouses like Quinta das Buganvílias on Pico island offer a more intimate experience. Spend an afternoon chatting with the owners over a glass of their homemade wine as they regale you with stories of island life. They'll be happy to offer recommendations for the best hiking routes to photograph the vineyards and volcanic landscapes. In the evenings, gather around the communal fireplace to trade travel tips and make new friends from around the world.
For a true taste of local culture, book a stay at one of the Azores' traditional "white houses" - simple, whitewashed cottages that have been converted into guesthouses. At Solar da Eira on Graciosa island, you'll awake each morning to homemade breads, jams and juices prepared by the owners using ingredients from their own gardens. After fueling up, head out to explore the island's volcanic landscapes, knowing you'll return to the comforts of this historic home.
Azores: A Solo Traveler's Paradise - Embark on Exhilarating Water Sports and Whale Watching
On São Miguel and other islands, hop aboard an RIB boat tour to zip across the waves while taking in gorgeous coastal scenery. These rigid inflatable boats allow you to gain speed and bounce over swells, making for an adventurous ride. Between adrenaline-pumping moments, slow down to peer into grottos and watch for dolphins surfing alongside.
Try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) to explore the Azores’ shorelines at a more relaxed pace. Gently paddle along as you take in panoramic vistas of black lava cliffs and deep blue waters. On clear days, you may spot whales breaching in the distance. SUP yoga classes are also offered, allowing you to salute the sun against scenic backdrops.
Scuba diving reveals stunning underwater landscapes and a diversity of marine life. Encounter barracudas, amberjack, octopus and even sharks inhabiting the Azores’ temperate waters. Drift along walls blanketed in vibrant coral and sea sponges. With luck, you may swim alongside friendly wild dolphins.
Joining an Azorean whale watching tour allows you to search for these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Between March and October, sperm whales reside in the Azores year-round. Other migratory species like fin, blue, and humpback whales also pass through. An experienced lookout will alert you when a whale is sighted so you can revel in the majesty of its massive yet graceful body arcing through the waves.