Terceira

The Azores are a group of nine volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic, about 1,400 kilometers west of Lisbon. Crater lakes, hydrangea hedges, hot springs, pastures, and steep cliffs characterize the landscape. The islands are a destination for hiking, whale watching, and for quiet days away from large resorts.

Pico is dominated by the volcano of the same name, at 2,351 meters, Portugal's highest peak. The ascent is challenging and only permitted with registration at Casa da Montanha. The wine landscape with its lava stone walls has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2004. In Lajes do Pico, a museum commemorates whaling; today, whale watching tours depart from there. By ferry, you're on Faial in about half an hour.

Faial is known for the Marina of Horta, a classic stopover for sailors on the Atlantic. Crews leave painted pictures on the quay walls. In the west, the Capelinhos volcano, which erupted in 1957 and 1958, reveals an almost vegetation-free ash landscape with a visitor center. In the center of the island lies the Caldeira, a large crater that you can hike around on a circular path.

In the west of São Miguel is a large volcanic crater with two connected lakes, Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde. You'll get the most famous view from the Miradouro da Vista do Rei on the crater rim. Below in the basin lies the village of Sete Cidades, with hiking trails leading around the lakes and up to the crater rim. If cloudy, you often won't see anything from the top, so it's worth driving up again later.

Ponta Delgada is the largest city in the Azores and your likely arrival point. Its center, with black-and-white pavement, basalt churches, and the city gate Portas da Cidade, is right on the harbor promenade. The city is an excellent base for day trips to Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo, and whale watching tours depart from the harbor.