Zoom in close enough on your phone’s map and you might be able to find the Azores — a cluster of islands about a 1,000 miles off the coast of Portugal. Unless you’re Portuguese or know someone who is, you might not have known they are there. And that’s exactly the point.
A bit off the radar from other frequented European destinations, the Azores feels like both a well-kept secret and the place you want to tell absolutely everyone about.
Getting There
Even though its nickname is the “Hawaii of Europe” for its verdant landscapes and jaw-dropping scenery, the Azores is not nearly as difficult to get to for Northeast travelers. In fact, it’s probably the easiest flight you’ve taken in years.
Flying SATA Azores Airlines from Boston’s Logan International Airport or John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, your journey is a simple 4.5-hour direct flight into São Miguel and Terceira, with convenient connections to Corvo, Flores, Graciosa, Faial, Pico, São Jorge and Santa Maria. Travelers can also easily extend their trip to other destinations across Portugal, including the stunning Algarve and the vibrant, historic city of Lisbon.
SATA Azores Airlines offers a stopover program, so you can build out your trip for other destinations, too. Simply select a trip between North America and Europe (or the other way around) on the Azores Airlines website and the choice to stopover in the Azores will be offered to you, for free. This way you can experience the magic of the Azores even if it’s not your primary destination. Combine your stopover with a range of locations, like Porto, Lisbon, Faro, Madeira, Paris, Barcelona, Frankfurt (seasonal) and Cape Verde.
What To Do in the Azores
Because the Azores are volcanic islands they have a vibrant geography that includes everything from mountains to low-lying valleys, black-sand beaches to thermal pools and everything in between. This unique combination means that there are endless things to see and do in the Azores, no matter which island you land on.
For the Nature Lovers
- Hike to one of the countless waterfalls that dot each island.
- Go on a whale watch to try and see the elusive blue whale.
- Visit Algar do Carvão, a 90-meter-deep ancient lava cave.
- Swim in a thermal pool within a giant garden at the Parque Terra Nostra.
- Try canyoning (a mix between hiking, swimming, jumping and rappelling).
- Hang ten at one of the many volcanic black sand beaches.
For the Foodies
- Tour a coffee plantation, like O Nosso Café São Bento.
- Eat what the islanders eat at locally owned restaurants. Try Beira Mar Restaurant São Mateus, Restaurante Taberna Roberto or Restaurante Rocha.
- Sample locally sourced wine at a vineyard.
For the Relaxers
- Have a round of golf at a course with a view.
- Take time for yourself with a massage at a spa.
- Rent a lounger at the beach for the day.
- Traipse around the many shopping opportunities from stores to outdoor markets. Seek out artisan-made crafts especially, like handwoven baskets, cork products and jewelry.
How To Book the Azores
If you want to see the Azores the right way, booking your flights with SATA Azores Airlines ensures a smooth experience from start to finish. By flying direct or taking advantage of the stopover program, you curb any layover worries all while enjoying the perks of one airline for every leg of your trip.
When it comes to planning your dream Azorean vacation, AAA Travel is here to develop the perfect itinerary to your exact specifications, so you don’t miss out on anything these precious islands have to offer.
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Featured image: Walking path leading to a view on the lakes of Sete Cidades, Azores, Portugal. Courtesy of SATA Azores Airlines.
Last updated on June 17, 2026 by AAA Staff
Based in Rhode Island, Sarah has been a copywriter and content producer with AAA Northeast since 2021. When she’s not scouring the best spots for all things food and drink or whipping up her own versions of tasty meals, you can often find her in the garden, planning her next trip or sipping on (another) hot coffee.
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