ISLAND HOPPING in the AZORES

Two handfuls of volcanic rocks in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, far from basically everywhere: Although the Azores belong politically to Portugal, it takes more time and money to get there. This is one of the reasons why the Azores, despite their mesmerizing beauty, are still a rather hidden gem when it comes to tourism. However, for me, that was a perfect reason to check out for myself if you can rightly call the Azores the Hawaii of Europe.
In this post, I’m telling you all about my formidable island hopping and if I found the famous Azores High.

The crater lakes of Sete Cidades in Sao Miguel, the largest island of the Azores.
The iconic crater lakes of Sete Cidades in São Miguel, the largest island of the Azores.
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What Not to Miss in TERCEIRA, the Azore Island of History and Grace

Nomen est Omen: Terceira translates to third in Portuguese, and in fact, the second-largest island of the Azores was the third to be discovered in the early 15th century. Terceira belongs to the central group of the Azores and impresses with its breathtaking landscape, beautiful sandy beaches, and the mesmerizing town of Angra do Heroismo which UNESCO crowned as one of the World Heritage Sites. Hence, whether you’re an enthusiastic hiker, a lazy beach bum, or a history buff – Terceira unites all of the best things you don’t want to miss when visiting the Azore Islands.

Rua de Jesus in Praia da Vitoria on Terceira Island in the Azores
The beautifully tiled Rua de Jesus is lined with colorful houses like something out of a Lego construction set.
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FAIAL – the Most Beautiful Island of the Azores

Our ferry slowly glided just off the coast of Faial’s capital Horta. Behind the marina, which was densely packed with sailing yachts, I spotted lavish townhouses and whitewashed church buildings in the Manueline style typical of the Azores stacked in rows up a slightly climbing hill. The place exuded elegance and noble serenity. Actually, already at first sight, Faial seemed to be the most beautiful island among the Azores.

View of Horta on Faial, the most beautiful island of the Azores
View of Horta, Faial’s main town, across the small murals yachtsmen from all over the world left behind.

And indeed, Faial is a stunning blend of volcanic landscapes, lush greenery, and striking ocean views. Known as the Blue Island for its hydrangea-lined roads, Faial is a paradise for sailors and adventurers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking serene sophistication.

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SAO JORGE – the Best Viewpoints of the Azores

The extremely elongated island of Sao Jorge is one of the lesser touristy isles of the Azores, but offers, among other things, amazing viewpoints of the surrounding islands.

View of Pico and Faial from Sao Jorge, the Viewpoint of the Azores
Look closely, there are a total of three islands in this picture: On the left, the tip of Pico on the island of the same name peeks out between the clouds. On the horizon, you can guess Faial more than you can actually see it. And at your feet is Velas, the capital of the island of São Jorge.
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Small But Mighty: Why You Should Definitely Visit the Azores Island of GRACIOSA

Graciosa Island is the second-smallest of the Azores Archipelago and is often overlooked and underrated. Therefore, I think it’s time to show you why you should definitely visit Graciosa, the hidden gem that offers a peaceful retreat full of natural beauty and cultural richness.

View of Santa Cruz da Graciosa in the Azores.
Praça de Fontes Pereira de Mello in Santa Cruz da Graciosa featuring all the iconic structures such as whitewashed houses, red-roofed windmills, and beautiful churches.
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Best Things to Do in SAO MIGUEL, the Most Varied Island of the Azores

The Azores islands offer pure nature, and as some people always feel the urge to compare places with each other, the archipelago is often referred to as the Hawaii of Europe. As a matter of fact, Sao Miguel, the largest one of the Azores, offers a comprehensive variety of the best things to see and do in a few days in this piece of paradise located about halfway between Europe and North America.

The crater lakes of Sete Cidades in Sao Miguel, the largest island of the Azores.
The crater lakes of Sete Cidades are probably the most iconic sight when it comes to the Azores.

Basically all travelers of the Azores visit São Miguel, and many of them stay exclusively on this most prominent one of the islands. And indeed, you’ll find all the attractions the archipelago has to offer here in one spot: breathtaking natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and rich cultural experiences. Yet, despite its growing popularity, São Miguel remains relatively unspoiled by mass tourism. It maintains an authentic, relaxed atmosphere that makes it perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and reconnect with nature.

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MAGNIFICENT MARTINIQUE: Ten Places Not to Miss on Your Visit (even when exploring by public bus)

Martinique – doesn’t the name bear elegance and classiness but also exotism? Indeed, the French Caribbean Island of Martinique delights its visitors with golden beaches, turquoise waters, lush greenery in abundance, tropical vibes, and French savoir-vivre.
Undoubtedly, Martinique is a feast for all your senses.
In this comprehensive guide, I’m telling you which ten places – or more precisely: areas – not to miss during your visit to Martinique and how to get there even if you are exploring the island comfortably by public bus.

Martinique Places not miss public bus: Pier and beach of Anse d'Arlet.
One of Martinique’s most iconic views: Église Saint-Henri across from the pier in Anses d’Arlet.
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GRAND GUADELOUPE: Complete Guide And Perfect Itineraries (also for travels by public bus)

Its unique shape of a delicate butterfly makes Guadeloupe one of the most beautiful and outstanding islands in the Caribbean. But the fact that Guadeloupe consists of two separate wings is not only charming. These two parts, which are only separated by a narrow strait, are also geologically very different.
In this post, I put together itineraries including all the information and tips that will help you plan your own trip to Guadeloupe – especially if you prefer to explore this tropical paradise by public bus.

Parade in Sainte Anne in Guadeloupe
They certainly know how to throw a grand parade in Guadeloupe.

On the one hand, there is the eastern part of Grande Terre, which is best known for its flat and pleasing terrain. To the west lies Basse Terre, the larger of the two wings. Its center is characterized by untamed and mountainous wilderness.

Oh yes, Guadeloupe has many sides’n’sites worth discovering, and I’m taking pleasure in introducing them all in my posts.

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Best Places to Visit in Grand Terre, the Eastern Wing of GUADELOUPE (also by public bus)

The main islands of the Guadeloupe archipelago spread their wings in the Caribbean Sea like a beautiful butterfly. These two parts are so different that it is hard to believe that they are in fact the same piece of land. While the western part that goes by the name of Basse Terre is mountainous, overgrown, and rough, the eastern wing called Grand Terre attracts visitors with gently rolling hills, settlements steeped in history, colonial architecture, and, above all, countless dreamy bays lined with sea grape and coconut palms.
So come on, let me introduce you to the best places in Grand Terre that you can even explore comfortably by public bus.

Two of the Best Places in Grand Terre to visit by Public Bus: Le Moule and the adjacent Plage de l'Autre Bord.
View of the town of Le Moule from the adjacent Plage de l’Autre Bord.
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