The Azores: Walking, Wandering, and Witnessing

Already reminiscing about our getaway…

A week in the beautiful Azores on our first sister trip was everything we had planned for (for a VERY long time!) and more. Dining out, shopping, sightseeing, evening chats, and simply soaking up the time we had together.

Life is busy, and we rarely get long stretches of one-on-one time—especially with two of us juggling kids and all of us caring for aging parents. This week away was so special—a chance to recharge and reconnect with the ones who know you best and love you as you are. It was also the first time we’d traveled together for more than a weekend, and let’s just say… we’ve all grown older (and maybe a little more set in our ways!). It wasn’t all sugar and spice—haha, even the closest sisters can get on each other’s nerves. But it was about settling in, sharing space, and rediscovering each other as adults—as women who have lived, changed, and grown.

“A sister is someone who loves you from the heart. No matter how much you argue, you cannot be drawn apart.” – Unknown

Island Hopping: Exploring Terceira

Terceira is wonderfully walkable. We logged between 5–7 km each day just wandering the city, discovering that many of the places we wanted to visit were just around the corner. We found ourselves popping into little shops, browsing local wares, nibbling on pastries (because you can never have too many pasteis de nata ), and soaking up the charm of this beautiful island.

Our walking route started from the Palácio Santa Catarina and these are some of the highlights:

Monte Brasil – A short walk or hike takes you up this volcanic peninsula which has excellent viewpoints. You will see panoramic views of Angra do Heroísmo and the harbour, only UNESCO World Heritage city of the Azores Islands. And it’s a great spot to stretch your legs, snap some photos, and take in the natural and historical beauty of the island—all in one place.

Perched on a hilltop in the Alto da Memória Garden, you will also see the Memória a D. Pedro IV, is a monument or obelisk in Angra do Heroísmo built in honor of King Dom Pedro IV of Portugal. From here, you can wander through quiet gardens and take in panoramic views of Angra’s tiled rooftops, the marina, and the green silhouette of Monte Brasil. It’s one of the city’s best photo spots.

If you’re wandering through Angra do Heroísmo, don’t miss the Pátio da Alfândega. This historic square used to be where arriving ships had their goods inspected and taxed—hence the name, which means “Customs Courtyard.” Today, it’s a lively spot to pause, grab a coffee, and watch the day go by. It is surrounded by charming old buildings and a glimpse of the waterfront. Perfect for a little people-watching or snapping some photos of Terceira’s historic charm!

Don’t miss Zona Balnear da Prainha, or Prainha Beach, located right beside the Marina of the city. It is the only sandy beach in the Bay of Angra do Heroísmo. It’s perfect for a relaxing stroll or a quick dip. We did not get a chance to take a dip or sit on the beach but it looked like a great place to soak up the sun while watching boats drift by.

Sé Cathedral is the main church of the Azores Islands and is located in downtown Angra do Heroísmo. Its grand façade and beautiful surrounding square make it a must-see for history buffs and casual visitors alike.

We also took a guided tour at the Capitães-Generais Palace where we got a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Azores. Walking through the grand rooms and seeing the period furnishings really brought the past to life, helping us understand the island’s strategic importance and its rich cultural heritage. We really enjoyed our time there.

And wherever our feet decided to take us next…

It’s the kind of place where you stumble upon beauty and history at every turn like the wonderful pastry shop O Forno or the City Hall square where people come to enjoy a cup of coffee and dance!

Island Hopping: São Miguel — Nature’s Playground

Our next stop was the island of São Miguel, a nature lover’s dream. Our first adventure was a fun jeep (off-road style) that took us off the beaten path skirting the rim of the Sete Cidades crater. Along the way, we soaked in panoramic views of the famous twin lakes—one a brilliant blue, the other a lush green—and many other scenic stops. This route is filled with gorgeous vistas, rugged trails and beautiful landscapes.

We also ventured into the island’s centre where the caldera of Lagoa do Fogo and Lagoa Verde revealed another side of São Miguel’s beauty. We marveled at the stunning calderas, and even spotted a few lingering hydrangeas that had outlasted the summer bloom.

About those Hydrangeas…

Our guide on our Jeep tour explained to us that Hydrangeas weren’t native to the Azores, but they’ve become one of the islands’ most iconic features. Originally, they were planted to mark property lines and paths because of their dense, bushy growth. The islands’ mild, humid climate and nutrient-rich volcanic soil turned out to be perfect for hydrangeas to thrive. Now, they bloom wildly across hillsides, along crater lakes, and down country roads—especially in summer—creating the dreamiest blue and purple scenes.

Fun Fact: The color of the hydrangeas—typically those vibrant blues and purples—is influenced by the acidic, volcanic soil of the islands. The more acidic the soil, the bluer the flowers!

So, where were we?

Although we didn’t get to dip into the thermal pools or see the fumaroles this time around, it only gives us a reason to come back.

Ponta Delgada Stroll-About

In Ponta Delgada, our walking tour started from the Canadiano Urban Nature Hotel where we spent the day wandering through the heart of the town, taking in a mix of history, nature, and a little retail therapy. Here are the highlights:

Our first stop was Portas da Cidade (City Gates), the iconic city gates that greet visitors with a taste of Azorean charm. A lively square perfect for people-watching and enjoying the local vibe. Right beside it was the Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião, the town’s main church, a beautiful example of Portuguese colonial architecture with a rich history at its heart.

The Mercado da Graça, the local farmer’s market, was closed when we were there but there were a few stores along the way that sold wonderful food and specialties you would find at the market like cheese, jams, bakery items and spices.

We also took a stroll along Avenida Infante Dom Henrique, the seaside promenade, which gave us a perfect view of the ocean and a moment to relax.

On our itinerary was the Parque Atlântico ‘cause “girls just wanna shop!” We couldn’t resist a stop at the largest mall in the Azores. There are also some shops in and around Ponte Delgada but this mall has a little bit of everything there. Make sure to leave yourself plenty of time to browse and shop because you will need it!

Tip: remember to bring your passport so that you can get the Tax-free forms completed by the store which will make things easier when you request your tax refund.

Jardim António Borges (António Borges Garden) is an oasis in the middle of the town. The garden is great for a moment of serenity or a morning stroll. Or, maybe just the perfect spot to rest after some retail therapy!

We wrapped up our day at Pinhal da Paz, a peaceful park with a bamboo forest that was another great rest spot—a serene way to end our urban adventure before heading back to our accommodations.

We ended every day full—not just with some amazing meals (and port!) but with memories that will last a lifetime. Check out the blog post about the culinary delights you will find in the Azores.

We can’t forget how grateful we are to our hubbies for holding down the fort while we embraced every minute of our first sister trip. Here’s to many more walks, chats, and pastries in beautiful places.