AMAZING AZORES

Day 1: Welcome to the Azores

Arrive at João Paulo II Airport in Ponta Delgada, where you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome. Spend the morning exploring the city at your leisure, or simply relax before we gather for a delicious welcome lunch at a local restaurant. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions, get to know your fellow travelers, and start the adventure.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Gorreana Tea Plantation, the oldest in Europe. Wander through the lush tea fields, where you’ll capture stunning shots of the vibrant greenery and learn about the tea production process. The scenic surroundings are perfect for both wide-angle and close-up photography.

For sunset, depending on the weather, we’ll visit either Santa Bárbara and Monte Verde Beaches or Miradouro do Cintrão, a viewpoint offering breathtaking views over the north coast, with the iconic Sete Cidades volcano in the backdrop.

Day 2: Lagoa do Fogo, Sete Cidades and Mosteiros beach

Our day begins at the Lagoa do Fogo, a stunning volcanic lake located at one of the highest points on São Miguel. While the weather here can be unpredictable, if you have a drone, it’s the perfect opportunity to capture unique aerial views.

Next, we travel west to explore the Sete Cidades Crater, home to the famous Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul—two stunning lakes nestled in the heart of a dormant volcano. This is a perfect location to absorb the island’s natural beauty and add some striking landscape shots to your portfolio.

For sunset, we’ll drive down to Mosteiros Beach, a fantastic seascape location where you can capture the golden light illuminating the volcanic rocks and coastal formations.

Day 3: Terra Nostra Park and the best view of the Island

Start your day at Santa Iria Viewpoint, where the rugged coastline stretches toward the Atlantic. The early morning light casts a beautiful glow over the landscape, offering dramatic contrasts between the blue ocean and green fields.

Next, we head to Terra Nostra Park, one of the most beautiful gardens in the Azores. Here, you’ll have the chance to capture the serene beauty of lush plant life and peaceful thermal pools. If you’re in the mood for relaxation, bring your swimwear—immerse yourself in the warm waters and unwind after a day of shooting.

Lunch will feature the local specialty, Cozido das Furnas, cooked by volcanic steam. We’ll also indulge in the sweet, local bolo lêvedo muffins.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit Grota do Inferno, one of the best viewpoints to capture the Sete Cidades Crater Lakes from above. The breathtaking panorama here will leave you in awe.

Day 4: Vila Franca and Terceira Island

The day starts at one of São Miguel’s most captivating locations, the Vila Franca Islet. Known for its unique geological features, this islet offers exceptional photography opportunities. A drone shot is highly recommended to capture the natural circular pool inside the collapsed volcanic crater.

After the sunrise shoot, we’ll catch a flight to Terceira Island, home to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Angra do Heroísmo. After lunch, we’ll explore the Black Forest, a dense, atmospheric location where light filters through the trees, creating an ethereal environment for photography.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit Algar do Carvão, the only volcano in the world you can enter. It’s a truly extraordinary experience, so be sure to bring your fastest and widest lens to capture the volcanic formations.

For sunset, we’ll head to Biscoitos, a quaint town famous for its wine-growing region and natural pools, where the rugged lava fields and ocean offer dramatic compositions.

Day 5: Pico Dona Joana and the Patchwork

We begin the day with a sunrise shoot at Serretinha Natural Swimming Pools, where the shifting light creates incredible contrasts between the dark volcanic coastline and the bright Atlantic waters. This is a fantastic location for dynamic seascape photography.

Next, we head to Pico Dona Joana, one of the Azores’ most picturesque volcanic cones. With Ilhéu das Cabras in the background, this spot provides a striking composition for both wide-angle and aerial shots (a drone is highly recommended).

After a break for lunch, we explore the UNESCO-listed Angra do Heroísmo, where the charming streets and colorful architecture provide excellent opportunities for urban photography.

In the afternoon, we venture to Ponta do Mistério, where the striking green-glazed volcanic landscape meets the deep blue ocean—a unique scene that is perfect for capturing the contrasts of land and sea.

We finish the day with a visit to Serra do Cume, a viewpoint offering a panoramic view of the island’s interior. The patchwork of volcanic stone walls dividing the farmland creates a geometric pattern that’s perfect for capturing the last light of the day.

Day 6: Flores – The Hidden Gem

Welcome to Flores, the wildest and most remote of the Azores islands. After settling into your accommodations, we’ll head to the western part of the island for a short hike to the stunning Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro waterfalls. Nestled at the base of the falls, the lagoon offers fantastic compositions for your photography.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit Fajã Grande, a protected area perfect for capturing the lush landscapes and stunning sunsets over the Poço do Bacalhau waterfall. If you have a drone, this is the ideal spot for aerial shots.

Day 7: Lagoons and the Albarnaz Lighthouse

We begin the day at Morro Alto, a natural reserve with panoramic views of Lagoa Negra and Lagoa Comprida. The rugged landscapes here provide fascinating contrasts and photographic opportunities, especially from above.

We’ll also visit Lagoa Rasa and Lagoa Funda, two serene lagoons with unique colors and textures, offering an entirely different landscape for your portfolio.

Heading north, we reach Ponta Delgada town, where we explore the rugged coastline, stopping at viewpoints along the way. The day concludes at the impressive Albarnaz lighthouse, perched on the edge of the cliffs, offering striking seascapes in its surroundings. Be prepared for the unexpected and embrace the dynamic beauty of Flores.

Day 8: Baía da Alagoa and Ribeira Grande waterfalls

Our day kicks off with a sunrise at the scenic Baía da Alagoa, a rocky bay offering a mesmerizing view of rugged basalt sea stacks as our main subject, with Corvo Island in the background.

Our next stop is the picturesque town of Santa Cruz. Take your time to explore and relish its surroundings before our lunch break. Additionally, there’s a captivating cave that provides an excellent photographic opportunity, with the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean as a striking backdrop. Don’t forget your wide-angle lens; it’s a must for this location.

Heading back, we set out to explore the waterfalls of the western part of the island. A hike is necessary to reach this spot, but the effort is entirely worth it. Once there, you’ll feel on top of the world, overlooking the majestic Ribeira Grande waterfall. Get ready for an adventure-filled day capturing the diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes of Flores.

Day 9: Corvo Island and Rocha dos Bordões

Depending on the conditions of the Atlantic, our day is dedicated to discovering the Island of Corvo with Carlos Mendes of Extreme Ocidente. The boat ride takes us through the impressive coastline of Flores, showcasing jaw-dropping waterfalls and caves. There’s also a high likelihood of encountering dolphins and other whales during our journey.

Returning to Flores, we wrap up the day with a sunset at the impressive basalt columns of Rocha dos Bordões. The variety of compositions you can create at this location is truly remarkable.

Day 10: Last sunrise and departure

A final sunrise session on the coastline of Santa Cruz, capturing its rugged seascape beauty one last time.

After a farewell breakfast, it’s time to head to the airport. Transfers are arranged based on your departure time at no additional cost.

We hope you leave with incredible photographs, unforgettable memories, and a deep appreciation for the Azores breathtaking landscapes.