DISCOVER AZORES

Day 1: Arrival in Flores Island, The Wild West

Welcome to the best-kept secret of Europe, the wild and beautiful island of Flores. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Fajã Grande. We will gather to meet your fellow photographers, connect as a group, and discuss the exciting creative journey ahead. Our focus begins on the western part of the island. As the afternoon unfolds, we head out to the viewpoints of Lagoa Rasa and Lagoa Funda, offering a fascinating rugged landscape characterized by the striking differences in altitude and color between the two lagoons. We will wrap up the day at the impressive basalt columns of Rocha dos Bordões, where the variety of compositions you can create is truly remarkable.

Day 2: High Plateaus and Northern Cliffs

The weather in the Azores, especially in Flores, is unpredictable, so we remain flexible. Our second day starts at the natural reserve of Morro Alto, where we can explore panoramic views of Lagoa Negra, the deepest lagoon in the Azores, and Lagoa Comprida. Heading north after lunch, we’ll reach the area of Ponta Delgada to explore the rugged coastline and stop at scenic viewpoints along the way. The day concludes at the impressive Albarnaz Lighthouse, perched on the edge of the cliffs, offering striking seascapes in every direction.

Day 3: Baía da Alagoa and the Golden Waterfalls

We’ll kick off our day with a sunrise at the scenic Baía da Alagoa, a rocky bay offering a mesmerizing view of basalt sea stacks with Corvo Island in the distance. After the morning session and lunch, we will return to our accommodation for an editing session to refine your work. Later, we head to the waterfalls of Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro, considered one of the most beautiful places in the archipelago. A short hike will take us to an astonishing lagoon at the base of the falls. We will stay here for the remainder of the day, focusing on the specific golden colors that illuminate the rock walls, creating a truly ethereal atmosphere.

Day 4: Southern Majesty and the Lines of São Miguel

In the morning, we head to the south coast to photograph the towering Rocha dos Frades. Standing nearly 600 meters high, this massive rock face is the perfect location to capture the island's immense scale. For those with a drone, this is a prime spot to explore vertical perspectives while managing the coastal winds for the best aerial shots. After lunch, we fly to São Miguel Island. After checking in, we head straight to the Gorreana Tea Plantation. This site is a playground for photography, focusing on the vibrant shapes and organic patterns of the tea rows against the ocean backdrop. For sunset, we will capture the dramatic northern cliffs at Miradouro do Cintrão or the black sands of Santa Bárbara Beach.

Day 5: The Grand Icons, Fogo and Sete Cidades

We dedicate the morning to Lagoa do Fogo, one of the most untouched and high-altitude spots in the Azores. We will take our time here, capturing the lake’s turquoise waters and the dramatic clouds that often dance around the crater. Before heading to our next location, we will have a dedicated editing session to review our progress, refine the morning’s captures, and discuss post-processing techniques. In the afternoon, we head to the island’s true ex-libris, Sete Cidades. Instead of rushing, we will fully immerse ourselves in the incredible views from Miradouro da Grota do Inferno, arguably the most breathtaking panorama in the Atlantic. We will focus on the interplay of light across the different lakes and stay for the magical late-afternoon light that defines this iconic landscape.

Day 6: Volcanic Geometry and the Mosteiros Sunset

Our morning begins with the iconic Vila Franca Islet, a natural reserve and a masterpiece of volcanic geometry. Known for its perfectly circular lagoon, this is a bucket list shot. We will focus on capturing its scale and symmetry, and for those interested in aerial photography, we will coordinate according to local regulations to secure that world-famous bird's-eye perspective. Next, we explore Terra Nostra Park, a world-class botanical garden, to photograph the lush vegetation and iron-rich orange thermal waters. It is also the perfect opportunity to enjoy a relaxing soak in the warm pools. After a traditional Cozido das Furnas lunch, we end the day at Mosteiros Beach. This rugged seascape with its famous sea stacks is the ultimate location for long-exposure photography.

Day 7: Final Morning and Return Home

After a farewell breakfast, it’s time to head to the airport. Transfers are arranged based on your departure time at no additional cost. I hope you leave with incredible photographs, unforgettable memories, and a deep appreciation for the breathtaking landscapes of the Azores.