DISCOVER AZORES 9 DAY PHOTO TOUR
Are you ready for an unforgettable photo journey in the Azores? Join me for a 9 day Photo Tour and explore the amazing islands of São Miguel, Terceira, and Pico. Don’t miss this opportunity to improve your photography skills and discover the beauty of the Azores.
24 MAY – 1 JUNE 2025
Created by local photographer Bruno Ázera
Embark on a captivating 9-day photo adventure in the Azores, the hidden gems of the Atlantic. Join me to explore the breathtaking scenery and wildlife of the volcanic islands of São Miguel, Terceira and Pico, steering clear of tourist traps and benefiting from expert guidance. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this journey promises new skills and the chance to capture stunning shots in the unique setting of the Azores.
Nestled in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, the Azores comprise a group of nine islands characterized by their lush greenery, volcanic landscapes, and untamed beauty. Renowned for housing one of the largest whale sanctuaries globally, the Azores present a year-round paradise for photographers. Don’t miss the opportunity to uncover the secrets of this enchanting archipelago and elevate your photography skills in the process.
Our exploration of São Miguel, Terceira, and Pico Islands will be seamlessly facilitated by a combination of private shuttles and commercial flights. Embracing diverse photographic landscapes, all transportation modes, including inter-island flights and accommodations, are seamlessly integrated into the workshop’s cost, ensuring convenience and peace of mind. This approach affords participants the freedom to fully immerse themselves in the islands’ wonders.
Dive deep into the rich culture, embrace the warmth of the local people, and capture the photographic treasures scattered across the Azores islands. From volcanic villages and hot springs to thrilling whale watching adventures, this travel photography workshop is tailored for those with a spirit of adventure.
For ocean enthusiasts, the Azores boast one of the world’s premier Whale Watching spots. Join the experts at Futurismo, a team as passionate about the Azores as I am, for an unforgettable experience in the vast Atlantic.
While our itinerary is well-defined, we also embrace flexibility, allowing us to seize unexpected photographic opportunities that may arise throughout the day. This ensures a dynamic and tailored experience during our photo tour, where I’ll be sharing my expertise both in the field and during our dedicated sessions for a comprehensive and enriching learning journey.
These photo tours are always for small groups, a maximum of 5 participants, it’s a one-on-one experience.
TOUR PRICE
4500€
single occupancy in private room with a bathroom
DATES
24 MAY – 1 JUNE 2025
GROUP SIZE
3-5
TOUR GUIDE
Bruno Ázera
EXPERIENCE
amateur / advanced
PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY
Mostly Easy
only small hikes are involved
DESTINATION
Azores
São Miguel / Terceira / Pico
ACCOMMODATIONS
The Lince Azores / Hotel Cruzeiro / Pico TerraMar & Spa
- Discover 3 island paradises: Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of São Miguel, Terceira, and Pico, each boasting its own distinct charm and natural wonders
- Guided by a professional photographer: Benefit from the guidance of a local and seasoned photographer intimately familiar with the islands’ most picturesque locations, ensuring you capture the perfect shot.
- Diverse landscapes: From the rugged volcanic landscapes of Pico to São Miguel emerald-green mountains and waterfalls, every day offers a new and captivating backdrop for your photographs.
- Cultural immersion: Engage with local traditions, interact with the warm island communities, and capture the authenticity of daily life through your camera lens.
- Small group experience: To facilitate personalized attention, our workshop is limited to a small group of passionate photographers, fostering an environment for shared learning and inspiration.
- Skill enhancement: Refine your technical skills and artistic vision, taking your photography to the next level.
- Unforgettable Memories: Create a collection of photographs that not only tell a story but also serve as timeless memories of your incredible journey through these Atlantic gems.
- Professional photo guide (fluent in Portuguese and English)
- Photographic field instructions
- Tips and tricks along the day
- Image reviews
- Whale Watching
- Transportation in a comfortable vehicle
- 8 nights accommodation in hotels, single occupancy in a private room with a bathroom
- All Breakfasts
- Park fees
- Local flights to transfer between islands
- Welcome lunch and farewell dinner
- Personal accident insurance and liability.
- Lots of fun
- Alcoholic beverages and other drinks
- Snacks, lunch, and dinners are not mentioned in the inclusions
- Flight tickets to Ponta Delgada from the original departure point
- Visas (if needed)
- Gratuities for photo guides, local guides, and/or drivers
- I also advise everyone making travel plans for the near future to book a cancellation insurance
Camera (DSLR or Mirrorless) – The criteria for the kind of work we’ll be doing is a camera that can be operated completely manually to ensure we get the best exposure with interchangeable lenses allowing us to cover a range of focal lengths.
Lenses – I understand that Lenses are a kind of personal subject, although I recommend for the type of photography we are going to do, to bring a focal range between 16mm to 300mm to cover the majority of situations. I typically have with me a Tamron 17-28mm, a Sony 24-105mm and a Sigma 100-400mm, and it covers everything.
Filters – Graduated filters aren’t mandatory, but if you have a set, feel free to bring them along. Particularly, ND filters can be useful for experimenting with long exposures.
Tripod – For landscape photography I always recommend the use of a tripod. However, today’s new camera stabilization is so good that the need for it is becoming less necessary. I even know pro photographers that do focus stacking hand held.
Backpack – We won’t be doing long hikes, but a good camera backpack is essential. Think comfort, lite and versatile.
Drone – I really recommend bringing a drone. The perspectives you can capture from above are spectacular, especially in the coastline. If you are thinking of bringing one, you should have the ability to manually launch and land your drone, as well as navigate basic flight paths to reach a specified destination from the air. I fly with a DJI Mavic 3 Pro, but even the DJI Mini is enough.
Clothing and Footwear
Waterproof and Windproof Jacket: A high-quality waterproof and windproof jacket is a must-have item, especially along the rugged coastline where ocean spray and sudden rain showers are common. Look for a jacket with sealed seams, adjustable cuffs, and a hood for maximum protection against the elements.
Warm Layers for Cooler Evenings: Evenings can be cool, especially at higher elevations, so be sure to pack warm layers such as a fleece jacket or lightweight down vest to keep you warm and cozy during sunset shoots or night photography sessions.
Quick-Drying Pants: Choose quick-drying pants made from synthetic materials or lightweight hiking trousers that offer both comfort and functionality.
Footwear: I never liked big and heavy hiking boots, I know they offer more protection but for the type of terrain we have, light running shoes are better for the grip. I know this is very subjective but It has worked for me.
Swimwear: We are also visiting Terra Nostra Park, renowned as one of the most beautiful gardens, but they also have hot springs and thermal pools that I recommend that you try it. So don’t forget to bring your swimwear and flip flops. Towels are provided by the Hotel.
Keep in mind that the Azores climate can be very unpredictable, so packing the right clothing is essential for an enjoyable experience.
Welcome to João Paulo II airport in Ponta Delgada. You have the morning to relax or explore by yourself the city and I will pick you up later for a delicious welcome lunch in a local restaurant. This is the perfect opportunity for you to ask any questions that you may have and to get to know your fellow travelers a little better.
After lunch we head to the oldest tea plantation in Europe, Gorreana Tea Factory. Get to know the factory and explore its surroundings. The landscape here is unique, the shape and texture of the green tea leaves creates endless photography possibilities.
Depending on the weather, for sunset we visit the beaches of Santa Bárbara and Monte Verde, or the jagged cliffs of Miradouro do Cintrão, overlooking the north coast and Sete Cidades volcano in the background.
The day starts at Lagoa do Fogo volcanic lake, one of the highest points of the island. It usually tends to be cloudy or foggy during the day and ultimately ruins any potential view to be had. If you have a drone take full advantage of it. You can create really unique perspectives up here.
After lunch, we travel west and explore the volcanic crater of Sete Cidades, and the two multi-colored lakes of Lagoa Verde and Azul. It’s an incredible sight and the best way to have a sense of the surrounding area. It is possible to kayak and paddleboard if you enjoy this type of activity.
W finish our day at one of the highlights of the Azores, Grota do Inferno viewpoint. The crater lakes of Sete Cidades can be viewed from several different viewpoints, but it’s hard to beat this spot. If you have a drone, Lagoa do Canário by air reveals a really interesting shape.
We start by visiting one of my favorite locations in São Miguel, Vila Franca Islet. The islet is famous for its unique geological formation. It is essentially a volcanic crater that has partially collapsed and allowed seawater to enter, forming a natural circular pool inside the crater. To create really unique perspectives here, you need a bird’s eye view of a drone.
After breakfast, we head out to Terra Nostra Park, considered one of the most beautiful gardens, with the added bonus of having thermal pools. Be sure to bring your swimwear, with temperatures between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius, which provides a sensation of rest and relaxation for the rest of the day.
We start our morning at Santa Iria viewpoint for sunrise and then head out to Lagoa das Furnas, a spectacular crater lake where you will have the chance to photograph mud pools and other steaming geothermal features.
For lunch, we will try the famous local dish known as Cozido das Furnas, which is unique to this town and is cooked by volcanic steam, as well as the sweet muffins called bolo lêvedo.
In our list is Ribeira Quente waterfalls, the unique brown and orange colors from the rich iron waters make this a must-visit location in São Miguel.
For sunset, we drive through Sete Cidades down to Mosteiros black sand beach to capture the last light of the day in a beautiful seascape photography location.
Flight to Terceira Island. Home of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angra do Heroísmo. After lunch, we explored the Black Forest. A unique location due to its dense vegetation, light has a really hard time penetrating these trees, so photographing here is never the same.
Five minutes up the road we go straight to one of the highlights of the Island, Algar do Carvão. The only volcano in the world that you can walk inside. Unfortunately, tripods are not allowed, so bring the fastest and widest lens you have.
Along the way we explore beautiful forest roads, some of the best-hidden gems are found here. Depending on the weather, we head up for sunset at Serra de Santa Bárbara, the highest point of the Island and a really awesome spot to finish our day.
Big views and seascapes, that’s our plan for the day. We start early with a drive to Serra da Ribeirinha. On top of the southern rim of a volcano, we have a panoramic view of the coast. With Serra do Morião and Serra Santa Bárbara on the right side, overlooking Monte Brasil and two more Islands in the background, São Jorge and Pico.
Next, we head out to the most picturesque volcano cone in the Azores, Pico Dona Joana. With Ilhéu das Cabras in the background has to be one of the most unique perspectives you will see in the Azores.
After lunch explore the UNESCO city of Angra do Heroísmo. Wander through the streets and capture the unique architecture, vibrant facades, and local life. Look for interesting doorways, windows, and balconies. The city’s cobblestone streets are also iconic and make for great photo compositions.
For sunset, we go to Serretinha natural basalt pools to photograph Ilhéu das Cabras.
We start our morning at Ponta das Contendas lighthouse and its surrounding seascapes. A beautiful area with a not-so-common brown and black colored rock for the Azores. Depending on the weather, there is also a cave only accessible by sea that provides really interesting photo opportunities.
At noon, we arrive at Praia da Vitória and to truly complete the Azores experience, I invite you to enjoy a homemade lunch in a restaurant of a local family and get to know what it’s like to live in these islands.
We head out to the north part of the Island, to Ponta do Mistério. One of the Island’s most attractive coastal areas. A mysterious green-glazed lunar landscape, with the blue Atlantic Ocean in the background, creates an amazing sight.
Next, we visit the popular summer spot of Biscoitos. A picturesque town, known for its wine-growing region and even more for its beautiful natural pools. The rugged black-colored lava fields sculpted by waves make for really interesting landscapes.
Considered the most beautiful viewpoint in Portugal, we reserved the best for the last sunset in Terceira. The unique view of the interior of the island, known as the “patchwork”, consisting of walls of volcanic stones dividing the farmer fields into square-shaped figures, makes Serra do Cume the epic spot to photograph the last light of the day.
Welcome to Pico Island, home to the highest mountain in Portugal, standing 2351 meters high. After checking in at our accommodation, we head northeast and explore the rugged coastline of the Island.
The Laurissilva Forest, a relic of what remains of the vegetation that dates back million years ago, is found in isolated spots in all islands, but one of the most significant types of evidence of this forest are in central plateau of Pico Island. The intertwined beautiful shape of these trees is an amazing subject to photograph specially with foggy conditions.
Pico Island is also home to a variety of volcanic cones spread in this area, if you have a drone, make the most out of it.
We finish our day for sunset at Lajes do Pico. Depending on the weather, we might have the mountain in the background and the red windmill as our main subject.
Lagoa do Capitão is one of the most scenic spots in Pico Island, especially during sunrise. The lake reflects the colors of the sky and mountain. There is also a group of endemic trees that make for some of the best compositions at this location.
If you enjoy an adventure in the Ocean, the Azores are considered one of the best Whale Watching spots in the world, so we have to make the most out of it. Head out to the Atlantic with the guys at Futurismo, their team of professional and enthusiastic experts share the same passion for the Azores as I do.
Pico is home to the highest mountain in Portugal, standing 2351 meters high. Hot and dry climate, together with its stunning mosaic of black stone walls form the Island vineyard culture, declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 2004.
We will explore and photograph this landscape at Criação Velha in the afternoon, and wait for the best light. Depending on the weather, we might have Pico Mountain in the background and the red windmill as our main subject.
Lagoa do Capitão is a place we’re eager to explore for the second time. It stands out as one of the most picturesque spots in Pico Island, especially at sunrise. The lake’s serene beauty is enhanced by the captivating interplay of light and shadow, creating a unique atmosphere. Additionally, the presence of endemic trees provides a wonderful backdrop for capturing exceptional compositions at this location.
Enjoy a final breakfast together, reminiscing about the incredible moments shared during the workshop. Unfortunately, it’s time to say goodbye and fly home. Transfers to the airport are arranged based on the hour of your flight with no additional costs.
We hope you cherish all of these amazing memories and fantastic photographs from the Azores.
ACCOMMODATIONS
24 MAY – 1 JUNE 2025
DISCOVER AZORES 9 DAY PHOTO TOUR
If you like what you see here, please book this tour in the form below.
An email will be sent to you with all the information to complete the registration.
A deposit of 1000€ is required to register for this tour.
Participants joining should generally feel well and be physically capable of outdoor activities. It’s also important that they’re comfortable using a camera.
Check out testimonials from other participants and please read our Terms and Conditions before registering any of my services. Don’t forget to visit the Photo Tours sections to learn more about other adventures.
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AZORES
11-20 JULY 2025
GUIDED BY BRUNO ÁZERA AND MARC MUENCH
