THE AZORES 9 DAY PHOTO TOUR
Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of São Miguel, Terceira and Pico as we embark on an unforgettable journey to capture stunning moments along the way. Join this unique photographic adventure and discover the distinctive charm of each island through the lens of your camera.
19-27 SEPTEMBER 2025
Created by local photographer Bruno Ázera and Pedro Kin
Indulge your passion for photography and nature on this captivating 9 day Photo Tour in The Azores, immersing yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of São Miguel, Terceira, and Pico. This expedition promises an opportunity to capture the essence of these islands, from stunning volcanic craters and serene lakes to cascading waterfalls and diverse wildlife.
Regardless of your level of photographic knowledge, our tour is crafted to showcase the most photogenic locations in the Azores, steering clear of tourist crowds. Stay in accommodations that not only provide comfort but also enhance your overall experience, ensuring a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the beauty and diversity of the Azores.
The Azores, a cluster of nine exquisite volcanic islands in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, boast a verdant, remote, and volcanic landscape. Experience the untouched beauty of this archipelago, where pure landscapes and one of the largest whale sanctuaries offer exceptional conditions for photography year-round. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of these islands, savoring delicious local cuisine along the way.
Join us on this unparalleled adventure – a perfect blend of photography, nature, and cultural exploration in the heart of the Azores.
Embark on a thrilling photo adventure in the Azores, exploring the captivating islands of São Miguel, Terceira, and Pico. Forget about the logistics – we’ve got you covered with seamless transportation, flights, and comfortable accommodations. Just relax and immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of these volcanic gems.
This is a unique opportunity to discover the beauty and charm of the Azores islands through the lens of your camera. Engage with the warm-hearted locals, delve into their culture, and capture breathtaking photos of volcanoes, quaint villages, and picturesque landscapes. Designed for adventurous souls who love exploring new places, this travel photography tour promises an unforgettable experience.
What makes the Azores particularly remarkable for photography is the proximity of incredible spots – no extensive driving required. Most locations are just a short distance away, sometimes only half an hour or less by car. Throughout the tour, we’ll guide and teach you, helping improve your photography skills both on and off the field. Expect a fun and rewarding experience as we navigate the Azores, capturing the essence of each island.
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 we have a specific itinerary in place, flexibility is key. We allow room for spontaneity, enabling you to seize unexpected photographic opportunities encountered throughout the day. Join us for an adventure that combines exploration, education, and the joy of photography in the stunning landscapes of the Azores.
These photo tours are always for small groups, a maximum of 4 participants per guide, it’s a one-on-one experience.
TOUR PRICE
starting from 4500€
double occupancy
DATES
19-27 SEPTEMBER
GROUP SIZE
6-8
TOUR GUIDE
Bruno Ázera and Pedro Kin
EXPERIENCE
amateur / advanced
PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY
Mostly Easy
only small hikes are involved
DESTINATION
Azores
São Miguel / Terceira / Pico
ACCOMMODATIONS
Canadiano Urban Nature / Hotel Cruzeiro/ Vila Barca
- 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 2 professional photographers: 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 emerald-green mountains and waterfalls of São Miguel, 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 tour 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.
- 2 Professional photo guides (fluent in Portuguese and English)
- Photographic field instructions
- Tips and tricks along the day
- Image reviews
- Transportation in a comfortable vehicle
- 8 nights accommodation in hotels and guest houses, double occupancy
- All Breakfasts
- Park fees
- Whale Watching (if the weather permits)
- 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 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.
ITINERARY
Welcome to João Paulo II airport in Ponta Delgada. You have the morning to relax or explore by yourself the city and we 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.
In the afternoon, we explore the oldest tea plantation in Europe, Gorreana Tea plantation. Discover the intricacies of the factory and its scenic surroundings. The unique landscape, shaped by the vibrant green tea leaves, offers endless possibilities for captivating photography.
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.
Our second 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.
Travel west and explore the volcanic crater of Sete Cidades, 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.
For sunset, we drive through Sete Cidades down to Mosteiros Beach to capture the last light of the day in a beautiful seascape photography location.
We start our morning at Santa Iria viewpoint for sunrise, with its rugged coastline stretching out to meet the Atlantic. The first light of day casts a warm glow over the dramatic cliffs and the ocean, creating striking contrasts between the deep blue and the green fields that highlight the raw beauty of the landscape.
Terra Nostra Park is our next spot and is 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.
For lunch we will try the famous local dish known as Cozido das Furnas at a local restaurant, which is unique to this town and is cooked by volcanic steam, as well as the sweet muffins called bolo lêvedo.
We arrive 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.
We kick off our morning with a visit to one of my favorite locations in São Miguel, the Vila Franca Islet, renowned for its unique geological formation. This islet features a volcanic crater that has partially collapsed, allowing seawater to enter and form a natural circular pool inside the crater. To capture truly distinctive perspectives, a bird’s eye view from a drone is essential.
Following the sunrise experience, we head back to the hotel to pack and fly to Terceira Island, home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angra do Heroísmo. After lunch, we explore the Black Forest, a unique location with dense vegetation where light struggles to penetrate, ensuring every photograph is a one-of-a-kind capture.
A short drive away, we reach one of the island’s highlights, Algar do Carvão, the only volcano in the world that you can walk inside. While tripods are not allowed, be sure to bring your fastest and widest lens for this extraordinary experience.
As we continue our journey, we explore beautiful forest roads, discovering some of the best-hidden gems along the way.
Depending on the weather, we head up to Serra de Santa Bárbara for sunset, the highest point on the island and an incredible spot to conclude our day.
Start your day with a sunrise shoot at Serretinha natural swimming pools. The shifting morning light offers unique photographic opportunities, with Ilhéu das Cabras serving as a striking focal point in the background. The volcanic coastline adds rich textures and contrasts, while the unpredictable ocean conditions introduce dynamic elements to your compositions. This location provides a versatile setting for capturing the raw beauty of the Atlantic seascape.
Next, we head to the most picturesque volcanic cone in the Azores, Pico Dona Joana. With Ilhéu das Cabras in the background, this location offers one of the most unique perspectives in the archipelago. To fully capture its grandeur, a bird’s-eye view with a drone is highly recommended.
At noon, we arrive at Praia da Vitória to have lunch and enjoy the view of the beach. Terceira Island is known for having some of the best food in the Azores, so we make the most of it.
After lunch, we head to the northern part of the island, to Ponta do Mistério, one of Terceira’s most striking coastal areas. Here, a mysterious green-glazed lunar landscape meets the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean, creating a breathtaking scene perfect for photography.
For sunset, we visit Biscoitos, a charming town celebrated for its wine-growing region and, even more so, for its beautiful natural pools. The rugged black lava fields, sculpted by relentless ocean waves, offer dramatic and unique compositions for landscape photography.
We start our morning at Ponta das Contendas lighthouse and its surrounding seascapes. This scenic area features a unique blend of brown and black rock formations rarely seen in the Azores. Depending on the weather, we may have the chance to photograph a hidden cave accessible only by sea, offering an extraordinary setting for creative shots.
Alternatively, you can opt for a whale-watching adventure. The Azores are one of the world’s top destinations for whale watching, so it’s an experience not to be missed. We head out into the Atlantic with the experts at Ocean Emotion, whose professional and passionate team shares a deep love for the Azores.
After lunch, you’ll have time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Angra do Heroísmo. The city’s vibrant Portuguese architecture, with its colorful facades and intricate patterns, makes for excellent photo opportunities.
To close the day, we visit one of the most iconic viewpoints in Portugal — Serra do Cume. This extraordinary vantage point offers a panoramic view of the island’s interior, often referred to as a “patchwork” of volcanic stone walls dividing farmland into geometric patterns. This is the perfect spot to capture the last light of the day, ensuring a memorable conclusion to the day’s photographic journey.
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.
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.
As we savor a final breakfast together, let’s take a moment to reminisce about the incredible moments we’ve shared during this photo tour. Unfortunately, the time has come to bid farewell and embark on our journeys back home. To ensure a seamless departure, transfers to the airport are arranged based on the hour of your flight, with no additional costs.
Cherish the memories captured through your lens and the bonds forged during our exploration of these remarkable Azorean islands. Until we meet again, safe travels and thank you for being part of this unforgettable adventure.
TOUR GUIDES
Bruno Ázera is a landscape photographer from Terceira Island with years of experience in the field. Being a local, He leads photo workshops and tours in the Azores.
Pedro is a Portuguese landscape photographer based in Slovakia but you’ll often find him chasing the light in the most beautiful mountains, forests and fjords of Europe. Favoring the cold landscapes and the raw nature of northern Europe, the weather does not stop him from going after the perfect shot — be it the northern lights in the Lofoten Islands, a snowy beach in Lithuania or a powerful waterfall in Iceland.
ACCOMMODATIONS
19-27 SEPTEMBER 2025
THE AZORES 9 DAY PHOTO TOUR
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