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. Have the day to relax or explore the surrounding beaches. Later, we’ll pick you up for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant—an ideal opportunity to ask questions, bond with fellow travelers, and share in the anticipation of the journey ahead.
For sunset we head to picturesque beaches of Santa Bárbara and Monte Verde. Alternatively, we may head to the jagged cliffs of Miradouro do Cintrão, providing a breathtaking view of the north coast and the majestic Sete Cidades volcano in the background. Get ready for a day filled with exploration, delicious cuisine, and the perfect moments to capture with your camera.
The day starts at Lagoa do Fogo volcanic lake, one of the highest points of the island. If you have a drone, take full advantage of it to capture unique perspectives up here.
After lunch, our journey heads west to explore the volcanic crater of Sete Cidades, home to the captivating multi-colored lakes of Lagoa Verde and Azul. It’s a truly incredible sight, providing a sense of the surrounding area. If you’re into adventurous activities, kayaking and paddleboarding are delightful options on these scenic lakes.
Our next destination is one of the Azores’ highlights—the Grota do Inferno viewpoint. While the crater lakes of Sete Cidades can be admired from various vantage points, this spot stands out as one of the best. For those equipped with a drone, capturing Lagoa do Canário from the air reveals an intriguing and visually stunning shape.
For sunset, we head to Mosteiros Beach to capture the last light of the day in a beautiful seascape photography location.
Our morning begins at the Santa Iria viewpoint for a captivating sunrise overlooking the north coastline of the Island.
After breakfast we head to Lagoa das Furnas—a spectacular crater lake offering opportunities to photograph mud pools and steaming geothermal features.
Our journey continues to the Terra Nostra Park, renowned as one of the most beautiful gardens, featuring inviting thermal pools. Remember to pack your swimwear, as temperatures range between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius, providing a soothing and relaxing experience for the remainder of the day.
For lunch we try the famous local dish, Cozido das Furnas, uniquely cooked by volcanic steam. Indulge in the sweet muffins look-alike known as bolo lêvedo, adding a delightful local flavor to our experience.
In the afternoon, we venture to 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.
As the day unfolds, we head back to the island’s coastline to capture the mesmerizing colors of the sunset, concluding the day with the perfect photographic moment.
We kick off our morning with a visit to one of the most unique 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.
Time to pack because another island is expecting us.
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.
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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