WONDERS OF AZORES

Day 1: Arrival & Introduction to São Miguel

Welcome to João Paulo II Airport in Ponta Delgada! You have the morning to relax or explore some of the city’s highlights, such as Mercado da Graça, Forte de São Brás, or the historic Portas da Cidade. These locations offer fantastic street photography and a chance to capture the essence of Azorean life.

In the early afternoon, we gather for a welcome lunch at a local restaurant, where you’ll get to know your fellow travelers and discuss the exciting days ahead. This is a perfect opportunity to ask questions and prepare for the journey.

We begin our photographic adventure at Gorreana Tea Plantation, the oldest in Europe. The rolling green tea fields contrast beautifully with the Atlantic backdrop, making for incredible landscape compositions. Take time to explore the factory and understand the tea-making process.

For sunset, we choose between Santa Bárbara Beach or Miradouro do Cintrão, depending on weather conditions. Santa Bárbara offers golden light reflecting off the waves, while Cintrão provides dramatic cliffside views with Sete Cidades in the background.

Day 2: Lagoa do Fogo & Sete Cidades

We start our morning at Lagoa do Fogo, one of the island’s highest points. This volcanic lake is often covered in mist, adding a moody atmosphere. If visibility is low, this is a great opportunity for drone photography to capture the lake from above.

Next, we travel west to explore the Sete Cidades crater, home to the striking Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul. The contrast between the two lakes is best appreciated from Miradouro da Vista do Rei. We’ll discuss how to frame this incredible view and use leading lines to enhance our compositions.

In the late afternoon, we descend into Sete Cidades village before heading to Mosteiros Beach for sunset. This rugged seascape features dramatic rock formations, perfect for long-exposure photography to capture the movement of the waves.

Day 3: Exploring Furnas & The Best Viewpoint

We begin at Santa Iria Viewpoint, one of São Miguel’s most spectacular coastal landscapes. The rugged cliffs bathed in the morning light create stunning contrasts between the deep blue ocean and green rolling hills.

Next, we explore Terra Nostra Park, a lush botanical garden famous for its thermal pools. The golden hues of the iron-rich water create a unique photographic element. Bring your swimwear to enjoy the warm, mineral-rich waters (35–40°C).

For lunch, we experience the famous Cozido das Furnas, a traditional dish slow-cooked underground using volcanic steam. We’ll also try the local sweet muffins, Bolo Lêvedo.

After lunch, we visit Miradouro da Grota do Inferno, one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the Azores. The panoramic view of the crater lakes is unparalleled, especially in the late afternoon light.

Day 4: Vila Franca Islet & Arrival in Terceira

Our morning starts at Vila Franca Islet, a unique volcanic crater island with an inner lagoon. The best way to capture its distinct circular shape is with aerial photography.

After a short flight to Terceira Island, we settle in and enjoy lunch in Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage city. We explore its colorful Portuguese architecture, perfect for vibrant cityscape photography.

In the afternoon, we venture into the Black Forest, a mystical woodland where light and shadow play beautifully through dense vegetation.

Next, we explore Algar do Carvão, the only volcano in the world where you can walk inside. Since tripods aren’t allowed, we’ll use fast wide-angle lenses to capture the cave’s surreal rock formations.

For sunset, we drive up to Serra de Santa Bárbara, the highest point on the island. If the weather is clear, we’ll have a stunning view over the island’s rolling green pastures.

Day 5: Coastal Wonders & Sunset at Biscoitos

Sunrise takes us to Serretinha Natural Pools, where the volcanic coastline and Ilhéu das Cabras create striking compositions. The ever-changing ocean conditions add dynamic movement to our shots.

Next, we visit Pico Dona Joana, one of the most picturesque volcanic cones in the Azores. A drone is highly recommended here to capture the full scale of the landscape.

We enjoy lunch in Praia da Vitória, known for its relaxed coastal charm and excellent local food.

In the afternoon, we explore Ponta do Mistério, where a surreal lunar-like landscape meets the deep blue ocean. The green-glazed volcanic rocks create a perfect contrast for creative compositions.

For sunset, we visit Biscoitos, famous for its natural pools and rugged lava formations. The interplay of golden light and dark volcanic rock makes for spectacular images.

Day 6: Lighthouse Views, Whale Watching & Serra do Cume

We start our day at Ponta das Contendas Lighthouse, where the unique brown and black rock formations create a striking seascape. If conditions permit, we’ll also capture a hidden sea cave, accessible only by boat.

For those interested, an optional whale-watching excursion is available. The Azores are one of the top whale-watching destinations, offering a chance to photograph sperm whales, dolphins, and even blue whales (seasonal).

After lunch, we have free time to explore Angra do Heroísmo, capturing its historic streets, intricate tiled sidewalks, and vibrant facades.

To conclude our journey, we visit Serra do Cume, one of the most iconic viewpoints in Portugal. The panoramic view of the island’s patchwork fields, divided by volcanic stone walls, is an unforgettable sight to end the day.

Day 7: Sunrise at Porto Martins & Farewell

We begin our final morning with a sunrise session at Porto Martins, a rugged coastal area with dramatic volcanic formations and powerful Atlantic waves. This location offers incredible textures and contrasts for capturing the raw beauty of the ocean.

Afterward, we gather for a final breakfast, reminiscing about the incredible moments and photographs captured throughout our journey.

Transfers to the airport are arranged according to your flight schedule at no additional cost. I hope you leave with cherished memories, new friendships, and a collection of stunning photographs that truly capture the magic of the Azores.

Safe travels, and I hope to see you again.