WONDERS OF AZORES 7 DAY PHOTO TOUR
Join me on an exciting adventure and explore the Wonders of Azores during this 7-day photo tour. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty and unique landscapes of São Miguel and Terceira Island. It’s a journey you won’t want to miss!
19-25 JUNE 2025 / 21-27 JULY 2025
Created by local photographer Bruno Ázera
Embark on a unique 7-day Wonders of Azores photo adventure tour and discover the pristine beauty of the Azores and its enchanting islands. Designed for photographers of all skill levels, my aim is to guide you to the most photogenic locations in the Azores, away from the tourist crowds. Throughout the journey, you’ll stay in accommodations that ensure the best possible experience.
Situated in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, the Azores comprise nine stunning volcanic islands. Green, volcanic, and remote, this archipelago offers breathtaking landscapes in their purest state. Home to one of the largest whale sanctuaries, the Azores provide exceptional conditions for photography year-round. Join me for an unforgettable experience capturing the natural wonders of this hidden gem.
Join me on a seamless exploration of São Miguel and Terceira Island, where we’ll utilize private shuttles and commercial flights to traverse various photographic sights. The tour cost encompasses all transportation, local flights between islands, and accommodations, ensuring a stress-free experience. This setup allows participants to focus on relishing and capturing the mesmerizing scenery of the Azores.
Immerse yourself in the unique culture, warm-hearted people, and photographic treasures of the Azores islands. From volcanic villages and hot springs to captivating whale-watching excursions, this travel photography tour is perfect for those with a sense of adventure.
For ocean enthusiasts, the Azores rank among the world’s best whale-watching spots. We’ll maximize this opportunity by partnering with Ocean Emotion, a team of professional and passionate experts who share our love for the Azores.
One standout feature of the Azores is the proximity of every photography spot, with some just a 20-minute drive away. Throughout the tour, I’ll share my knowledge in-field and beyond, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.
While we have a planned itinerary, we also embrace flexibility to seize unexpected photographic opportunities that may arise during our journey. Join me for an unforgettable exploration of the Azores, where every moment is an opportunity to capture the magic of these incredible islands.
These photo tours are always for small groups, a maximum of 5 participants, it’s a one-on-one experience.
TOUR PRICE
starting from 3900€
single occupancy in private room with a bathroom
DATES
19-25 JUNE 2025
21-27 JULY 2025
GROUP SIZE
3-5
TOUR GUIDE
Bruno Ázera
EXPERIENCE
beginner / amateur / advanced
PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY
Mostly Easy
only small hikes are involved
DESTINATION
Azores
São Miguel / Terceira
ACCOMMODATIONS
The Lince Azores / Hotel Cruzeiro
- Discover 2 island paradises: Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of São Miguel and Terceira, 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 São Miguel to Terceira emerald-green patchwork, 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.
- Professional photo guide (fluent in Portuguese and English)
- Photographic field instructions
- Tips and tricks along the day
- Image reviews
- Transportation in a comfortable vehicle
- Whale Watching with Ocean Emotion – private for our tour group (minimum 4 participants)
- 6 nights accommodation in hotels, single occupancy in private room with bathroom
- All Breakfasts
- Park fees
- Local flight tickets to transfer between islands
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from the airport
- 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.
In our June Photo Tour, you have the opportunity to experience and enjoy the festival of Sanjoaninas in the heart of the UNESCO city of Angra do Heroísmo in Terceira Island.
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
Enjoy a final breakfast together, reminiscing about the incredible moments shared during the tour. Sadly, it’s time to say goodbye and head to the airport. Transfers are arranged to suit your flight schedule at no additional cost.
We hope you cherish the amazing memories and fantastic photographs captured during your time in the Azores.
ACCOMMODATIONS
19-25 JUNE 2025 / 21-27 JULY 2025
WONDERS OF AZORES 7 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.
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