Baia de Alem, Flores island, Azores, Portugal (Image: Getty)
If you’re picturing your next getaway in a far-off tropical paradise with turquoise lagoons, lush volcanic landscapes, and tranquil eco-resorts, the Maldives or Bora Bora may come to mind.
But for UK travellers seeking a similar, dreamy escape closer to home, Portugal’s Azores — known as the “Bora Bora of Europe,”— offers an unexpected alternative, at a fraction of the price.
A collection of nine stunning islands in the Atlantic Ocean, and about 1,500 km off the Portuguese mainland, the Azores are an archipelago of dramatic beauty, where deep blue lagoons and rugged green peaks dominate the landscape.
São Miguel, the largest island, is home to one of the Azores’ most famous sights: the twin lakes of Sete Cidades.
One lake shines a bright turquoise, while the other has a greenish hue, nestled within an ancient volcanic crater. Legend has it that the lakes formed from the tears of a shepherd and a princess who fell in love but were forbidden to be together.
Lagoa das Sete Cidades (Lagoon of the Seven Cities) in São Miguel Island (Image: Getty)
The Azores aren’t just a natural paradise — they also offer a rich cultural heritage.
The island of Terceira is home to Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where pastel-coloured buildings, cobblestone streets, and historic churches capture the charm of a bygone era.
Each of the islands offers its own character: Faial is blanketed in blooming blue hydrangeas, while Corvo, the smallest island, remains an oasis of tranquillity for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the 9-5.
And a trip to the Azores wouldn’t be complete without visiting one of its many volcanic hot springs. The town of Furnas on São Miguel is famous for its geothermal pools, where travellers can soak in mineral-rich waters heated naturally by volcanic energy.
Angra do Heroismo in Terceira Island (Image: Getty)
The Azores have a well-deserved reputation as a sustainable travel destination, attracting those who seek eco-conscious experiences. With strict environmental policies and a strong commitment to conservation, the islands maintain a pristine beauty that’s rarely found in heavily-touristed locations.
Getting to the Azores is simpler than you might think. Direct flights from London to São Miguel make it easy to reach this European paradise in just a few hours. There are weekly direct flights from London Heathrow to São Miguel, and during the summer, direct flights are available to both Terceira and São Miguel with British Airways. Return fares start from £316.
So, for UK travellers looking to escape to a world of natural beauty, the Azores offers an extraordinary, sustainable alternative to distant tropical islands—right in Europe’s back garden.