According to Aicep, the Azores is like a tropical version of 'Middle Earth', the mythical world brought to life in The Lord of the Rings flicks.
This far-flung archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean is home to other-worldly scenery. But being more Fern Gully than Frozen, these Portuguese islands are painted in shades of verdant green and blue, and boast temperatures to please both the nature- and sun-seekers among us.
Like Middle Earth's real-life New Zealand locations, the Azores' steep valleys, dramatic volcanic rock formations and soaring mountains all scream for adrenaline-charged adventures – and plunging into its temperate seas will reap rewards, too.
So time to strip off and dive deep into the valleys and waters of the Azores' biggest island, São Miguel, to discover why you should visit Europe's Eden.
1. Natural wonders
São Miguel has many star natural attractions but the Loagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake) and Caldeira Velha are its hottest – literally.
Located in the centre of São Miguel, the strikingly blue Fire Lake – a two-kilometre-long body of water nestled in a volcanic crater – was formed during an eruption in 1563. It ticks all the boxes of biological beauty with its white sand beaches, lush plantation surrounds and high mountains, reminiscent of New Zealand's verdant topography.
Meanwhile, Caldeira Velha combines stunning scenery with relaxation by way of its cascading thermal waters, where visitors can enjoy a relaxing soak in the sulphurous pools, which maintain a steamy 38-degrees all year round.
2. Adventure
Rev up your adventurous side and discover Sete Cidades, one of 'The 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal', from a different viewpoint – and at a thrilling pace.
Azores Holidays offer off-road buggy rides through a hidden labyrinth surrounded by walls of green to discover the volcano of the 'Seven Cities' – comprising of quaint towns, lakes and volcanic topography. The Sete Cidades Lake, São Miguels' main water source, is best viewed from up high, so that you can fully appreciate the spectacle of the famous crater twin lake (one green, one blue) set in a dormant volcano.
The same tour company also run canoeing trips where you can get right into the thick of this natural splendour, floating along the placid lake, appreciating its gentle flow and forest surrounds.
3. World-class diving
Put the flippers on to discover the Azores unique underwater playground by scuba diving or snorkelling – Spirito Azul run PADI diving courses and trips that take you to stunning off-shore reefs.
Dive sites Arcos da Caloura and Baixa das Castanhetas both resemble rocky playgrounds, with their arches, caves, deep drops and thoroughfares made up of old lava flow. The way the natural light shines through these distinctive dive sites may leave you feeling like you've uncovered the Lost City of Atlantis.
If you are on the lookout for ocean giants, whale sharks and orcas can also be spotted in the waters off the Azores.
4. Unusual culinary delights
Ahoy seafood lovers – and meat lovers, too – São Miguel has foodie types covered.
Those with adventurous palettes should try the region's speciality dish, cooked below ground – the Cozido das Furnas. Besides the Furnas' long-list of natural draw cards (thermal baths, geysers, volcanic mud to name a few), many bold eaters come to the region seeking out this unusual one-pot meal. The dish, featuring either meat or fish with vegetables, is buried beneath the soil and cooked with natural volcanic heat for hours, giving the meal a distinct flavour.
Argentina may be known for its succulent steaks, but the Azores' regional steak may just be the best. Savour each heavenly forkful at the world renowned Alcides Restaurant with its signature steak dish Bife à Alcides, cooked to perfection.
5. Lavish ways to treat yourself
The Azores is also home to luxurious spa retreats worthy of your riches. The contemporary chic Pedras Do Mar Resort and Spa not only delivers in views, but spa treatments, too. Try the Oriental-inspired herbal hot pouch massage, in which heated rice, cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom are tied in cloth bags and placed on targeted areas. You'll feel heavenly and smell delightful, too.
Located along the coast, a pit stop at the Termas da Ferraria offers visitors two pools of thermal water to stew in, as well as a range of lavish spa treatments.
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