Azores Photo Tour: São Miguel and Flores Island

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, 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. Depending on the weather, Mosteiros beach is also on our plans, capturing 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 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 head 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 one of the most amazing 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. Welcome to the best-kept secret of Europe, the wild and beautiful Island of Flores. After settling into our accommodations, our focus turns to the western part of the island for sunset. A short hike takes us to the stunning waterfalls of Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro. Nestled at the base of the waterfalls is an astonishing lagoon, offering a variety of exciting compositions for your photography.

Our day starts at the natural reserve area of Morro Alto. Here, you can explore the panoramic views of Lagoa Negra (the deepest lagoon in the Azores) and Lagoa Comprida. Additionally, take in the breathtaking perspective of a beautiful straight road that looks remarkable from above. Our journey continues to Lagoa Rasa and Lagoa Funda, offering a fascinating rugged landscape characterized by differences in altitude and color between the two lagoons. Heading north, we reach Ponta Delgada town, where we explore the rugged coastline, stopping at viewpoints along the way. The day concludes at the impressive Albarnaz lighthouse, perched on the edge of the cliffs, offering striking seascapes in its surroundings. Be prepared for the unexpected and embrace the dynamic beauty of Flores.

Our day kicks off with a sunrise at the scenic Baía da Alagoa, a rocky bay offering a mesmerizing view of rugged basalt sea stacks as our main subject, with Corvo Island in the background. Our next stop is the picturesque town of Santa Cruz. Take your time to explore and relish its surroundings before our lunch break. Additionally, there’s a captivating cave that provides an excellent photographic opportunity, with the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean as a striking backdrop. Don’t forget your wide-angle lens; it’s a must for this location. We wrap up the day with a sunset at the impressive basalt columns of Rocha dos Bordões. The variety of compositions you can create at this location is truly remarkable.

We explore the natural swimming pools of Santa Cruz. The rugged basalt coastline makes for a fantastic spot to create different compositions, especially for long exposure photography. Enjoy a final breakfast together, reminiscing about the incredible moments shared during the workshop. Unfortunately, it’s time to say goodbye and fly home. Transfers to the airport are arranged based on the hour of your flight with no additional costs. We hope you cherish all of these amazing memories and fantastic photographs from the Azores.