Articles

São Miguel (the ‘green island’) bursts with both dramatic volcanic scenery and quality produce. Here you’ll find small yet sweet Azorean pineapples, sea-salty limpets and muffin-like bolo lêvedo bread.

Everyone who knows me is aware that my secret getaway spot is a tiny island in the middle of the Atlantic ocean. And even though I'd really love to keep it to myself, it's not really fare, as this place is one of the most unique and beautiful I've ever seen.

SOME 900 MILES FROM MAINLAND, VOLCANIC TERROIR AND HYPER-LOCAL INGREDIENTS MAKE FOR A DISTINCT CULINARY HERITAGE

Some say this volcanic island chain on the North Atlantic could be the next millennial hotspot. UNESCO recognized three islands — Graciosa, Flores and Corvo — as biospheres, and there are 13 Ramsar (important wetlands) sites and even more Blue Flag beaches. 

According to Flight Centre UK, the warm waters around The Azores, an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean 900 miles to the west of Portugal, are home to 11 species of dolphin. 

The Azores Archipelago, set of nine islands, is part of Portugal between Europe and America, are exotic, volcanic, lush, safe, quaint, and drenched in European charm. It is just a four hour direct flight from Boston and Providence on Azores Airlines.

PONTA DELGADA, SÃO MIGUEL, Portugal — I heard the comparisons, and I can’t say that I agree with them.

“The Azores are the next Iceland,” someone told me. “The Azores are the Hawaii of the Atlantic,” I read in Forbes.

While many European beach destinations are throbbing with parties, the Azores’ low-key, untouched ambiance will enchant expectant parents who need a break from it all. Located off the coast of Portugal in the Atlantic, this group of islands is a hidden gem according to Les.

In the town square of Angra do Heroismo, a temporary stage hosts guitarists nearly every night during the Christmas season. At the Taberna do Fado up the hill, waiters and bartenders make sure everybody is well served when they shut the front door and play guitar-accompanied, soul-baring songs that don’t require you to know Portuguese.