Açores Experiences in Nature

The Azores have been recognised as one of Europe's most scenic destinations by the European Best Destination, an association that promotes the best destinations in Europe in various categories.

The landscape of the Azorean islands features a vast array of unique shapes, rocks and structures that derive, among other factors, from the nature of the magmas, the type of eruption that caused them, their dynamics and the subsequent action of external agents in the hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere.

Geodiversity, together with other determining factors such as its size, dispersion, distance from the European and American continents and climate, are responsible for distinctive ecological conditions that uniquely reflect the close relationship between the archipelago's geodiversity and biodiversity that make this land such a special and unforgettable place to visit.

Here you'll find a wide variety of adventure and outdoor tourism options:

PEDESTRIAN WALKS

Whether you're a lover of quiet walks or an adrenaline junkie, the Azores have more than 60 walking routes with all the conditions for safe walking. Venture out and discover unique landscapes along paths completely surrounded by nature.

WHALE WATCHING

In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores are an archipelago of nine islands of pure nature and one of the largest whale sanctuaries in the world.

Between resident and migratory species, both common and rare, more than 24 different types of cetaceans can be seen in its waters. In addition to resident communities such as common and bottlenose dolphins, with which it is possible to swim, there are whales that use the Azores as a migration route. Spotted dolphins, sperm whales, sei whales and baleen whales are more frequent in summer. The blue whale can easily be spotted at the end of winter. One thing is guaranteed: whatever the season, there are always discoveries to be made.

The Azores are a unique ecosystem with waters rich in fish, so it's not surprising that in the past whaling was an important activity on many of the islands. Today, the whaling tradition has been converted into a much-loved tourist activity, which is why there are several starting points, spread across several islands, which serve as a base for those who want to get in touch with the enchanting mammals, giving new meaning to an old cry: "Whale in sight!".

GEOTURISM

The genesis of the Azores is imprinted on 1766 volcanoes, nine of which are still placidly active. Underground, there are almost three hundred volcanic cavities in the form of caves, grottoes and crevices. In the landscape, there are dry calderas, crater lakes, fumarolic fields and hot springs. Underwater geothermal springs can be found in the sea. The majestic Pico mountain, with its cone still intact, seems to protect all these geological riches. A testimony to the power of nature, the archipelago's volcanism is impressive in its diversity and generates a special magnetism in visitors.

DIVING

If you're a diving enthusiast, you can't miss out on the unique experience that the Azorean sea can offer you.

The Azores are one of the best places in Europe for scuba diving and here you can dive with manta rays, but it's not the only way.

BIKE/BTT TOURS

Discover all the mountain bike routes and explore every nook and cranny of the Azorean islands. The bike routes take you to a world of fantasy that only the trails can offer you

CANYONING

The Azores are an archipelago situated on the Middle Ocean ridge of volcanic origin and made up of 9 islands, three of which offer excellent conditions for canyoning:

São Miguel, São Jorge and Flores. These three islands offer an abundance of beautiful routes, but each one has its own particularities.

BIRDWATCHING

Due to its central position in the Atlantic Ocean, it is possible to observe various migratory species that occur on the islands.

CANOEING / KAYAKING

In the Azores, these sports are practised both on inland waters and in the open sea. Whether exploring the cliffs that surround the lagoons at the bottom of volcanic calderas or paddling around small islets to observe seabirds and explore caves, these activities allow for total physical and emotional involvement with the Azorean landscape.

PARAPENTING

The Azores are considered by many to be a unique destination for paragliding, with a wide variety of spots as well as take-off and landing areas.

TRAIL RUNNING

Trail running is a very popular sport in the Azores, practised by locals and tourists alike. It has been recognised with several local, national and even international events held on various islands, the most famous being the climb up Pico mountain.

CLIMBING

The geological formations of the Azores are an excellent natural setting for climbing. If you've never had the chance to experience these thrills, the Azores are the ideal place to start.

COASTEERING

Here, you can explore the rocky cliffs of these giants that soar through the sky and the waves that crash lovingly on the coastline. This is a geology lesson in the midst of adventure. Coasteering is a challenging experience that combines activity on the rocks and in the water, walking through coastal landscapes.

At OSIRISs we can help you plan a trip with nature experiences.