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Hidden Gems of the Azores

The Azores archipelago features diverse volcanic landscapes and historical landmarks. This selection includes the 18th-century Terra Nostra Garden, known for its geothermal pool and botanical collection, and the neo-Gothic Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias on the shores of Furnas Lake. Natural highlights include the Sete Cidades caldera at Vista do Rei, the northern coastal views from Miradouro do Pico Vermelho, and Mount Pico, Portugal's highest point at 2,351 meters. These sites represent the region's unique blend of tectonic activity and curated heritage.

Hidden Gems of the Azores — Mappa

Anselmo Baptista / CC-BY-SA

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Terra Nostra Garden

An 18th-century botanical park featuring a large thermal swimming pool filled with iron-rich mineral water. The grounds contain one of the world’s most extensive collections of camellias, alongside centuries-old trees and endemic Azorean flora.

Samuel Fonseca 85 / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Vista do Rei Viewpoint

Viewpoint overlooking the Green and Blue Lakes within a volcanic crater. The site is recognized as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal and features a large caldera lake formed by volcanic activity.

Alex / CC-BY-SA

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Miradouro do Pico Vermelho

Provides panoramic views over the northern coastline of São Miguel and the surrounding volcanic landscape. The site overlooks the village of Bretanha and the characteristic red soil of the nearby hills.

José Luís Ávila Silveira/Pedro Noronha… / Public domain

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Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias, dedicated to Our Lady of the Victories, a small funerary chapel on the southwestern corner of…

José Luís Ávila Silveira/Pedro Noronha… / Public domain

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Mount Pico

Mount Pico is a currently dormant stratovolcano located on Pico Island, in the mid-Atlantic archipelago of the Azores.