While much of Europe is enduring one heat wave after another, some travelers are already looking for an escape. Not necessarily to the Far North or Iceland, but to a destination where you can still go hiking, have lunch on a terrace, or sleep with the windows open without suffering from stifling temperatures. In the middle of the Atlantic, about a four-hour flight from Paris, the Azores stand out as one of the most appealing alternatives right now.
Spectacular islands where you can breathe in the fresh air
This Portuguese archipelago, made up of nine islands, lies more than 1,300 kilometers from the European coast. A location that gives it a particularly temperate climate. In the height of summer, temperatures generally range between 22 and 26°C, a far cry from the highs seen in many Mediterranean destinations.
But if the Azores are so appealing, it’s mainly because they sometimes give the impression of having concentrated several landscapes into a single place. On São Miguel, the main island, visitors discover volcanic craters that have been transformed into lakes. The most famous, Sete Cidades, has become one of the archipelago’s iconic images, with its two bodies of water in different shades, surrounded by lush vegetation. Just a few kilometers away, natural hot springs even allow visitors to bathe in water heated by geothermal activity.
Further east, the trails wind through dense forests, skirt waterfalls, and regularly open up to spectacular panoramic views. The omnipresence of water plays a major role in the Azores’ charm. Rivers, lagoons, and natural pools carved into volcanic rock: here, the landscape seems constantly shaped by the elements.
This unspoiled natural environment also explains why the archipelago has become one of the best places in Europe for whale watching. Whales and dolphins frequent the waters of the Azores for much of the year, attracting enthusiasts from all over the world.
Unlike other summer destinations that can become overcrowded as early as July, the Azores still retain a certain tranquility. The colorful villages, roads lined with hydrangeas, and small fishing ports often give the impression of a region that has remained untouched by mass tourism.
As heat waves become more frequent in Europe, this corner of the Atlantic is gaining popularity among French travelers. Many no longer come just for the volcanic landscapes or hiking trails, but also to rediscover a luxury that has become rare during the summer: breathing fresh air.
