Discovered in the 15th century with Flores, the island of Corvo in the Azores is the smallest island in the archipelago. Less than 500 people actually live on this island! It is also the most remote island of the archipelago, giving tourists an isolated getaway from the stresses of life. 

Considered a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, this remote island features gorgeous green landscapes with contrasting dark blue sea views, as well as picturesque narrow streets and a strong-knit community.

If you are planning your next trip to Corvo island in the Azores and unsure what to do, you’ve come to the right place. There are so many enjoyable activities in Corvo. From marveling at astonishing species of birds to hiking trails with impressive landscapes, let’s take a look at the 6 best things to do in Corvo, Azores. 

Travel Guide to Corvo, Azores

1. Bird watching in Corvo in October

October is low season in all of the Azores, but you’ll find that Corvo could be all booked up for this month. Strange, right? This is because October is bird watching season in Corvo, where you’ll find hundreds of different bird species. For fanatic bird watchers, Corvo is set to be a bucket list destination. 

As the island is close to the American continent, many American vagrants are spotted on this island, which you can never see in Europe or mainland Portugal. Here are some of the bird species you can find in Corvo during this season:

• Double-crested Cormorant
• Killdeer
• Buff-breasted Sandpiper
• Cedar Waxwing
• Hermit Thrush
• White-eyed Vireo
• Black-and-white Warbler
• Northern Parula
• Northern Waterthrush
• White-crowned Sparrow
• Indigo Bunting

2. Explore Vila do Corvo

Vila do Corvo is the smallest municipality in all of the Azores and the only village in Corvo island. Its size is also proportional to its population. Vila do Corvo is the least populated municipality in all of Portugal!

This village has quaint small homes along narrow streets made of a traditional black stone. Vila do Corvo is home to significant religious buildings that you must visit, such as the Church of Nossa Senhora dos Milagres, an 18th-century church in Baroque style, and the Império of the Divino Espirito Santo, a church constructures in 1871.

We also recommend visiting the Windmills of Corvo, known as the Moinhos do Vento. These are three windmills located along the Caminhos dos Moinhos, built on volcanic rock with octagonal sails.

3. Walk the Corvo Caldera

The caldera in Corvo was formed 430,000 years ago during a Plinian eruption. It is 2,000 meters in diameter and 300 meters deep. Within the caldera, you will find different cinder and spatter cones that have given rise to small lakes and islets. 

If you only do one hike in Corvo, the caldera walk is one you must not miss. It takes around 2h30 to walk up to the caldera, but the journey is worth it, filled with hydrangeas along the past. You will get one of the most beautiful views of a lifetime, particularly if you arrive in time for sunset. 

If the hike is too difficult or you don’t feel like walking, you can get a taxi up to the caldera for a cheap price. Nevertheless, we do recommend taking the walk as the path is very much worth it.

4. Hike beautiful trails in Corvo

Corvo might not have a ton of hiking trails, but the two official ones on the island are still worth it. You can take a hike around the iconic caldera that is 4.8 kilometers long and goes around the crater. If you are more experienced, the Cara do Indio trail is a 10-kilometer hike that features gorgeous views of Flores island and takes around 3 hours.

Make sure to only hike on these official trails that are taken care of by the Azores Tourism Broad if you are a beginner. There might be other unofficial hiking trails, but without the correct signage, you risk getting lost. You can look up the official hike trails here. You can find the routes on a map, the duration of the hike, as well as the elevation levels, and more.

5. Experience the Holy Spirit Celebrations in Corvo

Corvo is one of the islands in the Azores that is most well known for religious celebrations and festivals. The Festas do Espirito Santo, translating to Holy Spirit Celebrations or Festivities, are celebrated per Azorean tradition during the summer.

It begins on the last Sunday of June to celebrate the Sao Pedro, with night festivities in the Outeiro plaza and a procession in Vila Nova do Corvo. On the third Sunday of July, there is another celebration to honor the Holy Family with a lively procession. 

However, the largest celebration of all takes place on August 15th every year to honor Our Lady of Miracles. During these celebrations, along with processions, you will find amazing cuisine, music, and an authentic Azorean atmosphere.

6. Day trip to Flores 

Flores is only a 40-minute ferry away that costs less than €10. One of the most remote islands in the Azores, Flores is the perfect spot for nature lovers. Its name translates to “flowers” for a reason. During the summer months, Flores island is covered with thousands of blue and pink hydrangeas, as well as yellow goldenrods.

Less than 4,000 people live on this island, making it a quaint destination to experience the Azorean way of life. The island spans a 141.4 km2 surface, making it a small island that is easy to drive around through. From natural pools to the seven lakes and natural pools, this island is the perfect spot for a full island experience. Here are some of our favorite activities in Flores: 

• Swim in the Poço do Bacalhau, located in Fajã Grande. You can swim in this pool surrounded by cliffs and let the 90-meter waterfall fall on you.
• Visit the seven lakes, blue and green lakes that span the Caldera of Flores. The largest lake is Lagoa Negra which is over 100 meters deep.
• Hike a trail from the seven lakes viewpoint to Poço do Bacalhau. It’s only 7 kilometers long and takes around 3 hours. 
• Book a canyoning experience for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, where you’ll jump into pools and slide between rocks to experience the landscape to its fullest.

Travel Guide to Flores, Azores

Traveling with kids can be stressful. Luckily, Lisbon is a very child-friendly capital and your trip to Lisbon can be stress-free if you plan accordingly. Lisbon gets over 4 million tourists a year, many of which are little ones. This cosmopolitan city with great cultural heritage, architecture, and cuisine caters to those of all ages, despite what most might think. 

From fun family activities like the “hippo” amphibious sightseeing tour to independent activities for just the kids, the options are endless. Let’s take a look at the 7 best things to do in Lisbon with kids to make your trip memorable.

Travel Guide to Lisbon

1. Ride the “Hippo” Amphibious Sightseeing Tour of Lisbon

Our top activity to do with kids in Lisbon is this “Hippo” tour, an amphibious sightseeing guided tour of Lisbon. The tour starts off in a vehicle that appears to be a bus, covering top attractions such as the Commerce Square and Avenida da Liberdade.

The “Hippo” bus later on rides onto the Tagus River, transforming into a boat! This trip is thus set to shock your kids in a positive way. Sailing through the Tagus River, you get a unique view of Lisbon from the water, passing by the Belem Tower and the Monument of the Discoveries.

There is an English and Portuguese guide available that will tell you all about the places you see and the history of Lisbon. However, keep in mind that only children over 2 years old are allowed on this tour.

Book the “Hippo” Amphibious Tour

2. Visit the Lisbon Oceanarium

The Oceanário de Lisboa in Parque das Nações, the city‘s aquarium, is one of the largest in Europe. This place has over 8,000 creatures from 500 species, making it the perfect activity for a date or family day. Over 17 million visitors from 140 countries have visited the aquarium since it opened in 1998. Every year, over 1 million people visit the aquarium.

The Oceanário de Lisboa is divided into 4 separate bodies of water, representing the North Atlantic, Antarctic, Temperate Pacific, and Tropical Indian Ocean. From cute otters to sharks, this aquarium has every animal you want to see. Buy your ticket here to skip the line at the entrance and enjoy free cancellation.

Buy Lisbon Oceanarium Tickets

3. Tuk Tuk tour of the Portuguese capital

This is one is especially fun for those who get easily bored at museums but need an activity in Lisbon on a rainy day. Your kids are set to get excited when they see the picturesque tuk tuk that will ride on! Book this private electric tuk tuk tour of Lisbon with a local guide. This tour is an eco-friendly way to visit the best sights in the city.

The tour stops at all the major attractions such as Alfama and Mouraria, the historic neighborhoods, as well as Praca do Comercio and Belem. The tuk tuk also stops at the best Lisbon viewpoints for photo ops of the city. 

Book Private Electric Tuk Tuk Tour of Lisbon  

4. Enjoy a family beach day nearby

Kids love the beach and if you live somewhere far away from one, you’re in luck! Lisbon is only 15 minutes away from the sea and you can get there by public transportation. And you won’t be going to just any beaches, Lisbon has some of the best beaches in Europe, perfect for a city break.

Costa da Caparica is only 20 minutes away, an area with some of the best beaches in Greater Lisbon. Another alternative is going to Cascais or Sintra, where there are fewer busy beaches with loads of space.

Here are our favorite beaches near Lisbon:

• Praia da Cornélia (Costa da Caparica)
• Praia da Mata (Costa da Caparica)
• Praia do Guincho (Cascais)
• Praia da Adraga (Sintra)
• Praia do Magoito (Sintra)

Book a beach experience near Lisboa

5. Tram 28

If a tour is not really your style and you are looking for a more affordable way to see the city with your family, we recommend taking the 28 tram. Although the tram is a public transport service, due to the places it rides through, think of it as a cheap tourist tour.

This tram line connects Martim Moniz with Campo do Ourique. The tram stops in popular tourist districts such as Alfama, Baixa, Estrela, and grace. In a traditional yellow tram, you will ride a scenic route through Lisbon’s narrow and steep streets, the perfect fall morning in Lisbon.

We recommend riding the train early in the morning to avoid crowds. Make sure to beware of pickpocketers!

6. Learn about Lisbon history at S. Jorge Castle

Open every day of the week, Castelo de Sao Jorge is located in Santa Maria Maior and is open to visitors. The medieval castle overlooks the historical center of Lisbon and includes guided tours in various languages, allowing your kids to learn a bit about the local history. 

The castle’s construction has an interesting history. First, a small fortress was built by the Visigoths during the fifth century. It was made larger by the Moors in the eleventh century, who invaded the Iberian peninsula.

During the reign of Afonso I of Portugal in the twelfth century, it was altered and made into an official Royal Palace. It was then completely restored in 1938 by the dictatorship of Salazar as part of a commemoration of Portuguese patriotism and independence. 

Book Sao Jorge Castle Tickets to Skip the Line

7. KidZania

KidZania is literally a kid’s dream spot. Located in the UBBO shopping mall in Lisbon, KidZania is an interactive city made for children up to the age of 15 that combines fun and learning through realistic role plays.

Kids can explore a city independently, with more than 60 careers to try. Your kids can be doctors, scholars, lawyers, firefighters, and more. They earn Kidzos (the city’s currency) from their work, and they can then spend it on games. Not only is this a fun activity, but it teaches kids how to manage money and navigate the real world. 

The KidZania site in Lisbon includes a hospital, airport, factories, shops, police station, TV studio, fire department, beauty salon, and more. 

Book Tours & Activities in Lisbon

Faial is known as the Blue Island of the Azores due to the variety of hydrangeas in different shades of blue that span the island. Faial is actually the most westernmost point in Europe, located 4.5 miles from Pico and 11 miles from Sao Jorge. 

Faial is most widely known for its marina, a meeting point for sailors navigating the Atlantic ocean. It also boasts several churches in traditional Azorean style and jaw-dropping landscapes for nature lovers. Let’s take a look at the 6 best things to do in Faial, Azores for your next Azorean getaway!

Travel Guide to Faial

1. Hike the beautiful volcanic crater of Caldeira

Covered by bushes and laurel forest, the Caldeira in Faial offers one of the best views of the Azores. This volcanic crater is 400 meters deep, and you can actually walk to the mouth of the Caldeira.

However, do not do this alone! We recommend booking this hike with a professional to do so that you do not get lost off the trail. You can also walk around the crater, which will take around 2 hours. In fact, Faial has a lot of beautiful trails to hike, such as this 10 Volcano trail that you can book here.

After visiting the Caldeira, we recommend heading south of it to Cabeco Gordo, the highest point on the island, standing at 1043 meters. Be careful on rainy days, as the terrain can be quite slippery. 

2. Take a swim in some of the best Azorean beaches

Faial has some of the best beaches in the Azores, allowing you to take a much-needed swim after a tiring hike. The most popular beach is called Praia (Beach). This is a sandy beach that is dark in color due to the volcanic nature of the island. The beach also has changing rooms and showers!

Other beautiful black sandy beaches are the Praia do Norte and Porto Pim, which provide a gorgeous view of Mount Pico. Porto Pim is perhaps the only white sandy beaches in the Azores. It is sheltered from the wind and currents, making it a calm place to swim.

Praia do Norte is a wide stretch of black sandy beach that is also sheltered from the south by dramatic cliffs. This beach is a famous surf spot due to the large waves, so beware of the sea. 

3. Explore the city center of Faial, Horta

Horta is the city center of Faial and the perfect place for some exploring, with quaint churches everywhere. But the start of Horta is the marina, one that is known all over the world. This marina is a primary stop for boats and yachts crossing the Atlantic Ocean. 

It has a large mural where sailors from around the world paint a section to symbolize their voyage. These include paintings noting the names of their vessels, crew, and dates so that their voyage is remembered. 

Near the marina, you must visit Peter Cafe Sport, an emblematic cafe on the island that thousands have passed through. This place is known as the meeting point for sailors who are sailing the Atlantic Ocean. This place also houses the island’s scrimshaw museum, certificates carved from whale teeth and bones.

4. Visit the site of a volcanic eruption at Capelinhos

The Capelinhos is the site of a volcanic eruption that occurred on September 27, 1957. While no one was killed, the eruption that lasted for 13 months caused massive destruction on the island. This period spawned 300 seismic events, destroying 300 houses. Over 2,000 people were evacuated to the US and Canada.

This was the most recent volcanic eruption in all of the Azores. Today, you can visit the Capelinhos lighthouse and Visitors Center at the volcanic site in Faial. The volcano and the floor are the color of black volcanic rock, making this an interesting and beautiful site. 

5. Spot some whales in a unique experience

Faial is known for being a great place in the Azores to spot some whales and dolphins. There are plenty of sea life experiences that allow you to see these magnificent creatures while still respecting marine life and being environmentally aware. 

The best season to spot some whales and dolphins is between April and October, but even then, you can never be 100% certain you will see a whale. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see a sperm whale around 20 meters long.

For a full experience, book this tour, where you’ll get to spot some whales and dolphins, as well as learn about the whaling history of the island and visit the whaler’s museum. This tour also takes you to Capelinhos!

Book Whale & Dolphin Experiences in Faial

6. Take the ferry to Pico for the day

Pico is only 4.5 miles away, a distance you must take advantage of when staying in Fala. The ferry from Faial (Horta) to Pico (Madalena) only takes 30 minutes and makes for an enjoyable ride. 

The second-largest island in the Azores, Pico is home to Portugal’s highest mountain, Pico mount at over 2,000 meters high. At 300,000 years old, Pico is the most recently formed island of the Azores. The Hawaii of Portugal Pico island is 46 kilometers long and is filled with exotic vegetation and astonishing sea views.

There is so much to do on this island, so if you have the time, we recommend spending a few nights instead of just a day trip. One of our favorite things to do in Pico is looking for the seawater natural pools. Our favorites are Poço da Maré do Verdugo, Ponta do Admoiro, as well as the classic Lajes do Pico Natural and São Roque do Pico pools.

Pico might be even more famous for whale watching than Faial, so we recommend booking a dolphin and whale-guided tour with a biologist here. After, head to the whaler’s museum, where you get to learn about the former whaling industry. 

While this island is most famously known for the difficult Pico hike, there are plenty of other hiking trails. The best hiking trails in Pico are Caminho das Lagoas (22 KM, 7 hours), Calheta do Nesquim (8.6 KM, 2h30), and Prainha do Norte (7.8 KM, 2h30). 

Pico, The Black Island of Azores

View Tours & Activities in Pico

The gorgeous Brown Island of the Azores, Sao Jorge features vivid green landscapes that contrast with the dark blue ocean surrounding it. This volcanic island is part of the Triangle Islands with Pico and Faial but is most well-known for its iconic fajas that make up quaint villages and natural pools.

From wonderful hiking trails and natural pools to discovering the cultural heritage of Sao Jorge, the brown island has so much to offer. Let’s take a look at the 7 best things to do in Sao Jorge, Azores so your next trip can be one to remember.

Travel Guide to Sao Jorge

1. Visit the coffee plantation in Sao Jorge

You might not associate coffee with the Azores, but that’s where you’re wrong! Sao Jorge is the home of the only coffee plantation in Europe. Located in Fajã dos Vimes, Cafe Nunes is owned by a family who opened the cafe at the plantation in 1997 and has some delicious coffee for you to try.

However, fun fact! Coffee was not naturally grown in the Azores. The locals believe that someone who visited Brazil brought back some coffee beans in the late 18th century. Since then, this family has been growing their own coffee plants and making a richly flavored coffee that is a must-try.

You can buy bags of coffee to take home, as well as visit the artisanal shop that sells handmade tapestries and carpets.

2. Hike stunning trails on the Azorean island

The beautiful island of Sao Jorge has some of the best hiking trails in the Azores. Exploring some of the island’s 10 hiking trails is a great experience for nature lovers. Make sure to hike on “official” trails that are taken care of by the Azores Tourism Broad.

These are properly maintained and signed with hiking markers throughout so people do not get lost. You can look up the official hike trails here.

Our favorite hike takes you to the Caldeira do Santo Cristo and is 9.5 km long, perfect for a morning activity. We also recommend the following hike trails: Serra do Topo (5.5 KM, 2h30) and Fajã de Além (4.7 KM, 3H).

3. Discover Velas

You can’t go to Sao Jorge without exploring Velas. Velas is a municipality in São Jorge where around 6,000 people live, meaning that most people on the island live in this village. Velas translates to sails and is rumored to pay homage to the sailing ships that have passed through the municipality.

Visit the sports marina that features a Sea Gate created in 1799. There are also many churches to explore, such as São Jorge Church, a 16th-century building, and Conceição church, located in a convent.

Velas also features a large Cultural Center, a modern building with an auditorium, a cinema, and a library.

If you come to Velas at the right time, you might be able to witness Azorean culture at its finest. A culture week occurs every summer in Velas, the main village of the island where local traditions and cultures are celebrated with local concerts and bullfights.

4. Explore the iconic fajas

Many Azorean islands feature fajas, but usually only a maximum of two in a single island. São Jorge tops any other island, featuring more than 40 of these!

If you are wondering what these are, Fajas are small plains located at sea level which were once created by lava flows. You must visit our favorite faja, Faja do Ouvidor, the one that locals go to the most.

It’s home to the Poca Simao Dias, the most amazing swimming hole on the island. The water is clear, and you can even jump onto the water from low rocks. However, make sure the tide is safe and that you can jump without getting hurt. 

5. Day trip to Faial

Luck you, Sao Jorge is part of the Triangle Islands with Pico and Faial. Each island has a unique culture, so we recommend taking at least one day to explore each.

Let’s start with Faial! The ferry from Sao Jorge (Calheta) to Faial (Horta) takes around 2h30 minutes. 

Faial is nicknamed the Blue Island because of the hydrangeas in different shades of blue that span the landscapes of the island. 15,000 people live on this island of 67 square miles, making it a cosmopolitan island that still features activities for nature lovers.

But what to do when you get to Faial? We recommend exploring the city of Horta. The Horta marina has a large mural where sailors from around the world paint a section to symbolize their voyage.

Also, head to Peter Cafe Sport, an emblematic cafe on the island that thousands have passed through. There are also many quaint traditional churches that are beyond Insta-worthy. 

If you are a nature lover, we recommend booking this hike with a professional to go down the caldeira. You can also walk around the crater which will take around 2 hours. In fact, Faial has a lot of beautiful trails to hike, such as this 10 Volcano trail that you can book here.

Do not miss the Capelinhos, the site of a volcano that erupted in 1958 on the western side of the island. This section of the island was only created 60 years ago after the eruption.

Travel Guide to Faial

View Tours & Activities in Faial

6. Day trip to Pico

Known as the Black Island of the Azores, Pico is like the Hawaii of the Azores. Home to the highest mountain in Portugal, it features exotic vegetation, UNESCO-designated vineyards, and beautiful sea views. The ferry from Sao Jorge (Calheta) to Pico (Madalena) is only 1h45 minutes.

There is so much to do in Pico! Pico has some of the nicest seawater natural pools. We recommend the Poço da Maré do Verdugo, Ponta do Admoiro, as well as the classic Lajes do Pico Natural and São Roque do Pico pools.

The island is also famous for its whale-watching, we recommend booking a dolphin and whale guided tour with a biologist here.

Pico was once a whale hunting spot, although luckily, this practice has been outlawed. However, you can learn a lot about this time on the island at the  Museu dos Baleeiros in Portuguese. The Whalers Museum is a must-see, close to Lajes Port. The museum is situated in three boathouses from the 19th century.

Hiking in Pico is also a great experience. The best hiking trails in Pico are Caminho das Lagoas (22 KM, 7 hours), Calheta do Nesquim (8.6 KM, 2h30), and Prainha do Norte (7.8 KM, 2h30). 

We also recommend hiking up Mount Pico, the highest mountain in all of Portugal, if you are up for it. You can book a guided hike here, where you will also learn about the geology, fauna, and flora of the mount.

Travel Guide to Pico

View Tours & Activities in Pico

7. Taste Azorean cuisine

São Jorge features innovative cuisine made from local dairy, vegetable, and meat products. We recommend trying the traditional clams, cheese, limpets, cataplana, and any meat dish. Also, try out the Especies de Sao Jorge, a delicious local biscuit. If you are looking for the best restaurants in Sao Jorge to try out some Azorean food, here are our favorites:

• Fornos de Lava
• O Branquinho
• Restaurante Velense
• O Caseiro
• Restaurante Amilcar