Azores calling: Whale, this is gonna be epic!

Lounging in your seat, eyes still closed, the most amazing images appear in your mind: bubbling volcanoes, hot springs, epic coastlines – and you're right in the middle of it all! All of a sudden, your plane lands and what was just a fantasy finally becomes reality. You just can't wait to kick off your Azores adventure. The next words out of your mouth? 'Bom dia, Ponta Delgada!' Waving fruit plantations pass you by until you finally reach your destination. Now it's time to settle in and bask in the Azorean vibes. A strong galão, aka Portuguese latte macchiato, is just what you need to bring you back to life, so you sip one down then head out on a stroll through the old town centre. Along the way, you spot one of Ponta Delgada's most iconic landmarks, the Portas da Cidade, and they instantly end up on your story. If you're in the mood for something more naturey, Jardim Botânico António Borges has everything you could want, from rare tropical plants to hidden caves and densely overgrown stone arches that make the perfect backdrop for your new favourite pic. When evening comes, stop by the harbour, enjoy a sundowner and a bolo lêvedo and let your love for the Azores officially start to soar.

It's early in the morning, and you're already lacing up your hiking boots. Where to? Sete Cidades! But before you reach the little parish, your path leads you to the day's first highlight: the Miradouro Lagoa do Canário. Mystical forests, relaxing choruses of island frogs and absolute moments of Zen – the stunning view gives you a sneak peek at the magic of the Azores. And the sight of the twin lakes, which lie right behind the turquoise-green Lagoa do Canário, is the cherry on top! Want to hike up to the crater rim? Go for it! With one lake gleaming in brilliant blue and the other in glowing turquoise, the view is unreal, and a pic of this natural spectacle is naturally a must. After all that hiking up and down, there's only one thing you'll want to do next: switch into relax mode. Just slide into the hot springs of Poça da Dona Beija, kick back and enjoy. Fun fact: the springs are situated right above an active volcano, and on a guided tour (optional, bookable on site), you can tuck into a traditional stew made using the heat of the volcano itself!

Out of bed and into the unspoilt natural paradise of São Miguel! Did you know that Gorreana is home to the oldest and last traditional tea plantation in Europe? Its 32 hectares are covered in bright green hedges full of tea leaves that you've just got to see – and more importantly, taste (for a fee). Attention: hidden gem alert! Take the jungle trails from Faial da Terra to the Salto do Prego waterfall and cool off in its crystal-clear plunge pool (for free, of course). Then follow the wild paths to the deserted village of Sanguinho, which looks like something straight out of a film and makes the perfect backdrop for your next Insta story – mad! After all the day's adventures, head back to Ponta Delgada and do the only thing left to do: choose a restaurant and ring out the evening Azores style.

What else are the Azores known for? Whales, dolphins and practically everything you can imagine in terms of marine life. So you jump into a rigid inflatable boat and head out to sea. Your guide is a real wildlife specialist and knows exactly where to find the animals. Before long, it's time: a misty fountain suddenly blasts into the air – a sperm whale! You whip out your camera as fast as you can to immortalise the once-in-a-lifetime moment! Then on the way back to the mainland, you cruse past the incredible volcanic island of Princess Ring – it's truly mad what nature can create. After all the nature-fuelled action, you make yourself comfortable in a nearby cafe and forge your plans for the rest of the day. Chill on the beach or hit the city streets? The choice is all yours.