AZORES PHOTO ADVENTURE

Day 1: Arrival & The Art of Tea

Welcome to São Miguel Island! Upon arrival at João Paulo II Airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Ponta Delgada.

We’ll gather for a welcome lunch, which is the perfect moment to meet your fellow photographers, connect as a group, and discuss the exciting creative journey ahead of us.

In the afternoon, we head straight to the Gorreana Tea Plantation. This site is a playground for photography, focusing on the vibrant shapes and organic patterns of the tea rows. We’ll explore the various shades of green and the geometric lines of the plantation against the ocean backdrop. For sunset, we’ll capture the dramatic northern cliffs at Miradouro do Cintrão or the black sands of Santa Bárbara Beach.

Day 2: The Grand Icons – Lagoa do Fogo & Sete Cidades

We dedicate the morning to Lagoa do Fogo, one of the most untouched and high-altitude spots in the Azores. We will take our time here, capturing the lake’s turquoise waters and the dramatic clouds that often dance around the crater.

In the afternoon, we head to the island’s true ex-libris: Sete Cidades. Instead of rushing elsewhere, we will stay to fully immerse ourselves in the incredible views from Miradouro da Grota do Inferno. This is arguably the most breathtaking panorama in the Atlantic. We will focus on the interplay of light across the different lakes and stay for the magical late-afternoon light that defines this iconic landscape.

Day 3: Vila Franca Islet, Furnas & Mosteiros Sunset

Our morning begins with the iconic Vila Franca Islet, a natural reserve and a masterpiece of volcanic geometry. Known for its perfectly circular inner lagoon, this is a "bucket list" shot for many. Since its unique shape is best appreciated from above, we will focus on capturing its scale and symmetry; for those interested in aerial photography, we will coordinate our session according to the specific local regulations and authorizations, aiming to secure that world-famous bird's-eye perspective.

Next, we explore Terra Nostra Park, a world-class botanical garden. We will spend time photographing the lush, exotic vegetation and the striking, iron-rich orange thermal waters. It is also the perfect opportunity to set the cameras aside for a moment and enjoy a relaxing soak in the warm pools, a truly unique experience surrounded by nature.

After a traditional Cozido das Furnas lunch, we end at Mosteiros Beach for sunset. This rugged seascape with its famous sea stacks is the ultimate location for long-exposure photography to capture the movement of the waves.

Day 4: Santa Iria Sunrise & Hello to Terceira

We kick off our final morning in São Miguel at Santa Iria Viewpoint for sunrise, capturing one last spectacular coastal landscape. After breakfast, we head to the airport for our short flight to Terceira Island. Upon arrival at Lajes Airport, you'll be transferred to your accommodation in the historic city of Angra do Heroísmo, where we will be based for the rest of our journey.

In the afternoon, we head to Serra da Ribeirinha. For those with drones, this is a highlight of the trip: the opportunity to photograph Pico Dona Joana. This is arguably the most perfect volcanic cone in the Azores, standing majestically amidst the island's iconic patchwork of green fields - a truly cinematic scene that looks like it was taken straight from a movie.

Day 5: Coastal Wonders & Volcanic Mysteries

Our day begins at Serretinha natural swimming pools. This session is all about the light as it hits Ilhéu das Cabras; watching the first rays of sun illuminate these massive volcanic rocks against the deep blue Atlantic is a magical experience for any photographer. We head back to Pico Dona Joana for a second time to take advantage of the soft, early morning light on the volcanic cone and its surrounding fields. Only after capturing these prime morning moments will we head back to Angra for a well-deserved breakfast.

In the afternoon, we head to the majestic Algar do Carvão. This site is unique in the world, as it is one of the very few places where you can actually walk inside the chimney of a dormant volcano, offering incredible textures and lighting challenges. We end the day with sunset at Biscoitos, capturing the rugged lava pools as golden light dances across the Atlantic.

Day 6: Heritage Streets, Forest Roads & The Great Patchwork

We kick off at Ponta das Contendas, where the striking contrast of brown and black lava rock formations meets the Atlantic. This area features an iconic lighthouse that serves as a compelling focal point for our coastal compositions. Following this, we head into Angra do Heroísmo for a relaxed photo walk through its vibrant streets. This UNESCO World Heritage city is perfect for capturing tiled sidewalks and historical facades in the soft morning light.

After lunch, we journey into the heart of the island to explore Terceira's iconic forest roads and the Black Forest. This is a dream for anyone who loves woodland photography; the way the light filters through the dense trees and the moody atmosphere along these misty roads is simply incredible. To end our journey, we head out to Serra do Cume, one of Portugal’s most iconic viewpoints. From this massive panoramic ridge, we’ll photograph the iconic patchwork fields separated by volcanic stone walls—an unforgettable sight, especially in the golden light

Day 7: Farewell from Terceira

After a final breakfast together, it’s time to say goodbye and reflect on the incredible sights we've captured. Transfers to Lajes Airport (TER) are arranged according to your flight schedule. I hope you leave with cherished memories, new friendships, and a collection of stunning photographs that truly capture the magic of the Azores. Safe travels, and I hope to see you again.