Caldeira das Sete Cidades on São Miguel Island, the Azores
This remarkable geological feature in the Azores archipelago stands as one of Europe’s most striking natural landmarks. At its core lies a volcanic caldera, a crater formed by the collapse of an ancient volcano. Within this caldera is the breathtaking Sete Cidades Lake, recognized as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal. The lake consists of two distinct bodies of water: Verde (Green) and Azul (Blue). Legend has it that these lakes were created from the tears of a shepherd and a princess whose love was forbidden. Today, the area is lush and vibrant, with waters that glisten like jewels under the sun.
The Caldeira das Sete Cidades is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. We recommend exploring the hiking trails, particularly PR3 Vista do Rei, which offers stunning views along the crater rim, and PR4 Mata do Canario, leading to a unique vantage point of the caldera’s interior. Late summer picnics are also a delightful option—be sure to pack local delicacies like fresh pineapple, bananas, passion fruit, marinated olives, empanadas, and fofas, sweet rolls found in Azorean bakeries.
While in the Azores, don’t miss Chá Gorreana, Europe’s only tea plantation. Here, you’ll find neat rows of chá (tea) bushes adorning the rolling green hills. The first tea seeds (Camellia sinensis) were introduced in the early 19th century, along with experts who taught locals about the production process. Visit the factory museum to learn more about tea cultivation.
Garajonay National Park, Canary Islands
In the heart of La Gomera lies a landscape of extraordinary natural beauty. This tropical forest, rich with laurel trees, is evergreen and dense. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it serves as a living connection to the Tertiary period. Garajonay National Park encompasses 4,000 hectares of protected land, offering some of the finest hiking trails in Europe. These well-marked paths lead you through valleys, cliffs, and provide stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Begin your adventure at the park visitor center, where you can find exhibitions and audiovisual displays, along with information on the best hikes suited to your preferences.
In addition to its natural wonders, La Gomera is celebrated for its culinary offerings. Before or after your hike, be sure to sample local dishes such as Almogrote (a spread made from goat cheese, spicy pepper, olive oil, and garlic), palm tree honey (derived from the sap of the Canary Island date palm), papas arrugadas (traditional boiled potatoes), and potaje de berros (a watercress soup with pork ribs and cheese).
Madeira Natural Park, Madeira
What awaits you in Madeira Natural Park, a Biogenetic Reserve? Ancient laurel forests, native woodlands, heathlands, grasslands, and rugged coastal areas. You’ll also find rare species like the Orquídea da Serra (Mountain Orchid) and large trees from the Lauraceae family, along with various small plants typical of the Macaronesian Laurissilva Forest. This region boasts some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world. Hiking in Madeira is not only rewarding but educational, as the park is home to diverse ecosystems and endemic species. Due to the islands’ isolation, certain animals like the Madeira chaffinch have evolved uniquely and can only be found here. While exploring the numerous trails, keep an eye out for these fascinating creatures. If you enjoy diving, the Marine Nature Reserve of Garajau offers opportunities to explore its crystal-clear waters, where you can encounter large fish, including the Dusky Sea Perch, a major attraction of the reserve.
Beyond its natural beauty, Madeira is rich in culinary traditions. Don’t miss out on local specialties such as grilled limpets (harvested from the rocky coast), espetada (a delicious meat skewer), and the region’s wines, particularly varieties like Sercial, Boal, Verdelho, Malvasía, Terrantez, and Tinta Negra.