Breathtaking views: these Hawaii-like islands in Europe are much more accessible

The idea of spending a vacation in the Caribbean always seems tempting in the fall and winter months. But only until you start budgeting for such a trip.

However, you can find a great alternative right in Europe. According to Express, it is about the Azores, an archipelago in Portugal that is often called the "Hawaii of Europe".

The archipelago consists of nine large islands - São Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceira, Graciosa, Sao Jorge, Pico, Faial, Flores and Corvo. And each of them offers a unique experience. From the thermal pools of São Miguel to the famous Pico Mountain, the Azores are a real treasure trove for explorers

The volcanic nature of the islands creates a dramatic and impressive landscape that is endlessly interesting to explore. For example, on São Miguel, the heat from the earth's interior is used not only for swimming but also for cooking the traditional cozido dos Acores (Azores stew) in the Furnas county. Vegetables and meat are simply buried in the ground for up to seven hours and then taken out and served.

In addition, the Azores are recognized as one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Many species of these animals can be found in the surrounding waters. The peak season lasts from April to October, and the best chances to see a whale, including a blue one, are from late April to early May, when their migration period lasts.

To reach your destination, you will need to fly to São Miguel, the largest of the nine islands. From here, you can either fly to any other island in the archipelago or take a ferry there.

However, it's important to keep in mind that since these islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean, weather conditions can cause delays, especially if you plan to visit during the off-season or winter months. That is why you will need to allocate more time for such a trip in order to do everything and not worry about delays.

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