How to Spend a Long Weekend in the Azores

The Portuguese island known as the Hawaii of Europe is supremely cool and so close.

Last winter, Explain Boston to Me podcast host and intrepid family traveler Lee Stabert shared her One Great Trip to the Azores. Reading about the quick jaunt she took with her family from Boston to Sao Miguel, the largest island in the Portuguese archipelago, made me want to plan my own trip. So for my girls’ spring break in March, we spend five nights on the magical island taking in scenic vistas, swimming in geothermal pools, and eating fresh fish and pineapple gelato. (Thanks, Lee!)

Ponta Delgada; Praia do Monte Verde; Porto Formoso beach

A very abbreviated list of reasons the Azores makes a perfect family vacation destination:

• From the East Coast, it’s a quicker trip than to LA. A direct flight from JFK can be less than 5 hours, and a direct flight from Boston is even shorter.

• It’s known as the Hawaii of Europe for its lush landscapes, waterfalls, and pineapple farms.

• You take a dip in geothermal pools and hot springs.

• You can feast on fresh seafood in tiny fishing villages and scenic restaurants all over the island.

• It’s heavy on the European vibes, but the time difference is only four hours. (And if you’re going in the sliver of time in March between the start of our daylight savings time and theirs, it’s only 3 hours.)

Read on for the best things to do in the Azores — with kids or without!