CROSSING AZORES

Scattered like emerald jewels across the Atlantic, the Azores are a Portuguese archipelago of nine volcanic islands that feel like a secret the earth has been quietly keeping. Known for their dramatic landscapes, geothermal wonders, and dedication to sustainability, the Azores offer a uniquely restorative travel experience where nature takes center stage.

The islands, often likened to a European Hawaii, are a study in contrasts. Towering cliffs plunge into sapphire waters, while verdant pastures stretch toward the horizon, punctuated by black basalt rock walls. São Miguel, the largest island, enchants with its twin crater lakes at Sete Cidades—one shimmering green, the other blue, a phenomenon of myth and science. Pico Island, crowned by Portugal’s highest peak, is home to UNESCO-designated vineyards that grow in the cracks of ancient lava flows.

Sustainability is not just a trend here—it’s a way of life. The Azores are a certified sustainable tourism destination, earning accolades for their renewable energy initiatives, which already supply over 50% of the islands’ energy needs. From eco-lodges nestled in the hills to whale-watching tours led by marine biologists, visitors are encouraged to engage with the ecosystem responsibly.

For the conscious traveler, the Azores provide a haven. Hike trails that wind through hydrangea-lined paths, soaking in views of cascading waterfalls and bubbling hot springs. Dive into the Atlantic to explore underwater lava formations, or simply savor local delights like Cozido das Furnas, a stew slow-cooked underground by volcanic steam.

Travel to the Azores isn’t just a journey to a destination; it’s a reconnection to the rhythms of the earth. It’s where untouched beauty meets forward-thinking preservation—a reminder that sustainability and adventure can coexist in harmony.

It’s here, amid jagged coastlines, lush craters, and ever-changing skies, that Italian photographer Omar Machiavelli creates his latest photo series, Crossing Azores offering a vision of the islands that is as complex and layered as their volcanic origins.