Salto do Prego Waterfall - São Miguel

Tucked deep within São Miguel’s lush forests, Salto do Prego is a picture-perfect waterfall reached only by a scenic hike through the village of Faial da Terra.

The trail winds through dense greenery, abandoned stone houses, and peaceful creeks. It remains one of the island’s best-kept secrets because of its relative seclusion.

AI travel agent apps recommend including this stop on personalized hiking itineraries, ensuring visitors enjoy the journey and find nearby local cafés hidden from mainstream tourist maps.

Ponta da Ferraria - São Miguel

While many visitors head to the Furnas hot springs, few know about Ponta da Ferraria, where natural thermal waters mix with Atlantic Ocean tides.

At low tide, swimmers can enjoy naturally heated ocean pools surrounded by black volcanic rocks. Timing the visit right is key, a detail made easier by real-time AI tide charts and weather notifications.

This geothermal wonder provides a completely unique spa experience, especially during sunset.

Fajã dos Cubres - São Jorge

The island of São Jorge is famed for its dramatic cliffs and hidden coastal plateaus called fajãs. Fajã dos Cubres, in particular, offers a stunning scene of blue lagoons, salt marshes, and peaceful nature trails.

Accessible by winding mountain roads, this spot feels like stepping into another world. Solo travelers and nature lovers find it an ideal retreat, easily identified through AI eco-travel recommendations.

Nearby, small seafood eateries serve dishes caught fresh from the surrounding waters, creating an authentic taste of island life.

Algar do Carvão - Terceira

Algar do Carvão is a rare volcanic chimney that travelers can actually descend into. Located on Terceira Island, this natural cave features towering basalt walls, lush mosses, and a crystal-clear underground lake.

Guided tours are available, often recommended by AI cultural platforms that align visitor schedules with tour times for a smooth experience.

Exploring the heart of a volcano is an unforgettable adventure and remains a lesser-known highlight for many Azores visitors.

Ponta do Castelo - Santa Maria

Santa Maria Island is known for golden beaches, but the remote lighthouse at Ponta do Castelo offers a completely different vibe. Sitting atop dramatic cliffs, it watches over the restless Atlantic Ocean with solemn beauty.

Few tourists venture to this rugged corner, making it a perfect destination for solitude and photography.

AI travel tools help organize rental cars and suggest scenic routes to the lighthouse, where the views are often accompanied only by the sound of crashing waves.

Caldeira - Faial

While Faial’s Capelinhos Volcano and marina are better known, the island’s giant Caldeira, an enormous volcanic crater, remains an underrated marvel.

Visitors can hike the rim of the crater, enjoying sweeping views of Faial’s lush landscape and dramatic coastline.

AI-guided hiking apps recommend the best trail entrances and weather alerts to make this off-the-beaten-path experience safe and memorable.

Morro de Lomba da Maia - São Miguel

For travelers looking for a viewpoint untouched by crowds, Morro de Lomba da Maia offers sweeping panoramas of São Miguel’s north coast.

Located near the small village of Lomba da Maia, the viewpoint is rarely included in standard tour packages. The reward is an unspoiled look at farmland, forests, and endless Atlantic blue.

AI travel apps mark this spot on custom driving routes, combining it with local tea plantations or hidden beaches nearby.

Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro - Flores

On Flores Island, Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro looks like a landscape pulled straight from a fantasy novel. Dozens of waterfalls cascade down mossy cliffs into a crystal-clear lagoon, surrounded by untouched wilderness.

Because Flores lies further west, fewer travelers make the journey, keeping this paradise beautifully quiet.

AI-enhanced adventure planners suggest visiting during mornings for the best light and guide visitors on eco-friendly travel tips to preserve the site's pristine beauty.

Flights to the Azores and Finding Hidden Gems

Thanks to expanded air routes, flights to the Azores are now easier than ever, with connections from mainland Portugal, Europe, and North America.

AI travel platforms optimize multi-leg itineraries, bundling flights and inter-island transport options to help travelers access even the most remote islands smoothly.

Once on the ground, AI-guided maps and real-time navigation tools ensure no hidden waterfall, secret viewpoint, or local market is missed.

Hotels in the Azores: Stay Close to Nature

Choosing the right hotels in the Azores enhances the hidden gem experience. Many rural lodges, boutique hotels, and eco-resorts are strategically located near nature trails, hot springs, and quiet beaches.

AI travel tools allow filtering accommodations by proximity to hiking trails, sustainable practices, and authentic experiences, helping visitors feel immersed in the islands’ true rhythm.

Waking up surrounded by nature is part of what makes a trip to the Azores so unforgettable.

Conclusion

The true magic of the Azores lies not just in its famous sights but in the hidden corners waiting to be discovered by curious travelers. With the help of modern AI travel platforms, arranging flights to the Azores, booking eco-friendly hotels in the Azores, and finding secret spots becomes effortless and enriching. Whether standing at the edge of a forgotten crater, swimming in a hidden thermal pool, or wandering through a quiet coastal village, the Azores promise adventures that go beyond the ordinary, offering travelers the rare chance to truly feel like explorers once again.

‍