According to the BBC website, the Azores are ranked 21st among the 25 best places to visit in 2025.
One reason for this distinction is the creation of a new milestone in environmental preservation: the largest protected marine sanctuary in Europe. In October 2024, pioneering legislation was passed establishing the Azores Marine Protected Area, covering 287,000 km² —an area larger than the whole of Great Britain. This protected area was created to safeguard unique ecosystems, including deep-water corals, sharks, and the 28 species of whales and dolphins that frequent Azorean waters.
According to the BBC, the Azores’ natural wealth is not limited to the ocean. They highlighted the Furnas Valley for its natural hot springs, Terra Nostra Park, and the Cozido das Furnas dish. In addition, the BBC highlighted Chá da Gorreana, the oldest (and only) tea plantation in Europe, which is located nearby.
Here’s what BBC journalist Michelle Gross had to say about the Azores: “Isolated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, about 1,500 km west of Lisbon, this Portuguese archipelago of nine islands is one of Europe’s most remote destinations, known for its steaming natural hot springs, vibrantly colored lakes and shimmering lava tubes. The Azores already stand out with some of the most dramatic black sand beaches on the continent and the best whale watching opportunities, but now they can add another superlative to the list: Europe’s largest protected marine sanctuary. In groundbreaking legislation passed in October 2024, the newly-designated Azores Marine Protected Area will span 287,000 km² (an area larger than the whole of Great Britain) and safeguard deep-water corals, sharks and the 28 species of whales and dolphins that live here. Protecting the long-term health and biodiversity of these coral reefs will be a great advantage for travelers interested in taking part in whale-watching expeditions and sustainable marine research in the coming years,” he said. “Elsewhere in the region, a scenic drive from the capital, Ponta Delgada, is the Furnas Valley, which is home to two active volcanoes. Spend some time exploring the hot springs that dot the bubbling geothermal valley, strolling through lush botanical gardens or enjoying a peaceful walk in Terra Nostra Park, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful parks in Europe. Dating back to 1775, the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel is an authentic green haven that will offer guests 24-hour access to its recently renovated thermal pools and jacuzzis from January 2025. Don’t leave without trying Furnas stew – a local meat stew buried in the ground and cooked slowly with the natural heat of the volcanic springs. Nearby, taste the purple volcanic tea at Chalet da Tia Mercês or plan a visit to Gorreana, the oldest (and only) family-run tea plantation in Europe,” added the BBC journalist.


The full list of the 25 best places to visit in 2025 for BBC journalists: 1 – Dominica; 2 – Naoshima, Japan; 3 – Dolomites, Italy; 4 – Greenland; 5 – Wales; 6 – Western Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada; 7 – Tucson, Arizona, USA; 8 – Western Australia; 9 – Sri Lanka; 10 – Panama; 11 – Rif Mountains, Morocco; 12 – Bradford, England; 13 – Jordan; 14 – Haa Valley, Bhutan; 15 – Hawaii, USA; 16 – Uzbekistan; 17 – Haida Gwaii, Canada; 18 – Emerald Coast, Nicaragua; 19 – Isle of Man, UK; 20 – Gilgit-Baltistan Region, Pakistan; 21 – Azores, Portugal; 22 – Kansas City, Missouri, USA; 23 – Bolivia; 24 – Botswana; 25 – Oslo, Norway.

In Correio dos Açores-Natalino Vivieiros, director

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.