Azores Photo Tour

Experience islands born of fire and embraced by the sea!

Explore the heart of the Azores on an 8-day photo adventure across São Miguel, Terceira, and Pico – three islands rich in natural wonder and distinctive character. This tour blends expert photography guidance with raw island beauty – towering cliffs, volcanic lakes, lush forests, and the vast Atlantic. Led by pros Martin Bišof and local expert Bruno Ázera, you’ll explore far beyond the typical tourist path. Bruno’s deep knowledge of the islands, paired with Martin’s creative approach, ensures a meaningful and immersive experience both visually and culturally.

Azores Photo Tour offers hands-on insight into storytelling, light, and composition. Expect a seamless journey: all logistics, flights, and accommodations are arranged, so you can focus on the real goal – capturing the soul of the Azores. From quiet crater lakes to whale-rich waters and hidden coastal gems, this isn’t just a trip. It’s a chance to see, feel, and photograph something truly special.

Tour Highlights

  • Mysterious Black Forest
  • Crater of Sete Cidades and Vila Franca Islet
  • Volcanic cone Pico Dona Joana and Ponta do Mistério
  • Laurissilva Forest and Lagoa do Capitão
  • Gorreana Tea Plantation and Mosteiros Beach
  • Exceptional opportunities for Drone Photography
  • Algar do Carvão volcanic chimney
  • Serra do Cume and much more…

Date

September 1 – 8, 2027
Availability: Spots Available
Duration: 8 days

Difficulty

Photo Skills: Beginner to Pro
Fitness: Easy to Moderate

Group

Max 8 Participants
+ Two Professional Photo Guides

Tour Price

Photo Tour Price: $5400 USD 
(Double Occupancy)
Limited Single Rooms Available

Azores Photo Tour Itinerary

Step into the Azores, a realm of emerald lakes, rugged cliffs, and endless horizons

“Where lush hedges of hydrangea meet sheer volcanic cliffs, every dawn in the Azores quilts steam, cloud, and sea into living art.”

Days 1 – 2 | Terceira

 

Our journey begins on Terceira Island, where we dive straight into its rich character and diverse landscapes. We start by exploring Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO city filled with colonial charm, colorful streets, and striking Portuguese architecture.

We venture inland to the mysterious Black Forest, a moody, densely vegetated landscape where limited light filters through the canopy, creating a dramatic, almost enchanted atmosphere. One of the most interesting stops is Algar do Carvão, a rare volcanic chimney you can walk inside. With its dripping walls and cathedral-like structure, it offers a truly otherworldly photo opportunity

Black Forest in Tarceira island - Azores Photo workshop with Inscape Photo Tours
Pico Dona Joana in Tarceira island - Azores Photo workshop with Inscape Photo Tours

Days 3 – 4 | Terceira

 

The following days bring more coastal drama and volcanic beauty. Serretinha’s natural pools, where Ilhéu das Cabras rises in the distance, is an ideal spot for sunrise. We also explore Pico Dona Joana, one of the Azores’ most striking volcanic cones, especially impressive from the air.

After lunch in Praia da Vitória, we head to Ponta do Mistério, where lush green cliffs meet the deep Atlantic. The next morning, we shoot at Ponta das Contendas lighthouse, then explore Angra do Heroísmo, and finish with sunset at the epic viewpoint of Serra do Cume.

Days 4 – 6 | Pico

 

Welcome to Pico Island, home to Portugal’s tallest peak. We explore the island’s northeast coast, where jagged cliffs and volcanic textures make for bold, dramatic shots. The ancient Laurissilva Forest awaits with its twisted, moss-covered trees, especially atmospheric in misty light. We will also head to Lajes do Pico, where a red windmill and Pico Mountain create a striking sunset scene.

The next day, we visit Lagoa do Capitão, where calm waters reflect the mountain’s majesty. In the afternoon, we capture the unique lava-stone vineyards of Criação Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Pico twisted trees - Azores Photo workshop with Inscape Photo Tours
Mosteiros Beach, Azores Photo workshop with Inscape Photo Tours

Days  6 – 7 | São Miguel

 

São Miguel offers countless photography opportunities, starting with the Gorreana Tea Plantation, the oldest in Europe. In the afternoon, our journey takes us to Mosteiros Beach, a spectacular spot to frame the glowing horizon against dramatic coastal rocks.

We will also visit Lagoa do Fogo, one of the island’s highest points, which is a magical sunrise location often wrapped in mist. Santa Iria viewpoint is another exceptional morning stop, where the rugged coastline meets the vast Atlantic. The interplay of cliffs, ocean, and soft dawn colors creates striking contrasts perfect for atmospheric compositions.

Days 7 – 8 | São Miguel

 

Next, we travel west to the crater of Sete Cidades, where the twin lakes Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul form one of the most iconic landscapes of São Miguel. The area also features the famous Grota do Inferno viewpoint, offering sweeping panoramas of the entire crater and some of the most spectacular scenery on the island.

Of course, we will not omit Vila Franca Islet, a partially collapsed volcanic crater that forms a natural circular lagoon. Its beauty is best appreciated from above, and a drone unlocks truly unique perspectives of one of São Miguel’s most remarkable locations.

Vila Franca Islet - Azores Photo workshop with Inscape Photo Tours

Paradise also for Drone Enthusiasts

Even though we’ll primarily focus on traditional landscape photography, the Azores are also an exceptional destination for capturing aerial views. For those interested in Azores drone photography, we highly recommend bringing one.

Flying a drone here offers unparalleled opportunities to showcase the islands’ stunning scenery from unique and unexpected angles. Aerial perspectives reveal intricate coastlines, remote islets, and serene rock formations in ways that ground-based shooting simply can’t match.

That said, drone use in the Azores is often limited by unpredictable weather conditions. We encourage responsible and sustainable flying by always respecting local regulations and protected areas.

Azores Photo Tour Details

What is Included & Excluded in the Price

Included

  • Two professional photography guides
  • 7 nights accommodation in hotels
  • Flights between the Azores islands
  • All ground transportation
  • All breakfasts
  • Image Post-Processing tips and assistance

Excluded

  • Airfare to/from Azores
  • Lunch and Dinner
  • Optional single-room occupancy (supplement $900 USD)
  • Travel insurance and visa (if applicable)
  • Equipment and baggage insurance
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, phone, etc.

Accommodation & Food

Hotels on Azores Photo Tour with Inscape Photo Tours

We will be staying in comfortable hotels in three different places in the Azores. A limited number of single rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Breakfast will always be included at our accommodations, while lunch and dinner will be informal and enjoyed at the hotel, in local restaurants, or along our travel routes.

We will travel in comfortable vans or cars, ensuring ample space for everyone. Flights between the islands of Terceira, São Miguel, and Pico are also included.

Azores Photo Workshop Leaders

Whether you are a beginner, keen amateur, or professional photographer, we ensure to connect with each participant on their individual level, dedicating sufficient one-on-one time infield. This personalized approach ensures that you derive maximum benefit and experience from this workshop. Moreover, you will be in a group of people who share a true passion for photography, and you will expand your creative and post-processing skills. Let us show you the uniqueness of the Azores and return with plenty of outstanding pictures and unforgettable memories.

Martin Bisof - Inscape Photo Tours educator and tour leader
Martin Bišof

Martin is a Prague-based professional photographer and adventurer who has years of experience guiding photo workshops and also with commercial shooting. He has traveled to many countries around the globe and has explored wonders from the depths of the Amazon rainforest to the high peaks of the Himalayas. His pictures have won awards internationally and appeared in various magazines. Read Martin’s full profile >

bruno photo tour guide
Bruno Ázera

Azores-based landscape photographer with a passion rooted in the wild beauty of Terceira Island. Bruno has led many photo tours across the Azores and Madeira, sharing local insights and guiding photographers to the most stunning vistas. His work reflects the lush colors and dramatic light of the Atlantic archipelago and has been featured in major outlets like National Geographic.

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