Portugal Diving Holidays

For an under-the-radar adventure combining dramatic volcanic terrain, tranquil fishing villages and seasonal cuisine, the Azores tick every box. The archipelago is made up of nine islands, each one boasting its own individual charm, and is renowned for being home to some of the best diving sites in Europe. To experience the full array of sea life inhabiting the Azores’ gin-clear waters, spend your Portuguese diving holidays on an island-hopping excursion. Around the island of Pico, it is possible to spot moray eels, lobsters and stingrays, while off the coast of São Miguel, you may be lucky enough to spot dolphins and whales.

As an activity-rich destination, the Portuguese archipelago also plays host to hiking, mountain biking, whale watching and wildlife sightings. Once you’ve explored the Azores’ fascinating underwater world, observe the archipelago from an alternative viewpoint with a hike up Pico Island’s volcano, the highest point in Portugal. The action-packed nature of Portugal diving holidays will have you working up an appetite and the islands definitely deliver when it comes to hearty cuisine. Take a seat in a seaside restaurant for a feast of fresh seafood served with Azorean massa de pimento (sweet pepper paste) or sample São Miguel Island’s most famous dish, Cozido das Furnas, a hearty stew cooked by the natural heat from the volcanic soil.