Join us on an unforgettable photography adventure in the Azores, where the dramatic beauty of São Miguel and Flores Islands awaits. Scattered across the North Atlantic, the Azores are a sanctuary of biodiversity, volcanic landscapes, and timeless charm. Over the course of seven days, we’ll explore two of its most photogenic islands: São Miguel, with its crater lakes and tea plantations, and Flores, a lush paradise of waterfalls and ocean vistas. From sweeping coastal views and vibrant architecture to verdant valleys and volcanic wonders, the Azores offer endless opportunities for compelling images. With the option to fly drones, you’ll also be able to capture this unique destination from above, making it a true dream for photographers.
This tour is suitable for all levels of experience and ability. While other cameras are certainly allowed, the focus is on Leica camera systems and learning how to use them to their full potential. Current owners as well as those wanting to try Leica gear out for a week of real shooting are encouraged to attend. We’ll share our favorite tips and tricks so you can get the most out of this exceptional gear. *This trip is also a fantastic place to fly a drone if you own one!
Leica specialists Colin McKinley and David Farkas from Leica Store Miami along with expert photographer and local guide Bruno Azera will be on hand to give assistance and advice as you photograph these magical islands.
This tour is suitable for all levels of experience and ability. While other cameras are certainly allowed, the focus is on Leica camera systems and learning how to use them to their full potential. Current owners as well as those wanting to try Leica gear out for a week of real shooting are encouraged to attend. We’ll share our favorite tips and tricks so you can get the most out of this exceptional gear. *This trip is also a fantastic place to fly a drone if you own one!
Leica specialists Colin McKinley and David Farkas from Leica Store Miami along with expert photographer and local guide Bruno Azera will be on hand to give assistance and advice as you photograph these magical islands.
This trip will begin and end in Ponta Delgada, on São Miguel Island in the Azores. Ponta Delgada is served by a single airport, João Paulo II Airport (PDL), which handles all international and domestic flights to the island.
We’ll meet at the João Paulo II airport in Ponta Delgada (PDL) to catch the direct flight to Flores island at 1:50 pm. *If you’re arriving on this day, please make sure your arrival time is no later than 10:00 am. As always, we suggest arriving a day early to avoid any travel delays.
We’ll land in Flores at 3:25 pm and will check in to our hotel before heading to our first photo spot. After settling into our accommodations, our focus turns to the western part of the island for sunset. A short hike takes us to the stunning waterfalls of Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro. Nestled at the base of the waterfalls is an astonishing lagoon, offering a variety of exciting compositions for your photography.
We begin in the Morro Alto Nature Reserve, where sweeping panoramas showcase Lagoa Negra (the deepest lagoon in the Azores) and Lagoa Comprida. A nearby straight road, famous for its symmetry, creates striking images, especially from above. Our exploration continues with Lagoa Rasa and Lagoa Funda, whose dramatic differences in altitude and color make for fascinating contrasts. Moving north, we’ll stop at viewpoints along the rugged coast before arriving in Ponta Delgada town. We finish the day at the Albarnaz Lighthouse, perched dramatically above the Atlantic, where sunset paints the cliffs and seascapes in extraordinary light.
At sunrise, we’ll photograph the rocky bay of Baía da Alagoa, framed by basalt sea stacks and distant views of Corvo Island. Later, we’ll wander the charming streets of Santa Cruz before breaking for lunch. A nearby coastal cave, opening dramatically to the Atlantic, is perfect for wide-angle compositions. Our day concludes at Rocha dos Bordões, an otherworldly formation of towering basalt columns that glow with character in the warm sunset light.
This morning we’ll explore the natural swimming pools of Santa Cruz, where basalt cliffs create bold long-exposure opportunities. After check-out, we’ll catch our 4:25 pm flight to São Miguel. Upon arrival, we’ll chase the evening light along the north coast, either at the beaches of Santa Bárbara and Monte Verde or from the dramatic cliffs of Miradouro do Cintrão, with sweeping views toward the mighty Sete Cidades volcano.
We greet the day at the breathtaking Lagoa do Fogo, one of São Miguel’s highest volcanic lakes. Its sweeping vistas are ideal for drone photography. In the afternoon we explore the volcanic crater of Sete Cidades, where the twin lakes, one blue and one green, create an unforgettable landscape. Adventurous guests may also opt for kayaking or paddle boarding on the lakes. We’ll photograph from the celebrated Grota do Inferno viewpoint, then, weather permitting, head to Mosteiros Beach for sunset, where sea stacks rise from the Atlantic in the last light of day.
At dawn we capture sunrise from Santa Iria Viewpoint, a dramatic overlook of the north coast. After breakfast, we travel to Lagoa das Furnas, where bubbling mud pools and steaming vents create a surreal landscape. We’ll enjoy a traditional Cozido das Furnas lunch, slow-cooked by volcanic steam, and taste local bolo lêvedo pastries. In the afternoon we’ll wander the lush grounds of Terra Nostra Park, with time to soak in its famous hot-spring pool. Later, we visit the Gorreana Tea Plantation, the oldest in Europe, where rolling green tea fields offer elegant photographic lines. Our sunset shoot brings us back to the coast, closing the day with golden light over the Atlantic.
Our final morning begins at Vila Franca Islet, a collapsed volcanic crater encircling a natural lagoon. Its unique form is a dream to capture, especially from the air with a drone. After our sunrise session, we return to the hotel to pack and check out. You may schedule your departure flight from Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL) any time after Noon.