There are nine islands that make up the Azores, located off the coast of Portugal, so I didn't experience everything this amazing place has to offer. But my short experience on São Miguel (the largest island in the archipelago) was truly memorable.
I am obsessed with whales. Like bring-me-to-tears obsessed. So I was more than a bit excited to be in the Azores, one of the world's largest whale sanctuaries. I saw a fin whale during my time there, and it was so, so, so cool.
In addition to spotting whales, this trip was also memorable because I was traveling solo, which is not something I do often. I took a bus across the island for a surf session, and I went out to a fancy dinner alone without looking at my phone. These solo experiences were challenging but fun and rewarding.
Azores, I'm coming back for you.