Millions of years ago, the earth’s gurgling mantle gave rise to nine small islands in the middle of the North Atlantic. Today, the Azores is a quiet realm of Iberian charm and dazzling vine-draped greens carved out by a dramatic history of volcanic events. The islands, an autonomous region of Portugal, offer gorgeous no-filter landscapes and remain remarkably under the tourist radar. But things are about to change. The newly rebranded Azores Airlines is raising its connections to major European cities next year; in theory, the carrier’s affordable airfares should drive interest in an Azores stopover. A stop in the aptly named village of Furnas is another must. Surrounded by steaming, scorched earth, the area has been a sought-after spa destination for more than 300 years. There you can bathe in the brackish waters of Terra Nostra Garden — a cauldron of minerals and metals that refresh the skin. And don’t leave the area without trying cozido, an Azorean stew-like version of paella co...
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