Capturing the Azores on camera

When it was announced that our TV ad would be filmed in the Azores, often referred to as the “Hawaii of Europe,” you can bet there was some serious envy among the team. Rising dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean, these lush islands are a photographer’s paradise, featuring sprawling farmland, dense forests, and breathtaking coastlines. With its rich marine life, including whales and dolphins, hot springs, and a centuries-old viticulture recognized by UNESCO, the Azores have long been at the top of everyone’s travel bucket list. Unfortunately, only a few of us were needed on-site. Thankfully, our local expert Pedro handled much of the planning, helping us identify the best filming locations. The lucky duo chosen to join him were Huw and Jo, leaving the rest of us to wait eagerly for their holiday snap, and of course, the TV ad (which you can check out here if you haven’t seen it yet). We caught up with Huw after his return to hear all about their journey, his favorite moments, and of course, to share his top Azores photography tips for anyone planning to capture the beauty of these stunning islands.

What were the main filming locations for the TravelLocal advert?

For our filming, we kept things simple by sticking to São Miguel, the main island of the Azores, and still found an abundance of stunning locations. The focus of the advert was wild swimming, so our goal was to find two unique spots that would showcase the contrasting beauty of the islands and provide the perfect backdrop for our actors to take a dip.

The first location was in a nature reserve near Furnas. Accompanied by Jo, Huw, and local expert Pedro, the crew hiked along a forest trail for just a short distance before reaching a serene stream with a waterfall cascading into a crystal-clear pool. The setting was ideal for swimming, and while Jo chose to stay dry, Huw couldn’t resist taking a quick dip after filming wrapped, before heading back through the lush woods.

Although it might feel like you’re in a rainforest, the Azores aren’t technically one, but the dense, nature-filled forests give off that same magical vibe. As you explore the islands, you’ll come across winding trails made of dark earth and smooth rocks, weathered wooden bridges crossing boulder-strewn ravines, and mossy ferns clinging to jagged black rock, all draped in the fine mist from a nearby waterfall. For families traveling with young kids, especially those with a love for dinosaurs, these landscapes will ignite their imaginations.

If you’re planning a trip to the Azores and want to capture its natural beauty through your lens, these settings are perfect for unique, atmospheric shots. Be sure to pack your camera and use these Azores photography tips to help you snap the best moments in these magical spots.

The next filming location took us to a stunning lagoon on an islet off the south coast of São Miguel, known as Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo. Only a short 10-minute boat ride from the main island, this is a popular spot for snorkeling. While the crew was filming in one part of the lagoon, Huw and Pedro couldn’t resist grabbing snorkels and enjoying some off-camera time. Huw described it as breathtaking, certainly different from snorkeling on a coral reef, but just as beautiful in its own way. It’s a great spot if you’re traveling with kids, especially those in their early teenage years. The lagoon is only a few meters deep, and while floating, Huw witnessed more marine life than he could count. The image that stuck with him was a massive shoal of bass, suspended in the clear water, sunlight dancing on their shimmering scales.

But that’s just the start. One of the guides who escorted the crew to Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo had recently taken a group scuba diving just outside the lagoon. The edge of the volcanic islet drops dramatically into deep waters, and she couldn’t stop raving about the huge squadron of manta rays that glided past them almost immediately upon entering the water.

For the final location of the advert, we headed to a peak overlooking the Sete Cidades crater lake. The film crew opted for a little help in the form of a 4-wheeled vehicle to reach the top, but there are plenty of scenic trails that lead to various viewpoints of this awe-inspiring volcanic caldera. It’s an unforgettable spot to capture the sunset, perhaps with a glass of Portuguese wine in hand, perfect for a relaxing evening. For photography enthusiasts, the contrast of lush greenery, the striking blue of the lake, and the distant volcanic ridges make for some amazing shots.

What did the crew get up to when the cameras stopped rolling?

Eating…

An army marches on its stomach, and a film crew is no different! Jo, Huw, and the entire crew ate together every evening, and the food was something everyone remembered. Pedro always found them great, welcoming places to dine. The meals were varied, fresh, and consistently delicious. Huw especially remembers Ponta Delgada, which offered a wide range of dining options, from seafood restaurants to trendy cocktail bars. He also mentioned that while it’s often considered a “touristy” experience, one of the most memorable meals was trying Cozido das Furnas, a hearty stew that’s cooked in pits using the geothermal heat surrounding Lake Furnas. It’s not something they would’ve wanted to miss for the sake of staying “authentic,” and it’s unlikely you’ll ever have the chance to enjoy food cooked by a volcano again.

Spotting sealife

As mentioned earlier, snorkeling was always going to be a highlight, whether it was snuck in between takes, “I just waded to my knees in a working harbor and saw so much!“, or done during their free time. A final treat that Pedro arranged for the crew once filming was finished was a trip out to sea to swim with wild dolphins. This is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced, you’re not in warm, tropical shallows or seas clouded by swirling sands. Instead, you’re suspended in temperate saltwater above seemingly endless depths, surrounded by Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. The visibility is incredible, and you can clearly see them from quite a distance, spinning and playing as they approach you. Even those who didn’t have time to get in the water said the boat journey was an experience in itself, with the pod frolicking around the bow and dancing in the wake.

Swimming in hot springs

The Azores are famous for their hot springs, but it’s not just the steaming rivers and bubbling pools in the forest where you can experience them. At one point, Huw, Jo, and our two actors, Tom and Els, headed to Ponta da Ferraria, which has ladders to help you into a sea inlet where hot springs bubble up from below the surface and mix pleasantly with the cooler sea water. The inlet is crisscrossed with sturdy ropes that you can hold onto, keeping you steady while the swell doesn’t knock you off course as you relax and chat. In fact, everyone was so busy relaxing and chatting that no one took any pictures, so we’ve had to make do with a stock image to give you a general idea…

Our top Azores photography tips

To help you capture the breathtaking beauty of the Azores, we’ve put together our best Azores photography tips to ensure you get the perfect shot while exploring this stunning archipelago:

1. Capture the contrast: The lush greenery of the islands paired with the striking volcanic landscapes creates a stunning contrast that’s perfect for photography.
2. Golden hour magic: The Azores’ unique lighting during sunrise and sunset creates vibrant skies and soft, flattering light, ideal for your shots.
3. Focus on the details: The islands are filled with rich textures, from moss-covered rocks to intricate plant life. Close-up shots reveal the beauty often missed in wide-angle photos.
4. Include the locals: The warm hospitality of the Azorean people adds authenticity to your photos. Capture candid moments that tell the story of island life.
5. Embrace the weather: Whether it’s misty mornings or dramatic storms, the ever-changing weather of the Azores can enhance your photos, adding mood and depth.

Make it happen

We created our television advert to inspire you to travel with the benefit of local knowledge at the heart of every experience. However, in the process, we too fell head over heels for the Azores archipelago, whether we were part of the crew on-site or not. If you’re ready to fall in love with this stunning destination, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our local experts are perfectly positioned to turn your dream trip into a reality. Plus, if you’re looking to capture the beauty of the islands, be sure to check out our Azores photography tips to make the most of your journey!