The breathtaking islands with dramatic volcanoes and inviting thermal pools

Choosing your next ultimate getaway can be a conundrum but thankfully travel experts have given their say for the best spot to visit in 2025.

Members of the Condé Nast Johansens head office team have compiled their top destinations.

One destination has been dubbed the “Hawaii of Europe” with nine islands in total and only a four hour plane journey from London.

Charlotte Evans, the group publishing director for Condé Nast Johansens has declared Portugal as being the ultimate sun drenched getaway with the region’s Azores islands getting a special mention.

Ponta Delgada in São Miguel is the capital of the Azores archipelago of Portugal and serves as a gateway to the archipelago’s famous crater lakes with a host of things to do and see.

If dramatic volcanoes, Gothic churches, historic forts and rugged coastlines are your idea of heaven, then you’ll be in for a real treat at Ponta Delgada.

In fact, thanks to Ponta Delgada’s volcanic landscapes including its alluring waterfalls and lush greenery has earned the spot with the title of being the “Hawaii of Europe”.

“I’ve had an affinity with Portugal since childhood thanks to happy family holidays along the Algarve, in Lisbon and Porto,” wrote Evans.

She added: “The people are so welcoming, the food is delicious and the hotels are exceptional.

“This coming year, I’d really like to visit the country’s Azores islands, flying to the city of Ponta Delgada in São Miguel.”

The Portuguese hotspot has been described as an island paradise, offering far less crowds compared to its more popular neighbouring city of Madeira.

Soaking up the vibes in this stunning Portuguese spot and you’ll be mesmerised by this multifaceted city where tradition lives hand-in-hand.

But that’s not all, as the region is also famous for its thermal pools steaming with heat and inviting those brave enough for a cheeky dip.

Alongside its iron-rich thermal springs, Ponta Delgada also boasts of tropical flora and fauna, natural pools and even black beaches offering the odd sights of dolphin and whales.

Traditional Portuguese taverns are scattered throughout here with traditional dishes including cozido dos Açores, an Azorean slow-cooked stew popular in São Miguel’s Furnas Valley and is made underground by volcanic steam for up to seven hours.

The Azores’ offers two UNESCO Sites which are found on the islands of Terceira and include the Angra do Heroísmo Bay Underwater Archeological Park and the Pico vineyards which are a must-visit.

One review of Ponta da Ferraria in Ponta Delgada wrote of their experience on TripAdvisor and said: “It was incredible to float in this small cove in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and to feel to heat of the water flowing from the land, having been heated by the inner volcanic forces of the island. A truly bucket list experience and one I will never forget.”