The Azores are a group of nine lush islands about 1,000 miles off of the coast of Portugal. They are known for beautiful scenery, water sports, whale watching, hiking, and their amazing cuisine. They are a perfect place to travel with kids. Overlooking the ocean, farms and vineyards thrive due to the rich volcanic soil providing the Azores Islands with some of the freshest and most delicious foods you can find. A delightful array of fresh fish and meats, local vegetables, homemade breads, cheeses, honey, wine, and more will please even the fussiest eater!

Cozido

One delicious traditional Portuguese dish is the Cozido. The Azorean version is fun to make! It’s a one pot meal that contains various meats and vegetables layered and combined with tasty local spices. The pot is taken to a hot spring where it is lowered into the ground to cook for at least six hours! The ingredients in a Cozido can vary slightly but typical recipes contain vegetables such as taro, kale, sweet potatoes, potatoes, carrots, and meats such as chorizo, chicken, beef, sausage, and ham. Not only can enjoy this tasty dish, you also can join in on the cooking! It’s a fun activity that gets kids involved and feels like a real accomplishment when you sit down to eat.

Sweets

For yummy sweet treats, you must try the local honeys, jams, and fruit spreads on freshly baked bread. Go to a local bakery and enjoy an espresso and a Queijada which is a mouthwatering delicious egg and milk custard pastry.

Tea

In São Miguel you can try some of the only tea made in Europe at the Chá Gorreana Tea Planation. Brightly colored hydrangeas line the walk way as you enter the building where you can learn about the history of the plantation. You also learn how to make the tea and then can sample some of this relaxing beverage. The tea plantation also has tasty ice cream available for the kids!

Wine

The Azoreans have been making wine for over 500 years. The vineyards on Pico Island became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. The vines grow on volcanic rock walls that act as natural protection from ocean storms and bad weather. The most popular wine from the Pico vineyards is a slightly sweet white wine from the Verdelho grape. Made from local fruit, the Azores also produce an assortment of fruity liquors made from passion fruit, pineapple, and blackberry.

The food from the Azores is fresh and full of flavor! It’s one of the many highlights you can experience when you travel with kids to these remarkable and beautiful family friendly islands.