Turning 50 felt less like a milestone and more like a springboard. For years, I'd dreamt of an adventure that would not only mark the occasion, but also genuinely captivate my two teenage sons, aged 14 and 16. The usual "another holiday with mum and dad" eyerolls were a given, so this trip had to be different. It had to be epic.
The Azores, with their promise of stunning volcanic landscapes, lush greenery, and adrenaline-pumping activities, seemed like the perfect antidote to teenage apathy. And so, armed with a drone to capture the islands' breathtaking beauty, we set off for an unforgettable family odyssey.
The initial scepticism from my boys was palpable. The thought of spending a week "stuck" with their parents, no matter how exotic the location, wasn't exactly their idea of a good time. However, from the moment we met our incredibly warm and knowledgeable local guide and driver, a subtle shift began.
Their infectious enthusiasm for the Azores was contagious, immediately putting everyone at ease and hinting at the extraordinary experiences to come. The personal touch they added to every part of our journey truly made us feel looked after and special, a sentiment echoed by everyone we encountered. Indeed, the Azorean people are incredibly polite everywhere, making every interaction a pleasure.
Our first foray into the Azorean wild was to kayak on the Sete Cidades Lake, a serene, glassy expanse formed within a dormant volcano. The iconic views of the blue and green lakes, separated by a narrow bridge, were even more stunning in person. As we paddled in sync, the initial awkwardness melted away, replaced by a comfortable rhythm and shared awe. The drone, soaring high above, captured the vibrant hues and the sheer scale of the landscape, creating cinematic footage that would forever remind us of that peaceful, yet powerful, introduction to the islands.
The next few days blurred into a whirlwind of exhilaration and discovery. We spent a thrilling morning out in the Atlantic Ocean, where we were blown away by the marine life. We've done a few dolphin trips in our time, but we'd never seen so many dolphins in one go, ever – they were frolicking in the waves all around us, a truly magical and unforgettable sight that had all of us wide-eyed with wonder.
Later, we embarked on a hike, trekking through verdant trails to a beautiful waterfall, where the cascading water provided a refreshing reward. We gained a fascinating insight into the islands' unique ecosystem and conservation efforts — it was the raw, untamed power of the volcanoes that truly left us speechless.
The true test of our adventurous spirit came with an exhilarating canyoning tour. This was uncharted territory for all of us – to abseil, slide and jump into rivers. There was a moment of trepidation before the first descent, a shared glance that acknowledged the leap of faith we were about to take. But, under the expert guidance of our instructors, we embraced the challenge.
The sheer thrill of descending a cascading waterfall, the rush of cold, clear water, and the triumphant cheers at the bottom were incredibly bonding experiences. My boys, who had once grumbled about leaving their gaming consoles, were now hooting and hollering with pure, unadulterated joy, pushing their limits and discovering a newfound courage.
Throughout the trip, every day was packed with activity and learning. We revelled in the unique experience of having lunch cooked by volcanic vapours (as it was my birthday, our guide had arranged for me to have the honour to pull out a vat of the cooked food from the ground with a large crowd cheering on), a traditional Azorean 'Cozido das Furnas', which was as delicious as it was fascinating. We also took the time to bathe in geothermal pools, feeling the therapeutic properties of the mineral-rich waters.
A visit to the Botanical Gardens provided a tranquil contrast, allowing us to relax in the hot springs and admire the diverse plant life. Amidst all the adventure, we also found time to unwind on a couple of lovely beaches, enjoying some much-needed free time to soak up the sun and the incredible surroundings simply.
Each experience, big or small, contributed to a deeper understanding of the Azores and, more importantly, a stronger connection as a family. We had a private trip, but there were a few instances where we could do group activities, such as canyoning, where you can meet interesting families from all over the world.
As my 50th birthday drew to a close, surrounded by the stunning Azorean scenery and the happy, exhausted faces of my sons, we knew we had chosen well. The trip had been everything I'd hoped for and more. The initial reluctance from the boys had evaporated entirely, replaced by an enthusiastic desire for "more of that". In their own words, they now say, unequivocally, that they would do it all over again. And for a parent, there's no better birthday gift than seeing your children truly engaged, truly happy, and already dreaming of the next family adventure.
If you feel inspired by the Tekchandani family's fantastic adventure in the Azores, discover our collection of Azores family holidays today.
