When people think about baby-friendly destinations, the Azores may not be on the list at all. It’s not made for baby tourism, that’s true. But you know what? You can find things to do with your baby basically anywhere you want to go! My daughter and I went to the Azores for my milestone birthday this year, and we had such a great time. Here are the best things to do with a baby on São Miguel island in the Azores.
Visit the Gorreana Tea Plantation
What a fun thing to do! I love unique, location-specific tours, and I had never visited a tea plantation before this one! There was so much for Iris to see, smell, and hear, plus it’s almost entirely outdoors, which helps with jet lag. (So do this the first day or two of your trip!) Best of all? It’s free! Therefore, even if your baby doesn’t love it and you leave early, or sleeps the whole time, you’re not out any cash. While you’re here, definitely check out the tea fields across the street, take the free tour, visit the gift shop, and get lunch or a snack at their onsite cafe.
Keep reading: What to Know about Visiting Gorreana Tea Plantation in the Azores
Do a Photo Shoot with the Hydrangeas
You will be so glad you did this! The hydrangeas on the Azores islands are iconic, and baby flower pictures are completely precious. My mom bought Iris an adorable hydrangea dress, because hydrangeas are her favorite flower. When I realized just how ubiquitous the hydrangeas are in the Azores, I knew I had to get her photo with them on our trip. Be honest: How sweet is this one?
Also helpful: The Ultimate List of Travel Photography Tips
Swim in a Thermal Mineral Pool
Single parents, and parents in general, need to relax, right? The thermal waters in and around Furnas on São Miguel are heavy with minerals, which are said to have healing properties and help you relax. The two mineral pools at my hotel were so nice. Iris loved that the water was warm, and we had fun splashing around! Added bonus: My skin was definitely on the softer side after being in here for a while!
Where we stayed: Octant Hotel Furnas, Azores
Go for a Hike
There are so many beautiful trails in the Azores, not all of which are good for babies. But there are plenty of trails that are, especially if you can wear your baby in a carrier. I hiked two trails with my daughter around Furnas Lagoon. The trail all the way around is about four miles, mostly flat, and is actually stroller-friendly if you’re not into wearing your baby. It was so beautiful, I decided to go back the next day and hike the Salto do Rosal Trail (Rosal Waterfall Trail). This one is a little rougher, has an incline, and ends at Salto do Rosal, which is a stunning, tall waterfall. It was beautiful, and Iris loved the rougher ride!
More here: The Top 7 Reasons Single Parents Should Travel with Their Kids
Try New Foods
My girl loves fruit, and now she loves a virgin piña colada! She tried several new-to-her fruits, cheeses, meats, breads, and more on this trip. Trying new foods is one of my favorite things to do on travel, because food is so culturally integrated. Iris is not a very picky eater for now, so I’m leaning into that in hopes she remains an adventurous eater. We had such a fun time–she enjoyed trying new things, and I enjoyed watching her reactions!
Read next: What to Know Before You Visit the Azores
Visit the Aarruda Pineapple Plantation
Speaking of fun foods, Portugal is known for pineapples! We enjoyed exploring the Aarruda Pineapple Plantation, which is just outside of Ponta Delgada. It’s free, just like the tea plantation, and you can see the tiny pineapples growing! Be sure to try the pineapple juice and pineapple pastries at their little snack shop while you’re here as well. This is such a good thing to do with a baby, not just for the pineapple products, but for the beautiful property as well.
Read next: 3 Things Single Parents Need to Know about International Travel (with their own children)
Want more? Check out my dedicated Portugal Page!
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