The Azores V Iceland: How to decide where to visit
Friday, 23rd August 2024
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We sent our travel specialists to The Azores to get their take on how the Portuguese islands compare to the geographer’s favourite, Iceland.
Let’s find out how the archipelago compares to the land of ice and fire.
To help you decide the best destination for your geography trip, we’ve compared the following key areas:
- Landscape
- Weather
- Value for money
- Activity options
- Food
- Geographical wonders
Landscape
Arguably one of the most important parts of a geography trip; the landscapes.
Witnessing a wide variety of scenery and terrain can help bring textbook concepts to life. Here is what Iceland and the Azores have to offer:
The Azores
You would need a diverse and rich colour palette if you were to paint the Azorean landscape. The subtropical rainforests are lush greens sprinkled with pink and orange flora. The Atlantic waters are deep blues bordered by the rugged coastline of black lava formations. And in the right light, the volcanic area of Capelinhos is a stunning burnt orange.
Iceland
Iceland offers dramatic, striking scenery. From puffin-populated cliffs to tumbling waterfalls, it’s a photographer’s dream. The thing that makes Iceland our scenery ‘winner’ is the pure variety. There are few places that you can find glacial lagoons, otherworldly lava rock formations and bubbling mud pools all under the same aurora-streaked sky.
You should choose: Iceland
Weather
Both countries have mixed weather conditions, but depending on the time of year you visit, you’ll need to be prepared to experience them all!
The Azores
The Azores can be a summery haven but it is an archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic and with that comes humidity and wet weather.
You should research weather conditions for the time of year you plan to travel, but it’s best to be prepared for mixed conditions.
Iceland
The clue is in its name, Iceland can get really cold (the average temperature in January is 0°C!)
Most people travel to Iceland in October or February but whatever time of year you visit, you’ll need to pack for many conditions.
Iceland can experience four seasons in a day and you will need wet weather clothes, warm jackets and swimwear but for a true geographer, that is part of the joy of Iceland!
You should choose: It’s a draw! It depends whether you prefer a warmer or fresher climate.
Value for money
Understandably a huge priority for anyone, but especially schools, booking a trip is how to get the most out of their money.
The Azores
Despite the longer flight to the Azores, you can find good value travel and accommodation costs in the Azores, especially if you can be flexible with dates.
As with Iceland, the exclusive deals with accommodation and activities means you’re guaranteed value for money.
An advantage of travelling to the Azores is that the cost of living is cheaper than the UK which means your spending money will go further!
Iceland
It’s no secret that Iceland can be an expensive destination.
Visiting local shops or restaurants can push the budget as living costs are higher than in the UK.
With that being said, if you plan accommodation and activity far in advance you can get some great deals.
You should choose: The Azores
Activity options
Your itinerary can make or break a trip. Both the Azores and Iceland have an excellent variety of once-in-a-lifetime activities however these can vary massively. Having an idea of the experiences you want to add to your itinerary is a great way to help decide which destination to pick.
The Azores
Though the Azores does not have the quite the diversity of activities that Iceland boasts, it is by no means a dull trip!
Expect busy days of climbing Mount Pico, whale watching, visiting an astronomical observatory and even having a geothermally cooked lunch.
You can also explore inside a caldera, something you cannot do in Iceland.
Iceland
It’s very difficult to compete with Iceland for activities, particularly when it comes to student favourites.
When arranging a trip to Iceland, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
A day could begin walking between continents at Thingvellir and end with watching the Northern lights overhead from a local geothermally heated swimming pool.
Another day a walk on a glacier could be followed by a trip underground into lava tubes or to a thundering waterfall, the options are endless.
You should choose: Iceland
Food
Food is an important part of any trip. Sampling the local cuisine is a great way to better understand different cultures. Both the Azores and Iceland aren’t short on delicious delicacies for you to try…
The Azores
The Azoreans have their own version of geothermal cooking: Cozido. For 6 hours the meat stew is cooked underground and contains vegetables with pork, chicken, sausage and beef. A unique, hearty and delicious meal.
If you’re in need of something sweet, the island is also known for its pineapples.
Iceland
Some of the traditional Icelandic flavours are an acquired taste, for example, fermented shark and chocolate liquorice!
However, everyone can be catered for in the various eateries on the island. Some of our excursions focus on the food products of Iceland, for example, the Efsti Dalur dairy farm produces delicious ice cream, which may seem out of season if you are travelling in Winter but delicious all the same.
If you are visiting Hvergerdi you can boil eggs in the geothermal water.
You should choose: The Azores
Geographical wonders
From spectacular landscapes to breath taking waterfalls and mountains, both destinations aren’t short on geographical wonders!
The Azores
Each of the nine islands of the Azores were created by volcanoes and there is evidence everywhere of how this affects the landscape and way of life. Students will be able to witness the geothermal activity of the fumaroles at Furnas and even visit the geothermal energy power plants to learn more about what is done with this energy. You will also be able to cover topics such as sustainable tourism, coasts, ecosystems, water resources and more.
Iceland
The land of Ice and Fire is perfect for geographers who want to see impressive effects of the tectonic activity. Students can visit the innovative lava centre and learn how Icelanders managed the effects of the most recent volcanic eruptions. Beyond tectonics, students can see other topics from their textbooks come to life including, coasts, climate change, energy and even take part in some fieldwork with the Field Studies Council.
You should choose: Too close to call!
Where should I go?
It really is a win-win.
Find out more about the highlights of a trip to Iceland or the Azores and read one of our sample itineraries to find out more.
If you aren’t sure where to go, discover our full list of geography school trip destinations.
