Ponta Delgada

Stepping onto the rim of the Sete Cidades Massif feels like stumbling upon nature's mood ring-a pair of distinctively hued lakes lounging smugly side-by-side inside an ancient volcanic crater, one shamelessly sapphire blue, the other mysteriously emerald green. Local legend spins a romantic yarn about star-crossed lovers who cried these lakes into existence-proving that even heartbreak can have striking aesthetic results. To fully savor this Azorean eye candy, you're best off launching your pilgrimage early in the morning when wisps of fog still linger seductively over the crater's edge, or just before sunset, when golden light splashes absurdly picturesque drama onto the postcard-perfect scene. Bring sturdy shoes, a bottle of water, and a hearty respect for volcanic geology; also pack a poncho because the Azores weather flips from radiant sunshine to moody drizzle faster than a teenager's playlist. Plan a few days ahead during the busy summer months and budget around €30-€50 if renting a bike or kayak for lake-level exploration. Yes, it's a tourist magnet, but standing on the lip of a dormant volcano as you ponder how a single geological tantrum created two distinctly colored lakes is the kind of intrepid bragging rights you'll dine out on-preferably accompanied by fresh fish and copious amounts of local wine-for years to come.

If you're up for a gleefully punishing stroll that'll leave your calves howling obscenities by sunrise, Mount Pico on Portugal's Pico Island is happy to oblige. Standing defiantly at 2,351 meters, this dormant volcano prides itself on being the highest peak in the country-just high enough to impress at pub trivia but not so Everest-like as to require oxygen tanks, sherpas, or cheerful resignation letters to your boss. Set your alarm absurdly early-starting around midnight or 1 a.m. is standard-and pack a flashlight, sturdy boots resistant to volcanic rock tantrums, warm layers (it gets surprisingly brisk up top), and plenty of water alongside a few snacks, preferably something locally delicious like crusty Azorean bread and tangy Sao Jorge cheese. Book at least a few days ahead with a local guide (trust me, stumbling aimlessly on volcanic scree at 3 a.m. loses its charm quickly), and budget around €50-80 per person. As you ascend toward dawn, puffing and heaving through the moonlit mist, you might curse your life choices-but when that fiery sun punches through the horizon, bathing the islands and Atlantic in golden-red perfection, you'll feel oddly victorious, like you've conquered something meaningful-even if it's mostly your ego.