Life on the Edge of the Atlantic – My Time in the Azores

The Azores felt like another world — wild, remote, and breathtakingly beautiful. Lost in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, these islands belong to Portugal, but they carry a spirit entirely their own — shaped by wind, waves, and volcanoes.

I spent my time on Pico Island, home to Portugal’s highest mountain, Mount Pico, which rises sharply above the clouds like a silent guardian. The island was raw and untamed — black volcanic rock meeting the deep blue sea, fields divided by old stone walls, and fishermen mending their nets by the harbor.

I volunteered for a local fisherman, helping with small daily tasks and taking care of his animals — one dog and three cats, each with their own quirky personality. Life there was simple and quiet, marked by the rhythm of the tides and the sound of the wind. Some days, storms rolled in from the ocean, shaking the windows and turning the sea into a wild, roaring force. Other days, the sun broke through, painting everything in soft, golden light.

The sea was cold, but its power and beauty were impossible to resist. Every swim felt like a conversation with nature — raw, honest, and humbling.

Living in the Azores taught me about solitude, resilience, and the kind of peace that only comes from being close to nature. It’s a place where you can feel small — and somehow, more alive because of it.