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Travel Guide to the Azores Islands

TripSavvy / Grace Kim

The Azores Islands are a fascinating island archipelago belonging to Portugal . A stepping stone for Americans who don't like long flights, the islands lie in the Atlantic, under five hours flying time from the East Coast of the U.S. and two hours flying time to Lisbon .

You may not expect the tropical conditions you find on the Azores. Small and intensely flavorful pineapples can be found as well as tea plantations on the island of São Miguel . Flowers are everywhere, especially in spring.

The islands' volcanic origin leaves unmistakable marks on the landscape and even in the cuisine. Steaming hot pools are everywhere, and the iconic dish of the Azores, a stew called  Cozido is cooked by placing the pot in a hole in the ground near the famous  caldeiras  of Furnas, a town between Villa Franca and Nordeste on the map.

Getting to the Azores Islands

The nine Azores Islands are served by Azores Airlines . International flights arrive at the major settlement of Ponta Delgada on the Azores largest island,  São Miguel  or San Miguel. During the high season, Azores Airlines flies to the Azores from Boston, Oakland, Toronto, Montreal, Porto, Lisbon, Frankfurt and Las Palmas. If you are coming to the Azores from Lisbon, you can get direct flights to Horta, Terceira , and Santa Maria as well as to Ponta Delgada. In the off-season, check  Azores Airlines  for the latest information, as these departures change frequently.

Ease Your Jetlag With a Stop in the Azores

The Azores are only four and a half hours from Boston . A trip to the Azores can be the start of a series of short budget-airline hops that will ease the specter of jet lag: less than five hours to the Azores, two hours to Lisbon, three hours or so to Italy.

The Azores provide a whole different European experience for the traveler who would like to experience cultural and environmental contrast to "The Continent."

The flight from Boston will take you to Ponta Delgada on the Island of San Miguel. It's the largest island in the Azores chain, and there's plenty to do. From there you can go on to other islands or continue on to the continent by flying to Lisbon.

Getting Around the Azores Islands

During the high season, there are flights between the islands. Ferry services can be spotty, and many boats only run for a limited time around the summer season.

If you wish to travel to two islands from the U.S., it's best to make your airline reservations at the same time. In other words, the frugal will want a Boston-Ponta Delgada-Terceira ticket rather than separate Boston-Ponte Delgada and Ponta Delgada-Terceira round trips.

About Lodging

Major cities like Ponta Delgada, where you are likely to arrive in the Azores, have a variety of hotels, but getting out in the rural spaces of the Azores is the big draw. There are a variety of options within the program of Rural Tourism. If going rural appeals to you, you might try looking for lodging at  Rural Tourism in Portugal .

While the resort hotels of the Azores offer good value for the money compared to other European destinations, many rural accommodations—restored farmhouses and manor houses—could be your first choice for lodging in the Azores. Most offer a real feeling of the genteel life and offer fine food (if you wish) and a leisurely lifestyle. The owners are often very interested in seeing you get the most out of your visit. For romantics, renting an isolated cabin with a view of the sea is the private way to go.

Getting Around within an Island in the Azores

Public transportation is aimed at Azoreans going to work and many of the public transport timetables are probably inconvenient for most tourists to the Azores. Hiring a taxi for a half-day tour is reasonably inexpensive, and gets you exactly where you want to go. Rental cars are available and are good to have on larger islands such as San Miguel.

There are many walking paths on the islands as walking is one of the attractions enjoyed by tourists in the Azores.

The Azores' stable, subtropical climate makes the islands the ideal place to go in the off or shoulder seasons. It's also ideal for folks who want to vacation in summer but don't like intense heat. Go in spring for the flowers. 

Travel Safety in the Azores

There is little sign of poverty in the Azores, and there are few recorded crimes against tourists.

During the lean the years, many Azoreans immigrated to the US and then returned, so there tends to be a more sympathetic view of the politics embraced by the current U.S. administration than you'll find in other European countries. This also means that many citizens and visitors to the Azores speak English fluently; a benefit to tourists who don't speak Portuguese.

When to go to the Azores Islands

The Azores are awash in flowers in the spring, so May might be the ideal time to visit. Ferries start running in earnest in June, so that might be a consideration for you. April to September is the peak season in the Azores. You might want to avoid the rainy season, November to March. The gulf stream keeps the water fairly warm all year round, and Nordic visitors like to come to the Azores to swim in the winter. Summer is prime whale-watching time.

Island Hop to Madeira

If you like tropical islands, you might try a little Gulf Stream Island Hopping by flying from Ponta Delgada in the Azores to  Funchal on Madeira Island . The flight takes only a little over two hours.

Who Should Go to the Azores?

Active travelers interested in island culture and activities will find a match here. Activities include trekking, boating and kayaking, golfing, paragliding, and diving. Here you'll find islands with tropical characteristics but European character. You can swim and boat during the day, then sit down to a typical meal with fine (and sometimes local) wines at night. The Azores aren't one of those places where you're plopped down in a glamorous resort walled off from a poorer population.

What's Not in the Azores That You Might Expect

It may surprise you to know that beaches aren't the primary attraction in the Azores. That doesn't mean that there aren't sandy stretches that attract bathers, but we're not talking about Hawaii here, either. Still, swimmers (and divers) can make quite a time of it in the Azores; the water is warmed by the gulf stream, and there are many opportunities to swim in the "natural swimming pools" formed from the collapse of small volcanic craters.

And you won't find many backpackers in the Azores.

What Might Surprise You on the Azores

The Azores used to be a prime supplier of oranges to the mainland. After a disease wiped out the crop, tea and pineapples were introduced. Today you can tour two tea plantations with tasting rooms on the island of San Miguel. You can also tour a pineapple plantation. Pineapple has become part of the cuisine of the Azores, most folks have a large slice after dinner, but it's also served with small, grilled blood sausage as a typical appetizer. Cows, milk, and cheeses are famous as well.

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How to Plan the Perfect Trip to The Azores

The Azores is known as the 'Hawaii of Europe' — with whale watching and dramatic volcanic scenery.

Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more.

photoschmidt/Getty Images

The Azores, an autonomous Portuguese archipelago that’s in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, is known for its breathtaking volcanic landscapes that feel almost prehistoric at times. Most first-time visitors head straight toSão Miguel, the largest and most-visited island and the site of the main international airport. And can you blame them? The “Hawaii of Europe” as it’s called brims with crater lakes, lush hillsides, fumaroles, and waterfalls. The terrain across the archipelago is both dramatic and remarkably varied. Other lesser-known locales such as São Jorge and Pico offer plenty for travelers to see, do, and admire, too. Santa Maria, the southernmost island in the chain, for example, boasts the only white-sand beaches in the region. Of course, in a place that’s steeped in such untamed natural beauty, eco-adventures — from hiking to kayaking — abound. 

Yearning to trek through surreal scenery, go whale watching, sample local cheese, and post up at a relaxing hotel? Scroll on for expert tips to help you plan the most epic Azores trip. 

Related: 20 Best Places to Visit in Portugal 

Courtesy of Octant Furnas

Best Hotels and Resorts in the Azores 

Octant furnas, são miguel.

“Set amidst lush greenery and volcanic scenery, Octant Furnas allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Azores,” says Pilar Melo Antunes, the business development director at AtlantiVacations , a tour company that specializes in tailor-made Azores experiences. The hotel is built for unwinding, with indoor and outdoor geothermal pools and a healing water circuit at the heavenly spa as highlights. 

Santa Barbara Eco Resort, São Miguel

Set along the remote and rugged northern coast of São Miguel, Santa Barbara Eco Resort gives off a cool, surfer retreat energy with modern architecture, views of the azure waves, and an emphasis on wellness. Gardens overflow with endemic flora. The organic farm supports the robust culinary program. There’s also a huge saltwater pool accented by stone lounges and a hut for alfresco massages.

Sensi, São Miguel

“Earning a true five-star rating, Sensi is a standout option for Azorean luxury at its finest,” remarks Horácio Alves, a Lisbon-based guide with Black Tomato who regularly does tours in the Azores. “It’s a really special place with superb food, a spa dedicated to mind-body-spirit relaxation, top-notch service, and design that feels elegant yet authentic to the volcanic island of São Miguel.”

White Exclusive Suites & Villas, São Miguel

Planning a honeymoon or romantic getaway ? White Exclusive Suites & Villas is a luxurious, boutique respite perched on the southern coast of São Miguel. Designed with grown-up guests in mind, it’s elegant and intimate with just 11 contemporary suites and villas, gastronomic cuisine, and a sanctuary-like spa for signature rituals, hydrotherapy, and yoga. 

Pocinho Bay, Pico

While São Miguel may have the lion's share of hotels, in-the-know travelers decamp to Pocinho Bay , a hidden gem on the island of Pico with vineyards, sweeping views of Mount Pico and Faial Island, and access to a natural rock pool. “The property feels beachy, almost reminiscent of Mykonos with laid-back yet attentive service, woven hammocks, and exposed stone walls in the rooms, plus a range of excellent small-production wines,” says Alves. 

Maya Karkalicheva/Getty Images

Best Things to Do in the Azores 

Sete cidades, são miguel.

If you’ve ever Googled the Azores, chances are pretty good that images of Sete Cidades popped up. The journey to this emblematic nature area on the island of São Miguel is absolutely stunning with unimaginable sightlines of the famous twin crater lakes, Lagoa Azul ("blue lagoon") and Lagoa Verde ("green lagoon"), and the huge, 3-mile-wide caldera. Along the way, there are many scenic viewpoints and charming small villages. 

Ilhéu de Vila Franca

The uninhabited flooded crater islet of Ilhéu de Vila Franca is easily reachable right off the south-central coast of São Miguel. The protected lagoon teems with unique marine life and offers exceptional visibility, making it ideal for snorkeling. It’s also popular for swimming and cliff diving. 

Hot Springs in Furnas, São Miguel

A hub of geothermal activity on São Miguel, Furnas is blessed with many hot springs. Wellness and relaxation seekers will find plenty of spots to soak. Alves suggests Centro de Interpretação Ambiental da Caldeira Velha , a nature preserve with mineral pools, waterfalls, and lush foliage. “It's important to note that the water has a high sulfur content. The unique smell can take some time to get used to, but the healing benefits are plenty.”

Pico da Barrosa, Pico

Fans of high-altitude activities won’t want to miss Pico da Barrosa, the highest point in Portugal. The summit sits atop a dormant volcano at an elevation of 7,713 feet above sea level. The round-trip hike is quite pleasant as long as you have sure footing and a knowledgeable local guide to help navigate the volcanic rock terrain. 

Whale Watching 

The Azores is one of the best destinations for whale watching in the world. Many different types of cetaceans call the waters surrounding the archipelago home and guided tours give visitors a front-row seat to these majestic marine creatures. While peak season stretches from April through October, to up your odds of seeing larger migratory species such as blue whales, consider planning a trip between the end of April and the beginning of May. 

DaLiu/Getty Images

Best Restaurants in the Azores 

Quinta dos sabores, são miguel.

Quinta dos Sabores is a working organic farm in northern São Miguel that includes farmhouse accommodations, a shop, and an intimate restaurant. “The five-course tasting menu changes daily depending on the availability of ingredients and also includes an appetizer, starter, soup, two mains, and a dessert,” explains Atunes. It’s a true field-to-fork gourmet experience.

Bar Caloura, São Miguel

It doesn’t get better than fresh seafood — specifically buttery grilled limpets with a generous squeeze of lemon and sizzling garlic prawns — washed down with a pitcher of housemade sangria and a side of sweeping ocean views. That’s the setup at Bar Caloura , a long-standing favorite of locals (Alves included) and visitors to the small town of Água de Pau. 

Tasquinha Vieira, São Miguel

One of Alves’s favorite cozy restaurants on the island of São Miguel, Tasquinha Vieira may be small in stature, but it boasts big flavors with a focus on using fresh, local ingredients. “The atmosphere is casual and unassuming, so it’s really perfect for sharing some plates and sipping on a cold beer.” Pro tip: Limited seating means it’s encouraged to make reservations in advance. 

Restaurante Associação Agrícola de São Miguel, São Miguel

Carnivores rejoice! Meat takes center stage at Restaurante Associação Agrícola de São Miguel , a hidden gem with a farm collective vibe that Alves deems “outstanding.” The signature Bife à Associação (fried steak) is a must-order dish. 

O Ancoradouro, Pico

O Ancoradouro has earned a reputation as something of a landmark on the island of Pico. That’s because it’s impossible to grow tired of fresh-caught fish, seafood stew, and limpets at a waterfront restaurant that’s always friendly and welcoming. 

Chris VR/Travel + Leisure

Best Wineries in the Azores

Azores wine company, pico.

If you only have the chance to visit one winery, consider the Azores Wine Company. Many credit the enterprising project with putting vinho from the Azores on the map in such a significant way. Besides tasting complex volcanic wines and touring modern facilities, visitors can savor acclaimed gastronomy and even spend the night in architecturally striking apartments (with advanced booking, of course). 

Pico Wines, Pico

The largest and oldest wine operation in the Azores, Pico Wines is a cooperative of producers aimed at keeping noble grape varieties and ancestral winemaking traditions alive. “It’s definitely worth a visit to this UNESCO-protected site to do private vineyard tours, soak in the breathtaking beauty of the landscape, and sample some of the best pours in the region,” says Alves. 

Quinta Da Jardinete, São Miguel

Pico has established itself as the wine island, but that certainly doesn’t mean you’ll have any trouble finding quality pours on São Miguel. Quinta Da Jardinete is a small, family-owned estate that produces terroir-driven vinho made from grapes such as merlot, aragonês, and lemberger (blaufränkisch) that are grown right on site. 

How to Get There

Ponta Delgada - João Paulo II Airport (PDL) is located on São Miguel. Travelers coming from the East Coast of the United States will be pleased to learn that Sata Azores Airlines operates direct flights from New York (JFK) and Boston (BOS) to Ponta Delgada, and United offers direct flights from Newark (EWR). From there, connecting flights are available to the other islands. There are also ferries that connect some of the Azores islands.

Related Articles

10-Day Azores Itinerary: How To Spend 10 Days In The Azores

Posted on Last updated: June 10, 2023

Need help planning your 10-day Azores itinerary? You’ve come to the right place!

When I first agreed to lead a tour in the Azores I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I can positively say that the Azores blew me away, and are one of the most incredible places I’ve ever travelled to.

If you’re thinking of heading over to the Azores, get ready to see magnificent landscapes, taste mouth-watering foods, and do some exciting outdoor activities.

Walking scenic landscapes and swimming in natural pools or piping-hot spring baths are some of the main attractions when visiting the Azores.

There are many activities offered on the islands. Each island has its unique ambience — some of the most popular things to do are trekking, kayaking, golfing, diving, and hiking.

I’m a big fan of hiking and the outdoors. And as an experienced hiker, I advise getting some great outdoor gear before you make your way to the Azores.

I am going to share with you the ultimate way to spend 10 days in the Azores. This guide will cover top hiking spots and share tips on how to have an unforgettable trip in this magical destination!  

• 1 Getting to and around the Azores
• 2 Things to know when travelling around Azores
• 3.1.1 Stay in Angra do Heroismo
• 3.1.2 Hike Monte Brazil
• 3.2.1 Hike in Serreta
• 3.2.2 Swim in the Biscoitos Natural Pools
• 3.2.3 Visit Algar do Carvão
• 3.3.1 Go on a snorkelling boat tour
• 3.3.2 See the Miradouro Serra do Cume Viewpoint
• 3.4.1 Swim in the Simao Dias Natural Pools
• 3.5.1 Do the Caldeira de Santo Cristo hike
• 3.6.1 Visit the coffee plantation
• 3.6.2 Hike in Fajã dos Vimes
• 3.7 Day 7: Ferry to Pico & go whale watching
• 3.8 Day 8: Hike up Mount Pico
• 3.9.1 Hike Cabeco do Canto
• 3.9.2 Visit Peter’s Bar – A famous watering hole
• 3.10.1 See Sete Cidades Lake
• 3.10.2 Hike the Praia-Lagoa do Fogo
• 3.10.3 Bathing in Hot Springs
• 4 4 fun facts about the Azores

Hiking along the rim of a volcano of the Cabeco do Canto hike on Faial Island

Getting to and around the Azores

The Azores comprise of 9 Portuguese islands – Europe’s hidden gems. They are split into three groups.

• The Eastern Group is made up of Sao Miguel island and Santa Maria.
• The Central Group comprised of Graciosa, Sao Jorge, Faial, Pico, and Terceira
• Finally, The Western Group consists of Corvo and Flores.

The Azores are plain sailing to navigate around, by yourself or with friends. The Azores islands are relatively small islands along the North Atlantic ocean.

Unfortunately, public transportation is limited and mostly aimed around Azoreans and their work schedules.

Hiking along the sea in Pico Island

On the islands, I suggest booking your car rental through brokers in advance, before the start of your trip. You will find that traveling around with your own wheels will be the easiest way to get around.

You could also rent a motorhome or campervan. The gorgeous natural landscapes make it one of the coolest places for a Portuguese campervan trip . 

During the high season, there are many flights between islands. Ferry services can be timely, but most go throughout the year.

The best way is to carefully plan your trip before arriving. This allows you to get the best deals when booking your flights, accommodation and gives you the time to compare prices.

One of the hiking trails in Sao Jorge Island

Things to know when travelling around Azores

The Azores are sparsely populated islands, the busiest island being Sao Miguel. Don’t expect an Ibiza-like party scene in the Azores. In essence, the Azores islands are a remote and peaceful place – and the locals are proud of it.

There are, however, small unpretentious bars used mostly as watering holes after a busy day. This means you will still find some low-key places to let your hair down.

And when it comes to the crime rate, it’s very low on these islands so you can relax into your evenings. Portuguese is the official language in the Azores.

The Simao Dias natural pools on Sao Jorge Island

However, English is widely spoken and is now a required language to learn in schools. The currency used is the Euro (€). When trying some of the delicious Azorean islands delicacies – try the alcatra, the famous king dish.

Year-round, the temperature is moderate and ranges between 57°F (13,8°C) and 71°F (21,6°C). However keep in mind that the weather is unreliable, and even on a sunny day there could be a moment of rain.

Some fun outdoor activities popular on the islands :

Canyoning : jumping, climbing and swimming between canyons is a fun adventure. Waterfalls are surrounded by evergreen forests, making it a spectacular experience.

Beautiful views in Sao Jorge Island

Hiking : Doing one of the many hiking trails on the Azores Islands on the islands is undoubtedly a must-do. The most challenging one is hiking Mount Pico. It’s the highest mountain in the whole of Portugal (2,351m high).

Whale Watching: Whale watching tours offer remarkable experiences up close to a vast range of aquatic species.

Paragliding : There is nothing better than getting a bird’s eye view over volcanic craters in Sao Miguel island at Furnas and Sete Cidades.

Views over Angra do Heroismo from Monte Brazil on Terceira Island

Sailing : There are many tour agencies offering sailing tours around the islands.

Kayaking : You can rent a kayak in most of the large lakes in Sao Miguel.

Diving : The Azores offers amazing spots over colourful

Surfing : Portugal is well-known as a hot surfing destination around the world. It comes as no surprise that it holds the World Surf League on Sao Miguel island, in Ribeira Grande.

Floating in the Simao Dias natural pools on Sao Jorge Island

10-days around the best Azores Islands

The Azores are famously known for their stunning backdrops, blue-green hued lakes, and volcanic craters – the land of hydrangeas. Choosing which Azores islands to visit can be overwhelming.

This Azores 10-day itinerary will guide you through the Central and Eastern Islands, giving you the best outdoor activities and must-do activities.

Day 1: Arrive in Terceira

The first day in the Azores should be spent getting a real feel of these magical islands and their surroundings. Get a fun-filled start to your ten-day Azores trip by starting in Terceira.

Angra do Heroismo on Terceira Island

Terceira has its airport and is easy to access from mainland Portugal, other inter-island flights and North America.

Terceira is known as the best party island amongst the Azores islands. The highlight of this town happens downtown in June, where the locals hold a massive street party of Sanjoaninas .

It’s also well known for its beautiful untouched hiking trails, enticed by volcanic landscapes.

| READ MORE: TERCEIRA ISLAND BUCKET LIST |

One of the colourful churches of Angra do Heroismo on Terceira Island

Stay in Angra do Heroismo

The island of Terceira is surrounded by a neat, well-paved road that circles the island and its main points of interest. I recommend staying in Angra do Herosimo, a colourful colonial town.

It’s the capital city of Terceira and the largest. The town centre was dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. You can also go on a guided city walking tour to experience this colourful city and its unique architecture.

If the weather does not permit, there are a lot of galleries and indoor attractions to see in this lovely flavour filled town. Once you arrive and you have a full feel of this super cute town, you should stretch your legs on the Monte Brasil hike.

Click here to book your Angra do Heroismo walking tour!

The beach and harbour of Angra do Heroismo on Terceira Island

Hike Monte Brazil

The Monte Brasil hike is a short circular hike around a natural reserve, the Relvão park. It’s a 7.4km hike with fantastic views over the ocean, the coast and the town.

The Monte Brasil hike is along with the remains of an extinct volcano. It’s covered in a thick, lush forest, filled with blooming brilliant flowers in spring.

The hiking trail leads to the exquisite summit. It’s great to do after a light meal or after some shopping in the town.

Enjoying the view over Angra do Heroismo from the Mount Brazil hike

In Angra do Heroismo I stayed at Casa Flor d’Sal , a lovely independent apartment with a modern kitchen and spacious communal areas.

It’s right in the centre of the Angra do Heroismo historical centre so the perfect location to explore this town! There’s also a free car park just behind the apartment so that you have somewhere you can leave your car.

Click here to see the latest prices and availability at Casa Flor d’Sal!

Sunset just outside our accommodation in the cute streets of Angra do Heroismo on Terceira Island

Day 2: Hike and Swim in The Natural Pools in Terceira

Now that you’re feeling more acquainted with the town and surrounds, you should be ready for the next adventure.

Hike in Serreta

One great way to start your morning off is with a 2h30m hike in Serreta. It’s a circular route around the Natural Reserve of Serra de Santa Bárbara and Mistérios Negros.

This trek offers picturesque scenery surrounded by the woods of Cedars and views of the impressive Pico Gaspar volcano.

Hiking in the Misterios Negros Reserve in Serreta, on Terceira Island

Views over the Natural Reserve of Serra de Santa Bárbara and Mistérios Negros on Terceira Island

We found the trails in the Azores to always be very well marked, and pretty busy with other hikers, but we were also a big group travelling in peak tourist season in August.

If you don’t want to hike alone you can take a guided tour to see the incredible landscapes this island has to offer.

Click here to book your hiking trip to Serreta and Misterios Negros , or check out prices & availability for your chosen date below!

Swim in the Biscoitos Natural Pools

Cool off in the Biscoitos natural pools. Terceira is well-known for its “volcanically made” rocky natural pools – ideal swimming pools. After building an appetite, you can enjoy some lunch at the café and stalls offered around these pools.

As someone who usually travels to beach destinations, rock pools were quite new to me. They reminded me of the fairy pools of Noosa in Australia .

We spent a few hours around lunch chilling on the rock slabs, swimming in the cool water and even diving from some of the bigger rocks!

Enjoying the Biscoitos Natural Pools on Terceira Island

Visit Algar do Carvão

Explore the cradle of the island in a dormant volcanoes chimney – the Algar do Carvão. It’s a unique experience and certainly a highlight in Terceira.

This extinct volcano has a 150-foot, vertical drop from the top to the cave, and then a further 150-foot descent to a lagoon. The Algar do Carvão is an enchanting and thrilling exploration.

The volcanos walls are filled with a surplus of minerals that have been around for thousands of years. Explore the caves by taking an underground caves tour, or visit the crater by yourself.

Click here to book your underground cave tour of Algar do Carvao , or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

Algar do Carvão in Terceira Island

Day 3: Snorkelling trip in Terceira

Terceira island is also known for its array of tropical sea life. What better way to see what the marine life has to offer than by grabbing your snorkels and flippers, and get on a boat tour to the nearby island.

Go on a snorkelling boat tour

We organised our snorkelling trip through the Deep Blue Azores Diving Centre; and they were pretty phenomenal.

You will be provided with snorkelling equipment and will be able to see shipwrecks, a range of bright-coloured fish species and reefs. We also had the opportunity of swimming through caves and canyons and seeing sting rays.

You can also do a whale watching and jeep tour to get the most out of your island experience.

Click here to book your whale watching tour in Terceira , or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

The view from our boat of the coast and caves where we then snorkelled on Terceira Island

See the Miradouro Serra do Cume Viewpoint

Once your granny fingers have set in from exploring aquatic life, go to the Miradouro Serra do Cume viewpoint. Enjoy a perfect spot to take photos of the town, harbour and bay.

The view overlooks the bay of Praia da Vitória and the “patchwork”. The “patchwork” is famous on Instagram and amazing to see, where the island is divided by walls of volcanic stone.

The bay of Praia da Victoria lies just outside Miradouro Serra do Cume. It’s a popular place to bask in the sun and offers bars and restaurants.

The view from the Miradouro Serra do Cume Viewpoint in Terceira Island

Note : If you’re visiting in the summertime, you can witness the Azorian version of the traditional bullfighting – a Torada. It’s different from the Spanish Corrida – the intention is to have fun with the bull and not to kill him.

Here the bull is controlled and held with a rope by people called the “pastores”, with normal people teasing the bull and running in front of him, trying to get the bull to chase them.

The event takes place throughout August, on a different part of the island every day. If you’re an animal lover, it’s a bit of a strong experience and I wouldn’t recommend it.

However it’s also a very typical Azorian tradition, which you might be interested in if you really want to live everything the Azores have to offer.

Enjoying the view from the Miradouro Serra do Cume Viewpoint in Terceira Island

Day 4: Fly to São Jorge

São Jorge is a tiny island of only 8km in width. It’s known for its unpasteurized cheese, a paradise of fajãs (lava flows), and for being the island of trails.

It offers ravines, lakes, ideal surfing pots and a remarkable vertical coastline formed by the fajãs. When people refer to the Azores as the “ Hawaii of Europe”, it’s usually the green cliffs of São Jorge they have in mind.

To get to São Jorge, you can either fly from Terceira, or go by ferry. Arrive in São Jorge and settle into your chosen accommodation.

To be completely engulfed in nature, I highly suggest staying Fajã dos Vimes. It’s a charming little town with less than 100 people.

Sunset view of Pico from Calheta, on Sao Jorge Island

The villages of Urzelina and Calheta are a bit more populated and offer more, but they won’t give you the same experience. If you stay in Calheta, try out Café Calhetense – they have a delightful dinner option.

In Sao Jorge island we slept in an incredible place called Casas Dos Vimes .

Located in Fajã dos Vimes these apartments had an incredibly local feel, with spacious communal areas, clean and cute bedrooms and huge outdoors areas with barbecue grills where you can have dinner with your friends

Click here to book your stay at Casas Dos Vimes!

Views over Fajã dos Vimes on Sao Jorge Island

Swim in the Simao Dias Natural Pools

Afterward, spend a relaxed rest of your day at the Simao Dias natural pools. The natural swimming pool at Simao Dias is one of the most symbolic bathing areas on the island.

The volcano’s lava flow created it during the solidification and from lava cooling off. The Simao Dias natural pools are one of the most spectacular places I’ve ever seen.

The clear emerald sea water is hidden by the steep dark lava rock cliffs, creates a beautiful contrast and framing. The hike to reach them only takes around 10-15 minutes.

There isn’t much space to lie down and relax or tan, as the rocks are quite jagged and uncomfortable, but it’s a beautiful place to spend an afternoon. You can spend your time there diving and swimming around the rock pools.

Diving in the clear water of the Simao Dias natural pools of Sao Jorge Island

Enjoying the view over the Simao Dias natural pools on Sao Jorge island

Day 5: Hike in Sao Jorge

On day 5 why not start with one of the most truly breathtakingly beautiful hikes in Sao Jorge? The trail takes you to the impressive fajãs (lava flows) on the island.

Do the Caldeira de Santo Cristo hike

One of the top attractions on the Caldeira de Santo Cristo hike is the fajãs. Start your trek from the Caldeira de Santo Cristo and make your way down the mountain to the to Cumbres.

It’s a fairly easy hike as it’s mostly downhill. So while it won’t be too physically challenging it can be tough on the knees so make sure to bring hiking sticks if you think you might need extra support.

Hiking along the Caldeira de Santo Cristo hike on Sao Jorge island

Cliff and sea views during the Caldeira de Santo Cristo hike on Sao Jorge island

The downhill hike also means that there are incredible views all throughout the hike.

You will be hiking along a path surrounded by blue and purple hydrangea flowers, with the majestic cliffs and mountains all around you and the sea infront.

Santo Cristo is a small town, with zero transportation systems.

To get there you would need to walk by foot from the top of the mountain (Serra do Topo or by ATV). It’s a lovely town with charming restaurants that is famous for its natural swimming pools that lead into the ocean.

Hiking along the Caldeira de Santo Cristo hike in Sao Jorge island

The waterfall you can swim in during your hike of Caldeira de Santo Cristo in Sao Jorge island

From Santo Cristo, start your majestic hike towards Fajã dos Cubres, another small town. Along your hike you will come across stunning waterfalls where you can go for a refreshing swim.

The hiking time is only around 3-4 hours, but if you factor in time for swimming and food breaks it can easily become a full day activity.

Since the start and end point of your hike aren’t the same you should organise with your accommodation to pick you up after your hike.

Once you reach the bottom it’s time to hike along the sea!

Day 6: Visit the coffee plantations and hike some more!

On day 6 you will be visiting the only place where coffee is grown in Europe, in Fajã dos Vimes.

Visit the coffee plantation

Start your morning by taking a drive to Cafe Nuns. For any coffee lover, visiting the only coffee plantation in the whole of Europe is quite an achievement.

Here at Cafe Nunes, they grow and roast their coffee – and supply the locals. I recommend trying their espressos to kickstart your day.

Epic views in Sao Jorge Island

Hike in Fajã dos Vimes

While in Fajã dos Vimes, try this linear 1.5 hour hike. The hike travels along the South Coast of the island and ends in Portal.

This hike offers walks through vineyard terraces, dips into the Atlantic waters and possible viewpoints of the Pico Island.

Hiking around Fajã dos Vimes on Sao Jorge Island

Day 7: Ferry to Pico & go whale watching

Pico island is the second-largest island in the Azores. It’s the most volcanic island and boasts incredible landscapes. This island is home to vineyards grown in lava rocks, historic volcanic caves and refreshing tidal pools.

To get to Pico, we opted for the one hour Ferry ride from Sao Jorge Island, Velas to Pico. The Atlantico Line runs throughout the year connecting Pico, Faial and Sao Jorge.

Once arriving on Pico island, we rented a car for flexibility to get around the island. Pico island is considered one of the best areas for whale and dolphin watching.

You can start a tour from Lajes do Pico harbour and start marking off some of the 28 cetacean species swimming around the Azores archipelago.

Most whale watching tours take up to 3 hours and include a briefing about the different species.

Click here to book your whale watching tour in Pico , or check out prices & availability for your chosen date in the calendar below!

A pair of pilot whales, which you can spot when whale watching in the Azores

After a fun-filled day sightseeing and (hopefully) spotting one of nature’s gentle giants, go to the Cella Bar for dinner.

The Cella bar is a famous winery and restaurant, shaped like a wine barrel and offers the most exquisite dinners.

Cella Bar is in Madalena, the capital of Pico Island. This city is rife with fascinating things to do and see, such as natural bathing areas, cetacean sightings and is home to a vineyard declared as a World Heritage site by UNESCO .

Click here to book your accommodation in Madalena!

The inside of Cella Bar on Pico Island

Day 8: Hike up Mount Pico

While in Pico, you have to hike up Mount Pico! This is the highest peak in Portugal. It stands 2351 meters above sea level and offers a range of hiking trails.

All climbers, with or without a guide – have to check-in at the starting point, at Casa da Montanha. There you will be given a GPS so that your location is tracked – for safety purposes.

Mount Pico is not to be taken lightly-heartedly; it can be dangerous and has a very steep uphill. It is one of the toughest yet rewarding hikes.

Note: Only 200 people are allowed to hike up the mountain around the same time. If you are sure you want to do this hike, I advise you to book a guided tour beforehand – it can get rather busy, especially in summer.

Click here to book your priority entry and guided hike of Pico!

Mount Pico on Pico Island

Otherwise, if you are looking for a great alternative, the Caminos de Santa Luzia is a fantastic hike (and less strenuous).

We were unable to hike up Pico due to adverse weather and wind conditions. We did the Caminos de Santa Luzia and found it great too, however we wish we would have been able to hike this famous mountain!

The Caminos de Santa Luzia is still a very rewarding hike, with the trail passing through lava fields and vineyards, and you can see Pico looming over you in the distance.

Hiking the Caminos de Santa Luzia on Pico Island

Day 9: Day trip to Faial Island

Take a day trip to Faial Island with the Atlantico Line. This island is ideal for sailing, whale-watching and mountain biking.

One of the top attractions on Faial island is in Capelinhos, a volcano that last erupted in 1957. It’s located in the Capelo Peninsular and extended the island by another 3 square kilometres.

Hike Cabeco do Canto

Another stunning hike in the Azores is on Faial Island; the Cabeco do Canto. This hike offers impressive views.

Hiking Cabeco do Canto on Faial Island

In one hike you will walk along the ridge of not one, not two, but three volcanoes!

You start off surrounded by trees and nature until you reach the final volcanic ridge on a cliff on the edge of the sea. Here the landscape changes completely to a barren rocky expanse, which feels very lunar!

Some steps are cut into the path to allow for easier access, whilst other parts of the trail are on muddy ground. It might not be the most challenging hike but it definitely had the most varied views.

The volcano crates and lush green vegetation you’ll see while hiking Cabeco do Canto on Faial Island

Visit Peter’s Bar – A famous watering hole

After a day of exploring and using up those kilojoules, you sure can build a thirst. Visit Peter’s Bar – the most famous sailor’s bar!

Peter’s Bar was formerly a post office. Today, it’s a famous bar where all the sailors stop during their ocean crossings to quench their thirst.

The Cafe is embellished with hundreds of flags donated by the ships crossing over the Atlantic ocean.

Note: Near Pico and Faial island, there is a popular dive spot named ‘Princess Alice seamount’. It’s renowned for its remote location, shipwrecks and significant depth.

Peter’s Bar, the famous sailors bar on Faial Island

Day 10: Back home – or onwards to Sao Miguel Azores?

If you have some time on your schedule before departing home, you should, without a doubt, visit Sao Miguel island . It’s the largest of the islands and is a trip by itself – enough to keep you on the hop for at least a week.

You can get to São Miguel from almost all other island airports by plane, or by boat from Santa Maria and Terceira. Some of the main things you should see in Sao Miguel include:

See Sete Cidades Lake

Its top attraction by far is Sete Cidades Lake (Lagoa das Sete Cidades). The lake near the town of Sete Cidades Azores. It’s a favourite spot for stand-up paddling (SUP), kayaking, horse-riding, paragliding and relaxing at the shore.

You can do a half-day tour to see the Sete Cidades village and lake.

Click here to book your Sete Cidades half day tour!

Seven Cities, photo by Wandering with a Dromomaniac

Hike the Praia-Lagoa do Fogo

São Miguel offers a third (28) of the hiking trails in the Azores. I suggest taking a scenic hike on one of the best hiking trails in the whole of the Azores; the Praia-Lagoa do Fogo.

It’s a circular trail that takes roughly 4 hours. You can take a guided tour to Lagoa do Fogo, an ideal hike offering views of Fogo Lake, which connects to Agua D’Alto Beach on the southern coast of São Miguel.

Click here to book your Lagoa do Fogo guided tour!

Pico de Vara, photo by Wandering with a Dromomaniac

Bathing in Hot Springs

Another popular attraction is taking a bath at some of São Miguel’s naturally heated geothermal hot springs.

Some of the most famous hot springs are in Caldeira Velha, which has a gorgeous jungle backdrop and Ferraria that is typically heated up to 30 degrees.

Try the Furnas hot springs tour at night along with dinner, it will be a lot of fun!

Click here to book your Furnas hot spring tour & dinner!

Terra Nostra Gardens, photo by Wandering with a Dromomaniac

4 fun facts about the Azores

1. The Azores used to be the leading suppliers of oranges to the mainland, Portugal. It was a successful supplier of oranges until disease wiped out the productive crops.

Later, tea and pineapples were introduced. Today, Pineapple has become a part of the Azores cuisines.

2. In San Miguel, two tea plantations offer tasting rooms. Tea leaves were first founded in the 1750s growing fierce in the Azores and later commercialised in the 1870s.

3. The Azores are made up of nine diverse volcanic islands, extending out in the North Atlantic Ocean over 370 miles long.

4. Colourful hydrangea flowers cover the islands. Faial Island, in particular, is known as the “blue island” due to the number of hydrangeas present.

Final thoughts on the Azores Islands

The Azores are well-known for their variety of cetaceans (aquatic mammals), natural landscapes and incredible hikes.

It sits on a pedicle for many whale and dolphin species who choose the Azores Atlantic ocean as part of their migration route.

Visiting the Azores is all about plunging yourself into nature and unwinding. They offer some of the most fascinating island archipelagoes along the Atlantic seaboard.

The islands’ volcanic gestation left unmistakable smears on the island’s landscapes – also seen on the outcome of its vegetation. There are inviting, hot natural pools at every corner of the island.

And these islands offer fantastic experiences for travellers. I travelled to the Azores without any expectations, and was blown away by their natural beauty.

This Azores 10-day itinerary is based on my own trip to the Azores, and I hope you find it useful in planning your own time there! Keep my itinerary on-hand to ensure that you make the most of your travels to this beautiful destination!

Looking for more Portugal travel tips? Check out my other travel guides!

• Sintra day trip – everything you need to know!
• The perfect Lisbon 2-day itinerary
• How to spend 5 days in the Algarve
• 13 beautiful beaches in the Algarve
• Ultimate guide to visiting Benagil Cave
• The best Porto 1-day itinerary

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Which Azores island is perfect for you?

Apr 15, 2024 • 8 min read

The islands that make up the Azores each have a unique draw, from impossibly picturesque hiking trails to lively festivals © Westend61 / Getty Images

Sandra has recently returned from her native Azores, where she was researching the upcoming Pocket Azores guidebook, out in October 2024. Here she shares her local knowledge of the archipelago to help you choose the best island for your trip.

Famous for hiking trails and lagoons, inactive volcanoes and whale watching, the Azores  naturally appeal to the outdoorsy. But these islands are also rich with a unique cuisine, exceptional wines, vibrant cultural events and traditional celebrations.

The Azores keep growing in popularity as a tourist destination, but some islands remain off most travelers’ radar. Sure, a lot of this archipelago’s appeal comes from its beautiful landscapes, where nature is practically untouched yet not entirely out of reach. But the landscapes change from island to island, sometimes within the same one, which is why “seen one, seen them all” doesn’t apply here. Read on to find the perfect islands for your Azores adventure.

1. Santa Maria

Best island for summer festivals  

Dubbed “the sunny island” by Azoreans, summers here see plenty of glorious days of beach weather – an oddity by Azores standards. But the promise of morning-to-evening days spent soaking up the sun and the salt of the ocean isn’t the only reason why travellers flock here during the summer months. On my early morning and practically empty flight to Santa Maria, on a late-January weekday, most of my fellow passengers were locals returning home or going on a business trip.

In mid-July, the village of Anjos welcomes blues fans to the three-day festival Santa Maria Blues . Then, at the end of August, Praia Formosa becomes the epicenter and main stage of Maré de Agosto , Portugal’s oldest music festival, turning 40 in 2024.  Marienses (Santa Maria residents) certainly know how to put on a memorable show. 

Read more:  All you need to know for your first trip to the Azores

2. São Miguel

Best island for things to do 

The largest island, São Miguel gets the most tourists and has frequent flights from various destinations two to five hours away. For many visitors it's a good compromise between spending time on a remote island but without feeling like you’re too far away from home.

Here, you can spend the morning discovering lagoons in Sete Cidades , then while away the afternoon soaking in a thermal bath heated by an underground volcano in Furnas. In the evening you can sample international cuisine and discover local artists at O Quarteirão, a neighborhood in the historic center of the island’s capital, Ponta Delgada. 

And on one of those pesky rainy days, when sightseeing goes out the window, stroll around the shopping center or catch a movie. 

Read more:  How to get the most out of the Azores without renting a car

3. Terceira

Best island for culture 

Terceira has a certain majestic quality – perhaps a trace of its former life as the heart of the Portuguese Kingdom. The celebration of local heritage is strong here, from the dozens of carefully kept, colorful​​​  impérios (small temples built to display symbols of the Cult of the Holy Spirit) that dot every village and town on the island, to the cobblestoned streets of Angra do Heroísmo’ s historic center, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Portugal . 

The island has birthed notable intellectuals, artists and writers. But there is room for less highbrow cultural manifestations, including the sarcasm-riddled song and dance shows called Bailinhos during Carnaval, and the live music and street parades during Sanjoaninas  in June.

4. Graciosa

Best island to visit with family  

Graciosa is one of the least touristy islands. On the surface, the second smallest island in the archipelago seems to have little to do – by comparison with the rest, of course. But this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve doesn’t need to flaunt deep lagoons and waterfalls to get your attention. 

In half a day, you can drive around the island and hit all the must-see spots, and locals will state this fact to you. But it’s perfect if you’re traveling with younger kids who get fussy on long drives. The road trip includes spotting a whale-shaped rock off the coast, entirely molded by nature. You can even take them on an adventure, walking down a stone spiral staircase into the heart of Graciosa’s inactive volcano, Caldeira (or Furna do Enxofre). 

The island is also home to burro da Graciosa , an endangered species of donkey that has been rescued, protected and bred by a local nonprofit organization. Anyone can visit the farm to see the donkeys from afar, or pet them if they come closer to the fence. 

Local tip: Graciosa is famous for its red-roofed, Dutch-style windmills. Most of them are no longer operational and have been turned into short-term rental houses by their owners. 

5. São Jorge

Best island for hiking 

Whether you arrive on the island by sea or by air, São Jorge resembles the scaly back of an enormous dragon fast asleep in the middle of the ocean. On this long and narrow island, most towns and villages are wedged between the sea and steep cliffs on volcanic ground that slid down the coast and formed fajãs (coastal plateaus). 

Even though some of these fajãs can be reached by car, being able to get to them as locals did in the old days, via official trekking trails, makes São Jorge the best island for hiking.

Local tip: Given the island’s rough terrain, all official trails on São Jorge range from moderate to hard, which require some hiking experience. Trekking boots and poles are recommended for a safe and comfortable hike.   

Read more: Discover the 7 best hikes in the Azores

Best island for local heritage 

Called “the mountain island” for being home to Portugal’s highest peak, Pico is also historically a land of whale hunters and winemakers. 

Watching whales took over from hunting them in the mid-1980s, with plenty of former hunters teaching whale-watching companies all they knew about the mammals and how to track them. You’ll see the former industry presented at museums and old processing factories. Today, whale-watching tours have become one of the most popular activities on Pico. 

Producing wine from vines that grow on volcanic soils, sheltered from the wind and the ocean by basalt rock walls, proves that picoenses  (Pico residents) are ingenious. The winemaking industry is currently reaping the fruits of a renaissance on the island, with the Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture becoming recognized by UNESCO in 2004. 

Local tip: Regular, year-round ferry rides connecting Faial, Pico, and São Jorge – also known as the “Triangle Islands” – mean that island-hopping between the three is easy. While the tendency is to stay on Faial (partly because of flight frequency), Pico is a better island to use as a base – Madalena on Pico is a 30-minute ferry ride from Horta on Faial; São Roque on Pico is 50 minutes from Velas on São Jorge. 

Island with the best beaches 

On most islands in the Azores, natural swimming pools outnumber sandy beaches, and Faial is no exception, with five beaches to its seven natural pools. The cool Atlantic waters (sometimes even in the summer) also don’t exactly pinpoint the islands on the map of best beach destinations. Nevertheless, Faial’s stretches of sand are worth visiting.

Praia do Almoxarife is hands down the beach with the best view. Imagine lounging on the black sand or taking a dip while looking across the water at Portugal’s highest peak, Mt Pico. 

Praia de Porto Pim is a local favorite within walking distance of Horta city center. The proximity to an urban area doesn’t taint the beach-going experience at all, and the bay is like a shelter. 

Best island for untouched nature 

Most people who visit Flores believe that this is the most beautiful island in the Azores, comparing it to such destinations as Hawaii, Switzerland, and Ireland.  

The evergreen island has dozens of waterfalls cascading down vertiginous cliffs into the ocean or into ponds of fresh water, seven lagoons nestled in the pits of collapsed volcano craters and a rugged coast hiding caves and tales of pirates – and only a handful of these delights are within human reach.   

Local tip: When the weather turns unexpectedly on Flores, locals have a fun saying: “Here today, tomorrow in Flores.” Granted, stressed travellers may miss the irony in this tidbit of local wisdom when they begin to foresee the domino effect of cancelled flights. If you’re staying three days on Flores, give yourself some leeway and plan for two extra days of traveling time – don't book connecting flights for the same day you plan to arrive on or leave Flores.

Best island to relax 

With no noise, no traffic (well, hardly any cars, for that matter), no pollution, and no fuss, Corvo, the smallest of the nine islands, is perfect for unplugging and recharging.   

Walking the maze of narrow cobblestoned streets that cut through impossibly close houses and patios that once protected corvinos (Corvo residents)   from harsh winds and pirate invasions does make you believe that if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. And these islanders have been making a life here for four centuries. 

Local tip: Most people hop here on a boat from Flores, do a quick tour around town and visit the volcano Caldeirão. But to fully experience life on the most remote island in the Azores, plan your trip to account for a one-night stay (at least) on Corvo.

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How to plan the perfect trip to portugal's azores.

Whale watch, hike a volcano and embrace rugged landscapes with an action-packed trip to the archipelago.

How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Portugal's Azores

Getty Images

A quick flight from Boston brings travelers to the Azores' volcanic archipelago, filled with untouched beaches, quaint seaside villages and tucked-away natural splendors.

The Azores, a volcanic archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, features nine islands. Forged by earthquakes and volcanoes, the isles today offer breathtaking landscapes, abundant outdoor adventures and off-the-beaten-track experiences. The Azores played a critical role in global trade starting in the 14th century. The winds of the Atlantic naturally brought ships to the islands and sailors knew how to navigate the swirling winds to propel them to their destination. Ships laden with gold, silver and other precious cargo, as well as food products such as sugar, herbs and spices made their way to the natural harbors of the Azores, where their cargo was sold or their ship reprovisioned before continuing their journey.

[See: 10 Secret European Spots to Visit This Year .]

Today the Azores, with its striking vistas, vibrant festivals, awe-inspiring sights and lesser-known gems, beckons to travelers looking to escape it all and maximize the strength of the U.S. dollar against the euro. Even better, the Azores is just a four-hour direct flight from Boston , making it an easy and convenient trip. If you're ready to plan an adventurous getaway, consider this your go-to guide to the Azores.

Visiting the Azores

With a subtropical climate and year-round average temperatures in the 60s, the Azores can be enjoyed at any time of year, but to get the most out of your trip, pick the season and select which islands to visit wisely.

The nine islands afford somewhat similar opportunities for outdoor adventure , but each boasts a unique personality with versatile accommodations and dining options. Plus, each of the islands offer the chance to swim, climb, hike, bike, surf, fish, dive, whale watch or simply take in the surrounding natural beauty.

São Miguel Island

São Miguel Island, the largest and most populous of the nine islands, offers some of the most dramatic scenery and luxury accommodations found in the archipelago. The Flemish region's stunning beauty will remind you of Bavaria with cow pastures on lush green hills and farmland dotting the countryside. There are magnificent vistas overlooking the ocean from high above and the botanical gardens of Ant ó nio Borges, and Terra Nostra are of a class unto themselves, while the natural geothermal springs in Furnas are similar to Yellowstone. But one of the most spellbinding experiences is a walk through Caldeira Velha, where you can imagine dinosaurs still roam with its tree ferns, hanging vines, mineral springs and canyons.

No visit to São Miguel would be complete without visiting one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal at Sete Cidades' Vista do Rei, the "King's View," and Lagoa Rasa overlooking the Blue and Green lakes formed in the collapsed craters of past volcanoes.

Terceira, in addition to its farming heritage, has made festivals a cornerstone of its life, culture and economy. Angra do Heroísmo, the largest city on Terceira and the capital of Portugal twice, was the center of global commerce centuries ago. As a result, it is much larger than what you would expect from a city of 35,000 residents. As you walk down the streets showcasing a Renaissance design, you'll notice the Portuguese pavement resembling mosaic art and buildings with muted pastels and wrought iron balconies. Angra is home to the annual International Folklore Festival in August, the International Jazz Festival in October and the Holy Ghost Festival, which takes place seven weeks after Easter. Towns throughout Terceira celebrate weekly festivals that feature a carnival atmosphere with bull runs through the streets. These festivals take place from May to mid-October. In addition to farming and festivals, Terceira is also known for its cheesemaking, churches and convents, military forts, museums, olive groves and winemaking, as well as outdoor activities.

[See: 10 Beautiful Underrated Places in Italy .]

Faial was long known as a place where sailors would harbor. It became an important whaling center in the 18th and 19th centuries and you can visit the whaling and scrimshaw museums to learn more about the tools, techniques and importance of whaling on Faial. Faial is centered around water activities and is the most cosmopolitan of the central group of islands that includes Faial, Pico and São Jorge. Home to fertile farmland and long range vistas, this Isle also offers a dramatic view of the Azores' version of Mount Fuji, the 7,713-foot Mount Pico that dominates the landscape from above the eastern shore across the channel on Pico Island, just 5 miles from Faial. Drive above the town of Horta to Mount Gordo, the volcanic crater. Along the way, you'll pass extraordinary flowers like hydrangea that were brought to the island from China.

Faial is also home to the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Center, which chronicles the 1958 eruption that lasted 13 months, caused the evacuation of 2,000 residents and left behind a landscape of ash and rock that covered the area, except the top of the lighthouse that signaled the western shore. What's more, visitors can learn more about the volcano and travel beneath the ash at the Center.

Pico, the youngest of the central islands, is home to the highest point in Portugal , Mount Pico. For the adventurer and outdoor enthusiast, there's plenty to do to in and around the water as well as climbing, hiking, biking and camping. The explorer will enjoy the coastal towns with their volcanic rock buildings, whaling museum, and the unique viticulture and wine making where volcanic rock is stacked, creating cribs for protection from wind and ocean spray, while providing a warm area from the evening chill.

The Next Big Travel Destination

The Azores offers something for every type of visitor. Outdoorsmen, adventurers, history buffs and families will appreciate the spectacular scenery, sightseeing opportunities, excellent seafood- and beef-centric dining options and wide range of accommodation options. Visit several islands to experience their diversity. The Azores' low cost combined with the strong U.S. dollar, safe environment and friendly people make it an ideal vacation destination.

[See: 12 Great Destinations in Europe You Can Afford .]

Getting There

In North America, Azores Airlines offers direct flights from Boston, Oakland, California, and Toronto , as well as inter-island flights. Several other airlines currently service the Azores from major cities in the U.S. and Europe, including TAP Portugal, Ryanair, Air Berlin and easyJet.

Tags: Travel , Vacations , Portugal

About En Route

Practical advice on the art of traveling smarter with tips, tricks and intel from En Route's panel of experts.

Contributors have experience in areas ranging from family travel, adventure travel, experiential travel and budget travel to hotels, cruises and travel rewards and include Amy Whitley , Claire Volkman , Holly Johnson , Marsha Dubrow , Lyn Mettler , Sery Kim , Kyle McCarthy , Erica Lamberg , Jess Moss , Sheryl Nance-Nash , Sherry Laskin , Katie Jackson , Erin Gifford , Roger Sands , Steve Larese , Gwen Pratesi , Erin Block , Dave Parfitt , Kacey Mya , Kimberly Wilson , Susan Portnoy , Donna Tabbert Long and Kitty Bean Yancey .

Edited by Liz Weiss .

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An insider's guide to the Azores islands

By Mary Lussiana

The Portuguese discovered this remote archipelago, scattered 800 miles west of their mainland in the swirling mists of the Atlantic Ocean in the early 1500s. The Azores comprise nine islands, each a mythical, magical land of volcanoes, bubbling thermal waters, geysers of rising steam, turquoise-toned lagoons and bottle-green lakes. With a landscape that seemed alive, it is no wonder that the population turned to the Holy Spirit for protection – an allegiance they still have today, as witnessed in the many shrines and chapels that dot the towns and villages. More than anything, devotion to the Holy Spirit is a defining element of being Azorean.

That authenticity makes the Azores, some 400 miles apart, such a pleasure to visit, on top of their extraordinary and diverse landscapes, different gastronomic strengths and excellent wines. Increasingly sophisticated contemporary hotels are opening, old manors are being converted into hotels, and eco-lodges are launching for the walker and nature seeker for whom the frequent rain is no obstacle. But it is thanks to this climate that the  islands  are so green. That they have  Europe ’s only tea plantation, that the tiny pineapples are so intensely sweet and that the cows who graze all year round in fields bordered by rows of blue hydrangeas give us milk, butter and cheese that is worth the journey alone.

Nicknamed the Ilha Verde (Green Island),  São Miguel  is the largest island and home to the regional capital, Ponte Delgada, making it a good starting point. Its cobbled streets are lined with imposing white-washed and basalt facades, allowing you to imagine when the port here was a crucial staging post between Europe and the New World. Now the Ponta Delgada has a thriving culinary scene, but for traditional fare, head across the island to Lagoa das Furnas, where cozido is cooked, a rich meat and vegetable stew which simmers underground for five hours. Across the lake are steaming geysers and bubbling springs, and beyond that, the impressive Parque Terra Nostra begun in the 18th century by a prosperous Bostonian. Surrounded by hibiscus, Japanese cedars and giant water lilies are warm, mustard-coloured water holes where locals bathe to absorb the rich minerals.

Nearby is Lagoa das Sete Cidades (Lagoon of Seven Cities), a lake in a crater at the bottom of a dormant  volcano . It is split in two, connected by a narrow straight, with one side a brilliant turquoise and the other a deep bottle green.

Santa Maria

Lying 34 miles south of São Miguel, Santa Maria was the first island to be discovered by the Portuguese in 1427. It boasts the warmest climate in the archipelago and, although only 11 miles long, has wonderful  sandy beaches  and crystal clear waters due to its temperate climate. This and its proximity to the natural reserve of Formigas and Dollabart Bank are why it is considered one of the best diving destinations in Europe.

The most developed of the central islands, largely because of the American-run air base there – it does, however, still have twice as many cattle as inhabitants. Its gentle green interior is reminiscent of  Ireland , whilst its coast has barren areas of black lava. The historic main city, Angra do Heroismo, is a UNESCO World Heritage site in recognition of its port has a strategic role in the Atlantic, a stopover point on the routes between Europe, America, and  Africa  for over 300 years. The island is known for its unusual form of bull running, ‘tourada à corda’ or bullfight with a rope, and the Algar do Carvão, a volcanic blast hole now home to some of the world’s largest stalactites.

One of the most peaceful islands in the Azores, its name translates as Enchanting, but it is also called ‘The White Island’ due to its coastline of white rocks, above which red turreted windmills stand. It is known for its adorable dwarf donkeys and traditional artisanal cheesecakes, but its main attraction is the Furna do Enxofre, where you can descend into the bowels of a volcanic crater. The island’s geothermal waters are popular for treatments, and the deep waters around the island make it ideal for dolphin or whale-watching expeditions.

Nicknamed ‘The Dragon’ due to its lengthy and mountainous shape, many  villages  on this lesser-visited island lie on flat areas, once debris fields or lava flows, and are tucked under steep slopes offering dramatic scenery. A favourite for outdoor enthusiasts, you can try canyoning,  hiking , canoeing and spelunking here. But allow time to savour the famous São Jorge cheese, the main production on the island. It is made exclusively with raw dairy milk and aged to have a spicy, tangy flavour. There is a certain amount of ongoing seismic activity, so check the situation before going.

Home to Pico, the highest mountain in Portugal , many people come here to climb that. Others come for whale watching in summer (the history of Azorean whaling can be studied at the Museum dos Baleeiros in Lajes) or some serious wine tasting. The island is covered by black basalt-lined vineyards, which are Unesco World Heritage sites. The Azores Wine Company, which is putting Pico on the oenological map with its new excellent wines, offers lovely accommodation in its sleek minimalist winery.

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Famous as a yachting destination, this fertile island has an impressive carpet of blue hydrangeas in the summer months. It was the site of the last volcanic eruption in 1957-8, the story of which you can see in the nearby Museu dos Capelinhos. Another museum worth dipping into is The Scrimshaw Museum exhibiting centuries-old engraved whale bones and teeth.

The island of Flores or flowers, which gets its name from the goldenrods, and pink and blue hydrangeas, used to be a notorious hideout for pirates waiting to raid treasure-laden Spanish galleons on their return to Europe. Classified as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve, its landscape attracts walkers keen to marvel at its waterfalls, lagoons, and deep blue crater lake.

The smallest island in the Azores is the blown top of the marine volcano, Monte Gordo. It is remarkably undeveloped, with just some 400 inhabitants, whose houses are built from the black basalt rock in the island’s one settlement, Vila Nova. Corvo, or Crow Island, popular with bird watchers, is a stopping point for many migratory birds.

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Which is the Best Azores Island to Visit?

This detailed guide will help you decide which of the 9 islands is the best Azores island for you. We compare lodgings, activities, food and nightlife on each island. Because, every island is different, and you should find the best Azores island that matches your unique travel goals!

So before deciding on the best Azores island, you should know what Azores have to offer – a lot! Visit the islands for spectacular views. Wildflowers grow everywhere. There are scenic, well-marked hiking trails and amazing hot springs for soaking. Also, the food and wine are incredible (and affordable!). Enjoy the Gulf Stream climate where daily highs range between the 50s °F and 70s °F all year round. And did we mention the islands are within easy reach? Only a 4.5 hour flight from Boston once flights start back up after COVID travel bans!

Azores Islands Overview

Before jumping into the pros and cons of each island, and our “best of” lists, we wanted to give an overview of each island. The Azores are an archipelago of nine islands, which are a mix of the English countryside (the green hills dotted with cows), Iceland (all but one of the islands have active volcanoes), Costa Rica (palm trees and other tropical plants) and the Greek Islands (the black jagged coasts). Each island is distinct and has it’s own flavor. And spoiler alert, there is no “best” Azores island, they are all awesome.  The Azores are also a great socially distanced vacation option .  We’ve described them briefly below, and then go into more detailed below. So you can find the best Azores island for you!

The Eastern Islands: Sao Miguel and Santa Maria Island

Sao Miguel is one of the most eastern Azorean islands. It’s also the biggest (40 miles x 9 miles) and most populated (140,000) Azores island. Sao Miguel is known for its spectacular crater lakes, many hot springs  and beaches. You’ll also find Ponta Delgada, the biggest city in the Azores (60,000) with many tasty restaurants, some nightlife, museums, and winding streets.

Santa Maria is an eastern Azores island nearest Sao Miguel (about 55 miles). It is the third smallest with a surface area of 38 sq miles (97 km2) and a population of 5,500. Santa Maria is the most southern Azores island, so it’s the warmest and sunniest, and one of the few islands with white sandy beaches.

South Central Islands: Faial, Pico and Sao Jorge Islands

Faial, Sao Jorge and Pico make up a central grouping of Azores islands. You can easily get between these islands with a less than an hour ferry ride. Pico and Sao Jorge are about 11 miles apart, Pico and Faial are about 4.5 miles apart and Sao Jorge and Pico are about 16 miles apart.

Pico is the second largest island with a surface area of 167 square miles (433 km2). Pico is home to 15,000 inhabitants. It’s known for the 7,713 ft volcano that dominates its skyline and a crazy landscape of crisscrossing stone wall vineyards

Faial is the fourth largest island (surface area of 67 sq. miles or 173 km2 )and has about the same population as Pico.  It’s a popular pitstop for sailors crossing the Atlantic. So the harbor is its center and the restaurants and hotels are more concentrated in one area than on Pico or Sao Jorge.

Sao Jorge is a long, narrow, cliff-lined island that has a surface area of 95 sq. miles (246 km2) and known for its cheese. It’s the least populated of the three islands (6,000) and has the fewest ferries/flights/lodging options, so it’s most off the beaten path.

North Central Islands: Terceira and Graciosa Island

Terceira is the third largest island (148 sq. miles/382 km2) and the second most populated (60,000). Terceira is also known for its lava caves and has a few direct flights from the U.S., which makes it an easy stopover.

Graciosa is a Central Azores island that’s about 31 miles from Terceira island and has a surface area of about 24 square miles (61 km2). Graciosa is more flat than the other islands and is agriculturally focused.

Western Azores islands: Corvo and Flores

Flores and Corvo are the western most Azores islands and are about 15 miles apart. Corvo is the smallest island (surface area of 7 sq. miles/17.5 Km2) with the fewest inhabitants (only 400!).  It’s known for its bird watching and because it’s so remote, much of the island’s traditions have been preserved.

Flores is the most tropical of the Azores island with even greener and lush fauna and more frequent waterfalls than its neighbors. Flores has a surface area of 55 square miles/143 Km and about 4000 inhabitants.

The “Best of” List for the Azores Islands

If you’re looking for something in particular, these lists will help you decide on the best Azores island for you.

Best Azores Island for Beaches

If you’re looking purely for numbers, then Sao Miguel is the best Azores island for beaches, because  it has 20 plus beaches . But if you’re looking for white sand beaches, then Santa Maria Island should be your top choice. Finally, if you won’t have a car, then Faial and Terceira are great options. On Faial, Praia do Porto Pim  is an easy walk from Horta center. On Terceira, the town of  Praia da Vitória  has a beach close to the marina, so you can have access to beach and restaurants! For the full breakdown of Azores beaches, head here .

Best Azores Island for Hot Springs

There’s a clear winner here. Sao Miguel, hands down has the overwhelming majority of Azores hot springs. So, if you’re heading to Sao Miguel, know which of the eight hot springs to visit!

Best Azores Island for Your First Visit to the Azores

Our advice is typically to visit Sao Miguel if you’re a first time visitor to the Azores. In part, because most international flights fly into Sao Miguel, so you’re missing out on an easy opportunity if you don’t stop off for a visit. Or if you only have a long weekend, it’s usually the most safe option. That’s because inter-island flights are notorious for being delayed or canceled. Sao Miguel also has the most sights and activities , so you can easily spend a week there and not get to everything.

Best Azores Island for Hiking

Again, if you’re purely going to for quantity, Sao Miguel has the most hikes than any other Azores island. Sao Miguel is also the best Azores island for hiking crater lakes, because you have 3 amazing options. But if you want to get off the beaten path and find more difficult hikes, Sao George should be at the top of your list for hiking. Get the full breakdown of Azores hiking here .

Best Azores Islands if you Want to Visit More Than One Island

The best group of Azores islands to visit together are Pico, Faial and Sao George. You can travel between any two of these three islands by ferry in under an hour. So, you could decide to stay on one island and do day trips to the other islands, or spend a few nights on each island. The three islands also have very different feels. Head to Pico for the food and wine . Faial should be your top choice if you’re into boats. And Sao George is a favorite if you want to get more off the beaten path and/or your a cheese lover.

Best Azores Island for Restaurants and Night Life

Sao Miguel undoubtedly has the most restaurants and night life of any Azores island. Although every island has amazing traditional Portuguese food, Sao Miguel has really stepped up its game in terms of inventive cuisine. Pico island is your next best bet if you’re a foodie and want more creative cuisine.  If you want nightlife, Faial is the Best Azores island after Sao Miguel. Unlike other islands where lodging and restaurants are more spread out, everything is largely centered in Horta, Faial’s biggest city. Don’t miss the famous nautical themed Peter’s Cafe .

Best Azores Island for Outdoor Activities

All the Azores Islands have amazing outdoor activities, which makes them a great socially distanced destination .  But Sao Miguel has the most variety. In addition to amazing hikes, on Sao Miguel island, try kayaking, biking, climbing, canyoning, horseback riding, paragliding, whale watching and golfing.

Best Azores Island for Wine Enthusiasts

All of the Azores islands are great for delicious low cost Portuguese wines. But if you want to actually visit a vineyard, then Pico and Sao Miguel island are your only choices. Pico is best known for wines. Wine production began in the 1500s and peaked in the 1800s. Most of the grapes died . But wine production is making a comeback and the Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture were named a UNESCO World Heritage site .Sao Miguel also has vineyards, and you can actually tour the Quinta da Jardinete  vineyard.

Is Sao Miguel the Best Azores Island for You?

Sao Miguel is the best Azores island if you’re visiting the Azores for the first time. If you don’t have time to fly to other islands, Sao Miguel is also a good choice.  Finally, Sao Miguel should be your choice if you want to eat at the best and most varied restaurants or you’re interested in some form of nightlife. Sao Miguel also has the best selection of luxury villas in the Azores. See our guide, The 22 Best Villas in the Azores  to learn more.

Things to do on Sao Miguel if it’s the Best Azores Island for You

Because it’s the largest island, Sao Miguel has the most sights, hiking trails, vendors and activities. Our  three best days are as follows. First Day: Sete Cidades and Ponta da Ferraria if you time it right. Second Day: Lagoa do Fogo (plus Caldeira Velha  if it’s cool or Santa Barbara Beach if it’s hot). Third Day: Furnas and the tea plantations if it’s cool or the southeast coast if it’s warm.

Where to Stay on Sao Miguel?

Ponta Delgada is the vibrant center of Sao Miguel.  Stay at least a couple nights in Ponta Delgada if you want to be near restaurants and nightlife.  If you’re going for more than a long weekend in the winter, stay a night or two in Furnas, a smaller, quieter, and quainter version of Ponta Delgada, which is the mecca for hot springs and has 2 great hotels.   Or stay near a beach in the summer.

Just note that it’s significantly busier, so expect higher rates and book a few months in advance for the best selection. Check out our more detailed guide on where to stay on Sao Miguel or our guide to luxury accommodations . 

*Get the key to $, $$, $$$ and $$$$ in the  Travel Honey Pricing Guide .

Azor Hotel ($$$) Enjoy amazing Ponta Delgada harbor views from the pool and your smartly decorated room at this large design hotel with a responsive 24 hour front desk.

Grand Hotel ($$$) Having recently undergone a full refurbishment, the Grand Hotel is cozy, filled with historical maritime pieces, and colored in hues of gold and olive green.  The indoor pool is tranquil and a great spot to relax. The indoor pool space is quiet and the walls are lined with wood (almost like a sauna).

Terra Nostra Garden Hotel ($$$) An elegant hotel in Furnas with an art deco feel set in beautiful gardens and a natural hot spring. There’s a very good restaurant onsite.

Furnas Boutique Hotel  ($$) A hip Design Hotel in Furnas with small but stylishly decorated rooms and a super helpful staff.  There are thermal pools and a trendy bar and restaurant on-site.

Minuvida Orchard Lodge ($$) Stay in charming rooms on a traditional Azorean orchard just 10 minutes north of Ponta Delgada. Relax by the pool, take a yoga class and eat a delicious locally sourced meal.

Azores Luxury Rentals Newly renovated luxury apartments steps from the city center and amazing restaurants. Enjoy high ceilings, local handmade tiles and furniture, volcanic arches and an an amazing garden filled with avocado, fig, and guava trees. Full disclosure: these apartments are owned by Travel Honey co-founder.

Casa das Palmeiras  ($$) This charming B&B in the heart of Ponta Delgada is in an old mansion with small but bright rooms, a wonderful breakfast and helpful staff

Out of the Blue ($) This chic hostel in Ponta Delgada center feels more like a boutique hotel. Enjoy the awesome backyard with the mostly younger crowd and super friendly staff.

Where to Eat in Sao Miguel

Many of the best restaurants are in Ponta Delgada , but you’ll find tasty food throughout the island.  At most places, you’ll need reservations for dinner during the summer or if it’s the weekend.  Check out the Travel Honey map included with the Sao Miguel Itinerary to see where the restaurants are located and additional suggestions. 

*Get the key to $, $$, $$$ and $$$$ in the   Travel Honey Pricing Guide .

Ponta Delgada

Otaka  Asian inspired restaurant with emphasis on seafood (solid selection of sashimi) in city center, Ponta Delgada. Order the tasting menu, dessert is divine.

Tasquinha Vieira Modern dishes in minimalistic interior in Ponta Delgada. Order the cheese plate while you enjoy the view into the kitchen. Legendary risottos and steaks.

A Tasca ($$) A happening tapas restaurant that’s popular with locals and tourists alike. 

Rotas da Ilha Verde ($$) A small, funky, super delicious vegetarian restaurant.

Mane Cigano   ($) A casual, local lunch favorite with communal seating.

Around Sao Miguel Island

Cais 20 ($$$) The view and amazing seafood is worth the slightly higher than normal price tag. Consider sharing the enormous dishes.

Restaurante da Associacao Agricola de Sao Miguel ($$) An upscale stylish steak restaurant that is popular with both locals and tourists.  

Quinta dos Sabores Restaurant   Artisanal culinary experience on a farm north of Ponta Delgada. Sit down for the prix fixe menu focused on local, seasonal ingredients.

Bar Caloura One of the best places to get seafood on the island and oh the ocean views! Rich cakes and fish that is still flapping. Located on Sao Miguel’s south coast.

Where to go at Night in Sao Miguel

If you want to go out, make sure you’re in Ponta Delgada on a weekend or before a holiday.  Things don’t get started 12am.   

Raiz Bar ($) Great for live music, bar doesn’t open until 10pm and goes late.

Arco 8  ($) A cool space in an old warehouse with an art gallery and occasional live music.

Tasca Do Mário  ($) Live Fado music on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Are Pico, Faial and Sao George the Best Azores island for you? 

The central islands of Pico, Faial, and Sao George are the Best Azores islands to visit if you want to visit more than one island but you don’t have a lot of time.  You can travel between islands on a ferry that lasts less than an hour.

Is Faial the best Azores island for You?

Since Faial is a common pit stop for those crossing the Atlantic, it’s the best Azores island if you love boats. The harbor In Horta is the hub of the island and the restaurants and hotels are more concentrated in one area than on Pico or Sao Jorge. So it’s one of the better islands if you want to be able to walk to a variety of restaurants.

Faial island also boasts awesome hikes and has a breathtaking caldera. Finally, there are two great beaches options. One of which, Praia Porto Mim, is walking distance from town.

Where to Stay on Faial Island? 

The hotel options in Faial are not super spectacular but we’ve listed some decent options. They are all near the harbor so  walkable to all restaurants and nightlife.

Pousada Forte da Horta ($$) One of the few hotels in Faial, the rooms are small and look better in person than on the website. The lobby is a little old school, but the view is spectacular and the staff are helpful. Ask for harbor view.

Marina Apartments ($$) These apartments have separate bedrooms and a kitchen, so they are a good option if you want a little more room.  

Casa da Baia   ($) A great, affordable option with small, clean, minimalist rooms.

Where to Eat and Go Out on Faial Island if it’s the best Azores island for you? 

The food in Faial is mostly traditional Portuguese with an emphasis on fresh seafood.  There’s often music on the weekends, but it’s hard to find during the week, especially if it’s not the summer.  At various establishments, look for a monthly pamphlet that lists local events.   The places to go out are also where you eat, so you’ll find them both below. If you stay in town, you can walk to everything.

Casa Teahouse & Bar  ($) Great sandwiches, soup, fresh juices, baked treats and a huge selection of tea. Sit outside in wonderful garden. There’s also live music, usually on the weekends.

Taberna de Pim ($)  A simple, affordable menu and great outdoor seating.  Service isn’t super fast, so expect a leisurely meal. One of the best views in Horta.

Is Pico the best Azores Island for you?

Pico is the best Azores island if you’re interested in climbing Mt. Pico, you’re more of a foodie or you prefer standalone more resort-like accommodations. But don’t go to Pico Island if you’re looking for a beach. There is one tiny beach, but you can enjoy some awesome salt water swimming pools built into the ocean. Accommodations are more spread out and there are a number of charming resorts with restaurants onsite. Check out the Travel Honey Pico Itinerary  for more details.

Where to Stay on Pico Island

Accommodation options are more spread out in Pico, and a number of small resorts have their own restaurants.  If you plan to stay for 4+ days, consider staying on different sides of the island.

Pocinho Bay ($$$) Amazing resort with free standing stylishly decorated bungalows made of volcanic rock. There is a pool overlooking the ocean and a delicious restaurant.

Alma do Pico ($$) A charming affordable resort with free standing bungalow rooms, a pool, wonderful views of Pico and the ocean, helpful owners and a tasty restaurant.

O Zimbreiro ($$) A small, serene guesthouse with a few different rooms, a pool with an awesome view and phenomenal food.  

Where to Eat on Pico Island?

 Sao Jorge Cella Bar  ($$) An architecturally beautiful restaurant and rooftop bar right on the ocean.

Atmosfera ($$) Awesome homemade pastas and great salads.

Casa Âncora ($$) A stylish restaurant designed by a famous Portuguese architect with fresh dishes.

Ancoradouro  ($$) The best prawns on the island. Water-views galore.

Taberna do Canal ($$) A small cozy restaurant in Madalena with authentic Portuguese dishes.

Caffe 5  ($$) Small casual spot with a mix of traditional and non-traditional fare like gyros, falafel and smoothies.

Is Sao Jorge the best Azores Island for You?

Sao Jorge is the Best Azores island for you if you want to get off the beaten path, but still have some decent decent accommodation options. You’ll find more traditional restaurants and no beaches, but plenty of hiking, often up or down the Sao Jorge’s steep cliffs. So it’s also one of the best Azores islands for more advanced hikers.

Sao Jorge’s biggest town is Velas. In Velas, you’ll find the biggest selection of accommodations and restaurants. But unlike in Faial, the majority of Sao Jorge’s hotels and accommodations are distributed throughout the island.

Where to Stay on Sao Jorge Island

Sao Jorge is not the best Azores island for luxury accommodations.There is only one traditional hotel on Sao Jorge island. It’s simple and clean, but not much to write home about. So we suggest you try these other options, which offer more thoughtful touches and higher quality lodging.

Quinta da Magnolia ($$) The closest to luxury resort you’ll find on Sao Jorge. This old Quinta has a lovely stone facade. Enjoy amazing views from the pool and a tasty breakfast.

Terr’Alta Vista ($$)A one bedroom house on the northeast coast of Sao Jorge. You’ll find a simple but stylish interior and a spectacular view.

Hotel os Moinhos ($$) A charming resort in an old stone facade Quinta. There are great views of the pool and it’s one of the few accommodation options with a restaurant on site (see Fornos de Lava below)

Intact Farm Resort ($) A small resort with cozy wooden bungalows with amazing views. A little east of Velas. The furnishings are basic, but large windows and lovely decks facing the ocean make up for it

Where to Eat on Sao Jorge Island

Restaurants on Sao Jorge island largely serve traditional Portuguese food.  And like most Azores Islands, Sao Jorge offers amazing beef and sea food. But Sao Jorge is the Azores island best known for its cheeses and clams. We’ve listed our favorite restaurants here.

Fornos de Lava ($$) A little pricier than most restaurants on Sao Jorge. But the amazing view, lovely ambiance and more creative food options make it worth the added expense. Diners can choose from a selection of sea food, meat and vegetarian options. But if you want something unique for the Azores, try their homemade sausage.

O Almicar ($-$$) Come for the amazing view and tasty clams. Service can be so so.

Cafe Nunes ($) Drink coffee from coffee beans grown on site. Claiming to be the only coffee plantation in Europe, this unique and friendly cafe is a fun experience. The coffee is tasty and they also offer light snacks.

Is Terceira the best Azores Island for You?

Terceira is known as the Best Azores Island for culture, and boasts many festivals over the summer. Check out our month-to-month comparison , which includes a summary of festivals and holidays each month in the Azores.

Terceira is also known for its lava caves and has a few direct flights from the U.S., which makes it an easy stopover.  Terceira has two beaches, including one in Angra do Heroísmo , a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Is Graciosa, Corvo, Flores or Santa Maria the Best Azores Islands for You?

Graciosa, Corvo, Flores and Santa Maria are smaller, less populated, harder to reach, and less visited islands.  So all four of these islands are the  best islands in the Azores if you want to go off the beaten path.

Is Graciosa the Best Azores Island for You?

Graciosa is the flattest of the Azores islands, so it’s the best island if you want to hike without hills! It also has a coastline that is conducive to diving. Including, interesting under water terrain and an abundance of marine life. You can also enjoy two small beaches.

Is Santa Maria the Best Azores Island for You?

Santa Maria is the third smallest and most southern island, so it’s the warmest and sunniest, and one of the few islands with white sandy beaches.  Santa Maria also has a famous blues festival in the summer.

Is Corvo the best Azores island for You?

Corvo is the smallest island with the fewest inhabitants (only 400!).  It’s known for its bird watching and because it’s so remote, much of the island’s traditions have been preserved.

Is Flores the Best Azores Island for You?

Flores looks the most like a tropical island with even greener and lush fauna and more frequent waterfalls than its neighbors.

Best Instagram Accounts for the Best Azores Island?

Gorgeous shots of the islands @discover_azores

Sky high views of the islands @iloveazores

How to Arrive to Your Best Azores Island?

Now that you’ve decided the best Azores Island for you, how do you get there?! International flights from the U.S. to the Azores are on Azores Airlines (also called by it’s former name, SATA).  The flights are cheap, but you get what you pay for in that the flights are often delayed and sometimes cancelled.  Be prepared.  UPDATE: Direct TAP flights start summer 2020 from Boston!

Before Covid, direct flights flew from Sao Miguel to Boston every day in the summer and less frequently in the winter. It was a 4.5 overnight flight there and a late afternoon flight back to Boston. In the summer, there are also direct flights from Providence (Sao Miguel) and Oakland (Terceira).  UPDATE: Azores Airlines has begun offering a free layover in the Azores on flights from the U.S. to Europe for up to 7 Days. Read more here .

The most frequent inter-island flights are from Sao Miguel to Faial, Pico and Terceira.  There are fewer flights to Sao Jorge and even fewer to the remaining islands. You can also get between islands by ferry.  The ferries from Sao Miguel to the other islands are long (4-14 hours) and typically run from mid-May to mid-September.  Faial, Sao Jorge and Pico are connected by short ferry rides as are Flores and Corvo.

How to Get Around Your Best Azores Island? 

Regardless of the Azores Island that you choose, we recommend renting a car in the Azores.  Rental cars are relatively inexpensive.  You’ll pay between 20-40 euros a day for a small manual, depending on the season.  You’ll tend to get better service and more flexible policies (like no charge for an extra driver) from the smaller rental companies.  We’ve had great experiences with Azores Easy Rent , which has a very customer centric approach.

There are public buses, but their schedules are limited, erratic and often not on time.  Taxis are expensive and there are no Ubers.  If you really don’t want to rent a car, the airports are generally close to the main towns (Ponta Delgada is about a 10 euro taxi ride) and you could rely on taxis and tours.

Need to Work While in the Azores?

Hopefully you’re able to get off the clock on your visit to the Azores, but if you can’t, check out unOffice . A cool co-working space in Ponta Delgada on São Miguel island.

Which Islands to Visit in Azores?

Deciding which are the best islands to visit in Azores? Confused about which ones to go and how to get around? Let me give you a hand and save you some precious time planning with my tips and itineraries I’ve crafted.

Any local would say all the islands in Azores are beautiful, each in its own way. That’s not a lie, the highlights and landscapes across each island are vastly different.

However, from a visitor point of view, some of them are indeed more interesting than others. No shade. Just being honest here.

This article will give you an overview of what each island is Azores is all about so you can decide which ones to visit.

I’ve also included sample first-time itineraries with several different durations: 7, 10, 14 and 21-day trips.No need to read extensive guides or spend days of planning.

Where are the Azores?

First of all, a quick intro. The Azores are a Portuguese group of 9 islands in the North Atlantic Ocean. They’re mostly known for its raw natural scenery and untouched landscapes of lakes, waterfalls, and green meadows.

You can get to Azores flying directly from mainland Portugal , United States, Canada, or a few other European countries like Germany, Sweden or the UK.

If it’s your first time visiting, I strongly recommend reading my intro guide to Azores as well as the main things you should know before your trip .

One of them is that getting around the islands can be costly and time-consuming .

It’s essential to plan efficiently and avoid FOMO (fear of missing out). If you’re always on the go rushing from point A to point B, it won’t be nearly as rewarding, trust me. Part of the true Azores experience is being able to chill and have time to take it all in.

What is the best island to visit in the Azores?

9 islands of Azores have an incredible range of stunning landscapes with a wide array of outdoor activities and things to do , so I highly recommend you visit at least 2-3 of them to have a good grasp of life in the islands.

That said, if your time is limited and/or don’t want to spend too much time in logistics, pick São Miguel island. Apart from being the easiest to fly to, it offers the largest amount of things to do and see.

Pre-filtered list of hotels with top reviews and location with parking and free WiFi included.

Let’s start… small. With a population of only about 420 😱, Corvo is the tiniest island in Azores . The entire island is an extinct volcano and the product of its past eruption(s). Fun fact: only in 1973 (!) the inhabitants got electricity!

But don’t let its size fool you. This remote and peaceful island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with protected waters, making it a place of excellence for snorkeling and diving. It’s also a great option for birdwatching, but to be fair, most visitors are attracted simply by the novelty of exploring such a remote and tiny island.

Corvo Overview

• ⭐ Top Attraction: Caldeirão . The crater of the extinct Corvo ‘s old volcano. If weather collaborates, sunset here is incredible.
• ✈️ Getting there by plane: There is a small airfield in Corvo with flights to Faial and Flores.
• 🛥️ Getting there by boat: An Atlântico Line ferry to Flores runs daily in summer months (but only twice/week in winter). Takes about 45 minutes. Book your tickets ahead.
• 🏨 Where to stay: Pirates Nest (how cool is this name?).
• 🏌️ 3 activities to try: Birdwatching, diving, hiking.
• 👌 Go here if…: you want to experience what true remoteness feels like.

The westernmost territory in Europe, Flores is well off the beaten track. It’s raw, exotic and remote and a top-notch paradise for birdwatchers. I loved my time there because it allowed me to connect to nature even more.

In fact, the entire island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with dozens of waterfalls, lakes, and massive rock formations. Flores is the place where your adventurous side takes over, powered by the dramatic landscapes, lush hills, and the charming roads embellished by vibrant hydrangeas. Read on more on my Flores guide .

Flores Overview

• ⭐ Top Attraction: Poço da Alagoinha . Many large waterfalls in an area with lush green mountains and rock formations, this one of the most breahtaking natural sceneries in the Azores.
• ✈️ Getting there by plane: There is a small airfield in Corvo with flights to other islands. It’s a 1h10 flight to Ponta Delgada .
• 🛥️ Getting there by boat: Flores is connected to Corvo (all-year round) and to Faial (summer months) via Atlântico Line ferry.
• 🏨 Where to stay: Sítio da Assumada .
• 🏌️ 3 activities to try: Birdwatching, canyoning, hiking.
• 👌 Go here if…: you like nature at its rawest form.

With the second-largest population after São Miguel , and known as the party island of the Azores, there is always something happening to keep you busy in Terceira . The highlight happens in June, where the massive street party of Sanjoaninas takes over the downtown of Angra do Heroísmo.

Terceira is much more than partying though. Make your way inland and you’ll find colorful architecture examples – look for impérios -, relaxing real-life desktop screensavers of meadows and forests, scenic lookouts like the pasture patchwork in Serra do Cume , and the volcanic chimney of Algar do Carvão .

Or perhaps take a dive underwater to explore the dozens of centuries-old shipwrecks that can be found around the island.

Also make sure you indulge in its famous food delicacies, a subset of Azorean food where the king dish is alcatra .

Terceira Overview

• ⭐ Top Attraction: Angra do Heroísmo . The pretty port city with colorful buildings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• ✈️ Getting there by plane: Angra is decently connected to almost all the islands in the Azores, as well as the mainland Portugal (Lisbon and Porto). Azores Airlines also operates direct flights to the US.
• 🛥️ Getting there by boat: During summer months, Terceira is connected directly to Graciosa, São Jorge and São Miguel via Atlântico Line ferry.
• 🏨 Where to stay: Terceira Mar Hotel .
• 🏨 3 activities to try: Diving, speleology, paragliding.
• 👌 Go here if…: you’re looking to add a killer food&party break to your vacation.

Remember when I said in the beginning that not all islands in the Azores are equally as interesting for a first-time visitor? Unless you have a whole month to go around the islands, I’m afraid Graciosa would have to be your first one to go.

The island is roughly the same size as Manhattan and oh boy, could they be any more different!

For starters, it’s a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and exudes authenticity – food, people, culture, ways of living – and the fact it’s not changing anytime soon is reassuring. The kind of place where farmers still get around by donkey on their daily commute to their pastures.

Don’t get me wrong – there’s a special charm about such an off the beaten track like Graciosa. It’s just if we measure what to see and do vs the effort to get there, it would be a smart choice to pick other Azorean islands first.

Graciosa Overview

• ⭐ Top Attraction: Carapacho . Waters in this modern thermal spa reach 40°C allowing for a therapeutic and 100% natural thalassotherapy experience.
• ✈️ Getting there by plane: Graciosa is connected to Terceira island.
• 🛥️ Getting there by boat: During summer months, Graciosa has direct Atlântico Line ferries from both Terceira and São Jorge.
• 🏨 Where to stay: Casa da Beira Mar .
• 🏌️ 3 activities to try: Diving, fishing, speleology.
• 👌 Go here if…: you want to escape the crowds and experience te full authentic Azores.

São Jorge is very narrow island – with only 8km width! – but encapsulates an incredibly diverse cocktail of captivating sceneries. From cliffs and ravines to lakes and surfing spots, its main feature is the almost vertical coastline interrupted by small plains formed by lava flows called fajãs .

Apart from this rough landscape which potentiates all sorts of adventurous activities, it’s also known for its pastures, the birthplace of the famous unpasteurized cheese – Queijo de São Jorge . Don’t leave the Azores without trying it, it will ROCK YOUR WORLD.

São Jorge Overview

• ⭐ Top Attraction: Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo . Apart from the majestic scenario, the waves here are considered one of the best for surfing and body boarding in Europe.
• ✈️ Getting there by plane: SATA Air Açores has direct flights to São Jorge from Terceira and São Miguel airports.
• 🛥️ Getting there by boat: Decently connected to Faial and Pico all year round as well to Terceira and Graciosa in the peak season.
• 🏨 Where to stay: Intact Farm Resort .
• 🏌️ 3 activities to try: Apart from ingesting cheese in biblic amounts, surfing, mountain biking, hiking.
• 👌 Go here if…: you want some of most dramatic landscapes in Europe.

The landscape of Pico is undeniably dominated by Mount Pico , the highest peak in Portuguese territory. In fact is this unique combination of perfectly in-sync mountain and sea sceneries that makes Pico so special.

This island is home to unique vineyards that literally grow in lava rocks and stretch out all the way to the ocean, as well as century-old volcanic caves and tidal pools to refresh body and mind.

Last but definitely not least, Pico is a top whale-watching destination worldwide, an activity that (fortunately) has replaced the old whaling tradition in the 20th century. If you’re to do it anywhere in the islands do it here.

Pico Overview

• ⭐ Top Attraction: Mount Pico . With 2351m, it’s the highest mountain in Portugal. The hike to the top is deceptively tricky and takes at least 5 hours (in total). If weather cooperates, you’ll be rewarded with glorious views over the Atlantic Ocean and nearby islands. A guide is recommended and I recommend Atípico .
• ✈️ Getting there by plane: Pico is well-connected not only to other islands, but also has direct flights from Lisbon too.
• 🛥️ Getting there by boat: The Atlântico Line operation runs throughout the entire year connecting Faial, Pico and São Jorge.
• 🏨 Where to stay: Adegas do Pico . I stayed in this area for 4 days, stunning scenery!
• 🏌️ 3 activities to try: Whale-watching, hiking, wine tasting.
• 👌 Go here if…: you are up for a mountain climb challenge.

Some people say the best of Faial is the view of Pico (THE SHADE IS REAL 😈).

While you don’t want to spend more than 3 full days in the island, there are some quite interesting and diverse sights for at least 1/2 days. From the moon-ish volcanic landscapes in the Capelinhos area to the natural sea pools or even the impressive crater of Lagoa da Caldeira , Faial has some quite cool photo moments.

Plus, there’s the maritime connection. All the islands in Azores obviously have a strong connection with the ocean, but Faial takes it to a whole new level.

Horta has been a pivotal hub for yachts and sailboats in transatlantic journeys between Africa, America, and Europe. Pay a visit to the marina’s breakwater where the insignias of hundreds of sailors are displayed in all formats and shapes. Sort of a sailor’s guestbook.

Faial Overview

• ⭐ Top Attraction: Capelinhos . The last eruption in 1957 made Faial gain a land extension of about 3 square kilometers.
• ✈️ Getting there by plane: Faial has direct flights from some islands like São Jorge, São Miguel and Terceira and from Lisbon too.
• 🛥️ Getting there by boat: The Atlântico Line operation runs throughout the entire year connecting Faial, Pico and São Jorge. On summer there are also connections to Flores.
• 🏨 Where to stay: Casas da Fajã .
• 🏌️ 3 activities to try: Sailing, whale-watching, mountain biking.
• 👌 Go here if…: you’re looking for the most recent trace of a volcanic eruption.

My home island! (promise I won’t be biased).

The largest island of the archipelago has a LOT to do outdoors as well as a lot of different things to taste .

São Miguel is a trip by itself and a gateway to the Azores as it contains a little bit of everything the entire archipelago has to offer.

4 days is the bare minimum to scratch the surface of São Miguel , but there’s enough to keep you busy here for at least a week.

Beyond the maritime city of Ponta Delgada , there are majestic lakes reminiscent of ancient volcano craters, dark volcanic sandy beaches and outdoor hot springs to relax in. Pasture and herds of happy cows chilling on the lush hills are the most common scenery though – after all this is the “green island” for a reason.

The island is also a paradise for hikers, with dozens of official trails making their way across all kinds of landscapes in various shapes, sizes, and difficulty levels.

São Miguel Overview

• ⭐ Top Attraction: Sete Cidades . The twin lakes of Sete Cidades can’t always be seen on all its glory amongst the foggy weather up in the mountains, but if you’re lucky, it’s a breathtaking moment.
• ✈️ Getting there by plane: You can get to São Miguel from almost all the other islands, as well as from Madeira, Lisbon and Porto. International direct connections are gradually more common, with flights rom US, UK, Germany and Nordic countries. Besides Azores Airlines, companies flying direct to São Miguel include TAP, Delta, Ryanair and Primera Air.
• 🛥️ Getting there by boat: During the peak season, there are ferries to São Miguel from Santa Maria and Terceira.
• 🏨 Where to stay: Out of the Blue . Hotel Azor for a more premium experience.
• 🏌️ 3 activities to try: Hiking, surfing, paradliging.
• 👌 Go here if…: you don’t want to miss on some of the major highlights of Azores.

Santa Maria

While the rest of the islands are stuck in an endless unpredictable and ever-changing weather – locals call it the “4 seasons in a single day” weather -, Santa Maria laughs out loud from its warmest and sunniest southeastern spot.

Santa Maria emerged from the Atlantic 10 million years ago, way before than any other island in the Azores, so it’s geologically quite different. The highlights are the golden beaches and tidal pools allow great swimming spots, above water; and world-famous diving spots like Gruta Azul , underwater.

The island comes alive in August, during the music festival Maré de Agosto , but in the rest of the year remains faithful to its “chill getaway” vibe.

Santa Maria Overview

• ⭐ Top Attraction: Praia Formosa . One of the best beaches in Azores, located in a picturesque bay with crystal clear waters. Might very well be the best spot in the islands to relax and work on your tan!
• ✈️ Getting there by plane: Direct flights to Santa Maria are available exclusively from São Miguel.
• 🛥️ Getting there by boat: There is a ferry connecting São Miguel and Santa Maria during summer.
• 🏨 Where to stay: Casa da Boa Vista .
• 🏌️ 3 activities to try: Swimming, diving, paragliding.
• 👌 Go here if…: you want to add a bit of quality beach and swimming time to your trip.

Ready-made Azores itinerary for your trip

Here are some ready-to-go sample itineraries you can use as a template for your trip. Some might say you can cover a lot more, but I truly believe a place like Azores is not to be rushed. Embrace the opportunity to fully appreciate nature. Don’t spend your day on planes, cars and roads, you have enough stress on your daily life already.

The example itineraries blow are tailored for first-time visitors and are designed to give the best overview possible of Azores in each amount of time.

Less than 7 days

My advice here is stick to São Miguel . Don’t worry, there’s a lot to keep you busy – use my 4-day itinerary of São Miguel as a guide for your trip.

There’s no point in trying to squeeze in another island – basically, you’ll pay more to rush your experience in both islands.

7 days Azores Itinerary

• São Miguel (5 full days)
• Santa Maria OR Terceira OR Pico (2 full days)

With a week to spend in Azores, there are 2 options. You can either splurge your time in São Miguel only and have extra time to tour the main things to do as well as do outdoor activities such hiking trails, diving, or canyoning .

If you are keen on including more stops on your journey, be strategic: a week is not a lot of time.

Santa Maria makes more sense logistically as is just a 3-hour ferry away. Adding Terceira or Pico can also be convenient as you can book an open-jaw flight to mainland Portugal (saving time and money of a flight back to São Miguel).

For the latter option though, if you plan to climb Mount Pico , this might be too tight and rushed. You’ll want to make sure you have enough buffer time in Pico to 1) choose the day with the best weather to make the climb 2) RECOVER from the demanding climb.

10 days Azores Itinerary

• Faial (1/2 full days)
• Pico (3/4 full days)

This is where you can start to get ambitious guys.

With 10 days in the Azores, invest a big chunk of the time in São Miguel and Pico. There’s experiences not to miss in Pico , as well as many outdoor activities to try in São Miguel .

As for the remaining 1/2 days, stick to an island close to Pico . Faial is the obvious choice as there are frequent ferries between Horta (Faial) and Madalena (Pico).

This means a doable itinerary would be Lisbon ► São Miguel ► Faial ► Pico ► Lisbon . You can shuffle the order of the 3, as long as São Miguel is either in the beginning or at the end of the trip to take advantage of the ferry connection in the Triangle islands.

The first is that Flores is much more remote and may need an additional return flight to Lisbon, complicating the logistics. The other is that these 2 islands, despite breathtaking, are quite similar in terms of landscape. Faial and Pico add more contrast to your experience and gives you a more well-rounded overview of the islands.

14 days Azores Itinerary

• São Miguel (6 full days)
• Pico (3 full days)
• São Jorge (3/4 full days)

2 weeks is the perfect time to visit São Miguel as well as the three triangle islands – Faial, Pico and São Jorge. SATA Air Açores has frequent flights from São Miguel to any of these islands and once you’re there, it’s fairly easy and cheap to travel between them by ferry. Efficiency FTW.

This itinerary also combines some of the best features of Azores: the impressive lakes of São Miguel, the volcanic landscape of Faial, the unique mountain-and-wine combo scenery of Pico and finally the majestic cliffs and fajãs in São Jorge . It’s a lot to awe on a single trip!

So if you’re coming and returning from Lisbon, it’s perfectly doable to do a Lisbon ► São Miguel ► Faial ► São Jorge ► Pico ► Lisbon open-jaw trip. Again, shuffle as you like, just leave São Miguel for either the beginning or the end of the trip to optimize your logistics.

21 days Azores Itinerary

• Faial (2 full days)
• Flores (2/3 full days)
• Terceira (2/3 full days)

Ok, this is where we can go crazy!

Definitely use the previous 2-week itinerary of São Miguel, Faial, São Jorge and Pico and maybe even add a day or two in the first and the latter islands.

As for the rest of the days, it’s time to (finally) add Flores. This island is a smaller, greener and more remote version of São Miguel and has got some of the most incredible waterfalls and lakes in the Azores.

For the couple of days that are still left, including Terceira will give your trip a different side of Azorean food and if you got your time right, a bit of partying around too. The island is known as the party island of the archipelago!

Alternatively, you can replace Flores with Santa Maria for more chances of sunny weather and some beach bum time. It will also reduce travel time and overall costs a bit as you can hop on a ferry from São Miguel.

Azores itinerary summary

Here’s a quick summary of some example itineraries in Azores based off the number of days you have.

• Less than 7 days: São Miguel
• 7 days: São Miguel OR São Miguel + Pico OR São Miguel + Terceira
• 10 days: São Miguel + Faial + Pico
• 14 days: São Miguel + Faial + Pico + São Jorge
• 21 days: São Miguel + Faial + Pico + São Jorge + Flores + Terceira

Planning a trip to Azores independently

Booking your flight.

If you are not from the US or simply not into vacation packages, you’re better off by booking your flight independently.

As a rule of thumb, flights to Azores are considerably cheaper from Porto, Lisbon or London. Ponta Delgada airport has the highest number of flight connections. From there you may be entitled to a FREE connecting flight to other islands – check this page for more info.

Booking a hotel

For hotels, you can start off with this pre-filtered list of hotels, guesthouses and villas in Azores . Or explore on your own:

Booking a car

Taxis and tours can be costly and public transportation is not reliable. Also local guides take away the fun factor. If you ask me, the best way to get around in Azores is definitely by renting a car .

Plus, an island road trip will add a sense of adventure to make your trip truly memorable!

Other useful resources when planning a trip to Azores

The ultimate itinerary of são miguel island (made by an azorean), the top azores hot springs & thermal baths in sao miguel, furnas, azores: unique things to do in the furnas valley.

• Ponta Delgada, Azores: 12 Things To Do In My Hometown
• The 13 Most Beautiful Azores Beaches
• When Is The Best Time to Go To Azores?
• Hiking in Azores: An Insider Guide
• São Miguel, Azores: Full Travel Guide by a Local
• The Best Hotels in São Miguel, Azores For All Kinds Of Travelers
• Azores: 20 Travel Tips To Know Before You Go
• Atlântico Line – the ferry company in Azores
• SATA/Azores Airlines – the regional airline company
• Visit Azores – official tourism board

My travel tips valid anywhere

• 🏨 To find the best deals and book your stay with free cancellation, I recommend Booking.com (from my experience, often cheaper than Airbnb)
• 🚗 Always compare car rental prices before you book anything (and if possible use local rental shops!)
• ☑️ Travel insurance is a must these days – don’t overlook it! I recommend Allianz or Safety Wing if you’re always on the go
• 💰 Use Revolut to save in exchange rates and payments abroad; it’s a game-changer!
• ⚙️ Amazon has the largest offer in travel gear, clothing, and accessories – check out my Travel Store !
• ✈️ Are you dealing with a delayed or cancelled flight? Airhelp may help you get a compensation for it!

Which islands in the Azores did you visit? How many days did you had? Share your itinerary!

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Destinations🌎

How to Explore the Azores, Island by Island

By Trish Lorenz

The Azores , essentially volcanoes in the middle of the Atlantic, are all moody basalt mountains, jade green forests, waterfalls tumbling into crater lakes, and pasture hedged by bursts of white, blue, and purple hydrangeas. A five-hour flight from Boston or six from Toronto , they are a rarity: still untrammeled by humanity, with only a handful of stone-cottage villages and solitary cliff-top churches—and the first archipelago ever to be assessed for Earth Check certification, the global-sustainability benchmark. The islands are part of Portugal , but the people who live here are hardier than their mainland cousins; descendants of whalers and fishermen, winemakers and farmers, who carved their livelihoods out of stone. I've been visiting the Azores for more than six years, drawn back by the high-drama landscapes and calm, unflappable residents, capable of absorbing the elemental force of the sea and nature that surrounds them. As an escape from a frenetic world, the Azores feel like a pretty good place to be right now.

Rasa lagoon on Flores Island

A road running through Flores Island

What to do in the Azores

Climb mount pico, pico island.

From afar Pico looks like a child's drawing: an atoll appearing in a cerulean sea, the mountain in the center with a small, slightly off-center triangular peak. It's a rugged four-hour climb to reach the 7,700-foot summit through an extraterrestrial terrain of rippled black lava surrounded by wispy green ferns and clumps of purple heather. At the top, steam whistles from cracks and the views open up across the more than 200 smaller volcanoes that dot Pico and the other islands.

The Atlantic Ocean crashing against São Miguel Island

Empanadas lagoon on São Miguel

Surf at Fajã de Santo Cristo Lagoon, São Jorge

Santo Cristo is a small village on a circular promontory wedged between mountains and sea—no electricity, no cars, few people. Its hidden surf spot, favored by cheery locals and pro surfers in training, is only accessible by hiking ancient paths down forest-covered cliffs. The almost monastic stillness is broken by the rush of waves rolling onto the stony beach. Even a few hours here is enough to reset your body clock to deep calm.

Take the waters at Furnas, São Miguel

The small town of Furnas is in the crater of a volcano that spits, hisses, and exhales sulfur. Locals are blasé; they use specially dug pits for cooking Sunday lunch—cozido à Portuguesa, a stew of meat and vegetables—and bathe in thermal pools. The largest is at Terra Nostra Garden Hotel ; just before sunrise, go barefoot to the dun-colored water, vapor forming a cloud above it. Float on your back as the sky turns pink and blue over the mountains.

The forest surrounding Dos Patos lagoon on Flores Island

Mount Pico, a 7,700-foot volcano

Meditate at Dos Patos Lagoon, Flores Island

Flores is probably the most beautiful of the nine islands. Green meets blue in all directions, and at Dos Patos lagoon, a network of waterfalls drop hundreds of feet over emerald cliffs into a small lake. Japanese cedar trees, their bark the color of a fake tan, form a pretty glade around the shore. This place is an immersive spot for the meditative pleasures of true wilderness.

White, a small cliff-top hotel on Lagoa

Pau Pique lagoon, a crater lake on São Miguel

Feast on fish on São Miguel

At Õtaka , creamy limpets are served with yuzu soy, and a delicate whitefish tempura is paired with Azores-grown jalapeño. Assembled by intensely focused 30-something chef José Pereira—born here but trained abroad—the menu combines Portuguese and Japanese influences, with all ingredients line-caught.

Stay: At one of the 10 cliff-top suites at White on Lagoa, Lava Homes on Pico, or recently opened Sul Villas on São Miguel.

Get around: It's easy to ferry among the five central islands (Pico, Faial, São Jorge, Terceira, Graciosa), and between the western (Flores and Corvo) and eastern islands (São Miguel and Santa Maria), but you'll want to fly between groups.*

At sea: From Pico Island, Futurismo employs former whale hunters to help spot the creatures.

A room at Pico's Lava Homes hotel

Atlantic bonito sashimi with jalapeños at Õtaka

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• Miranda do Douro
• Viana do Castelo
• Corvo, The Crow Island of the Azores
• Faial, The Blue Island of Azores
• Flores, The Yellow Island of Azores
• Graciosa, The White Island of the Azores
• Pico, The Black Island of Azores
• Santa Maria, The Sunshine Island of the Azores
• São Jorge, The Brown Island of Azores
• São Miguel, The Green Island of Azores
• Terceira Island, The Festive Island of Azores
• Central Portugal
• Lisbon and Tagus Valley
• Porto & Northern Portugal
• Portugal Survival Guide
• Entering Portugal
• Guide to Learning Portuguese
• Portugal Holidays
• Average Temperatures in Portugal
• Weather in Portugal
• Portugal Visa Guide
• Golden Visa Portugal
• Portugal Digital Nomad Visa 2023
• D7 Visa Guide
• D2 Visa Guide
• Food & Drink
• History and Culture

The Cozido – Portugal’s Quintessential Family Meal

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Between Lisbon and New York lies an archipelago called the Azores , made up of 9 islands. The Azores are a part of Portugal and are located 850 miles west of what the Portuguese call the “mainland”. Millions from all around the globe travel to the Azores every year to discover the beautiful landscapes and unique cultural heritage of each island. While visiting every island would make the perfect long vacation, many online have time to visit a few. To figure out which one best fits your budget and taste, you need to learn a bit about what makes each island special. You are in luck, as we have a travel guide for every island of the Azores:

• Santa Maria

See Tours & Activities in the Azores

The 9 azorean islands.

If you are short on time and cannot look through each guide at the moment, take a look at an overview of each Azorean island.

1. Corvo, Azores

Corvo is the smallest island of the  Azores and has less than 400 inhabitants. The most remote island of the archipelago, Corvo provides an isolated getaway with astonishing green landscapes, narrow streets with black stone, and sea views. Together with Flores , a few kilometers away, Corvo is considered a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. The top activities in Corvo are bird watching, hiking, swimming in natural pools and beaches, as well as visiting the 300-meter deep volcanic crater.

2. Faial, Azores

This 67 square mile island is home to 15,000 locals and is the westernmost point of Europe. Faial  is nicknamed the Blue Island because of the hydrangeas in different shades of blue that span the landscapes of the island. Located 4.5 miles from Pico and 11 miles from São Jorge ,   Faial is a cosmopolitan island that still features activities for nature lovers. From hiking the 400-meter deep volcanic crater, exploring the city center of Horta, and visiting the Capelinos, a volcano that erupted in 1958, this island has so much to offer.

3. Flores, Azores

Less than 4,000 people live on this island, making it a quaint destination to experience the Azorean way of life. The island’s name, Flores , translates to “flowers” because, during the summer, it is covered with thousands of blue and pink hydrangeas, as well as yellow goldenrods. These cover the sides of the roads that cross the green landscapes. Flores offers an astonishing landscape of green rolling hills and blue lakes, waterfalls, and sea views. Flores might not be the island that every tourist visits when traveling to the Azores, but this is also what makes it so special. Flores has some of the best natural pools in Santa Cruz das Flores and is known for the seven lakes, blue and green lakes that span the volcanic crater.

4. Graciosa, Azores

Graciosa , a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve has a unique landscape and a strong architectural heritage that makes it a top Azorean island to discover. Graciosa is 12.5 KM in length and has around 4,000 inhabitants. Part of the Central Groups of the Azores Archipelago, its closest neighbor is São Jorge , making it a great spot for island hopping. The nickname for this island, the White Island, comes from the white characteristics of Graciosa seen in Pedras Brancas (White Stones) and Serra Branca (White Hills). Our favorite things to do in Graciosa are swimming in the iconic thermal baths and visiting the Caldeira da Graciosa, a large crater that is classified as a Regional Natural Monument.

5. Pico, Azores

The Hawaii of Portugal, Pico is home to Portugal’s highest mountain, Pico mount at over 2,000 meters high which you can hike . Pico is the most recently formed island of the Azores at only 300,000 years old. Pico island is 46 kilometers long and is filled with exotic vegetation and astonishing sea views. Pico is known as the Ilha Preta (“Black Island”) because of its black volcanic soils which nourish the UNESCO-designated vineyards. Pico island’s history has been built around its wine and whaling culture. Since whale hunting was made illegal in 1986, Pico has ever since been leading a movement of fair treatment study of whales, as well as other sea animals. It is one of the top places in the world for whale-watching , as well as hiking and wine tasting.

6. Santa Maria, Azores

Santa Maria is one of the warmest and driest islands in the archipelago, as this island is the most southern of the Azores. The island of Santa Maria is the home of 6,000 Azoreans and is around 96.87 km². Along with São Miguel  81 KM away, Santa Maria is part of the Eastern Group of the Azores. Santa Maria is unique from the other islands, with yellow beaches and even a “red desert”. From exploring the town center Vila do Porto and swimming in some of the best natural pools in the Azores, Santa Maria is an island to not miss.

7. São Jorge, Azores

São Jorge is a volcanic island that features astonishing views of Pico  and  Faial island. The island is known for its beautiful contrasting views of a green landscape and dark blue ocean. Around 9,000 people live on the island that spans 243.9 sq. km. A part of the “triangle islands” with Faial and Pico, this island features f ajãs  that make up quaint villages and natural pools. We recommend visiting the coffee plantation, the only one in Europe, as well as the cheese factory.

8. São Miguel, Azores

São Miguel is the most famous island in the Azores and is the most populated island of the Azores with 140,000 inhabitants. 45,000 people reside in Ponta Delgada, the island’s largest city. The island is part of the Eastern Group of the Archipelago with the island of Santa Maria that is 80 kilometers away.  From the São Miguel iconic pineapple plantations to the  cozido das furnas , the island has a rich culture and Azorean cuisine. The island has so much to offer. From diving, hiking, surfing, and biking, São Miguel is great for the whole family

9. Terceira, Azores

The name Terceira means “third”, as this island was the third to be discovered in the Azores in the 15th century. It is the second most inhabited island of the Azores, with around 60,000 people living there. The island’s beauty is a consequence of the contrast between the natural landscapes of the volcanic island and the human-built historic center. You must visit the capital of the island, Angra do Heroísmo. It was founded in 1534 and was the first place in the Azores to be classified as a city. It was made a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983. There is so much to experience on this island, from water sports to visiting an extinct volcano called Algar do Carvão. Terceira island is nicknamed “the festive island” because it’s known for its local festivals that are full of life and represent Azorean culture. Visiting during these festivities is a great option.

Azores: When to Go & Weather

Average temperature in the azores by month.

Azores Weather in January

• Average temperature 14.5 °C (58.1 °F)
• High temperature 17 °C (62 °F )
• Low temperature 12 °C (54 °F )
• Rainfall days 17 days

Azores Weather in February

• Average temperature 14 °C (57.3 °F)

Azores Weather in March

• Rainfall days 15 days

Azores Weather in April

• Average temperature 15 °C (59 °F)
• High temperature 18 °C (64 °F )
• Rainfall days 12 days

Azores Weather in May

• Average temperature 16.4 °C (57.3 °F)
• High temperature 19 °C (62 °F )
• Low temperature 14 °C (54 °F )
• Rainfall days 10 days

Azores Weather in June

• Average temperature 18.7 °C (61.4 °F)
• High temperature 21 °C (71 °F )
• Low temperature 16 °C (60 °F )
• Rainfall days 9 days

Azores Weather in July

• Average temperature 20.8 °C (69.5 °F)
• High temperature 24 °C (75 °F )
• Low temperature 18 °C (64 °F )
• Rainfall days 8 days

Azores Weather in August

• Average temperature 22.2 °C (71.9 °F)
• High temperature 25 °C (78 °F )
• Low temperature 19 °C (66 °F )

Azores Weather in September

• Average temperature 21.4 °C (76 °F)
• High temperature 24 °C (65 °F )
• Low temperature 18 °C (66.6 °F )
• Rainfall days 13 days

Azores Weather in October

• Average temperature 19.2 °C (66.6 °F)
• High temperature 22 °C (71 °F )
• Low temperature 16 °C (62 °F )
• Rainfall days 14 days

Azores Weather in November

• Average temperature 16.8 °C (62.3 °F)
• High temperature 19 °C (67 °F )
• Low temperature 14 °C (58 °F )

Azores Weather in December

• Average temperature 15.4 °C (63.5 °F)
• Low temperature 13 °C (55 °F )
• Rainfall days 18 days

The best times to travel to the Azores are between May and September. Temperatures are the most moderate at this time, rarely getting higher than 30ºC. During the winter, it usually doesn’t get colder than 7ºC. The Azores rarely get heat waves in summer or cold waves in winter so you can also travel all year long. However, it does rain a lot less between May and September, making it a better time to enjoy all of the outdoor activities that the Azores have to offer.

Best Hotels Azores: 9 Best Hotels in the Azores

1. sensi azores nature and spa, são miguel.

If you are looking for a five-star experience, SENSI is the place to go. This place has an astonishing view of the ocean and is decorated in a boho-chic style. SENSI features an indoor and outdoor pool, a garden, and a spa. Ponta Delgada is a 30-minute drive away, which is not uncommon on the island. A large room with a sea view costs around €120 a night.

2. Azul Singular, Faial

This place feels like a tropical oasis.  Azul Singular  offers a sustainable tented experience. You will sleep in your own little wooden hut or yurt tent, in the middle of gorgeous palm trees. This is truly a one of a kind experience. Every unit comes with an equipped chicken, a dining table, and a gorgeous bathroom. You get a continental or vegetarian breakfast, brought to your unit every morning. A yurt tent costs €70 a night and a superior wooden tent costs €75 a night.

3. Cabanas da Viscondessa, São Jorge

Cabanas da Viscondessa  offers private wooden cabins with a view of the ocean and Pico Island. A luxurious experience, each cabin has been decorated in an elevated style by a renowned interior designer and a private terrace with a garden view. Each unit also comes with a modern kitchen, dining area, and bathroom. This property has a restaurant, bar, and a shared garden, as well as an outdoor terrace where you can enjoy a meal or drink. Every morning, a continental breakfast is served from local products. The studio cabins cost between    € 80 and    € 100 a night depending on the season.

4. The Shipyard, Terceira

The Shipyard  is located in the historical center, a 10-minute walk from Praiana Beach, one of the best beaches on the island. This place has a restaurant called Oficina da Esquina, a high-end restaurant serving Portuguese food. The property consists of a series of modern studios and apartments, perfect for any kind of tourist, from solo travelers to families. A studio with breakfast included costs €70 and a one-bedroom apartment is €85. They also have larger apartments at a higher price.

5. Charming Blue, Santa Maria

Charming Blue  is a modern hotel that has 15 rooms in Vila do Porto, Santa Maria. Each room is elegantly decorated and comes with a view of the sea or pool, a TV, and a luxurious bathroom. The hotel has a large pool for guests to enjoy as well as its own restaurant called Mesa d’Oito where you can enjoy delicious dishes. You can also enjoy a highly rated breakfast at this place. You can get large rooms here for €80 a night.

6. Casa da Barra, Graciosa

Casa da Barra , located in Santa Cruz da Graciosa is a large holiday hope surrounded by green landscapes. The three-bedroom home sleeps up to five people, has a living room and two bathrooms. The home has a large garden and a barbecue, great for a sunset dinner. You can also rent a car at the property to get around the island. This home costs €100 a night.

7. Adega do Xelica, Pico

What better place to stay than your very own Azorean cottage? Built out of black lava rock, Adega do Xelica is only 5 minutes away from a wonderful natural pool. This place is in Arcos and features a terrace with a view of Mount Pico. It has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a balcony, private terraces, a dining area, as well as free private parking. All of this for only €100 a night.

8. Casa da Boa Onda, Flores

Located in the quaint Lajes das Flores,  Casa da Boa Onda  is an entire home that you can rent. The property has 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom, as well as a kitchen and dining area.  The best part of this place is that you can enjoy the view from the house’s terrace. You also have free parking in front of the house. This place can sleep up to 3 people as it also has an extra single bed if necessary. It’s also located near many hiking trails, perfect for a morning stroll. The whole house only costs €50 to €70 a night depending on the season.

9. Joe & Vera’s Vintage, Corvo

Joe & Vera’s Vintage  is a quaint guest house with cozy rooms that feature a private bathroom, a desk, and a patio. This place also offers a delicious continental breakfast at an affordable price. A 15-minute walk from Praia da Areia, this guesthouse also offers an airport shuttle service, as well as free parking. You can get a room here for €70.

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5 Day Azores Itinerary: 26 Top Things to Do in São Miguel Island [Plus Map]

Floating 1,400 kilometres west of the Iberian Peninsula, São Miguel island is the jewel in the crown of the Azorean archipelago. This comprehensive 5-day guide show you the top things to do in São Miguel island plus where to say, where to eat, and when to go. Plus loads of bonus travel tips.

From thousands of years old bubbling geysers, to flower-lined winding roads, hikes spiraling around dormant volcanoes, and natural thermal pools scattered throughout the island, São Miguel island is a dream. Which is why I’ve prepared a comprehensive Azores travel guide!

If you’re not familiar with the Azores or need more convincing, check out my post on  why the Azores is Europe’s best-kept secret.

São Miguel Island

São Miguel island is the largest island in the Azores, measuring 62.1 km in length and 15.8 km at its maximum width. This means that depending on which roads you take, you can see both the north and south side of the island at the same time!

São Miguel island is also home to the Azores largest city and its capital: Ponta Delgada. The best part? Today, only 5-10% of the island is built-up, leaving the rest to nature. Excited yet?

With such a relatively small area to cover, basing yourself in Ponta Delgada and setting out on day trips around São Miguel is the best way to see everything the island has to offer.

During my five days in São Miguel, I divided the island up into five pockets which I used as my itinerary for each day. This worked so well for me and managing my time during the trip that I wanted to share it with you.

Whilst there is so much that can be done, seen, and explored in São Miguel island, my complete and ultimate itinerary ensures that you will see and experience the best of the island.

I’ve covered everything including accommodation, car rental, where to eat and how to manage your days around the temperamental Azorean weather.

Five Things You Should Know

Before we jump in, here are five important things you should know about this itinerary to São Miguel.

• If you’re visiting São Miguel for the first time, this guide is for you! This guide assumes you have no prior knowledge of the island and its incredible beauty. Boy, are you in for a surprise!
• You’ll need a car to get around. I recommend hiring a car here as there is little to no public transport. Plus, having a car will give you the freedom to start and end your days on your terms.   Compare the best car rental prices here.
• I’ve tried to find a balance between quality and quantity. That being said, how often do you get to go to the Azores? For some, this might be a once-off experience and you want to see as much as possible. The best part of this itinerary is that you can adjust it to suit your needs and personal preferences. For each daily bucket list, each location is no more than 30 minutes from the next, which gives you total flexibility should you prefer to linger a bit longer at any location.
• It allows for last-minute itinerary changes. Something I wasn’t prepared for was how quickly the weather changes in the Azores. When the heavens open up and clouds roll in, some of the best viewpoints are…well, invisible! My advice? Keep track of the weather constantly and check the conditions of the locations before you go. You can either the  SpotAzores website or app. It’s a total game changer! Luckily, the size of the island allows you to zigzag around in case you need to chase good weather. To give you an idea, getting from the east to west coast will take no longer than 90 minutes.
• Keep a towel handy. There are lots of thermal pools and beaches on this itinerary so make sure you come prepared. Bring an old swimsuit, I’ll tell you why later. Just take my word for it.

So, without further ado, here are the top things to do in São Miguel island.

Looking for something in particular? Use these links to jump around.

Included in this guide to São Miguel

• Map of São Miguel Itinerary
• Day 1 itinerary
• Day 2 itinerary
• Day 3 itinerary
• Day 4 itinerary
• Day 5 itinerary

Getting to the Azores

Where to stay in são miguel, são miguel flight and hotels packages, map of são miguel island itinerary.

Want to know where you’ll be going? Take a look at the detailed map below.

Tip: For a larger view of the map, click on the icon in the top right corner.

Click on this interactive map and see where this itinerary will take you. I’ve created this map using Google Maps which you can save and use as you travel around the island.

The coloured pins represent different pockets of the island to explore each day. Click on any pin for more information. Day 1 – Purple pins Day 2 – Green pins Day 3 – Turquoise pins Day 4 – Yellow pins Day 5 – Pink pins

Day 1 Itinerary – Purple pins

Saving the best till last isn’t always the smartest idea, at least not in the Azores.

Visiting Sete Cidades requires good weather otherwise you risk seeing very little. That’s why I recommend that on your first day, you aim to visit the western part of the island. That way, if the weather isn’t in your favour you can easily try again the following day.

Sete Cidades

Chances are that if you Googled the Azores, you most likely saw a picture of the Sete Cidades. It’s the postcard of the island and quite possibly the Azores.

Sete Cidades literally means, ‘seven cities’ and is one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal. The views over Sete Cidades and its lakes are nothing short of impressive and awe-inspiring.

Lagoa das Sete Cidades (Lake of the Seven Cities)

At its centre, there are two lakes, one green and the other blue which are separated by a bridge.

According to legend, the lakes were formed from the tears of a shepherd and a princess who shared a forbidden love because of their different social status. They say that the last time they met, their tears formed the lakes. The tears of the blue-eyed shepherd formed the blue lake while the those of green-eyed princess created the green lake.

The less romantic version explains the colour difference is due to the fact that the surrounding vegetation causes the light to reflect differently.

Either way, it’s still an impressive sight!

Lagoa das Sete Cidades can be enjoyed from numerous vantage points, each offering a new and wonderful perspective.

Miradouro da Vista Do Rei (Viewpoint Of The King)

Appropriately translating to, Viewpoint Of The King, this may be the first glimpse you’ll see if Sete Cidades. Not a bad introduction! The best part of the Sete Cidades is that it can be enjoyed in different ways, including taking any one of the hiking trails.

There is also an elevated dirt road, which is quite narrow at some points, which spirals around the lake. You can both walk or drive along this road whilst enjoying the different perspectives over the lakes.

Miradouro da Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth Viewpoint)

Take a moment here and try to comprehend how old this land is. This volcanic crater is 22,000 years old!

Tips on Getting to Boca do Inferno Viewpoint

• Blink and you’ll miss the entrance! Whether you’re coming from Vista do Rei or from Ponta Delgada (South East) the entrance looks like more a concealed driveway. Avoid taking any turnoffs that will take you down to the Sete Cidades village. Look out for a blue sign indicating a stop 100 metres ahead.
• Depending on how early you get there, some cars may already be parked outside making the entrance more obvious. It’s here you’ll see the Lagoa Do Canário sign. Turn down the dirt road and park your car.
• At this point there are a lot of tall trees, continue on foot for less than five minutes until you see the stairs.
• From here, it’s just 5 minutes away from the viewpoint.

Tips on Visiting Boca do Inferno

• Time: Allow 1-2 hours to wander around, get some great photos, and savour the moment.
• Price:  Both entrance and parking are free!
• Pro Tip #1: For awesome moody shots come here just before the sunset. Note that the gates close at 4pm on weekdays and at 7pm on weekends.
• Pro Tip #2: This place gets busy! So, go early. When I went it was at the end of the season and I arrived as soon as the gates opened at 8:30. I literally had 10 minutes alone before other people started arriving. By the time I left at 10am, cars were parked all the way out back onto the main road.
• Pro Tip #3: Remember to check the weather. Suns out, guns out. When the sun shines here, the landscape comes alive with vibrant colours.

After enjoying the views from above, head down towards the lovely quaint village of Sete Cidades. Along the way, you’ll pass over the bridge that separates the blue and green lakes. Stop here and say hi to the birdlife on the banks before continuing into town.

Fancy a bike ride or kayaking in the lake? In town, you’ll find a few hire shops. Not a bad way to pass the afternoon.

Not to be missed in town is the lovely village Church of Saint Nicholas (Igreja de São Nicolau) . The beautiful tree-lined promenade leading to the entrance is worth stopping by for.

Ponta da Ferraria

Put on your swimsuit, it’s time to relax in Ponta da Ferraria geothermal spring.

Not only is the location itself unique, sitting at the base of a giant lava rock cliff, but the spring opens up to the ocean creating a wonderful mix of hot and cold water that dances around your body.

Also located here are housed thermal baths with an outdoor swimming pool and restaurant. Visit Termas da Ferraria for more information.

Tips on Visiting Ponta da Ferraria

• Time: Allow 2 hours to bathe then relax at the kiosk with a beer in hand.
• Price: Entrance and parking are free!
• Pro Tip: Go at low tide to avoid be scalded. Ouch!

The cherry on the sundae is ending your day at Mosteiros.

Mosteiros is a civil parish which saw its first settlers around 1480. The name Mosteiros, means monastery in Portuguese and refers to the nearby islets, the largest of which is shaped like a church.

Come here an hour or so before sunset. Cosy up either on the beach or head around to the rocks on the right and watch the water crash over the boulders. Soon enough the sky will turn electric purple bringing this magical day to an end.

Day 2 Itinerary – Green pins

Today, we’re exploring the east and southeastern parts of the island.

The Nordeste and Pedreira districts are some of the wildest and most remote parts of São Miguel island. The sea cliffs are stand tall and steep, the vegetation is thicker and more vibrant, and the roads are more sinuous. Everything in this area is worth stopping your car for.

Ponta da Madrugada Lookout

Start your day early and head east! Watching the sunrise from the famous Ponta da Madrugada (literally means, Dawn Point) is a must! The drive coastal drive here alone is truly one of the most beautiful roads I’ve ever driven on.

Bring some breakfast, sit at any of the picnic tables and enjoy the sunrise over the vast blue Atlantic ocean.

Arnel Lighthouse

Take a slight detour north and visit the beautiful octagonal cylindrical lighthouse, Faro do Arnel. This was the first lighthouse built in the Azores used by ships arriving from mainland Portugal.

There is a wonderful spiral road leading to the lighthouse, but the best view of both the lighthouse and the road is from Miradouro da Vista dos Barcos (Viewpoint of the boats). Keep an eye out for road signs indicating the lookout on your right-hand side.

Tips on Getting to Arnel Lighthouse

• Pro tip: Once arrived, I strongly recommend parking the car and continuing on foot. The spiral road down is 35º. Don’t risk stranding your rental car on the return trip.

Ponta do Sossego Viewpoint

Lagoa das Furnas

Sitting in Furnas Valley, home to dozens of thermal springs, fumaroles and geysers, is Lagoa das Furnas (Furnas Lagoon). This lagoon is one of the three main lagoons in São Miguel.

The valley is in fact a volcanic crater which has been dormant since 1630, when the last eruption occurred.

Capela de Nossa Senhora das Vitórias

Also worth visiting here is the Capela de Nossa Senhora das Vitórias dedicated to Our Lady of the Victories. This funerary chapel was built by José do Canto, a gentleman-farmer of São Miguel, after his beloved wife passed away from a terminal illness. When José eventually died, he was buried alongside his wife, fullfulling his wishes.

There is a lovely view of the lagoon and the chapel from a jetty as you approach the chapel.

With a complicated 100,000 year history, the central caldera of the Furnas Volcano is a naturally explosive trachyte structure composed of two main calderas, that through formation, collapse and explosion have marked the natural history of the massif.

Caldeiras das Furnas and Fumaroles from Lagoa das Furnas

On the opposite end of the lagoon are the Caldeiras hot springs where the famous local dish Cozido das Furnas (Furnas stew) is prepared and transported to location restaurants.

A path navigates around the holes of boiling water and geysers where the stew is cooked.

While the dish itself might not be your best meal of the trip, it is, nonetheless worth trying. I mean, how often do you eat a meal cooked by Mother Nature herself?

Where to Eat Furnas Stew (Cozido das Furnas)

Each day several restaurants located in Furnas village send their stews to be cooked in the Caldeiras. The two most noteworthy are Tony’s and the restaurant at  Terra Nostra Garden Hotel.  Eating at Terra Nostra Garden Hotel also gets you complimentary access to Terra Nostra park and the thermal pool.

Furnas Village

Head to the main village and see how the locals live alongside thirty springs and geysers each with different temperatures and chemical compositions. These range from warm iron-rich streams to mineral-rich warm and cold water. The air here is literally filled with sulphur.

Owing to a population of several thousand people who live within and around its caldera, Furnas is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the archipelago. The first recorded eruption occurred in 1440, just after early settlers started populating the coasts of São Miguel.

Terra Nostra Park

Covering 12 hectares, Terra Nostra Park is one of the most beautiful gardens in Europe boasting lush vegetation, over 2,000 different trees, peaceful promenades, lilypad-covered ponds, and a huge thermal pool.

Bathing in the ferrous orange thermal pool at Terra Nostra Park is one of the island’s postcard experiences. Full of essential minerals, the thermal spring heats the water to 35 – 40 degrees Celsius (95 – 140F).

  A post shared by Michele • The Intrepid Guide✈︎ (@intrepidguide) on Dec 17, 2017 at 7:57am PST

Tips on Visiting Terra Nostra Park

• Duration: Allow at least 1 hour to explore the gardens then half an hour to relax in the thermal pool.
• Price: 8 euros, includes access to the park thermal pool and showers.
• Pro tip #1: Don’t wear your favourite swimsuit though, the minerals will leave your whites looking a little orange. Wear something old and dark.
• Pro tip #2:  Go here on a cloudy or gloomy day. Save that sunshine for visiting places at higher altitude. Plus, having a hot bath feels so much better when it’s cold.

Poça da D. Beija Thermal Spa (Optional)

While the thermal experience is similar at Poça Dona Beija, swimming in those at Parque Terra Nostra is more of a novelty because of the orange water. Unless you really love your thermal experience, there’s no need to do both.

Poça da D. Beija offers a more authentic experience with it’s complex of newly refurbished five outdoor pools at various temperatures. Since they’re open till 11pm daily, why not stay for a romantic evening dip.

Tips on Visiting Poça da D. Beija Thermal Springs

• Duration: Anything from 1 hour
• Price: Entrance fee is 4 euros in Poça Dona Beija

Day 3 Itinerary – Blue pins

Lagoa do fogo.

One of the most beautiful yet difficult to see places on the island is Lagoa do Fogo. Literally translating to ‘Fire lake’, only on my third visit did the clouds part to reveal this impressive lake.

Lagoa do Fogo sits in a crater with a maximum depth of 30 metres. This is the island’s highest lagoon (sitting 575 metres) and the second biggest.

Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo (Lookout)

If you reach the lookout and find the area drowning in cloud or fog, allow 15 minutes or so for it to pass (fingers crossed) it’s amazing how quickly the weather changes up there.

View from Pico da Barrosa

Once you arrive at Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo, take the path down to the beach. After thirty minutes you’ll reach the unspoiled shoreline.

Tips for Visiting Lagoa do Fogo

• Duration: Anything from 1 hour, allow more time if heading down to the beach
• Price: Free :)
• Pro tip 1: Check the weather ahead of time. Having said that, even on a sunny day there can still be lots of cloud cover. Be patient and wait a little before leaving. You may need to return another day.
• Pro tip 2:  Since this is a Natural Reserve it’s important to be as respectful as possible. Don’t leave any rubbish/trash behind or go swimming if you’re wearing sunscreen.
• Pro tip 3: Located higher up overlooking Lagoa do Fogo is Pico da Barrosa.  Weather permitting, you’ll be able to see both the north and south coastlines of the island. Pretty cool!

Caldeira Velha

Located a few minutes down the road on the north slope of the Fogo Volcano is Caldeira Velha, a scenic nature preserve featuring lush vegetation, a waterfall, and hot springs. I love this place because it’s not located near a town and the towering trees make you feel like you’re at one with nature.

Located in Caldeira Velha is a park are two stone-walled naturally heated pools. Both surrounded by lush vegetation, the smaller one is 38º while the largest is 21º.

Tips for Visiting Caldeira Velha

• Duration:  You can’t rush relaxing. You’ll need anywhere between 1.5-3 hours to really it enjoy it. Price: The entrance is 2 Euros (as per 2017).
• Pro tip #1: Same rules apply regarding your swimsuit. Wear something old and dark to reduce the signs of orange stains thanks to the mineral-rich water.
• Pro tip #2: There are lockers, changing rooms and showers, but be prepared for the cold water. It’s invigorating to say the least.

Salto do Cabrito

Salto do Cabrito, literally meaning ‘Kid’s Jumping’, has a 40 metre high waterfall. Next to the base of the water is a circular pedestrian route that sits high up amongst the thick foliage.

Miradouro de Santa Iria

Located in a ravine above the sea, the Santa Iria lookout offers a superb view over Santa Iria Bay and the northern coastline of the island.

This viewpoint is very close to the main road and has a small car park both near the main road and down the short road leading to the viewpoint.

Itinerary Day 4 – Yellow pins

Starting in the north-east of São Miguel island, begin your day at Ribeira dos Caldeirões Park before making your way down to the picturesque islet of Vila Franca on the south coast.

Ribeira dos Caldeirões Park

With flowing streams and three large cascading waterfalls, Ribeira dos Caldeirões Park is not to be missed.

It’s an idyllic spot for hikers to walk along rock-cut paths that wind through the mountains. The rainforest trails invite you to explore the lush landscape with endless photo opportunities along the way.

Gorreana Tea Plantation

This family-owned business has been operating since 1883. There is a museum with free tastings, but this place is best experienced outside amongst the plantation itself where there is a magnificent view overlooking the Atlantic ocean.

Tips for Visiting Gorreana Tea

• Duration: 1 hour is enough to go through the premises and sip on a cup of tea.
• Price: Free
• Pro tip: Whether you enjoy tea, the process of making it or not, the views alone are worth the visit. If you do, there are free tea tastings inside.

Vila Franca Islet

Vila Franca do Campo was once the capital of the Azores but lost its status after it had been almost completely destroyed by a massive earthquake in 1522. From then on the capital of São Miguel was transferred to Ponta Delgada.

Sitting opposite the town of Vila Franca do Campo is the beautiful islet formed as a result of a crater of an ancient submerged volcano. At approximately 300 metres in length, this is the smallest islet I’ve ever seen!

It’s enclosed bay makes it the ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. During the summer months, the islet can be reached by a regular boat connection from the Vila Franca marina. Get your tickets online.

Tips for Visiting Vila Franca Islet

• Duration: Allow yourself at least 3 hours here.
• Price: 5 Euros
• Pro tip #1: During high tide the small beach is complete covered, grab a spot in the concrete area instead to avoid being washed out.
• Pro tip #2: Please be respectful of the island and leave nothing behind but footprints.

Our Lady of Peace Chapel

High up on the hills overlooking Vila Franca and the Atlantic ocean is Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz, a stunning 16th-century chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Peace.  According to the legend, this chapel was built after the apparition of Virgin Mary to a shepherd, in a cave.

Day 5 Itinerary – Pink pins

Swimming with dolphins and whale-watching (from ponta delgada).

What could be better than spending the morning with Atlantic Spotted dolphins and Humpback and Sperm whales?

For two hours I swam with dolphins and observed these playful creatures in their natural environment. There were literally hundreds of them! Jump in and enjoy watching these majestic mammals, play, feed, and poop. (Look out for those white trails. Haha) You’ll definitely want to capture this once in a lifetime experience.

I went out with Picos de Aventura , who were amazing. The customer service was great and the two guides on board were patient, professional, and super passionate about their work and the wellbeing of the marine life.

Picos de Aventura offer diving trips, whale watching, and swimming with dolphins and gear hire. I love my whales but this time I wanted to see the action underwater so opted for the swimming trip. 

The Azores attract many species of cetaceans which makes heading out in the ocean a must-do activity. If you can, plan your trip between April and June for the best whale watching. For dolphins, I saw plenty of them in September. They were also still running whale watching trips.

• Book a whale and dolphins watching expedition in São Miguel here
• Book your swimming with the dolphin’s tour here

Tips for Swimming with Dolphins in São Miguel

• Duration: The trip last 3 hours, this includes the time it takes to reach the dolphins and return to shore on the RIB boat.
• Price: Tours start from 75 Euros for a 3-hour trip.
• Pro tip #1: If you suffer from lower back problems or are pregnant, do not go on this trip. The RIB boat ride is pretty intense.
• Pro tip #2:  Take sea sickness tablets. If you’re not accustomed to swimming in the open ocean, chances are you feel nauseous. At least 3 others on the tour did. Come prepared.
• Pro tip #3:  The water is very choppy. If you’re not a confident swimmer, speak with the guides to advise you if this is right for you. I honestly struggled the first few stops we made, then I learned to relax and avoid wasting my energy on swimming too much.

Tips for Whale-Watching in São Miguel

• Duration: The trip last 3 hours
• Price: Tours start from 55 Euros
• Pro tip #1:  Whale watching is big business and many tour companies break certain laws in order to get their boats as close as possible to the whales and boasts being the best tour. They are actually breaking the law when they do this. Both safety and ethical regulations are in place to protect the well-being on the whales so make sure you go out with a trusted company, such as Picos de Aventura .
• Tours depart morning, early afternoon, and evening from both Ponta Delgada and Vila Franca marinas.
• Tours book out quickly so secure your spot at least a few ahead of the tour.

Ponta Delgada

  A post shared by Michele • The Intrepid Guide✈︎ (@intrepidguide) on Oct 19, 2017 at 10:54am PDT

With all of the island’s treasures now under your belt, it’s time to explore the Azores capital city, Ponta Delgada.

I’ve written a dedicated post to all the sights of Ponta Delgada, but here are a few highlights.

• Portas da Cidade (City Gates)
• Parish Church of São Sebastião
• Campo de São Francisco
• São Bras Forte (Open 10am – 6pm, Closed Saturday & Sunday)
• António Borges Botanical Garden (Open everyday 9am – 8:30pm)
• A. Arruda Pineapple Plantation (Open everyday 9am – 8pm )
• Hermitage of the Mother of God – End your day here at sunset for best view over Ponta Delgada.

António Borges Botanical Garden

Ponta Delgada is a relatively small so you can cover a lot of ground just on foot. Allow 1-2 hours each at the São Bras Forte, António Borges Botanical Garden, and A. Arruda Pineapple Plantation.

For more information about Ponta Delgada, use my complete guide to the city here.

Where to Eat in Ponta Delgada

Bacalhau, Portuguese for cod, is considered to be an iconic dish of Portugal. My Portuguese boyfriend enjoyed this salted cod with vegetable dish at Calçada do Cais in Ponta Delgada.

Running parallel with the seafront Rua dos Mercadores is one of the main thoroughfares. Here you’ll find some of the island’s best restaurants including Calçada do Cais, and further north, A Tasca .

Other highly recommended restaurants include Adega Regional ,  Rotas da Ilha Verde (vegetarian-friendly) ,  Boca de Cena (seafood),  Casa Do Bife O Galego (steakhouse),  Restaurant Sao Pedro (seafood).

Essential Azores Travel Information

Getting to the Azores is easier than you might think. You can hop on a boat or catch a plane.  Direct flights depart from the USA, Canada, UK, Sweden, Spain, Belgium, Denmark, Portugal, France, Germany, and Finland.

SATA / Azores Airlines offer the most routes with other operators such as TAP Portugal, Primera, TUI, Germania, Ryanair, and Delta offering regular flights to the Azores. My advice would be to fly from Porto, Lisbon or London where tickets are considerably cheaper. Compare deals and book your flight here.

The gateway to the Azores is located in Ponta Delgada with most flights connecting here.

Pro Tip: In some cases, you may be eligible to get a FREE inter-island connecting flight. Find out more here 

Heading to Portugal? Download my free Portuguese Travel Phrase guide here.

Where to Stay in the Azores

Booking.com offers a lot of accommodation options in the Azores, from charming guesthouses to typical houses surrounded by nature. To make your life easier, I’ve put together a list of the best-reviewed hotels, guesthouses, and villas in the Azores.

If you are coming to the Azores, chances are you’ll most likely be at least spending a few days on the largest island, São Miguel.

VIP Executive Azores Hotel

For the week I was there, I stayed at 4-star VIP Executive Azores Hotel . This is the largest hotel on the island and includes all the comforts of home. There is an excellent gym, an interior swimming pool, squash court, bar, free covered private parking, a beauty salon with hairdresser, and Wireless Internet service. With a great view of the town and ocean and surrounding landscape, VIP Executive Azores is a 10-minute walk into town.

For an alternative accommodation option, I would recommend renting out an apartment or room through Airbnb. Cute Airbnb options are popping up all over the island so you’ll find some really beautiful places at very affordable prices.  Airbnb has numerous options from as low as US$36 per night.

If it’s your first time using Airbnb get US$65 OFF here or get £50 OFF your first stay here , when you sign up using my unique reader referral links.

Otherwise, check out these top-rated hotels!

Need more options? No problem. Here is a list of pre-selected hotels, villas, and guesthouses in São Miguel with excellent ratings . The list only includes rooms with wifi and top reviews, so you can’t go wrong!

Azores Getaways  offer great prices on flight and hotel packages to the Azores. There are packages starting from 320 USD for 7 nights accommodation with return flights to London.

I recommend using Azores Getaways if you:

• Are travelling from Europe or the United States.
• Want to visit the best spots but don’t much to do all the research
• Want someone else to book and organise everything for you

Browse their offers and packages here.

Alternatively, use this itinerary and book it all yourself. I always use  Skyscanner to book flights and Booking.com for finding accommodation .

Visiting Portugal? Brush up on the local language with my free Portuguese travel phrase guide.

Got more time? Take a day trip!

• Ponta Delgada Walking Tour
• Swim with Dolphins in the Azores
• Fogo Lake Quad Bike Full-Day Small-Group Tour with Lunch
• Azores Canyoning and Thermal Baths Tour
• Half-Day Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour
• Whale and dolphins watching expedition in São Miguel
• Furnas Volcano and Lake Full-Day Tour with Lunch
• Pico do Ferro Trail Hike and Light Yoga on São Miguel Island
• Plus loads more here …

Don’t miss these Portugal travel guides

11 reasons why you should visit the azores in portugal, top 10 things to do in ponta delgada (the jewel of the azores).

• 34 Best Things to do in Madeira, Portugal (The Ultimate Guide)
• 12 Awesome Things to do in Funchal, Madeira (Includes Travel Tips & Top-Rated Tours)
• 20 TOP Things to do in Porto Santo Island // A Perfect Day Trip from Madeira

Like it? Pin it for later!

Sources Visit Azores | Wikipedia |  Geeky Explorer

Over to you!

Do you have a question about visiting the Azores or São Miguel island? Ask me below! Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.

Like what you see? Subscribe using the form below to have all of my posts delivered directly to your email.

Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. What separates her from other instructors is her ability to explain complex grammar in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner using her unique 80/20 method. Get her free guide 9 reasons you’re not fluent…YET & how to fix it! Planning a trip? Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today!

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Top 10 things to do in ponta delgada..., 11 reasons why you should visit the azores..., 27 comments.

Michele, thank you for this detailed guide. I was starting to wonder how I would plan a trip to San Miguel and if I should even try until I found this article. I now feel confident and so excited to go for it. I’m curious about what I should know about money there. What percentage can an American expect to be able to use a credit card there versus needing euros in currency to pay for things in restaurants, gas stations, and entrance fees?

Hi Mary, thank you so much for your lovely feedback :) Most of the time, say 80-90% of the time I used my card. On the odd occasion, I needed cash so it’s definitely a good idea to carry some as a backup. Hope this helps :)

Michele, thank you for the amazing guide and tips. Me and my girlfriend spent 4 days on São Miguel and it has been the best trip in our lives. It is the hidden gem of Europe, indeed. All of the things you wrote here came out true, about the weather, getting up earlier to avoid crowds, using old swimming suit at thermal pools, staying a little bit more at Lagoa do Fogo miradouro to catch the glimpse of it, and just driving around and enjoying the very nature… It is truly magical, and I am happy to have experienced it all, thanks to you! It has been two months since our trip, I keep thinking about it every day and want to come back. Do you ever feel the same? Cheers! :)

Thank you so much for your feedback, Mirko. I’m so glad to hear my guide helped you and that you had a wonderful time. São Miguel definitely left a lasting impression on me too. So many wonderful memories and experiences to cherish for many years to come :)

Very useful and easy to read guide, thanks a lot!

My pleasure. Thank you, Angeles :)

Did you visit Ribeira Grande? And can you tell a little about language. I plan on learning some Portuguese but is English widely spoken? Thanks in advance.

Hi Carole, yes I did visit Ribeira Grande and I would definitely recommend you continue to learn Portuguese. It’s invaluable. English is spoken but it’s not something you can always rely on here. Good on you for taking it up though. Here is my Portuguese travel phrase guide which you may find useful :) Have a wonderful trip!

You guide and tips are amazing, I’m happy to have stumbled here! I’m leaving for Azores in 3 weeks and cannot wait to explore and feel the beauty of San Miguel and Terceira!

Do you know what time usually the businesses (like the tea plantation, parks etc) closes in the summer months? I’ll be diving almost everyday until 1:30pm, and would love to still do other activities and checking things out in this guide. Just wonder if I should be aware of the business hours there.

Many thanks again!!

Hi Linh, my pleasure. I’m so happy to hear you find it helpful. You will have plenty of time to see a lot of places as they will close late. The Gorreana plantation closes at 7 pm everyday so you’ll have plenty of time. Miradouro de Santa Iria, Lagoa do Fogo don’t close as they are located next to the road. Caldeira Velha closes just after sunset, around 9 pm. Entry to Boca do inferno closes at 7 pm. Hope this helps :)

Hi Michele,

I’ve been here at Ponta Delgada for a while and i just wanna say MASSIVE THANKS for your guide – I’ve used it extensively and the tips are god sent, thank you so much again! The scenic drives have got to be the most beautiful I’ve ever seen in my life. wow!

Hi Linh, oh that’s amazing. I’m so happy my guide has helped you and that you’re having a wonderful time. You’re right, the scenic drives are one of the best things about the island. Enjoy the rest of your trip :) Michele

Great article! I’ve started my research of Sao Miguel and so glad I stumbled upon this article. Is the picture of Franco Islet with a drone or from Our Lady of Peace? I would be going in November so no going to the Islet but would love a neat pic of it! With the weather being spotty I think it only makes sense to use Ponta Delgada as the base in case you need to switch up days due to weather.

Hi Valori, I used a drone to take this shot. You can see the islet from Our Lady of Peace but you will need a super zoom lens for this close up :) Good luck and I hope you have a wonderful trip.

Your photos look gorgeous! Love the depth of your content and how useful your site is and how a good chunk of it is about learning language!

Hey Trang, thank you so much :) I put a lot of work into my posts. So glad you’re enjoying it :)

Aww thank you so much Trang. I love learning and teaching which is what The Intrepid Guide is all about :)

love this blog! So i’m planning a trip also to azores islands, want to squeeze in also flores island. My question for Sao Miguel, did you stay in one hotel and everyday drive from the hotel to the pin points? Or did you drive to one area stay in a hotel there and then next pin points and stay in that area in a hotel?

Hi Sarit, I’m happy to hear this post has helped you :) Yes, the best part of the Azores (and Sao Miguel) is that you can stay anywhere on the island and travel around. I stayed in Ponta Delgada for its centrality and convenience. Hope this helps :)

Some pics were loading slow but most of the ones I saw are spectacular! I’d love to make it here someday, thanks for the info!

This is so helpful! We are planning to be in Sao Miguel for 3 – 3.5 days. I am wondering if any if you think any of these day itineraries could be done in a half day?

Day 1 & 2 seem to be full days on their own. I am wondering if your Day 3 & 4 could be combined in some way as they are close together on the map. And with that, what would you recommend eliminating from those two days in order to do it all in one day? We will skip the whale watching and plan to stay in Ponta Delgada so can fit in some of those sites as well.

Thank you!!

Thanks Blair, I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed this guide. Day 3 and 4 could potentially be combined if you start your day early and be on the road by 8:30-9am. For it to work you would need to skip something Gorreana Tea Plantation (if you’re not a big tea fan) and going out to Vila Franca Islet. You can still see it from the shoreline from the Our Lady of Peace Chapel. I hope this helps :)

Hi Michelle, a great blog and an inspiring post. I’ve just added Sao Miguel to my to do list! Brava e complimenti!

Ciao Ciara! Grazie mille :) Oh, I’m thrilled you’ve added Sao Miguel to your list. Please let me know if you have any questions when you start planning. :)

Thanks Michele. This is an amazing guide. I’ll be sure to use it when going to Sao Miguel.

My pleasure! thanks so much, Basil. I know you’ll have a great time! Any questions, let me know :)

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Home » Europe » Portugal » Azores

Azores Travel Guide (2024): Portugal’s Far Off Islands

I just spent a summer visiting the Azores Islands, a far-off autonomous archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, where life is simple and the living is easy.

While technically part of Portugal, these islands are starkly different from continental Europe and relatively unknown within the travel community.

Scattered across the Atlantic, the Azores have been isolated from the world (and each other) for centuries, which has led to each island developing its own unique culture among its beautiful natural surroundings.

So where are the Azores? And how did I hear about them?

The nine islands are divided into three separate groups. The eastern islands are  Sao Miguel  and  Santa Maria ; the central group consists of  Terceira ,  Graciosa ,  Sao Jorge ,  Pico,  and  Faial ; and the western islands of  Flores  and  Corvo  are the most remote of the islands.

My father was born on Terceira, the third largest island of the Azores, and my grandparents, and their grandparents, and so forth, were born on Terceira too.

Here’s the deal: there is hardly any (useful) information on traveling the Azores on the internet. That’s why I put together the most complete and comprehensive Azores travel guide.

Below I will break down each island’s highlights and some of the top places to visit on each island. Later in this guide, I will cover how to travel around, what to eat, where to stay, and more.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

There is a section on the cost of visiting the Azores, where I’ll dish the deets on how to travel the Azores affordably.

It is becoming more affordable to visit the Azores because of budget airline routes, but the Azores do not have an infrastructure for backpackers like the rest of Western Europe.

Keep reading this Azores travel guide to learn everything you need to know about the 9 islands, including 4 epic Azores travel itineraries, travel tips, budget costs, information on hiking the Azores, top things to do, and so much more!

Let’s dive right in…

Where to Go Traveling in the Azores

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As I mentioned above, the Azores archipelago is made up of 9 distinct islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. They are separated into three groups, the western, middle, and eastern.

I’ll be covering five of the islands in this Azores backpacking guide in detail – Sao Miguel, Terceira, Flores, Corvo, and Sao Jorge – I haven’t been to Santa Maria, Graciosa, or Faial, so those will only be covered briefly.

Sao Miguel is the biggest island and home of the capital of the Azores. Most travelers visit Sao Miguel for its diversity and city life, though “city life” is relative here.

Terceira is less known for its nature and more for its unique culture. That said, there are also a lot of beautiful places here to visit on Terceira too!

Pico , the second biggest island, is known for its towering volcano, which you can summit.  Flores is one of the most remote Azores islands and the nature lover’s paradise.

I will also cover the other islands, Faial , Corvo , Santa Maria , Sao Jorge , and Graciosa, just not in as much detail.

Each island offers up its own unique attractions, culture, and traditions, though you can be sure to hike, swim in the ocean, and eat fresh seafood on any given one.

Head to Sao Miguel and explore the streets of Ponta Delgada and dip in one of the many, many thermal hot springs.

Hike amongst the beautiful jagged hills and waterfalls of Flores. Indulge in Terceira’s  festas after taking a dip in one of the ocean swimming pools. Hike around the fajas of Sao Jorge, and eat their famous cheese washed down with coffee from Europe’s only coffee plantation.

Take a stroll on the edge of a caldera on Corvo. Hike to the Azore’s tallest point, a dormant volcano on the island of Pico.

Go deep sea fishing, diving, and eat the fresh catch of the day for dinner. Dive with manta rays off the coast of Santa Maria. Go whale watching and swim with wild dolphins on an island in the Atlantic.

No matter what you like to do, a visit to the Azores has something exquisite for every traveler. Whether you love trekking, swimming, diving, or eating and drinking to your heart’s content, there is something on offer for every traveler in the Azores.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the best Azores itineraries and backpacking routes that I have assembled below…

If you look up “Azores itinerary,” most searches will populate with pretty much only  Sao Miguel itineraries . This is because Sao Miguel, the largest Azores island, is easily the most visited one.

As diverse and incredible as Sao Miguel is, I think it is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to visiting the Azores.

My first itinerary is a Sao Miguel itinerary, but I have also included a few more Azores itineraries that cover other islands too, depending on your interests and timeframe.

5 Day Azores Itinerary #1: Taste of the Azores

5 Days in the Azores: Sao Miguel

If you only have less than a week to visit the Azores, then I would actually recommend sticking to Sao Miguel  island because there is a ton to do here that will keep you busy for a week; moreover, it is home to the most accessible airport, meaning you’ll spend less time in transit and more time enjoying your Azores backpacking trip.

With 5 days in Sao Miguel, you can visit a few thermal hot springs, take a tour of the pineapple and tea plantations – I’ll explain later! – go whale watching, chill on the beach, scuba dive, hike around volcanic craters, and indulge in the Azores food scene!

That’s a lot to do, I know. I’ll discuss Sao Miguel in more detail in the island breakdown section below, but in terms of planning a Sao Miguel itinerary, keep in mind it takes about 4 hours to drive around the island without stopping.

I recommend spending 2 nights in Ponta Delgada . From Ponta Delgada, you can take day trips to  Sete Ciudades  to hike around the lake, visit the beach town  Mosteiros on the west side where you can bathe in a hot spring in the ocean, and visit Vila Franca .

Most whale watching tours leave from Ponta Delgada or Vila Franca.

I recommend passing through Vila Franca on your third day in Sao Miguel. Plan a half-day boat trip to the Islet Franca do Campo . Afterward, you can check into your accommodation on the east side of Sao Miguel and explore the towns and nature around there.

Furnas deserves at least a day of exploration, as there are many awesome hot springs to be soaked in. Ribeira Grande has some nice beaches and is close to other attractions, like two tea plantations – Europe’s only two – and Lagoa Fogo , pinned in the middle of the map above.

This will easily keep you busy for 5 days, though if you have a week, you can do even more. You can check out a longer Sao Miguel itinerary here.

7-Day Azores Itinerary: San Miguel + 1 Azores Island

With a few extra days, you can add an island to your Azores trip. I suggest either Pico or Terceira . For the sake of simplicity, I’ll describe what a Sao Miguel + Terceira itinerary would look like below. I’ll discuss Pico in the third itinerary.

7 days in the Azores: Visit 2 Islands

With a week to visit the Azores, I suggest exploring 2 islands. As mentioned above, São Miguel is the largest island, but adding another island, will give you a different perspective of the Azores.

The next two biggest islands are  Pico and  Terceira and it will be easiest to book an open-jaw flight itinerary between 2-3 of these islands.

Terceira , shown in the map above, is incredibly unique for its summer-long cultural festivals and bull runs, which I’ll discuss later.

If you are interested in learning more about Azorean culture, I highly recommend visiting Terceira, which holds a special place in my heart.

The main tourist town of Angra do Heroismo is utterly charming and unsurprisingly a UNESCO Heritage Site as well as the island’s university town.

I recommend spending three days on Terceira, but more if you can.

Spend a night or two in Angra do Heroismo, and another night on the north side of the island.  Praia de Victoria will be the next biggest “city” with more options for accommodation and restaurants.

Having lived on Terceira for over a month, I visited every swimming hole on the island, and each has its own vibe. The island doesn’t have natural sand, so while there are a couple man-made beaches, each coastal village in Terceira has instead built a swimming hole to easily access the ocean from the rocky shores.

I’ll cover what to do on Terceira in the “places to visit in the Azores” section below.

10-Day Azores Itinerary #3: Hiking the Azores

10 Days on the Azores: Pico, Sao Jorge, Flores, and Corvo

If you enjoy hiking and connecting with nature then this is the Azores itinerary for you.

Pico will be the easiest island to fly into from mainland Europe. This island is most famous for Mount Pico, a 2,351-meter dormant volcano, which you can summit to catch 360-degree views of the Atlantic and nearby islands, Faial and Sao Jorge.

While it’s not by any means amongst the tallest in the world,  Mount Pico  can be deceptively difficult to conquer, so it is best to be in moderate shape at a minimum.

After spending 3-4 days on Pico – hiking, whale watching, and sipping on wine – catch an internal flight to the westernmost island chain.

You can ferry to the island of  Sao Jorge  too. I haven’t been to this island, but I have heard the scenery and hiking is incredible.

With more time, allot at least 5 days to Flores if you are an avid hiker and naturalist, trust me! Otherwise, about 4 days (with a side trip to Corvo Island) will be enough to get a feel of the island.

Debatedly the most beautiful, or at least the most dramatic island, Flores is also one of my favorite islands in the Azores.

On Flores, you can hike around the entire island, or conquer it in sections. The hiking here is no walk in the park, as the elevation changes frequently due to the jagged mountains.

Spend your time hiking, whale watching, swimming, and exploring the island; make sure to set aside at least one day to visit the nearby and most western island, Corvo . Here you can walk on the edge of the Caldera.

Keep in mind, you will have to fly back to Pico (or even Terceira or Sao Miguel) for an international flight home.

10 days is the ideal minimum time to tackle multiple islands. You can find some  more Azores island hopping ideas here .

14-Day Azores Itinerary: #4: Azores Highlights

2 weeks on the Azores: The Best of the Islands

With at least 2 weeks to visit the Azores, you can potentially visit 5 islands and really get a taste for everything the Azores have to offer.

I suggest starting with Sao Miguel and following my advice in itinerary #1. After 4-5 days on Sao Miguel, it’s time to explore Terceira and then the three triangle islands: Faial , Pico , and Sao Jorge.

Two weeks is the minimum to visit all 5 of these islands, with a few more days you will be able to relax more often. Luckily, travel times between islands are quite short (unless your flight is delayed, which is quite common).

Terceira is best known for its festivities. If you are visiting the Azores in the summer, try to be in Terceira for the festivals at  Angra do Heroismo  in June, or Praia de Victoria in August. All of the smaller towns host bull runs and a festival at one point or another, so there is always something going on.

Sao Jorge is pretty underrated as well. It’s known for its majestic cliffs and some of the most beautiful landscapes on the Azores. This island is also the best cheese producer – though all islands produce good cheese. I would plan for 3 days in Sao Jorge.

While I haven’t been to Faial , I have heard that the volcanic landscape is nice and the villages are quaint and charming. It’s a rather small island, and you only need 2 days to properly explore it.

If you are pressed for time, this would be the first island I would remove from this Azores itinerary. Another option is to head to Flores instead.

Finally, end your trip with 3-4 days on Pico , ending your vacation with an epic hike to the top of Mount Pico and some wine tasting to top off your vacation.

You can also end your trip in Terceira, and visit Pico, Faial, and Sao Jorge beforehand. Check flight and ferry schedules to customize this itinerary!

The Azores are a truly unique place to visit for backpackers and families alike. By visiting the Azores, you can experience their unprecedented culture and incredibly lush nature, all a stone’s throw away from the beautiful ocean.

That said, you don’t travel to the Azores to lay on sandy beaches. (There are sandy beaches, but they are man-made. The only island with natural sand is Santa Maria , the most eastern island in the archipelago.)

On the other hand, the Azores have pretty epic swimming holes that allow you to dip in the sea and bask in the sun, plenty of rolling hills to hike and volcanic activity to explore. What is more, each island is known as a certain color.

Sao Miguel , for example, is the Green Island because of its vast meadows and green hills;  Terceira  is the Lilac Island, due to its prolific wisteria and lilac vegetation found around the island.

Santa Maria  is the Yellow Island due to the predominance shrub-like lower land and coastal vegetation in the summer.  Graciosa  is the White Island because of its white colored rocks;  São Jorge  is the Brown Island due to the brown rocks at Rosais Islet and Point.

Pico  is the Grey Island for its extensive volcanic rock coast and lack of vegetation up high on Mount Pico’s mountain slopes.  Faial  is the Blue Island for its blue hydrangeas that line roads and pastures, and also because of its sea-related activities.

Flores  is the Pink Island for its lush azaleas and pink sunsets among Rocha dos Bordões. And finally,  Corvo  is the Black Island, due to its black stone walls and the fact that it is viewed as a minute “black point” on the horizon from Flores.

Each island offers up something distinctly different for travelers and backpackers, and I’m not just talking about the colors.

Let us take a look at the islands that make visiting the Azores so awesome…

The largest and most populated island is also the most visited of the islands. That’s not to say Sao Miguel is the best Azores Island, but alongside Terceira, it is definitely is the most convenient to travel to as far as international flights and infrastructure go.

Sao Miguel is known for its rolling green hills, volcanic crater lakes, and hot springs. While most of the island is quite rural,  Ponta Delgada,  the capital of the Azores, is the largest city among the archipelago.

This is where you will have access to most accommodation and food. If you do not rent a car when visiting Sao Miguel, I highly recommend staying here.

In terms of nature, the highlights are definitely Sete Cidades , Fogo Lake , and the hot springs around  Furnas . I definitely recommend hiking or biking around Sete Cidades and hiking to  Vista do Rei.

You can get some great inspiration for hiking and lakes to visit here .

Backpacking Ponta Delgada

As the largest city in the isles, Ponta Delgada is where most of the young, Azorean people and university students live. The city itself reminded me of the coastal town Malaga in Spain. This is where you’ll find some of the best restaurants and nightlife on the Azores, but it’s still not a big city.

If you want conveniences – or do not plan on renting a car, which you should – then I recommend staying in Ponta Delgada on Sao Miguel.

Otherwise, use Ponta Delgada as a base to visit some of the highlights in the west, like  Sete Cidades,  Mosteiros,  and even Vila Franca  from where you can plan a boat trip to the Islet Franca do Campo.

Backpacking Furnas

This quaint and charming cobblestoned town is located in the valley of a volcano. This is one of my favorite places to stay in Sao Miguel, due to its proximity to the best natural hotsprings in the Azores. I would spend at least one night in Furnas to fully explore and soak in the hotsprings.

Be sure to visit the Furnas (pictured below) where locals bake a stew,  colzido das Furnas , in the hot ground for five hours!

Terra Nostra Hotel is home to one of the hotsprings, a large single pool; you can pay for day use if you are not staying here. Another worthwhile hotspring is  Poça da Dona Beija , which hosts 5 natural thermal baths.

Backpacking Ribeira Grande

The next biggest city on Sao Miguel Island is Ribeira Grande on the north coast. Here you’ll find both surf and tea plantations – no we’re not in Sri Lanka.

This town is more quaint than Ponta Delgada, and also close to some of the best beaches on Sao Miguel, including Santa Barabra Beach.

Plan to visit one of the two organic tea plantations – Tea Porto Formoso or Gorreana – to taste the local goods! These are the only tea plantations in all of Europe.

From Ribeira Grande, you also have access to visit the stunning  Lagoa do Fogo  – a blue and green lake in a crater – by 30 minute hike. You can picnic on its empty white, sandy beaches wink at me from the shore.

I found that Terceira is home to some of the most friendly and festive people in the Azores. While not necessarily known for its nature – like Flores or Sao Miguel is – you should definitely visit Terceira for the culture and festivities.

In the summertime, each village and city hosts a local festa (festival) with food, music, and friends.

Most villages host a community potluck with all the local delicacies: beef, pork, lapas  and seafood ,  cheese, wines, and liquors. Other events include parades, theatrical performances, folktales and songs, and fireworks that go late into the night. Each town also hosts a local bull run, usually spanning over 2-3 days.

The Terceira bull runs are unlike any other bullfight event in the world. For one, the bulls are not killed nor injured, but anyone can participate and run from the bulls, usually with a little liquid courage, and sometimes it is actually the people that get seriously injured or even killed.

I was hesitant to attend the bull runs for ethical reasons, but they’re a part of Terceira’s unique culture and as I later learned, the bulls are treated more like sports stars than circus animals. Every bull has its statistics and reputation that it builds over the years, and many locals follow their favorite bulls around the island like a sports team. I wrote about the Terceira bull runs  here .

The biggest festas take place in the biggest cities: Angra do Heroismo in June and Praia do Victoria in August.

The closest city to the Terceira airport is  Praia do Victoria , which is a quaint town with a large sandy beach. You’ll find locals lounging in the sand and playing volleyball and football on any given summer day.

If you drive clockwise around the island, you’ll pass through many villages and towns with their own swimming holes, and about 15 minutes from Praia you can drive to the top of Serra do Cuma for the best view of Terceira.

Furnas do Enxofre and Algar do Carvão  are probably the most impressive sites on Terceira, as you get to an explore an extinct volcano!

Algar do Carvão is one of the only places in the world where you can actually go  inside a volcano. They built a staircase inside the lava tube, so you can enter without having to canyoneer.

Furnas do Enxofre is a geothermal site about 15 minutes from Algar. You can buy a ticket for one or both of entrances at the main visitors center.

When I talked to locals, they mentioned there are dozens of other volcanic caves on the island that can be visited with a guide. If you are feeling adventurous, seek out a canyoneering guide and go on an adventure!

Eventually, you’ll reach the main and largest city on Terceira, Angra do Heroismo , which is a UNESCO World Cultural Site. This is the best place to grab food and do some shopping on Terceira too.

From Angra, you can continue driving clockwise around the island or cut inland into the hills. The best hikes on the island are  Rocha da Chambre and the trails on the northern side. I am personally a fan of hiking around Agua de Alva as you get to check out the cliffs.

Cuatro Ribeiras  on the north side of the island is home to one of my favorite swimming holes on the island, so don’t miss it! There is also a café to grab a bite to eat.

Biscuoitos  is nearby and has the biggest and most facilitated swimming holes, and therefore is the most touristic one. It’s actually really cool but incredibly crowded in the summertime.

Backpacking Angra Do Heroismo

As a UNESCO World Cultural Site, this city is one of the top places to visit in Terceira, and the main reason most tourists visit the island.

I think Angra is the best city to base yourself as a tourist too because it has the most options for accommodation, plenty of restaurants and an actual bar scene (albeit it is small).

The best things to do in Angra is to simply walk around and admire the colorful houses and cathedrals. You’ll find plenty of restaurants and little shops around the main town. I highly recommend Tasca dos Tios for the fresh catch of the day!

There is a local beach that is actually one of my favorite places to lounge in Terceira. While man-made, the sand is soft and the bay area is easy to swim in. You are also nearby a large green hill called  Monte Brazil ; you can walk or drive up to the top for sunrise.

As the biggest city in Terceira, you can also arrange your ferry tickets, whale watching tours, and more in Angra.

Backpacking Praia da Vitoria

Terceira is a decently sized island, so if you plan to visit for a few days, it’ll make sense to split up your time between the south and north sides of the island.

Moreover, this is the city closest to the airport and the biggest after Angra; therefore, this is one of the best places to stay in Terceira to explore some of the central and northern parts of the island.

By day, the town is pretty quiet, and there isn’t much going on, but by evening many of the seaside restaurants/bars come alive. Because Praia is so close to the American Naval Base, you also get quite a few stationed Americans hanging out around here. It’s nothing wild, but it is a fun area to have a couple drinks after a day of swimming and sightseeing.

Praia also has a dive shop, kayak rentals, and tour agencies, so you can arrange activities from here.

If you are visiting the Azores in August, book your accommodation for Praia months in advance. As I mentioned above, Praia hosts a huge 10-14 day festival in August.

Kind of like a fair, everyone gets together under the big tarped tents to eat, drink, and be merry. Some of Terceira’s biggest events and bull runs take place at this festival, so don’t miss it if you’re around.

Pico is the second largest island of the Azores, and most tourists visit Pico specifically to hike to the top of  Mount Pico.  At about 2350 m altitude, it’s the highest point of Portugal.

If you are visiting some of the greener islands, like Sao Miguel or Flores, Pico will provide a completely different, albeit less touristy experience, as much of the island is dominated by Mount Pico on its western half.

If you can’t tell already, the best thing to do in Pico is to climb Mount Pico itself, though do not underestimate this hike as it takes around 7-8 hours to complete, and you are basically starting from sea level! The terrain can be quite steep, so pack  trekking poles !

You’ll need a full day to hike to the top of Mount Pico, and it’s nice to have a bit of wiggle room in case the weather acts up, so I recommend spending around 3-4 days in Pico.

Besides its volcano, Pico is also known for its wineries and vineyards, and whale watching.

Next to the airport, you’ll find the Pico unique vineyards, known as  currais,  now a  World Heritage Site . From my understanding, Pico’s vines grow on the black basalt rock, and the volcanic soil and nearby ocean air give the wine a distinctive taste only found in Pico.

Definitely make sure to visit the vineyards and learn about the Azores’ wine culture at the Wine Museum as well as explore the nearby villages and walking trails through the pastures and forests.

I went  whale watching  on Sao Miguel, but I’ve heard Pico is even better. Pico used to be the base of much of the Azores’ gruesome whale hunting industry, but thankfully, this industry has been forbidden and Pico and the Azores have turned a new leaf. Today, you can visit a museum dedicated to whalers and go on an eco-responsible whale watching tour.

Another awesome thing to do on Pico is visit  Gruta das Torres,  the largest lave tube in Portugal! Similar to the cave tours on Terceira, you descend into a large cavern/lava tube, though this one doesn’t allow artificial lights inside, and is really dark so you’ll need flashlights.

You can also hire a guide and descend into some of the smaller caves around the island for a more Indiana Jones-like experience.

The best places to stay in Pico are either  Madalena  or  São Roque,  though you can stay in a remote town for a more traditional or romantic stay.

Madalena is conveniently located near the vineyards, where you can also organize tours and tastings!

One of the smallest islands in the Azores, São Jorge  is actually one of the least visited ones too, yet supposedly incredibly diverse.

Famous for its cliffs, green scenery, lakes, and coastline split up by small plains formed by lava flows called  fajãs , Sao Jorge has a lot going for it.

I haven’t been to Sao Jorge, but I know its  fajes  (also found on Flores) are plateaus with large elevation drops down to the shore, many of which are home to tiny towns, which is what makes this island so beautiful and dramatic.

Apart from the natural scenery, Sao Jorge is also famous for its raw (unpasteurized) cheese –  Queijo de São Jorge . You can find if on other islands, so make sure you try it!

Sao Jorge also has the only coffee plantation in Europe. Family owned and operated it’s quite small, and I was unable to track down the beans on the other islands, which I found quite odd.

I’ve also read Sao Jorge has some of the best surfing in the Azores.

As for where to stay, Sao Jorge doesn’t have as many facilities as the other islands, but the main port town of Velas is going to have the most options for accommodation and restaurants.

Flores is easily one of my favorite island in the Azores, if not my ultimate favorite. The entire island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with dozens of waterfalls, lakes, mountains, and rock formations.

If you are an adventurous and outdoorsy traveler, then make sure to visit  Flores.

Hiking around Flores is definitely one of the main highlights. You can find all the trail information at this site; there are signs, maps, and well-marked trails on the island as well.

I highly recommend hiking to/from Faja Grande to  Lajedo on the northern side of Flores, as this part of the island is only accessible by foot (not car). Keep in mind it’s a point-to-point hike, so you’ll want to have some type of transportation pick-up at the end so you don’t have to hike all the way back.

Poço da Alagoinha  is another highlight, and probably one of my favorite places to visit in the Azores. There are tons of waterfalls falling from the sky among lush green mountains and rock formations. The trail is relatively short, but extremely slippery when wet, and Flores is pretty much always wet as it rains almost daily.

I also recommend driving around the island and checking out the small villages, crater lakes, and “Rocha dos Bordoes,” a peculiar rock that shoots up out of nowhere.

My family and I went on a tour with Experience OC and had an absolute blast. The owner, Armando, is so professional and helpful, and I highly recommend using this company for driving tours, hiking, boating tours, etc. especially if you are not renting a car.

Aside from driving and hiking around Flores, there are plenty of other adventurous and relaxing things to do. For one, you should simply wander around the beautiful town of Faja Grande and taking in the waterfalls.

Do as the locals do and swim and fish in the nearby ocean.

Another great thing to do is go canyoneering. With so many running rivers and waterfalls, it’s easy to see why this is the best place to go canyoneering in the Azores. We went with West Canyon and I highly recommend them for their responsible, fun, and professional guides.

If you have canyoneering experience, you can hire one of their guides to scale some much higher (think 100 meters plus) waterfalls!

Finally, make sure to take a day (or overnight) trip over to the island of Corvos . I’ll cover Corvos below.

In terms of towns, there are 4 main towns on each side of the island. Santa Cruz das Flores is the main town by the airport where many tourism companies are located.

The main (and I believe only) supermarket on Flores is in this town too, though be prepared to see practically no fresh produce. It seems like the only way to get a lot of veggies is to track down whoever grows them on the island.

On that note, you don’t visit Flores for the food; aside of the fresh seafood, Flores was the least culinary of the islands I visited.

Ponta Delgada (not to be confused with the capital on Sao Miguel) is a quaint town that is good for basing yourself near the northern activities. It’s located in the Santa Cruz municipality.

Lajas das Flores is the southern town, which I didn’t make it to, but there seem to be some good restaurants here.  Lajedo  is the northern coastal town that is small and quiet, mostly home to farmers. It’s worth driving over here though.

Faja Grande is the most beautiful, as it is surrounded by ocean and waterfalls. Much of the middle of the island doesn’t have any facilities but plenty of pastures and crater lakes to explore.

The smallest and most western island in the archipelago, Corvo makes for a great day or overnight trip from Flores, as you can ferry there in about an hour.

As the smallest island, you can walk around the entire island in a day, which is pretty incredible since the entire island is a caldera and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. (A caldera is when the roof of a magma chamber collapses to form a large crater. Other famous ones include Crater Lake in the US. Pretty epic that the whole island is one.)

Make sure to visit the Caldeirão (crater).

With only 300 inhabitants and one town, finding a place to stay will be pretty straightforward. You also do not need to rent a car on Corvo, but there are bikes for rent if you want one.

I haven’t been to Faial, Santa Maria, or Graciosa, nor do I know anyone who has, so these islands will be covered briefly with information I obtained from the Azores Tourism Board’s help!

Faial is best known for the town Horta, a hub for many sailors and maritime travelers in between Africa, the Americas, and Europe. Other things to do on Faial include the  Capelinhos and  Lagoa da Caldeira.

Now, from what I have heard, Graciosa  doesn’t have that much to do and is least known for its nature out of all of the Azores Islands, but is quite off the beaten path and as authentic as the Azores get.

Here you’ll still see many farmers in the pastures and horses roaming the streets (though this is a sight you can catch on most of the islands too). The best thing to do on Graciosa is bathe in the therapeutic hot springs of  Carapacho.

One of the least visited islands is Santa Maria , which has quite a different geological terrain and climate. While most of the other islands experience cloudy and rainy weather year round, Santa Maria is much sunnier, and home to the only natural sand beaches.

This also means Santa Maria is the brownest and driest of the islands. Moreover, Santa Maria is closest to some of the best diving spots in the Azores, including  Gruta Azul , which I’ll cover in our scuba diving section below.

The Azores off the Beaten Path

Frankly, if you are visiting the Azores you are already off the beaten path, though I predict these islands will not stay off the tourist trail for much longer!

If you really want to get off the beaten path, consider visiting the Azores’ lesser visited islands, namely Faial, Santa Maria, and Graciosa listed above. Sao Jorge also doesn’t get nearly as many visitors as its nearby neighbors and is supposedly really beautiful.

Another great way to get out into nature and away from the crowds is to strap on your hiking boots and hit the trails. While I haven’t been to all of the islands yet, I would argue Flores is the best island for hiking, though Picos and Sao Jorge trail behind in a close second and third.

Though Sao Miguel is the most popular island, it’s the biggest island too. Once you get away from the hot spring resorts and main cities, you can hike, bike, and explore at your leisure. The east side of the island is far less traveled than the west.

For getting off the beaten path in the Azores, you’ll need the right gear. To get your adventure fire lit, check out my article regarding why you should always travel with a tent .

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

1 . Go on a Whale Watching Tour

The Azores are one of the best places to go whale watching in the world! Almost a third of the world’s 92 cetacean species, 27 in all, are found in the Azores. Go at the right time and you may be lucky enough to see a sperm whale or blue whale too.

Whale watching tours are successful because they use  vigias , or lookouts, where people on high land watch for whales and communicate with the captains below. These whale watching operations have helped old whale hunters make a living by saving whales instead of killing them.

I don’t usually take tours, but I highly recommend taking a whale watching tour as well as a day tour on Flores. I really enjoyed my tour with  Experience OC . Not only did I discover places I wouldn’t have otherwise, but I learned a lot about Flores’ history from the guide.

2. Swim in the Ocean

So this might be an obvious thing to do in the Azores, but it is definitely worth mentioning. The man-made swimming holes around the islands are pretty awesome.

While free diving we would regularly see tons of fish, jellyfish, and octopuses too.

3. Bask in the Hot Springs on Sao Miguel

The Azores lie on the European, American and African tectonic plates, which give them an interesting position for geothermal activity.

Sao Miguel is the most geothermically active, and the has hot springs you can soak in around the town of  Furnas.

I definitely recommend  Poça Dona Beija for its 5 open-air pools at different temperatures among a lush garden.  Terra Nostra  is a single large pool on its luxurious hotel grounds. Stay at this hotel if you can afford it!

You can visit also visit the  fumaroles – where people actually cook food in the natural heat from the earth!

4. Summit Mount Pico

No trip to Pico is really complete with a summit to Portugal’s highest point! This strenuous day hike is one of the best things to do on the Azores.

5. Indulge in the fresh food

Interestingly, the islands are extremely self-sufficient in terms of production, even making their own alcohol, tobacco, and dairy as a part of traditional life. While this is slowly changing, the Azores are still quite traditional.

Most islands grow their own produce, raise their own livestock, which is sold all over mainland Portugal, and of course, catch fresh seafood. From what I gathered, the fisheries here are sustainable and small-scale.

I will cover more on Azores food in the food section , but just know that food in the Azores is a very important cornerstone of their culture and you would be a fool not to experience it.

6. Take a Hike

The hiking on the Azores is nothing short of breathtaking (sometimes, literally). I’ll list the best hikes on the Azores in the hiking section, but know that the best islands for hiking are Flores, Sao Miguel, Sao Jorge, and Pico.

7. Party on Terceira

Now, when I say party, I’m not talking about hedonistic parties like Ibiza or Mykonos. The parties on Terceira are not about boozy nightclubs; rather, each of the villages and cities throws a multi-day cultural festival surrounding food and drink, music, dancing, parades, and, of course, the bull runs.

Now I am usually the last person to recommend attending a bullfight – not my scene – but the traditional bull runs on Terceira are totally different from anywhere else on the world and a cornerstone of the island’s culture.

For one, the bulls are not hurt, let alone killed, just sort of teased to get them moving. It’s the participating locals who from the bulls that are much more likely to get hurt.

8. Visit Angra do Heroismo

This colorful city in Terceira is a UNESCO heritage site and well worth a visit, especially if you coincide your trip with Angra’s week-long June festival as part of the parties I talked about in #7.

9. Explore some volcanos

As volcanic islands, there are plenty of calderas, craters, and even extinct volcanos to explore. The most dramatic caldera is definitely found on Corvo, which is basically just one big caldera in itself.

You can also explore extinct volcanos and lava tubes on a few of the islands. On Terceira, we visited one of the few places in the world where you can just walk into a lava tube.

10. Go Canyoneering

There are endless amounts of water sports to play in the Azores, including diving, surfing, and swimming, but don’t forget to go inland too! One of the most fun things to do on a few of the islands is go canyoneering!

Flores is home to a river and probably hundreds of waterfalls, so this is one of the best islands for said sport, alongside Sao Jorge.

We went canyoning in Flores with West Canyon and it was really fun! They have 3-hour guided trips for beginners, but if you have canyoneering experience, you can arrange for a more intense trip. Also consider other awesome adventures, like horse back riding, mountain biking, spelunking, and kayaking!

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

The Azores is beginning to build an infrastructure for tourism, though this wasn’t always the case. In fact, when I was visiting Flores, my guide told me that the first hotel wasn’t even built until the 1970s! (And that was only because of the French Naval Base.)

Things are changing, however, and you can find a range of accommodation types throughout the islands. As I’ve mentioned before, the larger islands have the best infrastructure for a variety of budgets and styles.

Every island has some type of hotel or guest house accommodation, often ran by a family. This is, in my opinion, the best way to visit the Azores.

If you are on a tight budget consider the backpacker hostels in the cities and camping elsewhere. Because there isn’t much competition, hostels aren’t as affordable as the mainland, and dorm beds can cost around $30 a night.

If you are truly on a backpacker budget, then I suggest camping, which is welcomed in the Azores and a fantastic way to get closer to nature. I mean, what’s not to love about free beach front accommodation?

On Terceira, I noticed that it was free to camp at the swimming holes in designated areas. While you’ll need to bring your own supplies, there is often a café at the swimming holes and a local market within walking distance. Other campsites on other islands may require around 10 euro per person.

You won’t find much information about Azores campsites online, but I assure you there are campsites in the Azores. You can also buy affordable camping gear on the islands if you need it, though we always recommend traveling with your own if you can!

Best Places to Stay in the Azores

Below are some awesome travel tips for visiting the Azores. Later, I will discuss the costs for traveling in this dreamy archipelago.

Books to Read on the Azores

Unfortunately, there aren’t many books set in the Azores. (If you know of any, let me know in the comments!) That being said, you can still read some amazing books set in Portugal to inspire you to visit this country.

The Alchemist  – Yes, this world-famous modern classic was actually originally written in Portuguese, so why not read the Alchemist whilst visiting Portugal?

Madeira (Walk and Eat)  – Heading to the island of Madeira too? This is a great book for those who like to hike and then have a bite to eat! Guide to local walks and food.

Alentejo Blue – A collection of short stories taking place in a village in Alentejo. Mostly centered around a young girl.

The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis – Dr. Ricardo Reis returns to Lisbon in the midst of fascism and impending civil war.

Portugal is already very safe to visit ; the Azores may be even be safer. In fact, it just might be one of the safest destinations in the world. You won’t have to worry about theft or crime here, but we always recommend using your street smarts and keeping valuables safe.

The biggest dangers to worry about are the natural hazards. Strong currents, riptides, and intense rainstorms can pose a threat if you are not prepared.

When engaging in outdoor activities, know the risks of what you are doing and have an exit plan. If you are unfit or inexperienced, hire a guide/local. That said, none of the hiking in the Azores is extremely wild or intense.

For more wild hikes, check out our guide to the best hikes in Madeira Island .

I strongly recommend traveling with a headlamp whilst visiting the Azores (or anywhere really – every backpacker should have a good headtorch!), especially if you’re camping. Check out my post for a breakdown of the best value  headlamps  to take backpacking.

Travel Insurance for the Azores

Traveling without insurance would be risky so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

When visiting the Azores, you should prepare for all weather. It can be chilly and cloudy in the middle of summer, and sunny and warm in the middle of winter. I recommend packing a couple layers and a rain jacket, hiking shoes, and a couple swim suits.

On every adventure, there are six things I never go traveling without:

Travel Security Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

‘Monopoly Deal’

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

For plenty more inspiration on what to pack, check out my full  backpacking packing list.

Why Should You Travel with a Water Bottle?

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful!

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Best Time to Visit the Azores

Most locals will say that you can experience four seasons in one day (which is sort of false since it doesn’t snow) but you get what they mean. Basically, no matter what time of the year it is, you can get rain, fog, clouds, and sun.

That said, you are more likely to have warm and sunny days in the summer and cold and rainy days in the winter. Moreover, the summer days are much longer, and the sun sets around 9 pm.

Thanks to its location in the middle of the ocean, the weather can be drastically different simply depending on which side of the island you are on, as clouds can get trapped behind mountains.

My first two weeks in the Azores were mostly clouds and rain… and it was June! If that was my whole vacation, well, that would have been my entire experience on the Azores! The rest of the summer was, however, mostly hot!

Locals have told me that the summers seem to start later nowadays, as do the winters, so consider this when booking your trip.

Of course, summers are the most visited and expensive time to visit the Azores. Still, this is when the festivities, sun, and parties are happening too! If you are visiting during a holiday (like Terceira in August) consider booking a bit more in advance.

Always pack sunscreen  and  a rain jacket!

Since we are discussing an island chain, your only way of getting to the Azores internationally is by flight.

Flying into the Azores has become much more accessible and cheaper in recent years, especially since Ryanair and Easyjet started to serve direct flights from various European cities including London, Munich, Lisbon, and Porto.

There are also may direct flights from the US and Canada since many Azoreans have immigrated to certain pockets of this continent. Boston, Oakland, New York, Toronto, and Montreal all serve direct flights to the Azores.

Entry Requirements for the Azores

Since this is an autonomous part of Portugal, the entry requirements are the same as they are for Portugal.

Portugal is part of the Schengen Zone, which is a trans-European pact enabling visa-free travel between participating nations. The Schengen agreement is an extremely convenient means of entry for those backpacking Europe .

Those who reside in the Schengen Zone need only an EU ID card to enter a neighboring country. All other world nations require a passport.

Most non-EU nations can qualify for a 90-day visa that is valid in any participating European nation. There are always exceptions though, so be sure to check the official website before you start backpacking in Europe.

See here for a list of all European nations in the Schengen Zone. Remember that not every nation in Europe is a part of this agreement.

How to get around the Azores

Traveling between islands is fairly easy and self-explanatory. You can travel either by flight or ferry, though which method is best will depend on which islands you are traveling between.

If you are traveling within a group of islands (western, middle, or eastern) then the ferry is almost always best. Island hopping is easy between the central islands – Faial, Sao Jorge, Terceira, and Pico.

If the islands are relatively close (like under 2 hours) then I highly recommend using the ferry system, as flights tend to be delayed – more on this later.

You can also ferry between larger groups, like Sao Miguel to Terceira, but the travel time can be around 5+ hours. These ferries only operate in the summer. You can find more schedule information at  Atlantico Line , which is the only company operating on these routes.

Flights are also easy, as the airports are small and all of the inner island flights are serviced by SATA. The unfortunate problem is that SATA flights are notoriously late as they only have a few aircrafts in the fleet flying between the islands.

In my experience, afternoon and evening flights are pretty much guaranteed to be delayed, so try to book a morning flight for inner-island flights (and out of the country too).

Getting around the Azores is easiest and most enjoyable if you have your own car as public transportation is infrequent and taxis can be expensive. With your own car, scooter, or even bicycle, you have the freedom to explore the islands at your leisure.

Unfortunately, car rentals are not exactly cheap for solo travelers, so if you can’t split the costs, consider renting a bike or scooter! It’s better for the environment anyway 🙂

Renting a Car in the Azores

As I mentioned above, renting a car at some point on your Azores adventure will give you the freedom to roam. There is nothing better than moving around at your own pace.

You can  sort your car rental here in just a few minutes. Booking in advance is the best way to ensure you score the lowest price and your choice of vehicle. Often, you can find the best car rental prices when you pick up the rental from the airport. Make sure you cover your rental car with a RentalCover.com policy . It covers your car against any common damages such as tires, windscreens, theft, and more at a fraction of the price you would pay at the rental desk.

Hitchhiking in the Azores

I did hitchhike a couple times in the Azores, mostly to get back to my car. Locals are friendly and will help out a friendly face if needed, but keep in mind that much of these islands is quite rural, so it may take a while to get a ride in some places.

Onwards Travel From the Azores

The Azores are an isolated archipelago, so I doubt you arrived here by accident, but if you are traveling onwards the most logical step would be to visit mainland Portugal!  Though the same country, mainland Portugal is a completely different place and well worth visiting.

You may be surprised to learn that the Azores are actually closer to the US than Europe. A lot of Azorean citizens have emigrated to the States and Canada, mostly settling in Azorean communities in Boston, Rhode Island, Central California, and Toronto.

You can get a direct flight to Boston, Oakland (just a stone’s throw from San Francisco), Toronto, or Montreal.

Visiting the Azores on a budget isn’t necessarily easy. You have to actively and strategically track how and where you spend your money. Nevertheless, you should be able to visit the Azores without spending hundreds of dollars everyday.

The Azores do not exactly cater to backpackers, as this is not a party destination and aside from the cities there aren’t many hostels. Moreover, public transportation isn’t all that reliable, so you’ll want your own wheels.

Your biggest expenses will be your car rental and accommodation, so visiting the Azores on a budget is best as a couple, or with friends or family, as touristic facilities run on the higher end.

That said, the Azores food and drink are much more affordable than mainland Europe or other Western nations. Beers are around 1 euro at a bar and you can get the fresh catch of the day for around 10 euro.

A reasonable daily budget for backpackers is between $7 0- $100/day . Some days, you can spend less if you are camping or trekking since food is so cheap. If you decide to only visit 1-2 islands and mostly camp, then you can definitely visit for less.

With a budget of $100 a day, you can rent a car, eat well, stay in a hostel or guesthouse with another person, and have a couple beers each evening.

Your costs can really add up if you are trying to visit a bunch of islands in a couple weeks, as ferries and internal flights are  not cheap.

If barebones backpacking is your style, you could easily travel in the Azores whilst spending around $30-40 on most days (including accommodation), but this doesn’t including travel to/from the islands.

Below I have broken down the average daily travel costs you can expect on an Azores backpacking budget.

Daily Costs in the Azores

Dorm bed in a hostel:  $30 – 50 (Welcome to Hawaii!)

Small basic room for two:  $50-100+

Airbnb room/entire apartment : $40+

Camping:  Free – $10

Average small car rental per day : $30+

10 Minute Taxi:  $7

1 tank scuba dive (for certified divers) : $80+

4 Hour Guided Tour with Driver: $60

Lunch at sit down restaurant:  $10+

Bottle of wine at the market:  $2-4

Beer at a bar:  $1+

Espresso  at a cafe : $1+

Breakfast at café:  $5

Seafood Dinner:  $15-25

Azores Budget Travel Hacks

The lion’s share of your budget for visiting the Azores will be spent between lodging and transportation. Below are my tips on how to avoid these expenses.

1) Camp : With plenty of awesome beaches and lush mountains, there are some great places to camp on the Azores. Traveling with a tent is the best way to save money on the Azores, as some sites are free. Otherwise, they’re $10 a head, at most.

2) Cook your own food:  Travel with a  portable backpacking stove , or book accommodation with a kitchen, and cook your own food to save some serious cash whilst backpacking the Azores. If you are on a tight budget, cooking is the best way to do it. You can get fresh produce, seafood, meat, and cheese at any of the local markets. I highly recommend it!

3) Do Free Things:  The ocean is absolutely free and a great place to spend your time while visiting the Azores! Hiking is another free thing to do!

4) Drink locally:  You can get a local beer, wine, or liquor for around 1-2 euro a drink, whether you’re at the store or a bar. A bottle of wine is under 5 euro at the market. Don’t bother getting anything imported if you are on a budget.

5) Eat Locally:  You can eat cheaply (and extremely well) by shopping locally. Hit the food trucks at all the  festas and events for 2 euro sandwiches.

6) Rent a bicycle or scooter: Traveling alone? Rent two wheels instead of four to save money.

Volunteering in the Azores

Long term travel is awesome. Giving back is awesome too. For backpackers looking to travel long-term on a budget in the Azores  whilst making a real impact on local communities, look no further than  World Packers . World Packers is an excellent platform  connecting travelers with meaningful volunteer positions throughout the world .

In exchange for a few hours of work each day, your room and board are covered.

Backpackers can spend long periods of time volunteering in an awesome place without spending any money. Meaningful life and travel experiences are rooted in stepping out of your comfort zone and into the world of a purposeful project.

World Packers opens the doors for work opportunities in hostels, homestays, NGOs and eco-projects around the world. Broke Backpacker readers get a special discount of $10 – just use this discount code  BROKEBACKPACKER and membership is discounted from $39 a year to $29.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Food in the Azores

One of the main reasons to visit the Azores is for the food, truly. For one, you are visiting a chain of isles, where the seafood is as fresh as it can be.

The volcanic soil also means that produce is quite good. Plus, before the tourism industry was a viable source of income, most locals were farmers (and still are).

There are many local customs, dishes, and foods to try in the Azores; I have listed a few below:

Fish:  There are so many types of fish available, depending on the day and season. I always recommend asking the restaurant or market for their fresh catch and advice. I felt good knowing most fish is still caught traditionally and sustainably.

Lapas (limpets):  The is the most famous shellfish in the Azores, a local delicacy. They are usually are served grilled with garlic, butter, pepper and a bit of lemon, though traditionally they are eaten raw. This is becoming rarer though.

Ananás (pineapple):  São Miguel island actually grows an organic pineapple. It’s expensive but really tasty.

Pão do Pico : typical bread from Pico island.

Alcatra:  a famous dish from Terceira island that’s a lot like pot roast; beef is slow-cooked with red wine, onions, garlic, allspice, and black peppercorns. This dish originally was cooked and preserved in lard (before refrigeration) and the woman of the household would prepare it for her family during the festivals when they would be out all week.

Soups and Stews: And speaking of Alcatra, soups and stews are very famous here too, anything from green cabbage soup to octopus, beef, or fish stew.

Cheese: Each island produces cheese, and some of the best in Portugal, for that matter. Sao Jorge is the most famous for its unpasteurized cheese –  Queijo de São Jorge .

Vinho (wine) : Many families and locals make their own wine, so you can find it just about anywhere, though it is Pico that is most famous for their wine, due to their unusual vineyards that grow on lava rocks.

Tea:  The only tea plantations in Europe are in Ribeira Grande on São Miguel,  Chá Gorreana  and  Chá Porto Formoso .

Best Festivals in the Azores

As a predominantly Catholic society, many of the holidays and festivals on the Azores are religious in nature. Holidays like Easter/Holy Week and Christmas, for example, are very important celebrations. The Azores also celebrates New Year’s on January 1st and National Portugal Day on June 10th.

One festival I didn’t experience but read about is called Holy Ghost Festival, which is celebrated several weeks following Easter celebrated with Sweet Bread, dancing, and parades.

Sao Miguel’s largest religious festival is the Festival of the Christ of Miracles, which takes place just after Easter. A statue of Christ is paraded through the street and other festivities take place in Ponta Delgada’s streets.

Santa Maria hosts the Azores’ music festival, Praia Formosa in late August. While visiting the Azores, I saw flyers for this festival all over the islands, and it seems to be a big deal.

Sao Jorge  hosts the Cultural Week of Velas in the first week of July, where there are concerts, a bullfight, and celebrations.

The island Faial is best as a rest stop for many sailors in between the Americas, Europe, and Africa, so it should come as no surprise that they host a festival called “ The Week of the Sea ” to celebrate their history through cultural events and music.

Last but certainly not least, Terceira is known as the “festival” island, so basically there are festivities taking place all over the island all summer long.

The biggest and most famous events are in Angra do Heroismo in June and Praia da Vitoria in August that span over more than a week each. They include parades and marches, folklore, lots of food and drink, bull runs, and dancing.

Hiking in the Azores

As volcanic, diverse islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, it may come as no surprise that the hiking in the Azores is absolutely superb! Each island has at least a few beautiful hikes to enjoy, though not all are created equal.

Azores hiking trails are well maintained and marked, and there are options for every fitness level.

Terceira is the flattest island, so the hikes here are less dramatic. That’s not to say they are extremely easy or boring, but this is the easiest island to hike on for your average Joe.

Sao Miguel has tons of hikes to its many crater lakes. But if you are visiting the Azores for hiking and nature, the best islands are without a doubt Flores and Sao Jorge because of their dramatic  fajés,  vertical coastlines, lush mountains, and scenery. Both islands are considered entire Biospheres.

And of course, you can’t forget the hiking on Pico. Make sure to summit Mount Pico on your trip!

One of the things that I love about trekking is that it is almost always free. If you want to enjoy some of the Azores’ treasures, all you need are your own two feet.

Best Hikes in the Azores

Lagoa Furnas on Sao Miguel  – Takes you around Furnas Lake in 6.3 miles for views of the lagoon and crater. One of the most beautiful places in Sao Miguel.

Sete Ciudades on Sao Miguel:  13-mile hike around multiple green and blue lakes and the towns. This is probably the most visited place in Sao Miguel.

The Great Route in Flores: Not for the faint of heart, you can circumnavigate the entire island of Flores. For more information, check out this site . There are four campsites in Flores, and two of them have hot water. You can also stay in guesthouses in the towns.

Faja Grande to Lajedo in Flores:  One of the best day hikes, and a section of the Great Route. This part of the island is inaccessible by car, so make sure to hike it! Moderate to strenuous and can get muddy.

Poço da Alagoinha in Flores: A short, moderate hike to a lagoon where dozens of waterfalls drop from lush green mountains and rock formations. The trail is relatively short, but  extremely  slippery when wet. You cannot swim in the lagoon.

Agualva trail  in Terceira:  Easy hike with excellent cliff views.

Misterios Negros in Terceira:  Moderate hike that shows you what Terceira  used to look like before invasive plants and farmland. This area is protected to preserve the indigenous plant species.

Summit Mount Pico:  Most likely, when you think of hiking the Azores, you imagine  Mount Pico , specifically. This is the highest point in all of Portugal and I have only heard great things about this strenuous albeit rewarding hike.

Great Route of Sao Jorge :  Similar to Flores, this island is composed of a sheer-sided ridge, lush vegetation, and dramatic fajés. To take on the best of the island, tackle this 42km beast of a hike.

Hike the Caldera on Corvo: A moderate, circular route around Corvo allows you to access Corvo’s collapse crater and take in some breathtaking views. You begin and end this trail near the viewpoint of Caldeirao.

Diving in the Azores

While the Azores do not have reefs like South East Asia or Mexico , the diving in the Azores holds another special charm: its whales and large pelagic life.

If you are a freediver, spearfisher, or advance scuba diver, you can really find some unique dives and big, big fish.

Moreover, there is some cave diving in the Azores too. This isn’t your typical colorful reef diving, but the water visibility is great and there are some dive sites worth coming here for. More notably, you can dive with devil rays, manta rays, blue sharks, and even whales in the Azores.

Keep in mind that diving in the Azores isn’t quite as accessible as other islands.

Best Azores Dive Sites

Rosais Reef (São Jorge Island)  – 3 miles from São Jorge Island is Rosais Reef. Best variety of marine life here. Terceirense Shipwreck (Graciosa Island)  – A shipwreck dive resting at 20 meters. Diving in Seamounts  – Visibility of more than 30 meters and devil rays are common. Second World War Shipwreck (São Miguel Island)  – Shipwreck from one of the largest military operations in world history – Operation Overlord. 

Whale Watching in the Azores

As I mentioned in the  top things to do in the Azores  section, whale watching in the Azores is world-class. 27 cetaceans are found among the Azores.

The best time to go whale watching is late spring, simply because of the sheer variety of whales and dolphins in the area. This is also when blue whales and sperm whales are migrating through the Azores.

What is more, the whale watching tours are very successful because they use  vigias , which are people on high land look-outs watching for whales below. I have heard Pico has some of the best whale watching along with Sao Miguel.

While on Sao Miguel, we went whale watching with  Terra Azul  and they were incredibly friendly, professional, and kind. They prioritize the safety of their customers and the wildlife too.

Canyoneering in the Azores

If you are visiting the Azores, don’t forget to go inland! On certain islands, tour outfitters will take you spelunking, caving, and kayaking, and last but not least, canyoneering.

It’s possible to tackle world-class canyoning on the islands of Flores, Sao Miguel, and Santa Maria.

We went canyoning on Flores with  West Canyon.  They are extremely professional, helpful, and friendly. The gear is solid too.

They lead 3-hour guided trips for beginners, but if you have canyoneering experience you can arrange a more advance full-day trip down 100-meter waterfalls; just call ahead and prepare to pay a bit more!

Make Money Online Whilst Visiting the Azores

Traveling in the Azores or Portugal long-term? Keen to make some cash when you are not exploring the city?

Teaching English online is a great way to earn a consistent income—from anywhere in the world with a good internet connection.

Depending on your qualifications (or your motivation to obtain qualifications like a TEFL certificate) you can teach English remotely from your laptop, save some cash for your next adventure, and make a positive impact on the world by improving another person’s language skills! It’s a win-win! Check out this detailed article for everything you need to know to start teaching English online .

In addition to giving you the qualifications to teach English online, TEFL courses open up a huge range of opportunities and you can find teaching work all over the world. To find out more about TEFL courses and how you can teach English around the world, read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad .

Broke Backpacker readers get a 50% discount on TEFL courses with MyTEFL (simply enter the code PACK50), to find out more, please read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad.

Whether you are keen to teach English online or looking to take your teaching game a step further by finding a job teaching English in a foreign country, getting your TEFL certificate is absolutely a step in the right direction.

Being a Responsible Backpacker in the Azores

Reduce your plastic footprint: Perhaps the best thing you can do for our planet is to make sure you do NOT add to the plastic problem all over the world.

Go to Portugal and have the time of your life, do the things you’ve dreamed of but be respectful along the way. Traveling the world makes you an ambassador for your country , which is awesome. We can make a positive impact on people when we travel and get rid of any ugly stereotypes that may be associated with your country…

Check out our post on how to be a responsible backpacker.

I hope you enjoyed my Azores travel guide, which covers everything you need to know about Portugal’s capital: top things to do, which neighborhoods to check out, where to stay, and more!

Ana Pereira

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Thanks a lot for the big effort putting this! Very informative!! 🙂

Hi Ana. I have enjoyed reading your information about The Azores so much. I visited Sao Miguel 6 years ago and as soon as the world opens again I’ll enjoy visiting some of the other islands. I ‘ll turn 70 soon and in fairly good shape. I have traveled to many places in the world after I retired 10 years ago. I usually travel alone and low budget, so I was happy to read that camping could be a possibility. I couldn’t find many official campsites on maps, but you wrote that it’s possible to camp some places at ocean pools etc. I prefer to spend money on car rent instead of hotels etc. I am addicted to traveling and have had a hard time staying at home in northern Denmark for 14 months now. I am looking forward to the Covid 19 vaccine which I hopefully shall get in April/ May. On my last trip I went to southern Thailand island hopping in Jan 2020. A top experience. Once again thank you for your very detailed information. Ingelise Frier, Denmark

Hello! I am very interested in traveling to the Azores, my family is also native to the islands, specifically Faial. I am looking to travel for 3 weeks to a month and found your guide extremely informative! I will definitely use your advice and be camping as much as possible and I will make sure to hike all of the trails I can. I was wondering how I might fare traveling by myself and only being able to speak English. I took a Brazilian Portuguese class in college but was told the dialects are very different, not to mention I didn’t retain very much. Also, I was debating on traveling next August or April. Which month do you think would have better weather for camping, and wouldn’t be too crowded with tourists. Thank you for any help!

Hello Dylan! Anyone in the tourism or hospitality industry will know English 🙂 Some locals might not, but you’ll be able to get around okay! There are also a lot of people who immigrated from the Azores to the US/Canada back on the islands all summer who will know Portuguese and English. Younger people tend to know more English as well!

Usually, I would recommend not to travel to Europe in high season (August) if you can help it but the Azores are a special case. While August will be more expensive, there will also be much more going on and the weather will be hot but perfect for the beach. Plus, not all the ferries run in April and certain places may feel pretty dead and shut down. Just be sure to book ahead in August!

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The complete guide to the Azores Islands

By: Author Kris

Posted on Last updated: February 21, 2024

Are you traveling to the Azores islands and looking for the best places to visit on each island? You have come to the right place. 

The Azores islands are an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean with nine inhabited islands. In 2019 we visited five, and we were so charmed by them that we will certainly return to visit the remaining four Azores islands.

You will read all about the Azores in this Azores blog post.

We will share where they are, the easiest way to get there, the best time to visit, and the best things to do on each of the Açores Islands. 

I can already tell you that the Azores are a great place to go hiking and whale watching, 

This post will allow you to choose which islands to visit when you’re going island hopping in the Azores. Be sure to read on.

There  is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Where are the Azores Islands

The islands of the Azores are located in the Atlantic Ocean between Europe and America.

Roughly measured they lie about halfway between these two continents. It is 1,360km from the Azores to Portugal, and 1,925km to Newfoundland in Canada.

This location in the middle of the ocean makes it a popular mooring spot for sailing yachts that cross the Atlantic.

Azores climate

The seasons in the Azores are in line with those in Europe.

The temperatures rise to about 20 degrees Celsius in spring. During the day, it is at least 16 degrees, at night it cools down to approximately 10 degrees. The amount of rain gradually decreases.

The Azores are a very green destination, which means there is a year-round chance of rain. Most of it falls in autumn and winter and to a lesser extent at the start of spring.

We went in June, and although we had one completely sodden day, we mostly enjoyed dry weather, although it did often threaten.

Spring is also a great time to visit as there are many festivals (festas) at that time.

When you arrive on an island, be sure to pass by the tourist information office to check whether there is something special during the days of your visit.

The summer is the high season in the Azores. It is thus the busiest period but you shouldn’t expect tourist crowds, the Azores aren’t that touristy yet. 

July and August are the driest months, and during the summer, the temperature rises to 25 degrees.

13 wonderful things to do in the Azores.

August and September are the best months if you would like to join the locals in the natural swimming pools. 

There were already a lot of people swimming in those pools in June but the chilly water stopped us from joining them.

In August and September, the ocean water has warmed to about 23 degrees.

From October, the temperature starts to fall, and there is more precipitation. The temperature drops to between 18 degrees during the day, and 12 degrees at night.

The amount of rain makes this period less suitable for  island hopping in the Azores.

The end of summer also marks the end of the ferry’s seasonal routes.

Off-season, there are only boats between São Jorge, Pico, and Faial, although the ferry service between Flores and Corvo also keeps going throughout the year.

Azores Airlines provides year-round flights between the islands, but there is an increasing chance that flights are canceled or delayed because of the fickle weather.

Is this your first trip to the Azores and do you feel a bit overwhelmed by the travel preparations?

Creating a fantastic itinerary for the Azores will be much easier and much more enjoyable with our Azores Travel Planner .

The islands are pretty dead during the winter. Some residents will even leave the islands and winter elsewhere.

Others remain on the islands, but they told us that the winter on the Azores is a long period of binge-watching Netflix, as there is nothing, absolutely zero, to do.

To us, it seems that this would be the most unpleasant time for a vacation on the Azores.

Best time to visit the Azores

The weather in the Azores is very unpredictable. You can have four seasons in one day. The best time to travel to the Azores is in the spring and summer .

We were here in June.  We had mostly covered but dry days.

There were a few clear and sunny days and only one sodden day. 

The natural swimming pools were still a bit cold, if you like to go swimming, it might be best to wait until summer. 

Here you can read our full post about the best time to visit the Azores.

How to get to the Azores

Unless you’re traveling on your own yacht, the only way to reach the Azores is by air. TAP and Azores Airlines serve several flights from continental Portugal.

There are flights from Lisbon to the Azores, as well as departures from Porto.

Most flights head to Ponta Delgada on São Miguel but some other islands are served directly as well.

Here we share the best tips on finding cheap flights.

The Azores islands are gaining popularity and this is reflected by an increasing number of direct flights from other countries.

There are direct flights from Boston and New York in the USA, from Toronto in Canada and several other locations in the UK and continental Europe.

In this post we share how to get to the Azores ( FREE flight included)

Going independent or joining an organized tour

We found it easy and straightforward to create our own travel itinerary.  It was also fairly easy to travel through the Azores independently. 

Here you can find our Azores itineraries.

• 3 weeks in the Azores
• 1 week in the Azores

But if you want the company of a group, don’t have the time to create your own itinerary, or just don’t want to go independent, you could also join an organized tour.

Tourradar is a trustworthy company where you can book an organized tour to the Azores to make it easy on yourself. 

If you are looking for an overview of the best guided  Azores tours , have a look at this post in which we share Azores hiking trips, Azores island hopping tours, whale watching tours, and more.

Where to stay in the Azores? 

You will find plenty of hotels in the Azores. From high-end hotels to ecolodge and small boutique hotels. In this itinerary, we mention per island where we stayed. 

Here we share a list of the best places to stay in the Azores.

If you prefer staying in an Airbnbs, have a look at our  Azores Airbnb post  in which we share the best Airbnbs on each island.

Renting a car in the Azores

The easiest way to discover the Azores is with a rental car.

We used Rental Cars and were quite happy with our choice. 

Here you can find all info about renting a car in the Azores

Do I need travel insurance for the Azores?

Travel Insurance is something that can be overlooked when you prepare for your vacation.  Certainly when you’re traveling to a safe and civilized country. 

We didn’t get travel insurance for our first vacation. 

A few years later we both took out new credit cards that came with travel insurance and relied on those.  We know better now…

Overall, chances are slim that you will encounter any problems while traveling through a civilized country such as the Azores. But when things go wrong in civilized countries, the medical costs can be high. 

We learned it the hard way when we once had to visit a hospital in the United States. 

The medical care was excellent but we had high out-of-pocket expenses as it turned out the insurance that came with our credit cards didn’t cover these costs.  It turned out we were underinsured.

Drawing up a travel insurance policy may seem expensive at first but it can potentially save you a significant sum, significantly more than the small insurance fee. 

Good travel insurance, such as the one from World Nomads, covers things like medical expenses, trip cancellation, overseas medical costs, evacuation, baggage damage or loss, and theft.

If you still need travel insurance, check out HeyMondo and SafetyWing. Both companies offer good insurance for a competitive price.

Now that we covered all practical things, let us find out which Azores Islands are worth visiting.

Spoiler alert, they all have something unique to offer.

Which Azores islands to visit

The Azores consist of nine inhabited islands.

There are also eight tiny uninhabited islands, but you can’t visit those

São Miguel is the largest and most visited island.

It is a shame that many limit their visit to São Miguel because we loved how each island had its own treasures and charming spots.

We find it very difficult to say what’s the best Azores island to visit.

Therefore we share all the details about the different Azores islands below.  So you can choose which Azores island you want to discover. 

If you are planning to go hiking, read our Azores hiking guide full of practical tips.

Pico is located in the central part of the Azores.

It is the second-largest island of the archipelago.

Characteristic of this island is the impressive eponymous volcano.

Its height of 2,351 meters also makes it Portugal’s highest mountain.

Pico means “peak” in Portuguese.

Things to do on Pico Island

Here are a few of the main attractions of Pico.

UNESCO wine tasting

There are very special vineyards on the Azores. The fields are divided into very small compartments by walls made of black lava stone. This gives the vineyards a very special appearance. So special, in fact, that it was designated as UNESCO World Heritage.

PR5PIC  is a wonderful walk that winds through these vineyards.

To learn more about the Azorean wine culture you can visit the wine museum where you can also taste the local wines.

Admission : Free on Sunday

Open : The hike can be done 24/7, consult the museum website for its opening hours

Find the Cachorro

The Azores are volcanic islands, the lava rocks of the jagged coastlines clearly show this. When you drive around the island, you’re sure to come across some beautiful vistas.

The Cachorro is a beautiful piece of coastline where the ocean has carved into the lava rock and created several caves and natural bridges.

Cachorro means “dog” in Portuguese. As you walk along this coastline you can try to spot a rock that has the shape of a dog.   We didn’t see it. Maybe you’ll have more success.

Admission : Free

Open : 24/7

Discover the Gruta das Torres

Lava streams created this cave as they sought a way to the surface.  It’s called a cave but it’s really more of a tunnel.

The tunnels are huge and the fact that they are made by seething hot rivers of lava only makes it more impressive.

You visit the Gruta das Torras with a guide.  The tour takes you through a number of larger and smaller tunnels.  As you make your way through the cave the guide will provide more information about the different types of lava that you pass.   I honestly had no idea there were so many different kinds.

Admission : 8 € (only cash)

Open : Check the website

Climb Mount Pico

Mount Pico towers over the island. If you like a challenge, you can climb this volcano.

It is a tough climb to the summit, and the descent is certainly not easier. If you keep a steady pace, you’ll be at the top in three hours. The descent takes another four hours.

The hike starts at the “ mountain house ”.

Everyone is obliged to register at the house before they start the climb. You need to pay a fee which is determined by how far you want to climb.

If you want to go all the way to the top, the so-called Pico Pequeno, it will cost €20.

You can climb individually or with a guide. The price for a guide is about €50 to €60 per person.

Hiking up and down the mountain on the same day may seem a bit daunting.  If you prefer to take it easy you can choose to stay overnight on top of the mountain.  You won’t find any 5-star resorts on the crater edge but there’s plenty of space to put up your tent.

Another amazing experience is climbing Pico at night. Here you can find more info about this experience.

It means you can take your time going up and down the mountain and, in addition, you will increase your chances of good weather and breathtaking pictures.  With good weather, you also not only enjoy great views but also a wonderful sunset and sunrise.

Check prices and availability: Climbing Pico overnight stay

Admire Pico in the mountain lakes

At the center of the island are some fantastic mountain lakes.

They are very photogenic on a bright day, especially the Lagoa do Capitão, which will show a clear reflection of the towering Pico volcano.

Whale watching on the Azores

You can go whale or dolphin watching from several of the islands.

The islands of Pico and São Miguel are most highly regarded in this respect.

Pico has a long history of whale hunting (see below), and the residents of this island are supposed to be very good at spotting them.

Two organizations in Pico organize whale watching tours. One leaves from Madalena, the other from Lajes do Pico.  Both claim that Pico is the best island to spot whales but that’s what you’d say about yourself anyway, wouldn’t you?

We planned a trip from Lajes do Pico, but at the briefing, they said there were no whales in the area, and as the weather was not great either, we postponed it to São Miguel. 

Check prices and availability: Pico whale watching tour

Here you can find all the info about whale watching tours.  We also share our honest opinion about the tour we took.

Visit the whaling museums

Whales have always been an important source of income in Pico.  Today in the form of whale watching tours but before this, the residents of Pico took to the sea to hunt these giants.

Pico has a long history of whaling. At the start, hunting whales was a real goldmine. Whaling went on until 1986, at which point there was no real money in it anymore. But, as there was no immediate alternative source of income available, the inhabitants kept up what they knew best until the formal EU ban was introduced.

Fortunately, they no longer kill the animals, but they still use the old methods to find them.

From the coast, some people scan the water looking for blows or anything else that may betray the presence of whales. Once they spot the animals, they pass the coordinates to the boats so they know where to go.

Pico counts two museums that provide more info about the time when whaling was still very common.

The museum in Lajes do Pico focuses on the hunt. The museum isn’t very large, but you can watch an interesting film which shows how they used to catch whales. You can also see different boats they used to follow the whales, as well as the other materials they utilized.

The museum in São Roque is housed in a former whaling factory and explains more about the processing of fat into whale oil.

Both museums are free on Sundays. We thought the museum in Lajes do Pico was more interesting. Especially the film is worth watching.

For a full list of amazing things to do in Pico, click here. 

Where to stay in Pico

Although it is the second-largest island of the archipelago, you don’t need more than an hour to cross the 42 km from Madalena in the west to Manhenha in the east. That makes it easy to pick your base camp. 

Although most things to do on Pico are in the western part, there is no need to worry too much as it will take you max an hour to reach them.

The locals say that there is a better chance of good weather in the east, so if that is something you value, go there for a place to stay.

Alma do Pico

We stayed at the Alma do Pico hotel , which is run by Italians who moved to Pico a few years ago.

You stay in detached houses that also have a separate kitchenette.

Although the houses are not far from the main house, it feels like you are in the middle of nature.

When the weather is nice you can enjoy a beautiful view of Pico mountain.

Check prices and availability: Booking.com

Three days is plenty to explore Pico, even if you want to climb Mount Pico.

Terceira Island

Terceira is the third largest island and is also centrally located in the Azores.

In the high season, you can get here by ferry, but outside of that, you need to take an Azores Airlines flight.

Things to do on Terceira

Find out here what you can do on Terceira.

Admire the views from Serra Do Cume

Rarely do you see such a succession of colorful fields.

This viewpoint offers you a panoramic view of the undulating interior of Terceira.

Descend in Algor do Carvão

Algor do Carvão is one of the most beautiful caves we have ever seen. As you can guess, this is also the work of a volcano. The entrance to the cave is already spectacular, but it’s the lake at the bottom that really did it for us.

Every year a few concerts are organized in the cave because the acoustics are excellent. This is thanks to the porous lava stones which remove all echo. 

You can explore the cave at your own pace during the opening hours. There are two people inside the cave who regularly provide information, and can answer any questions you may have.

Admission : 8 € 

Open : daily from 2 PM

A combination ticket with Gruta do Natal costs €12. The Gruta do Natal is not a real cave, but rather a lava tunnel. It is less spectacular than the Algar do Carvão, but it is impressive to see the immense tunnels the lava has created.

Go exploring in Gruta do Natal

The Gruta do Natal has a somewhat misleading name as it is not actually a cave, but a lava tunnel. 

You visit the tunnel by yourself and follow a set route. It will take you through both large and small tunnels. En route, you will see different types of lava and there are some explanatory signs that give more details about what you see.

Admission : €8.

A combination ticket with Algor do Carvão costs €12.

Look for fairies in Furnas do Enxofre

Halfway between Algor do Carvão and Gruto do Natal lies Furnas do Enxofre, a fumarole field where you can clearly notice the volcanic activity.

The soil is warm, up to 95°C in some places, and sulfurous gases whirl upward from small craters in the earth’s crust.

The sulfurous vapors give the are a mystical atmosphere, and the colorful mosses that grow around the craters make the area look like a fairy tale.

You would think that every moment fairies could come out of the cracks in the soil.

Wander through Angra do Heroísmo

The ancient capital of the Azores is now recognized as World Heritage by UNESCO. When you walk through the narrow streets, you can marvel at the well-preserved colorful facades of the historic buildings.

This is one of the prettiest  small towns in Portugal. 

The two forts in the charming city also played an important role in the recognition by UNESCO. One fort is in the city itself. The second fortress, São João Baptista, can be found on the Monte Brasil, an extinct volcano that forms the peninsula of the city.

During sunny days, the peninsula attracts many visitors who come to hike, picnic or relax in this green environment

Go swimming in Biscoitos

All islands have loads of natural swimming pools but none of them come close to the ones at Biscoitos. They’re the most extensive ones in terms of facilities and probably also in size.

The pool features a bar, changing rooms, and several food outlets.

There was even a lifeguard on duty when we were there.

We went to the pool on a sunny day and there was a pleasant hustle and bustle.

Biscoitos is certainly recommended if you would like to enjoy a swim in a natural swimming pool.

Stroll along the Mistérios Negros

We did many hikes in the Azores.  Off all the walks we did PRC1TER was one of the best.

This walking trail starts at Lagoa do Negro, at the entrance of the Gruta do Natal. It is a five-kilometer loop through a forested area.  You also pass some lagoons and the Mistérios Negros, black lava mountains.

As you approach the end you can make a sidestep and climb the Pico Gaspar to enjoy a beautiful view.

If you are looking for more amazing things to do in Terceira, click here.

Hotels on Terceira

The alluar lodge.

The ALLuar Lodge is located in Porto Judeu. 

You stay in small but comfortable bungalows that overlook the ocean and the Ilhéus das Cabras. 

Breakfast is served in a charming breakfast basket.  Every morning we enjoyed our breakfast overlooking the pool which was an excellent way to start the day.

There’re a few restaurant options near the hotel but not a lot.  If you want to stay here we really advise hiring a rental car.

This is a great location for those looking for a relaxed stay.

We really loved Terceira, the highlights were definitely the many sights related to the volcanic activity that once shaped this island. 

• Three days is sufficient to see the major spots of Terceira.
• Make sure to visit the Algor do Carvão cave. We thought this was one of the absolute highlights of the Azores.

The best things to see in the Azores

Faial Island

Faial is another beautiful island in the center of the Azores.  

It is about 30 minutes by boat from Pico. There are daily ferry connections between Horta on Faial and Madalena on Pico.

On clear days, you have a nice view of Mount Pico from Faial.

Things to do on Faial

Admire the caldeira from the highest point of faial.

The Caldeira is both literally and figuratively the highlight of your visit to Faial.  The crater sits in the center of the island and towers above everything else.

He is about 1000 meters high, and the top is often shrouded in the clouds.

We went up on both a sunny and cloudy day and that makes a world of difference.  

The hike that leads you around the crater is a must-do but only on a sunny day.  

If it does not look like you will have good days, you can also drive to the viewing point at the edge of the crater.  It was an impressive view to see how the clouds first dropped into the crater on one side to then gradually glide over the edge at the opposite side.

Visit the lunar landscape of Capelinhos

This region offers a stark contrast with the lush rainforest that covers the remainder of the island.  This desolate moon landscape was created by a volcanic eruption.  The only building that survived the eruption was the lighthouse which now lonely towers above the region.

It is free to visit the area. Beneath the surface hides a futuristic visitor center that could well be copied straight from an old James Bond movie.

The visitor center houses a museum which gives you more information about the eruption and its consequences. The entrance to the lighthouse is also inside the visitor center.

Admission : Adults : € 10 / Children 7-14 and seniors 65+ : € 5 /

Open : The region can be visited 24/7.  The visitor center has the following opening hours: 1 November to 31 March Monday : closed / Tuesday – Friday : 10 AM – 5 PM / Weekend : 2 PM – 5h30 PM

1 April to 31 October Everyday: 10 AM – 6 PM 

Go bird watching at Morro de Castelo Branco

This peninsula is home to many different bird species.

A trail leads down from the primary road to this rock formation along the coast. 

The trail takes about 2 hours.

If you don’t have so much time you can also take your car, there’s a parking lot at the coastline.

It is a lovely spot to relax, gather your thoughts, and have some lunch.

Admission : free

Relax at Praia do Almoxarife

This black lava beach was one of the best we came across.

When the weather is nice, Mount Pico provides a great view while you can relax and listen to the sounds of the ocean.

Admire the boats and the mural paintings at Horta marina

The marina at Horta has always been the most popular of the Azores marinas. Throughout history, sailors crossing the Atlantic Ocean stopped here to break up the journey.

Stopping here used to be crucial to gather the latest weather forecasts. These days the weather forecasts are sent electronically but the harbor has retained its charm as a nice spot for some rest and recreation.

Sailors who stop at the harbor leave mural paintings with the name of their ship and their occupants on the breakwater or the jetties.  This is an old tradition that still continues up to today.  It makes for a very colorful place to visit.

Peter’s Café Sport is also located near the marina.

The cafe is nearly legendary among the sailors visiting the island, and this has been very profitable for the owners.

The original cafe was a modest townhouse on the dike. Now they own nearly the whole of the dike behind the marina. 

Besides the pub, they have a museum and they offer excursions.

The cafe itself is decorated with flags and other presents from the sailors that passed through here.

The pub is supposed to have some good food options on the menu but you better make reservations if you want to get a chance at trying them.

Get a tan in Porto Pim

Bordering Horta on the south-side is this picturesque bay with a very photogenic black sandy beach.

This is the most popular beach on the island.

It has all the facilities and it is within walking distance of Horta.

Best beaches on the Azores

Admire the view from Monte da Guia

Monte da Guia lies beside Porto Pim.

From here you have a great view of Porto Pim and Horta from the top of this mountain.

A former whaling factory at the foot of Monte da Guia has been transformed into a museum about whaling.

Enjoy the view from the Espalamaca lookout

This lookout offers a great view of Horta on one side, and you can see the beach of Almoxarife on the other side.

If you are looking for more amazing things to do on Faial, click here.

Hotels on Faial

It’s best to book a hotel in or at least nearby Horta.  This is the only city worth mentioning and the only location on the island where you have a choice of pubs and restaurants.

Lofts Azul Pastel

We stayed in Lofts Azul Pastel.   The hotel is slightly outside Horta. 

We had a spacious room with a sitting area and kitchenette. From our room, we could see the Caldeira on one side and the ocean on the other side. 

The restaurant had several cheap food options and was always crowded for lunch and dinner.

A great place to stay, not too far from Horta.

We really enjoyed the rugged landscape of Faial.

Especially the hike around the Caldeira and the rocky landscape of the Capelinhos are highly recommended.

Two to three days are perfect to discover Faial Island.

Here you can find more fun things to do on Faial island.

São Jorge Island

This long and narrow island is also part of the central islands of the Azores. It lies at about one-and-a-half hours by boat from Pico Island.

The north side of the island is characterized by rugged, steep mountainsides, which means that the largest cities if you can call them that way, are all located on the south side of the island.

Things to do on São Jorge

These are the best things to do in São Jorge.

Go bird watching in Fajã dos Cubres and Fajã da Caldeira de Santa Cristo

There are several lagoons on the north coast. It is a paradise for birdwatchers, but these serene locations are also great for just unwinding.

You can reach Fajã dos Cubres by car.

Getting to Fajã da Caldeira requires a bit more effort as it is only accessible on foot. This fajã is the only place in the Azores where they grow cockles. You can taste them in some of the restaurants on the island. For an overview of the best restaurants in São Jorge, click here.

The  PR1SJO trail  starts on the mountain ridge of Serra de Topo, and leads you past Fajã da Caldeira before ending at Fajã dos Cubres.

Taste some cheese

Besides the cockles, São Jorge is also famous because of its cheese. Belgians once started producing cheese near Topo. Nowadays, many different varieties are made.

You can order a cheese plate as an aperitif in most restaurants, and you’ll undoubtedly find this local specialty at the breakfast buffet in your hotel.

Swim in Fajã do Ouvidor

There is no shortage of natural swimming pools in the Azores, but this one at Fajã do Ouvidor is particularly nice because of its great location.

It has showers and toilets.

Bird watching on Ilhéu do Topo

Ilhéu do Topo lies off the coast at the eastern point of the island. This is a small island where you can spot a lot of seabirds.

It also has a beautiful natural swimming pool.

Hotels on São Jorge

We recommend staying in a hotel in Velas or Calheta or somewhere in between these two cities.

Make it happen farm

This accommodation is located on an organic farm and consists of 6 detached bungalows. 

The main house has a shared living area and a luxurious well-equipped kitchen.

Guests are free to pick everything on the farm and use it to prepare lunch or dinner in the kitchen or on the barbecue. 

There is no real breakfast provided but there is home-made bread and home-made jam available and you can also bake an egg.

Thanks to the shared kitchen and living area this is a great place for those who want to socialize with other travelers.

• You can see the highlights of São Jorge in two days.  There are some great hikes so if you’re into hiking you can also easily spend 3 days on the island.
• Our personal highlight of this island was its lagoons. 

São Miguel Island

São Miguel is the largest island and the most beautiful according to many.

I find it hard to choose, so I’ll leave that up to you. 

What I can say with certainty is that São Miguel is the island that attracts the most tourists. 

São Miguel also has hot springs , which you won’t find on the other islands, which is a great reason to make sure you do not miss São Miguel.

Things do on on São Miguel

Admire the crater lake of lagoa do fogo.

This beautiful crater lake is the highest on the island. We visited it at sunset on a clear day, and the glow of the setting sun made it a breathtakingly beautiful scene.

There’s a viewpoint that you can reach by car. 

It’s high up above the lake on the crater’s edge.

There’s also a hike which takes you to the lakeside from where you can walk around the lake.  This hike  starts near Praia.

If you are looking for more amazing São Miguel hikes, click here.

Enjoy the view of Sete Cidades

The image of the two-colored twin lakes is the most popular image of São Miguel, and by extension probably the entire Azores.

If you haven’t seen this, you haven’t really been to the Azores.

You’re best off visiting these viewpoints when the weather allows it. If the weather isn’t great, you’ll have your head in the clouds, and there’ll be nothing to see.

The website  http://www.spotazores.com  lists a raft of webcams, including one that shows images of the Sete Cidades. You can check beforehand whether it is worthwhile driving to the top.

There are two viewpoints worth visiting.

Vista do Rei

This spectacular viewpoint lies alongside the road.

You’ll also find the abandoned Monte Palace hotel here.

The owner thought this was a fantastic spot for a hotel, but apparently, his spatial planning was better than his financial planning as the hotel went bankrupt after a year.

The building has been empty for over 25 years, but apparently, there’s now a new owner who’s ready to give the building a new lease on life.

Boca do Inferno

While the views from Vista do Rei are already outstanding, they can’t compare with what you will see from Boca do Inferno. You don’t only see the lakes from this viewpoint, you can also see the ocean.

The viewpoint isn’t signposted, but it is not hard to find.

You head to Lagoa do Canário. You can stop in the car park along the main road, but you can also take your car down a dirt road opposite the car park until this road eventually terminates in another small car park.

It is a 10 to 15-minute walk from the main road to this car park at the end of the dirt road.  From here, steps lead up to the viewpoint.

Tea tasting at Chá Gorreana

The climate of the Azores is particularly suited for growing tea.  That you’re also a long way from the polluting industry of the mainland won’t harm either.

At 32 acres, the tea plantation is relatively small. Everything here is small-scale and the thee is really produced by loving hands. 

You can freely walk around the plantation, you’re even free to roam into the tea factory where you can observe the manual process.

You end your visit in the cafe where you can taste the tea and have some ice cream.

We personally really liked the green tea.

Go dolphin and whale watching

The Azores are the place to be to see the largest mammals on earth. Here you can spot whales all year round.

Some species stay around. Some other species are only around for certain months of the year when their migration brings them past the Azores.

The world’s largest whale, the blue whale, can be seen between February and April.

There are viewpoints on the island from where you can spot the whales, but if you want to see a whale up close, it is recommended you book an organized tour.

The organizations work with professional spotters and have the equipment to locate the animals.

The tours are canceled if the weather is bad. Due to the unpredictable weather in the Azores, we advise you not to wait until the last day to book a tour.

Check prices and availability: Overview Whale watching tours

Here you can read the review of the whale watching tour we booked. 

Take a bath in Caldeira Velha

Caldeira Velha is a collection of natural hot water springs nestled amidst the tropical vegetation on the hills of the Água de Pau stratovolcanic complex.

In the middle of the jungle-like nature, you can relax in the hot water while looking out on a waterfall.

It sounds really good, but unfortunately, they’ve become a victim of their own success.

We passed by here three times at different hours of the day, and it was incredibly busy every time.

As a busy pool full of other tourists is not our idea of relaxation, we went for a dive in the Terra Nostra baths in Furnas instead.

If you are planning to go to Caldeira Velha, it is easily combined with a visit to Lagoa do Fogo.

Discover Furnas

Furnas has a lot to offer. Therefore we recommend you stay here for at least a few days if you can.

First, there is the Lagoa das Furnas, a beautiful, stretched crater lake. Beside the lake is the Caldeiras da Lagoa das Furnas. This is where they prepare the local specialty Cozida das Furnas in pits in the gound.

You can taste this dish in several of the restaurants in town, but you need to order it in advance.

Furnas is known for its thermal baths. When you’re here you certainly have to test the pools heated with water coming from the natural hot springs.

There are several options. The ultimate comfort is to stay in a thermal spa hotel, such as the excellent Furnas Boutique Hotel . Not cheap, but we definitely think it was worth it.

Another option is to visit one of the public baths.  You have the Poça da Dona Beija and the baths in the Parque Terra Nostra.

The Parque Terra Nostra is a beautiful park where you can enjoy a wonderful walk before or after your bath.

There wouldn’t be any thermal baths if there wouldn’t be any volcanic activity.  Right outside Furnas, you can view a number of other geysers, the Recinto das Caldeiras.

To find them you can go by the white sulfur fumes and the sulfur smell.

For a wonderful view of Furnas, be sure to stop at Pico do Ferro.

We wrote a complete post about the best São Miguel and Azores hot springs. 

Walk to the Lagoa do Congro 

This is a small, but no less beautiful, lake that lies hidden in the deep forests of São Miguel.

Visit the rugged Nordeste

The village of Nordeste doesn’t have much to offer in itself, but it is situated in one of the most pristine and rugged nature areas of the island. You immediately notice this by the number of bends in the road as you’re making your way to the north-eastern coast.

The east coast of the island has two wonderful viewpoints, Ponta Da Sossega, and Ponta da Madrugada.

We will have to rely on what others say about this place, as the weather was dreadful and rainy when we were here.

So we didn’t get to enjoy the view, but we can tell you that the viewpoints themselves were very nicely landscaped.

If you are looking for an overview of the best things to do in Nordeste, Azores.

Go sunbathing at Mosteiros

There is a nice beach at Mosteiros in the northwest of São Miguel.

The horizon is dominated by rugged rocks that create a wonderful view when you’re sunbathing and these rocks make the sunset particularly special.

For more  São Miguel beaches, click here.

Hunt for waterfalls

Do you know the feeling of how a waterfall can completely take your breath away?

If so, São Miguel has everything your heart desires. There are several picturesque waterfalls waiting to be discovered.

Some of them are just next to the road. Others lie in the middle of lush nature and are the cherry on top of the cake of an already wonderful walk.

Here are a few beautiful waterfalls:

Cascata de Moinhos (Porto Formoso)

Our number 1 was this waterfall near the beach of Moinhos. We don’t actually know what it is called, so we called it after the nearby village.

There is no signpost, which adds to the charm, as it is not yet discovered by tourists. We were completely alone, and that gave us an opportunity to splash into the water, a unique experience!

Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões

It is not hard to find the park, as the entrance is marked by a beautiful waterfall right next to the road.

However, this is only one of three waterfalls inside this park. So if you have time, park the car, put on your hiking boots, and go see the other two cascades.

Salto do Prego

The Salto do Prego lies hidden in the woods, but the road there is nearly as pretty as the waterfall itself.

Another positive point is that the trail is a loop.

On the way back, you pass the fairytale abandoned village of Sanguinho, after which you are treated to a spectacular view of Faial da Terra, where the trail starts and ends.

Most definitely recommended.

Salto do Cabrito

This is a beautiful and well-known waterfall.

We were lucky to have the place to ourselves for the first minutes of our visit.   Afterward, there was a constant flow of tourists coming and going.  

The charm of this waterfall is somewhat diminished by the power station located at the foot of it.

In short, it is worthwhile to take a detour, but we prefer the other waterfalls on this list.

Here you can find our complete São Miguel itinerary for 3-7 days.

Hotels on São Miguel

We stayed in Furnas for the whole week, but we don’t recommend this.

As São Miguel is quite large, it takes about 90 minutes to drive from one side to the other, we suggest you split your stay between Furnas and Ponta Delgada.

In Furnas, you can relax in the hot water baths and it is a great base to explore the rough east coast of the island.

Ponta Delgada offers a wider choice of restaurants and is better positioned to visit other parts of the island.

If you are looking for great Ponta Delgada Airbnbs, click here . If you prefer hotels, take a look at our suggestions below.

Furnas Boutique Hotel

We stayed in the Furnas Boutique hotel . 

The rooms are nicely decorated and spacious.

You start the day with a delicious breakfast on the pleasant terrace.  After a long day, you can relax in the hotel thermal pools, the sauna, and the steam bath. 

The restaurant’s menu is rather limited but they have some delicious options.  It’s not just us who think so, as you can see by the excellent reviews on TripAdvisor .

Casa do Contador

Casa do Contador is right in the center of Ponta Delgada. 

From the hotel, it’s only a 10-minute walk to the boardwalk where you can enjoy drinks or snacks in one of the many trendy bars. 

All rooms come with a small kitchenette. 

Helpful and friendly staff

You can easily spend 5 to 7 days on São Miguel.

Be sure to visit Sete Cidades, the crater lake at Lagoa do Fogo, and the town of Furnas.

São Miguel is also the perfect place to spot whales if you have not done this elsewhere.

If you prefer visiting São Miguel with a guided tour, have a look at this blog post in which we share the best São Miguel tours.

The next islands we didn’t visit during our first visit to the Azores. You always have to choose and we decided to keep these for a future visit.

Was it the right choice? Or the wrong one? That is, of course, hard to say if you haven’t been there.

After all the beautiful things we saw on the other islands, we are planning to go back and visit these four islands.

So until that time, here is some information we found when we were planning our trip.

Flores Island

Flores is one of the smaller islands in the west of the archipelago. From what we have read about it, and from what the inhabitants of the other islands tell us, it is a green, undisturbed oasis.

We already said the same about the other islands, but apparently, Flores is even purer than what we’ve already seen.

In the high season, you can take the ferry from Faial to Flores. The trip takes several hours. There are flights to Flores throughout the year. They are regularly delayed and are canceled in case of bad weather.

Take this into consideration when you are traveling to Flores.

The highlight of this island is the Poço de Bacalhau, where you can swim at the foot of a 90-meter high waterfall.

The waterfalls at Ribeira Grande, which you see in the photograph above, are also impressive and another sight you don’t want to miss is the 7 splendid crater lakes at Sete Lagoas.

The island is a paradise for walkers, and bird spotters can find a large variety of local as well as migratory birds here.

Sporty people can enjoy canyoning, tours are organized for novices as well as for those that have done it before.

Hotels in Flores

There are not many hotels on Flores and the few hotels that are there are quickly fully booked.

Do not postpone your booking for too long.

Aldeia da Cuada

You stay in cozy houses with a view of the sea.

The hotel offers a nice breakfast and is run by very friendly staff.

The restaurant offers delicious meals.

Corvo Island

Corvo is Flores Island’s little brother. The island is as big as a needle head and it is nearly unknown to tourists.

Corvo is connected to Flores by ferry throughout the year, and although the island is tiny, it has its own airport.

The 720-meter high Caldeirão dominates the island. Only a small part of the island is relatively level, formed by the lava from the last eruption, and this is where the city of Corvo is located.

You have a great view of the island from the top of Caldeirão. You can also walk around the crater.

A boat trip around the island is also something we recommend. There are many sea birds, and if you’re lucky there will be some dolphins and whales too.  But even without these animals, the trip is still worth it to see the spectacular coastline with the steep cliffs

Corvo is the best island for bird watching. There is a bird interpretative center as well as a bird sanctuary.

Hotels on Corvo

The whole island has only around 400 inhabitants and about 48 beds for tourists. Don’t wait too long to book your accommodation, I only found 2 hotels on Booking.com.

Joe &Vera’s Vintage Place

This is a cheap place to stay in the center of Corvo.  It’s also only a 10-minute walk to the airport. 

The hostess is very hospitable and speaks fluent English.

The Pirates’ Nest

The Pirates’ Nest offers basic but clean rooms with a wonderful view overlooking the ocean. 

The host is very warm and friendly.

Graciosa Island

Graciosa is part of the central group of islands of the Azores.

In the high season, the ferry connects it to São Jorge and Terceira. In the low season, you can only reach it by air with flights from Azores Airlines.

There are many traces of volcanic activity on Graciosa, such as the Furna Do Enxorfre, a volcanic cave with a 130-meter-diameter lake at the bottom.

You can also find a thermal bath in Carapacho. You can first warm-up in the inside pool and then dive into the ocean water in the outside pool.

Like the other islands, the highest point is formed by an impressive Caldeira. An easy 11-kilometer hike you can visit Furna Do Enxofre and this Caldeira.

In the north of the island lies the Ponta da Barca, the highest lighthouse of the Azores. From here you have a wonderful view of the Ilhéu da Baleia, a rock in the shape of a whale.

Hotels on Graciosa

Graciosa hotel.

The Graciosa hotel is a modern and comfortable design hotel. 

It’s located along the coast with easy access to a beach but not too far from the center of Santa Cruz da Graciosa.

The hotel has a good kitchen and offers an excellent breakfast to start the day.  The hotel’s swimming pool is a lovely place to relax.

Santa Maria Island

Santa Maria is the eastern-most island of the Azores. It is one of the smaller islands, but it still has a lot to offer.

It is the only island in the Azores that has two white sandy beaches. It makes these beaches, São Lourenço and Praia Formosa, very popular. 

You won’t have to fight for a spot on the beach though, there’s no mass tourism, it mainly attracts the inhabitants of the other islands of the Azores.

Because of its location and the better climate, the island is also perfectly suited for all sorts of water sports. You can go windsurfing and sailing, but there are also underwater activities on offer. Diving is one of them, and if you want something different, you can go spearfishing.

The other thing that no doubt contributes to the success of the aforementioned beaches is the warmer climate.

The climate on Santa Maria is considerably dryer and warmer than on the other islands.

To that extent that it even has a bit of desert. Although technically, it’s not really a desert, its picturesquely red and barren landscape is nicknamed “the red desert”.

The nearly vertical rock formation with accompanying waterfall, Ribeira de Maloás, is likely the most spectacular view of the island.

Hotels in Santa Maria

Charming blue.

The Charming Blue hotel is a well-located and nicely decorated hotel. It has super friendly staff.

The hotel has pleasant rooms and an excellent restaurant. 

After a busy day, you can take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool.

A good choice for Santa Maria.

We were extremely charmed by the Acores islands. It is close to home, and yet you arrive in a different world.

One knows no stress on these islands. Everything here is “calmamente” and with this much nature around, there is no escaping the holiday mood.

Yet we’re not ones to sit down, not even on our holidays. We did not have time for that either on the Azores. It was easy to fill every day with walks or visits to one of the many beautiful locations.

In short, this is a great destination for an active nature holiday. We will be going back to explore the other islands.

In our Azores travel guide , you can find all our Azores posts.

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Azores islands travel: best island to visit and things to do in the portuguese paradise

We traveled through the entire archipelago of the Azores for 2 months , getting to know its 9 islands, and still it was not enough. We tried to soak up as much as possible of the culture and beauty of each island, we understood how different they are from each other and the idiosyncrasies that make it seem more and more absurd to speak of “the Azores” as one and the same, especially when we were there. They are different loves and together they form a paradise that deserves to be unveiled slowly, without haste and with respect , and if possible from east to west, leaving, in our opinion, the best for last.

In this guide we try to summarize everything to see in each of the nine Azorean islands , with practical recommendations for those who are organizing the trip before arriving (from things to do, accommodations and even restaurants) and useful tips for those who are already setting foot on this paradise in the middle of the Atlantic.

Basic facts about the Azores

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The Azores islands are an archipelago of the Macaronesia (also formed by the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Madeira and Salvajes islands) and a curiosity is that although geographically the Azorean islands are in Europe, geologically this is not true for the 9 islands of the archipelago. The islands of the western group, Flores and Corvo, are geologically in America since they are located on the tectonic plate of the American continent. Number of islands : The Azores islands are 9 islands divided into 3 groups. The Eastern group is made up of 2 islands (São Miguel and Santa Maria); the Central group is made up of 5 islands (Terceira, Graciosa, Faial, Pico and São Jorge) and the last 3 – Faial, Pico and São Jorge – are known as “the triangle of the Azores” due to their proximity (they are usually visited together on the same trip); the Western group is made up of 2 islands (Flores and Corvo) Currency : Euro (EUR). There are ATMs on all islands Daily budget : It’s best to book everything in advance: rental car , accommodation and flights-boats between islands (in this order because cars are usually sold out). Here we give you all the transport info on how to travel from one island to another. The price of the rental cars rarely goes below 25€/day (we tell you more here ). One night accommodation for 2 people is between 50€ – 60€/night for a room with private bathroom (and, in some cases with personal or shared kitchen) or apartment . We recommend specific accommodations inside the section of each island. A meal at a restaurant usually cost an average of 20€/person. So the daily budget is around 90€-100€/day for two people approximately. Climate : Quite unpredictable although if you want to enjoy the highest probability of sunny days and enjoy its natural pools, the best time to visit the Azores is in summer, here we tell you better why. Language : Portuguese (the Azores are part of Portugal). Population : 237 000 (in 2021). The most populated island is São Miguel (half of the entire Azorean population lives in São Miguel) and the least populated is Corvo (about 400 people). Time zone : UTC + 0. The time difference with Portugal (continental) is 1 hour.

In order to visit the 9 islands and get to know them moderately well, you need at least one month, so if your trip is for a few days or weeks, you will have to choose which of the Azorean islands to visit .

As always, this is very subjective and depends greatly on the tastes and ways of traveling of each person, but here are some tips to help you:

• If it is your first time in the archipelago and your trip is 7 days or less , we believe that São Miguel is an excellent first contact and deserves those 7 days to get to know it well and calmly.
• Triangle islands: Faial, Pico and São Jorge .
• Islands of the western group: Flores and Corvo
• Each island is unique and different from the others, they all have something that makes them special and worth a visit. Based on your tastes, you may have more interest in some or others, so to help you, in the following section you have the best places in various categories (swimming spots, landscapes, volcanoes, restaurants, etc.) that we chose after much debate in our RandomAzores Oscars.

If you want to get inspired, in this post we did the exercise of choosing those that are the jewels that you can not miss on your trip to the Azores: The 9 Wonders of the Azorean World .

And further down in this same post you will find our particular Oscars RandomAzores with our favorite places of the 9 islands in various categories.

Also as a guideline, we leave you the number of days we consider “ideal” to visit each island:

• São Miguel: 7 days
• Santa Maria: 3-4 days
• Terceira: 5 days
• Graciosa: 2-3 days
• São Jorge: 5 days
• Pico: 5 days
• Faial: 3 days
• Flores: 5 days
• Corvo: 2 days

Undoubtedly, the best time to go to the Azores is during the summer , June to September, although it is also the time with the highest influx of tourism. In any case, the weather in the Azores varies greatly (it is always said that you can have the 4 seasons in the same day, and we can confirm it), so there is no guarantee of good weather. July and August are the more touristic months, so we recommend you to go in May, June, September or October.

We traveled around the islands for 2 months (mid-May to mid-July) and had all kinds of weather on all the islands.

In summer it is easier to move between islands (more frequencies of flights and boats, in fact there are boat connections that only exist during the summer) although it is necessary to book everything well in advance (accommodation, flights, rental car…) because they are sold out quickly and consequently prices increase a lot.

There are several flights  from Portugal and also some options from other European countries and the US and Canada

• From Lisbon  to Ponta Delgada (São Miguel), to Lajes (Terceira), to Pico or to Horta (Faial)
• From Oporto  to Ponta Delgada (São Miguel) and Lajes (Terceira)
• From Madrid  to Ponta Delgada (São Miguel) but, for the moment, only in summer.
• From Boston (US)  to Ponta Delgada (São Miguel) and Lajes (Terceira)
• From Toronto (CA)  to Ponta Delgada (São Miguel) and Lajes (Terceira)
• From London (UK)  to Ponta Delgada (São Miguel)
• From Paris (FR)  to Ponta Delgada (São Miguel)

Ideally you should be flexible with dates and use price comparators such as Skyscanner and Kiwi.com . Once in the archipelago, you can fly with Sata to any Azorean island

Travel with Iati insurance with a 5% discount here

Things to do in the Azores

The Azores Islands are divided into 3 groups:

• Eastern Group : São Miguel and Santa Maria
• Central Group : Faial, Pico, São Jorge, Graciosa and Terceira
• Western Group : Flores and Corvo

In the central group, the islands of Faial, Pico and São Jorge are also known as “the islands of the triangle” and are connected by boat throughout the year.

Here are the main places to visit on each island.

São Miguel is the largest and main island of the Azorean archipelago , and also the most touristic. It is an excellent gateway to the Azores, with lots of things to see and do and incredible gastronomic and sleeping options. Take a look at our Complete Guide to São Miguel which will surely be useful to organize your trip. Also below we leave you the most popular spots on the island and our featured Instagram stories where you can see in detail our passage through the green island.

Here is our free complete guide to travel to São Miguel:

Sao Miguel (Azores) Travel Guide: things to see and do in 3, 5 or 7 days (a week)

Stories featured on our Instagram: São Miguel I , São Miguel II and São Miguel III.

Main places to visit in São Miguel (organized by areas)

• Lagoa das Furnas
• Terra Nostra Park
• Poça Dona Beija
• Eating cocido das Furnas
• Miradouros (Pico do Ferro, Salto do Cavalo…)
• Praia do Fogo (Ribeira Quente)
• Lagoa das Sete Cidades and miradouros (Vista do Rei, Cerrado das Freiras…)
• Monte Palace Hotel Ruins
• Lagoa de Santiago
• Miradouro da boca do inferno
• Lagoa do Canario
• Serra Devassa Trail (Lagoa das Eguas, Lagoa das Empadadas…)
• Sete Cidades
• Miradouro Ponta do Escalvado
• Ponta da Ferraria
• Praia dos Mosteiros
• Mosteiros natural pools
• Caldeira Velha
• Salto do Cabrito
• Lagoa do Fogo and miradouros
• Lagoa do Congro
• Lagoa São Bras
• Tea plantations (Gorreana / Porto Formoso)
• Praia dos Moinhos
• Miradouro Santa Iria
• Ribeira Grande
• Santa Barbara Beach
• Ponta Delgada (Portas da Cidade, Portas do Mar, Mercado da Graça, …)
• Ilheu de Vila Franca do Campo
• Beaches (Milicias, Populo, Amora, Baixa D’Areia…)
• Pineapple plantations
• Farinha Falls
• Ribeira dos Caldeirões
• Miradouros Nordeste (Ponta do Arnel, Vista dos barcos, Ponta do Sossego, Ponta da Madrugada…)
• Priolo Environmental Center
• Salto do Prego
• Miradouro Pico dos Bodes

These are our favorite restaurants on the island of São Miguel. More info in our complete guide to São Miguel

• Botequim Açoriano
• Villa da Tia Merces
• Tuka Tulá (where to enjoy the sunset)
• Tasquinha Vieira
• Associação Agricola

Although it is not our favorite Azorean city, Ponta Delgada is the most strategic point where to stay to explore the island. In addition, with the gastronomic offer it offers, it is perfect for not having to take the car and go far away after a good dinner. We stayed at Ladeira Loft (from 80€/night), a very spacious one-bedroom apartment, in the center (very close to Mercado da Graça) and overlooking the Atlantic.

With more affordable prices, the Nook Hostel (from 40€/night), in the historic center, has apartments with 2 rooms, private rooms and dorm beds. Also among the cheapest options is the Holy Cow (from 50€/night) a hostel with rooms with private bathrooms and dormitories. The Hotel do Colegio (55€/night), a nice hotel in a 19th century building, with swimming pool, in the center of Ponta Delgada, was the hotel where my mother, my sister and I stayed the first time we visited the island and we loved it.

The other suggested option is Ribeira Grande , also well located and connected. Here you can indulge yourself and stay in front of the sea in the surf capital (and with the option, of course, to have surf lessons) in the Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort (120 € / night). If you want a more economical option in this area , take a look at the Mitós Vila (a villa for two people for 33€/night) or the Central House , a house that you can enjoy from 2 people (at 55€/night) to 6 people (at 75€/night). Find more accommodations in Ribeira Grande here

More info on where to sleep in São Miguel in our island guide.

Santa Maria

Santa Maria  tastes like  summer, vacations, and the sea . We bathed in  breathtaking beaches , walked through a  red desert  that seemed to be on Mars, listened to  jazz in an open-air festival , toasted at  sunset in the sea , and even had one of the  most incredible scuba diving experiences ever . This island was undoubtedly one of the biggest surprises of the 2-month trip through the nine Azorean islands. Here is our free travel guide about Santa Maria

Here is our free travel guide about Santa Maria . Featured stories on our Instagram: Santa Maria

Santa Maria (Azores): a guide to visit the island [with map] on your own (things to do, where to eat and sleep…)

Main places to visit in Santa Maria:

• Vila do Porto (Forte de São Bras, Casa dos Fosseis, …)
• Praia Formosa
• Ribeira de Maloás
• Ponta do Castelo (miradouros and Gonçalo Velho Lighthouse)
• Maia (Cascata do Aveiro and Maia swimming pool)
• Poço da Pedreira
• São Lourenço Bay
• Barreiro da Faneca (Red Desert)
• Anjos (swimming pools, Christopher Columbus statue, sunset)

Recommended restaurants in Santa Maria:

• Bar dos Anjos (where you can enjoy the sunset)
• Ponta Negra
• Mesa D’Oito
• Central Pub

Santa Maria is not very big but, in our opinion, it’s best to stay in Vila do Porto (its capital, for example in the Azorean Stone Houses where we stayed) or, if you are two people, indulge yourself in the Casa da Fajãzinha .

Find accommodations in Vila do Porto , Santa Maria

While we write the Faial travel guide, we leave you the most popular places on the island and our featured Instagram stories where you can see in detail our passage through the blue island.

Featured stories on our Instagram: Faial I and Faial II.

Main places to visit in Faial:

• Horta (Marina, Porto Pim, Monte da Guía, Miradouros, Peter Cafe Sport…)
• Caldeira (trail around the crater)
• Levadas (trail)
• Vulcão dos Capelinhos (Interpretation Center, Lighthouse, miradouros)
• Porto Comprido
• Praia da Fajã (Rocha da Fajã trail)
• Miradouro Ribeira das Cabras
• Ribeirinha (earthquake remains: Lighthouse and Church)
• Almoxarife Beach
• Nossa Senhora da Conceição Viewpoint
• Poça da Rainha
• Ponta do Morro
• Varadouro Swimming Pools

Our favorite restaurants in Faial:

• Atletico (meat and fish in wood-fired oven)
• Ah Boca Santa! (the best hamburger of our life)
• Peters: the mythical bar-meeting-point for sailors to have a gin and tonic at the end of the day.
• Porto Pim Café, to end the day in front of the sea

The best area to stay is Porto Pim , right in front of the beach, or in the capital Horta . They are very close walking distance from each other and there are several accommodations (and restaurants) in the area so you just have to choose. We stayed at Monte da Guia and loved it: comfortable rooms with the sea as soundtrack and views to Pico, common kitchen and living room and friendliness and professionalism assured.

Find accommodations in Horta , Faial

The island of Pico is perhaps  the most curious  of the nine islands of the Azores archipelago and for this reason, it has stolen our hearts. It is  the youngest  of all the Azores and the  black lava that covers 80% of the island  contrasts with the  blue of the sea where whales and dolphins live  (whom you can greet from a boat) and the  green of the vineyards, whose landscape is a Unesco heritage site , where you can taste a glass of delicious white wine. It hides the  highest point of Portugal  in its homonymous mountain and climbing the Piquinho attracts many travelers to contemplate the views (and the blanket of stars). The  magnetism of the mountain  is such that, whether or not you venture up and down it, while on the island your gaze will always be drawn that way. Pico Island also boasts the  largest lava tube  in Portugal, Gruta das Torres, which we can enter and thanks to which it is possible to understand everything we see on the surface throughout the Azores, with  lava  fields and  mysteries  of recent volcanic eruptions. And, of course, Pico has a sea where you can dive (with or without a bottle) and refresh yourself in wonderful  natural pools .

In our Pico travel guide , we try to reflect all that Pico has to offer with practical proposals,  itineraries from 2 to 7 days , where  to sleep,  and even where to  eat  so that your trip around the island is as incredible as ours has been.

Pico island (Azores): a guide to visit the island [with map] on your own (things to do, where to eat and sleep…)

Check out our free Pico travel guide . Featured stories on our Instagram: Pico I , Pico II and Pico III.

Main places to visit in Pico

• Climb Pico Mountain (with Atipico )
• Longitudinal road (EN3)
• Madalena (municipal swimming pool, Cella Bar…)
• Paisagem da Vinha de Criação Velha (trail from Madalena, Moinho do Frade)
• Gruta das Torres
• MiratecArts Costa Gallery
• Lajes do Pico (Whale Watching)
• Calheta de Nesquim (natural pools)
• Ponta da Ilha (Faro, Oleiro)
• Santo Amaro (walk and Magma restaurant)
• Prainha (natural pools, Ponta do Misterio)
• Sao Roque (natural pools)
• Lajido and Cachorro

Recommended restaurants in Pico:

• Ancoradouro
• Taberna do Canal
• Fonte Tavern
• Aldeia da Fonte

Our favorite area is between vineyards, in Lajido , where we stayed at Baco’s and next to where one of the most beautiful trails of the island starts and the photogenic mill: Vinhas do Calhau , where we enjoyed 4 incredible nights. If you stay at Madalena or nearby you will also be in a strategic point, although not as nice.

Find accommodations in Lajido or Madalena or surroundings, Pico

São Jorge is an island that concentrates an  imposing natural beauty  in its narrow, elongated and mountainous silhouette, which looks like a dragon. It hides some of the  most beautiful trails in the archipelago , incredible  natural pools  and is highly addictive for  cheese lovers . And yet, the best of São Jorge is impossible to convey in pictures or words.

In our São Jorge travel guide, we try to reflect all that São Jorge has to offer with practical suggestions,  itineraries from 2 to 7 days , where  to sleep , and even where to  eat  so that your trip to the dragon island is as incredible as ours was.

São Jorge island (Azores) travel guide: a guide to visit the island [with map] on your own (things to do, where to eat and sleep)…

Check out our São Jorge island travel guide . Featured stories on our Instagram: São Jorge I and São Jorge II.

Main places to visit in São Jorge:

• Fajã do Ouvidor (Poça Simão Dias, natural pool, Miradouro)
• Fajã da Ribeira da areia (Natural Arch)
• Fajã dos Cubres
• Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo (trail from Serra do Topo)
• Pico da Esperança
• Urzelina (natural swimming pool, windmills, craftsmen’s workshop)
• Fajã das Almas (natural pool, miradouros)
• Fajã Grande (natural pools)
• Fajã dos Vimes (coffee plantation, miradouros)
• Fajã de São Joao
• Topo (natural pool, ilheu do Topo, Faro)
• Velas (natural pools, jardim municipal)
• Sete Fontes Forest Park
• Ponta dos Rosais (Farol, Vigia da Baleia)

Recommended restaurants where to eat in São Jorge:

• Fornos de Lava
• Calhetense (ideal for watching the sunset)

If you want to sleep some night(s) in the Caldeira de Santo Cristo itself, book in advance at Casa da Caldeira , Casa da Fajã or Casa da Lagoa . To explore the island, we recommend staying at Fajã do Ouvidor where we stayed or around Velas , the capital. For something different, the Intact Farm , 10 bungalows between the sea and the mountains where you can recharge your batteries.

Find accommodations in Fajã do Ouvidor or surroundings of Velas , São Jorge

While we prepare the Graciosa travel guide, we leave you the most popular places on the island and our featured Instagram stories where you can see in detail our passage through the white island.

Featured stories on our Instagram: Graciosa

Main places to visit in Graciosa:

• Furna do Enxofre
• Caldeira (Furna do Abel, Furna da Maria Encantada, Miradouros…)
• Termas do Carapacho (natural pool)
• Caldeirinha
• Associação de Criadores do Burro Anão
• Porto Afonso
• Poceirões (natural pool)
• Ponta da Barca (ilheu da baleia)
• Barro Vermelho (beach and natural pools)
• Santa Cruz (Museu da Graciosa, Ermida da Nossa Senhora da Ajuda)
• Beach (Praia de São Mateus, Molinos, Miradouro do Ilheu)

Recommended restaurants in Graciosa:

• Costa do Sol
• Estrela do Mar
• Grafil (for breakfast or a drink at the end of the day)

Unless you stay overnight in one of its mills (an experience that has to be incredible) like Boina do Vento or Moinho Mó da Praia , it is best to stay in Santa Cruz de Graciosa . We stayed at the Boa Nova Hostel , a modern hostel that we wouldn’t miss in a cosmopolitan city but that was a pleasant surprise on the white Azorean island.

Find accommodations in Santa Cruz , Graciosa

A capital that is a  Unesco heritage site  (Angra do Heroísmo), a blanket   of green-grass patchwork woven inside the  largest crater of the Azores  (Serra do Cume) and a  unique volcano in the world that we can enter and look at the sky from inside  (Algar do Carvão). Just because of these three attractions it is worth visiting the third largest island of the archipelago, but Terceira offers much more to those who visit it. There are dips in  clear waters between lava flows  in Biscoitos,  biodiverse trails  between  mistérios negros , steaming cauldrons and the  largest  areas of  endemic vegetation of the whole archipelago , and all these plans are combined with delicious  gastronomy , good wine and  festivities , lots of festivities.

In our complete Terceira travel guide we try to reflect all that Terceira has to offer with practical tips,  itineraries from 2 to 7 days , where  to sleep  and even where to  eat  to make your trip as incredible as ours was.

Here is our complete and free guide about Terceira:

Terceira island (Azores): a guide to visit the island [with map] on your own (things to do, where to eat and sleep…)

Featured stories on our Instagram: Terceira I and Terceira II.

Main places to visit in Terceira (divided into two zones):

• Angra do Heroismo (historic center, Marina, Monte Brasil, …).
• Serra do Cume viewpoint
• Algar do Carvão
• Furnas do Enxofre
• Cave of Natal
• Mistérios Negros Trail
• Serra de Santa Barbara Viewpoint
• Porto Judeu (Miradouro da Cruz do Canario, natural pool)
• Gruta das Agulhas
• Ponta das Contendas
• Mata da Serreta (Miradouros and Faro).
• Biscoitos (natural pools, vineyards, trenches)
• Escaleiras natural pools
• Miradouro Humberto Delgado and Base das Lajes
• Praia da Vitoria
• Porto Martins

Recommended restaurants in Terceira. More info in our complete Terceira travel guide

• Caneta (meat alcatra)
• Boca Negra (fish alcatra)
• Garoupinha Wine Bar
• Taberna do Teatro
• Tasca das Tias

The island’s capital, Angra do Heroísmo , is a Unesco World Heritage Site for a reason, look no further. Stay among colorful alleys at the My Angra Boutique Hostel . If you prefer rural tourism, book in advance at Quinta do Martelo and if you want to stay closer to the incredible natural pools of Biscoitos, at the Caparica Azores Eco Lodge you will find tree houses but with comfort.

Find accommodations in Angra do Heroísmo , Terceira

The days on  Flores island  are of  constant amazement . It starts from the moment you get in the car and want to stop every few minutes to enjoy the green and flowery roads (yes, Flores – flowers in portuguese – lives up to its name) and continues when you get into some part of that green and you expect a tyrannosaurus rex to appear anywhere. If we tell you that Flores is the  Portuguese Jurassic Park , we would not be completely honest because it is all that together with  natural pools with turquoise waters  where you can greet fish of a thousand colors with imposing  waterfalls  in the background,  colorful lagoons  surrounded by a thousand shades of green and orange sunsets with an Azorean gin&tonic in hand saying goodbye to the sun in the sea.

In our Flores travel guide we try to reflect all that Flores has to offer with practical tips,  itineraries from 2 to 7 days ,  where to stay  and the  best restaurants  so that your trip through this “Portuguese Jurassic Park” is as incredible as ours was.

Here is our free and complete Flores travel guide:

Flores island (Azores): a guide to visit the island [with map] on your own (things to do, where to eat and sleep)…

Stories featured on our Instagram: Flores I and Flores II.

Main places to visit in Flores:

• Natural pools Fajã Grande
• Poço do Bacalhau
• Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro
• Its 7 Lagoas (lagoons)
• Rocha dos Bordões
• Fajã de Lopo Vaz
• Lajes das Flores
• Santa Cruz das Flores and its natural pools
• Ponta Delgada

These are our favorite restaurants on the island of Flores:

• Maresia (more than a restaurant, an experience. We recommend a local Rocha Negra gin while the sun says goodbye).
• Papadiamandis (good grilled fish)
• Aldeia da Cuada
• Casa do Rei
• Pôr do Sol (typical tapas but especially ideal for a glass of wine at sunset)

More information on Where to Eat on the island of Flores in our island guide .

The best area to look for accommodation on the island is in or around Fajã Grande since, apart from being the most beautiful area (in our opinion), it is where some of the best restaurants and accommodations are located. We highlight the Aldeia da Cuada accommodation (from 70€/night), an old abandoned village converted into a rural complex of several stone houses. As they tend to sell out quickly, there are other options such as Palheiro da Assomada /55€/night) or Casa Via d’Água (from 80€/night). Find more accommodations in Fajã Grande, Flores

If, like us, you can’t find accommodation in Fajã Grande due to lack of availability, remember that everything in Flores is about half an hour away by car so it’s ok. We finally stayed in the capital of the island, Santa Cruz , very close to the amazing Piscinas Naturales and Poça das Salemas, and we loved it. Here we recommend Casa da Cruz (62€/night), Casas da Quinta (from 75€/night) or Casa Vicente (from 120€/night).

Finally, Lajes das Flores is another very good option to stay and base, with excellent restaurants nearby. Both Casa das Pedras Brancas (from 62€/night), Vivenda Joaquim (from 70€/night) and Casa das Flores (from 110€/night) offer terraces with sea views. The point that seems to us to be more remote for you to look for accommodation on the island of Flores is Ponta Delgada.

More information about where to stay in Flores Island in our guide .

While we prepare the Corvo travel guide, we leave you the most popular places on the island and our featured Instagram stories where you can see in detail our passage through the smallest and most isolated island.

Corvo’s featured stories on our Instagram: Corvo

Places to visit in Corvo:

• Caldeirão (views from the lookout point and trail inside the crater)
• Cara do Indio Trail
• Areia Beach
• Artesanato do Corvo
• Moinhos do Corvo

Restaurants where to eat in Corvo:

• BBC (Bar dos Bombeiros do Corvo)

The only hotel there is the Comodoro Guest House , where we stayed and loved it. You also have the option of local lodging, the Joe & Vera’s Place .

Here we leave you our route through the Azores we did for 2 months and during which we visited the 9 islands. We will soon update this guide to include suggested itineraries for 4-5 days, one week, and two weeks.

Our 2-month route through the 9 Azorean islands

• Days 1 to 5: Faial
• Days 6 to 17: Pico
• Days 18 to 23: São Jorge
• Days 24 to 26: Graciosa
• Days 27 to 36: Terceira
• Days 37 to 42: Flores
• Days 43 to 44: Corvo
• Days 45 to 57: São Miguel
• Days 57 to 60: Santa Maria

How to travel between the Azorean islands

To move between islands, there are two options: boat and plane, although not all islands are connected to each other and frequencies are limited.

Inter-island flights with SATA

The 9 islands of the Azores archipelago have airports , ensuring the flight connection between them. The frequency of flights is higher in summer, and for some islands it is necessary to make a stopover (usually in São Miguel or Faial). All flights can be bought in SATA official site

The free flights between islands are no longer available to tourists since November 2021. Check the updated terms for free flights here . If you live in the Azores or are studying in the Azores (and have your official residence in the archipelago), we have good news for you: if fly from Portugal (either from the mainland or from Madeira) to any of the Azores islands, you can get free connecting flights from the island you enter the archipelago (or from which you depart) to any of the other islands, as long as there is no more than 24h difference between the flight you enter (or the flight you depart) and the connecting flight.

For example, if you want to visit Flores, you can buy a flight to Ponta Delgada (São Miguel) (for example from Lisbon) and get round-trip flights between Ponta Delgada and Flores if you choose any flight within 24h after your arrival (and 24h before your return) to/from Ponta Delgada. If you do that, you will have only a few hours in São Miguel. If you want to combine São Miguel and Flores in your trip, ideally you should choose one of the flights between Ponta Delgada and Flores in that 24h range upon arrival/before your return and then you will only pay for one of the flights.

How to apply for the free SATA “encaminhamento” flight? You have two ways:

• By phone, by calling +351 296 20 97 20 (they attend in Portuguese or English). This is the fastest option and the one we recommend.
• By internet, on this website: https://encaminhamentos.sata.pt/ . There you can fill in the form with the requested information and request the desired flight.

Advice based on our experience:

• Check the availability of SATA inter-island flights before buying your flight to the Azores: if there is no “encaminhamento” flight available in those 24h windows, you will not be able to enjoy the free flight.
• Organize your flights in advance, especially if you are visiting the Azores in summer.
• If you are fluent in Portuguese or English, do it by phone , it is faster and they will send you your reservation immediately.

The other option to travel between islands is by boat. All the existing boats are managed by the company Atlânticoline and you can buy tickets in advance online at their website: https://www.atlanticoline.pt/ .

Boat connections are limited and since the beginning of the pandemic some of them have been cancelled, so for some islands you will depend on air travel. Currently (2022), the existing boat connections are:

• Islands of the triangle (Faial, Pico and São Jorge) : they have connections all year round, with more frequencies during the summer.
• The purple line connects Terceira with the triangle, from 06/15 to 09/15, two days a week (Tuesdays and Saturdays).
• The white line connects Terceira and Graciosa with the triangle, from 11/06 to 04/10 two days a week (Monday and Friday).

Please note that frequencies and schedules are subject to change, you can check and confirm schedules here: https://www.atlanticoline.pt/horario-2/ . Sometimes schedules are updated only for a certain period, so if your trip is going to be in some months it is possible that there may not be schedules yet and you won’t be able to buy your tickets until the new schedules are announced.

Travel with the Iati travel insurance. With this link you get a 5% discount when hiring the insurance.

The best option to explore the islands is to rent a car . We did it with Autatlantis and we loved it: cars in good state, the best excess policy we found in the islands, no small print to stick to and everything was great throughout the 2 months we traveled around the 9 islands. Find the best price for car rental within your dates here.

Car rental prices in the Azores are somewhat more expensive than average, and it is difficult to find something for less than 25€ per day. It is very important to book as soon as possible because prices go up as the date approaches and demand increases, especially during the summer (in some summers due to the demand it becomes very difficult to find a car with less than a month in advance and prices reached 100€ per day).

During our trip (May to July 2021) the price of gasoline was 1,50€/liter.

We recommend some applications that will be useful for your trip to the Azores:

• SpotAzores : (Android / iOS / Web ): here you can see all the existing webcams in different points of the islands to see how the weather is. Because the weather is very changeable and it can be raining in one area of the island and sunny in another, this app is the fastest way to make sure and avoid unnecessary trips.
• Windy (Android / iOS / Web ): essential app in our trips, even more so in the Azores. It allows you to see forecasts for rain, clouds, wind, etc. to help you plan your days based on the weather (as there are places that lose a lot depending on the weather). Obviously the forecasts are not 100% reliable. It also shows the available webcams
• Google Maps (Android / iOS ): is the one we use to save / classify all the places we want to go / have gone and as GPS in rental cars. You can see other people’s opinions of the places, photos, restaurant menus, telephone numbers to contact them, etc.
• Maps.me (Android / iOS ): application similar to Google Maps but that works offline (although Google Maps can also work online) and in many cases has information that Google Maps does not have, especially trails. Useful whenever you are going to do a trail, to orient yourself, download the route from the official Azores trails website (click on Downloads->GPS), etc.

• In the whalewatching activity, respect the conduct and orientations given by the center and be suspicious if it does not involve measures such as: prohibition of swimming with dolphins; reduced and constant speed of the boat and a minimum distance of 50 meters from the animal; avoid the presence of several boats within a radius of 150 meters around the group of cetaceans and do not stay more than 10 minutes with the same animal.
• Do not allow the disturbance, pollution and destruction of the nesting habitats of seabirds. The “ cagarros ” (shearwaters) are a migratory bird that nests in the Azores that will part of the soundtrack on your trip (more appreciated by some than by others, especially in the middle of the night) for its particular sound of “awa awa” as if they were singing the chorus of the song Video Killed the Radio Star. In order to avoid situations of capture or runover of young shearwaters on the road, the Government of the Azores annually promotes the SOS Cagarro Campaign which we advise you to know when you arrive in the archipelago.
• Never try to touch or feed an animal – don’t be an accomplice to animal abuse!
• Do not buy handicrafts made from sea animals or extracted from the sea (e.g. dolphin teeth, turtle shells, shark jaws, sperm whale ivory, …). The ivory trade, currently the only valuable product of the sperm whale, is still an argument for hunters. Buy local handicrafts made from alternative materials such as wood, stone or vegetable ivory.
• If you visit the island in summer and enjoy the sea, remember that sometimes you may encounter a jellyfish (aquaviva ) or a jellyfish whose sting is painful and dangerous. Portuguese Man O’war whose sting is painful and dangerous. The good thing is that these last ones float and are easily detectable, but in case you see one, get out of the water immediately and warn other people of their presence. In case you have been stung by either of them, it is very important that you follow these official recommendations : do not scratch the area of the sting (to prevent the venom from spreading); do not clean with fresh water or alcohol, clean only with sea water and very carefully; and in case the sting is a Portuguese Carabela , seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• Respect other people and the island : don’t play your music loudly on the beach or natural pool (if you want to listen to music, wear headphones), don’t leave trash, don’t throw cigarette butts, etc. Leave the beach better than you found it (if you find plastic, pick it up).
• In some areas bathing can be dangerous due to strong currents . Don’t be brave.
• Learn how to play Marralhinha , the typical game of Terceira and you will see how easy it is to meet people and make friends. Apparently, marralhinha is a very popular game in the USA and, taking into account the number of emigrants from the Azores and 2nd and 3rd generation Portuguese descendants living in the USA, it was introduced in the island until it is currently the most famous game on the island. If you see a wooden game with marbles on a table and you feel like playing, here are the rules of the game.
• Always travel with travel insurance : medical expenses, theft or problems with your plane on a trip can mean a lot of money, so the ideal is to take out travel insurance. We always use IATI and recommend it. If you purchase your insurance through this link you have a 5% discount.

Oscars RandomAzores: our favorite places in the Azores

After our 2 months traveling around the 9 Azorean islands, we set ourselves the exercise of choosing the places that for us were the most incredible, the ones that surprised us the most or where we enjoyed the most. We have divided them into several categories, and although the selection is completely subjective, we believe it can help you organize your trip and decide which islands to visit based on your tastes and preferences:

• Poça Simão Dias (São Jorge)
• Natural swimming pool Fajã Grande (Flores)
• Poceirões (Graciosa)
• PR01 SJO – Caldeira de Santo Cristo (São Jorge)
• Climbing Pico Mountain (Pico)
• PRC04 FLO – Fajã de Lopo Vaz (Flores)
• Ah Boca Santa! (Faial)
• Botequim Açoriano (São Miguel)
• Beira Mar (Terceira)
• Caldeirão (Corvo)
• Poço Ribeira do Ferreiro (Flores)
• Vulcão dos Capelinhos (Faial)
• Tie among the other 7

• Vulcão dos Capelinhos Interpretation Center (Faial)
• Gruta das Torres (Pico)
• Arquipélago (São Miguel)
• Lagoa do Fogo (São Miguel)
• Lagoa das Sete Cidades (São Miguel)
• Lagoa Funda (Flores)

• Road to Fajã Grande (Flores)
• Longitudinal Road (Pico)
• Road to Fajã dos Cubres (São Jorge)
• Maresia (Flores)
• Calhetense (São Jorge)
• Tuka Tulá (São Miguel)
• Miradouro do Portal (Flores)
• Miradouro Baia de São Lourenço (Santa Maria)
• Miradouro da Serra do Cume (Terceira)
• Poço do Bacalhau (Flores)
• Salto do Prego (São Miguel)
• Cascata do Aveiro (Santa Maria)
• Casa da Serretinha (Terceira)
• Perola de Lava (São Jorge)
• Vinhas do Calhau (Pico)
• Night climb to Pico Mountain (Pico) – With Atipico
• Diving with manta rays (Santa Maria) – With Mantamaria
• Whale watching (Pico) – With Espaço Talassa

• Caldeira (Faial)
• Algar do Carvão (Terceira)
• Tie between Corvo and Santa Maria

Obrigada Açores. You gave us more adventure, more beauty and more smiles than we could imagine. You made us very happy. And since we like to return to the places where we were happy, you know what to do….

Disclaimer: Autatlantis helped us explore six of the nine Azorean islands with one of their vehicles but all opinions and information expressed in this post are our own.

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These Islands Nicknamed “Europe’s Hawaii” Should Be on Your Travel Bucket List

By Katie Lockhart

Spiky pineapples popping out of the ground, volcanic rock spilling into the azure ocean, and thermal pools steaming with heat. You may think I’m waxing poetic about Hawaii , but I’m talking about the Azores.

This string of nine volcanic outposts between Portugal and the United States is as lush an island paradise as you’ll find anywhere in Europe. A less-touristy antidote to Madeira, it’s been a longtime favorite for adventurous Europeans lacing up their hiking boots or road-tripping the island’s craggy corners—and now, Americans are starting to take notice.

The largest and most populous of its islands is São Miguel, nicknamed the “Green Island” for its pastoral rolling hills dotted with dairy cows. Narrow and long, travelers can drive from west to east in an hour and a half, but that would be a mistake. The island’s startlingly wild volcanic landscapes, terracotta-topped villages, and endless scenic viewpoints mean that it will actually take days.

So, this summer, skip the Greek Islands, packed like a can of tinned fish, and head for the hydrangea-lined roads of Portugal’s “Big Island” equivalent.

Where to Stay

The majority of accommodation is located in the island’s capital city of Ponta Delgada, ranging from large, budget-friendly hotels to small boutique hideaways. But the allure of the Azores isn’t found along concrete sidewalks; the best places to stay in São Miguel are sprinkled around its green countryside and charming villages.

Furnas, a village built in the crater of a volcano, appears at the top of every Azorean itinerary. And the town’s best hotel is the four-star Octant Furnas . Located down the hill from the steaming and sputtering geothermal Caldeiras, the smell of sulfur lingers in the air outside the vintage-inspired yet simple rooms. But the best part of the hotel is the spacious spa, featuring various pools filled with geothermal waters heated to different temperatures. And with a staff full of locals, they’re overflowing with helpful Azores ideas for your trip.

Outside of Ponta Delgada, Solar Branco Eco Estate is a brand-new sustainable boutique hotel in a 150-year-old estate. Its three rooms and five apartments have a minimalist Scandi design with thoughtful Portuguese touches throughout. A true eco-estate, it’s 100% solar-powered with zero food waste and green software that tracks guests’ energy use. Also on the estate is The Gin Library and a sushi speakeasy serving Azorean fish. The owner makes his own gin and encourages a gin-swap program with the hopes of having the largest collection in the world this year.

By Maria Goldbach

By Alice Newbold

By Leah Faye Cooper

For a more peaceful ocean escape, White Exclusive Suites & Villas offers wild Atlantic Ocean views for adults only. Once an old summer house, its traditional white exterior and terracotta roof house nine modern suites and two villas. Every room here has light, breezy interiors with pops of orange and waves so close that the sound of crashing against the cliffs will lull you to sleep.

Where to Eat

Each island in the Azores is known for its signature artisan foods, from cheeses to bread to wine. On Sao Miguel, pineapples, soft cheeses, and bolo lêvedo (an English muffin-like bread) are found almost everywhere. Book a table at Restaurante Associação Agrícola de São Miguel , a classic date night spot for locals to share hand-made cheese and tender cuts of steak marinated in butter. Nearby, on the black sands of Praia do Areal de Santa Bárbara, you’ll find the jam-packed TukáTulá Beach Bar . Grab a drink from the bar and sit in their outdoor area made for watching surfers. But if you’re after food, wait for a table inside for comforting croquettes and fresh seafood, especially the mussel-like limpets.

While staying outside Ponta Delgada will ensure a more rugged and relaxed Azorean vacation, eating in the capital is a must. Full of young creatives doing innovative things, skip the hours-long line at A Tasca and head around the corner to Tasquinha Vieira . This chef pumps out a small menu of local, upscale cuisine, perfectly cooked and masterfully plated (booking is recommended). If you’d have your fill of seafood, get your comfort food fix at Nonnas Teeth & Tomatoes . This trendy, design-focused pizzeria serves the island’s best Neapolitan pies paired with a killer soundtrack.

If you’re in Furnas, a pit stop at Queijaria Furnense is practically a requirement. This shop makes all their own cheese and cheese-flavored chocolates. Order a variety board with a selection of their hand-made favorites, but whatever you do, don’t leave without tucking into their infamously addictive garlic bread.

On an island as varied as São Miguel, renting a car is the best way to experience everything on offer at your own pace. The temperamental waters of the Atlantic and the island’s cliff sides often make taking a dip a hazard, but there’s one place that is ideal for adventurous swimmers. Walk to Ponta da Ferraria when the tide is low, and the ocean is calm. This small, volcano-made swimming hole has warm geothermal water cooled by the ocean waves. Take water shoes as the rocks can be sharp.

The Miradouro da Boca do Inferno graces the cover of every Azores advert. The stunning lookout spot over the volcanic crater lakes on the island’s west side is worth braving the inevitable crowds. Another fantastic volcanic crater lookout is in the middle of the island. Lagoa do Fogo is a water reservoir with an emerald lake that may as well be cut from a scene in Jurassic Park. Travelers can take the path down to the shores of the lake for a peaceful hike but just be prepared to climb the steep path back to the top.

Unexpectedly, travelers will find Europe’s oldest tea plantation on São Miguel. Stop into Gorreana Tea Factory for a warm cup of green tea and a peek at the still-functioning tea production. If you’re up for a walk, head across the street into its rolling tea hills for a circular one-ish hour hike that reveals panoramic ocean views.

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This Unique Portuguese Island Is Arguably The Most Gorgeous In The Azores

W hen you think of an island getaway, your mind may go first to the Caribbean, Greece, or Hawaii. If you're looking for something different, though, where should you visit? There is a gorgeous spot in the Azores that combines a volcanic wonderland with Portuguese culture, incredible architecture, and a lush, green landscape. This place is Terceira and like one of its sister islands, Pico, it's a great spot for an uncrowded getaway . Not only that, but its main city, Angra do Heroísmo, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. 

Terceira is full of charmingly painted houses and villages, and some unique geological spots like lava tubes and caves (one of which features a Christmas mass every year), green mountains to hike, Renaissance buildings, and even a wine museum. (The volcanic soil is great for winemaking.) You can even experience a running of the bulls that is different from the Spanish tradition you might be familiar with. It's a small island, which you can cross by car in about 40 minutes, but there is so much to do. It's easy to get to as well, with 2.5-hour flights every day from Porto and Lisbon, which you should definitely visit as well . Here's what you need to know about Terceira in the Azores. 

Read more: 25 Gorgeous Islands For Vacationing That Won't Break The Bank

Colorful Chapels, A Botanical Garden, And The Rest Of Angra

There is a lot to do in the main city of Angra do Heroísmo. If you love culture and beautiful architecture, wandering through the town's historical center will be right up your alley. One spot you must check out is the late 15th-century church, Igreja da Misericórdia, which allows you to climb to a high gallery for some stunning views of the island. The fun part is that, when the church needs to be repainted, it's often done in a completely different color. Your pics and ones your kids take years from now may be very different. 

Speaking of color, Terceira is full of small chapels dedicated to the Holy Ghost or Espírito Santo called "impérios" painted in wild and cheerful shades. If colorful flowers are your thing, there is a pretty botanical garden called Duque da Terceira Garden with a bright pink gazebo to wander through. 

Make sure to sample the area's wines, and pay a visit to the Museo do Vinho, or the wine museum, which has a small tasting room. If you want to hit a beach while in town, Angra's City Beach is right in the center of town, just down a hill, complete with lifeguards, bars, and ice cream shops. On Angra's Monte Brasil mountain (which we'll revisit when we get to hiking), you'll find Fort São João Baptista, the largest Spanish fort outside of Spain that is worth a visit. 

Bull Running, Hiking, And Volcanic Caves

Bull running (with a rope to protect crowds), and bullfighting, are popular activities in the summer. It's different than the Spanish version -- in Portugal, bulls are not killed, though both types are dangerous. The animal is still taunted, so keep that in mind if you decide to observe or participate. For an outdoor activity that doesn't involve as much risk, take a moderately challenging 4.8-mile loop hike from Angra up Monte Brasil through the green mountain peaks for views of the island. Make sure to pack your hiking gear because the area has lots of trails, a booth from which to spot whales in the sea, and a playground and animal park for kids. 

One unusual experience is visiting the Algar do Carvão volcanic cave featuring several types of dried lava. You can walk right into the crater (above) and see a pond at the bottom. (This one hasn't erupted in over 2,000 years.) Or you can visit the Gruta do Natal, a lava tube a bit under half a mile long nicknamed the Christmas Cave for the mass held there every December. It's a short drive to the center of the island to see this, right near a lake called Lagoa do Negro, and it costs under $9 to get in. Finally, don't leave without tasting a Queijadas da Dona Amélia, a cake or pastry made with eggs, cinnamon, cornflower, and honey, often with raisins and molasses for extra flavor.

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Read the original article on Islands .