should i visit azores

All you need to know for your first trip to the Azores

Feb 28, 2024 • 9 min read

Read on to get the most of out your first visit to the Azores, the gorgeous “Hawaii of Europe” © EyesTravelling / Shutterstock

When you first look through the airplane window and down at  the Azores , you’ll be left speechless. From this very first glimpse, you’ll understand why many call this Portuguese archipelago the “Hawaii of Europe” and the “Islands of Colors.”

Set in the middle of the Atlantic, halfway between the USA and continental Portugal , the nine major Azores islands – São Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, Faial, Flores and Corvo – are impossible not to adore.

Expect green fields spotted with free-roaming local cattle (locally referred to as “happy cows”), and lagoons set on the mouth of extinct volcanoes. Thermal pools offer the chance for a hot dip, the warmth coming from deep within the earth, while ultra-fresh ingredients make for a uniquely savory local cuisine.

A trip to the Azores is a must-do vacation, one you’ll never forget. If you’ve never been before, read on – then get planning.

What is the best time to go to the Azores?

The Azores are an all-year-round destination – so your key considerations will be what you want to do, and your budget. The summer brings many visitors from the mainland, who arrive to soak up the scenery or visit relatives, making this the busiest and more expensive season.

The scene is more relaxed and cheaper in the shoulder seasons, while winter can offer challenging weather. Remember that the islands are set in the middle of the ocean and are more exposed to the winter storms that form in the Atlantic – which often affects flights (and your plans!).

Whenever you visit, prepare to face all four seasons in one day. You can wake up with sunshine and warm weather, only to take a hike up a mountain to find plunging temperatures, lashing rain and minimal visibility. Don’t leave without packing a waterproof layer, and have it in your backpack at all times.

In the summer, temperatures range from about 68–79°F (20–26°C), in the shoulder seasons from about 60–71°F (15.5–22°C), and during winter from about 53–64°F (12–18°C). Keep in mind that at different spots on these remote islands temperatures can vary widely.

Is it easy to get to the Azores?

São Miguel is the largest island in the Azores and works as a hub to reach the other eight. The Ponta Delgada airport receives international flights from the United States and Canada as well as a number of other European countries; transatlantic flights also serve Terceira. If you can’t find a nonstop flight, the easiest way to get to the Azores is from Lisbon or Porto , on Portugal’s mainland.

From São Miguel, you can get internal flights with the local airline SATA to every island in the Azores. You can also opt for SATA’s Azores Air Pass , which allows travelers to visit up to three islands at a special rate.

Another way to get around is by ferry:  Atlanticoline serves Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, Faial, Flores and Corvo.

Be advised that your plane or boat legs may change, as the departure schedule can be disrupted by air and ocean conditions. Being flexible with your itinerary is a good idea if you plan to visit more than one island in the Azores, especially in wintertime.

How to you get around the Azores? 

Renting a car is the best way to explore these beautiful islands. With so much to see and do, having the freedom to travel at your own pace and visit more off-the-beaten-track locations is essential to making the most of your trip. Plus, renting a car allows you to easily get around the larger islands, such as São Miguel (287 sq miles), Pico (172 sq miles) or Terceira (154 sq miles).

You can even take your rented car on the ferry between some of the islands, including the Pico–Faial–São Jorge triangle. Public buses are also available on all islands except Corvo.

Once you reach your desired destination, get out and explore on foot – for the views in these islands never disappoint. Walk the dirt paths, immerse yourself in nature and be amazed by the sounds of the birds and running waterfalls, and the smell of flowers and wet vegetation.

How much time do I need to visit the Azores?

It all depends on what you want to do. São Miguel is a great option for first-time visitors, with its wide range of activities, landscapes, and great restaurant and accommodation options. Five days should be enough time to get a good taste.

But if you want to get a true sense of the richness of this archipelago, set aside two to three weeks to hop between islands and get to know what truly distinguishes each – and why the archipelago is truly one of the most exceptional destinations in Europe.

Top things to do on the Azores

See how volcanoes have shaped the islands’ landscape and history.

You’ll know you’re atop a cluster of volcanoes when you see the dark-gray stone used in the old buildings, and the black sand on the beaches. When visiting São Miguel, you can even feel the volcanic activity on your skin: the water at iron-rich thermal springs is warmed by heat emanating from the island’s inner depths.

The same heat cooks the traditional cozido dos Açores (Azorean stew) in the Furnas area, where chefs place vegetables and meat in the earth for up to seven hours, where it emerges steaming hot and with a sulfur-y kick. Terceira and São Jorge have natural pools that are carved in stone by the rough Atlantic and simultaneously heated by the volcanic rock.

In Faial, the underwater  Vulcão dos Capelinhos  erupted in the 1950s – an event that caused half the island’s population to flee. An interpretative center near the site of the eruption gives context on the ongoing volcanic activity in and around the Azores.

Hike for days

If you want to immerse yourself in nature and experience the rawness of gorgeous landscapes, you’re in luck. All the islands have hiking trails that bring you deep into their wild heart, revealing lagoons formed inside extinct volcanoes or waterfalls that cascade from the top of the mountains.

On the island of the same name,  Mt Pico  is another must-see place in the Azores. As the highest point in Portugal, it’s a challenging climb. But the unforgettable view from the top on a clear day is well worth the effort.

While in Pico, visit the local vineyards that are part of a landscape that’s been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Gaze out at the ocean as you enjoy a glass of wine – you might spot a pod of playful dolphins or even giant whales.

Combine a whale-watching trip with a visit to a tea factory

Exploring outdoors is far from the only activity in the Azores. On São Miguel, you can join a whale-watching cruise, visit cheese factories, see spiky fruit grow at  pineapple plantations or spend an hour or two at the famous  Gorreana Tea Factory , the oldest (and arguably only) tea plantation in Europe. Staff members offer free tours of the factory and museum, which feature plenty of vintage machinery (some still in use); toast to your visit with a cup at the end of the tour.

My favorite thing to do in the Azores

If your goal is to escape and disconnect from the world, you’ll find that tranquility in the Azorean fajãs , small coastal villages next to large cliffs.

I recommend the difficult-to-access but enchanting Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo in São Jorge. You can get there on foot by following the Caldeira de Santo Cristo Trail , which starts in Serra do Topo. The descent gradually reveals the small town, its houses, the church and the large lagoon stretching near the sea. You can also arrive by quad bike, starting from Fajã dos Cubres; you can pre-arrange a trip with your accommodation. 

Once in Fajã de Santo Cristo, cell phone and internet connections are almost non-existent, leaving no choice but to unplug and slow down. This is the ideal place to relax, catch up on your reading, discover the lagoon by kayak or taste the clams served at O Borges, the oldest restaurant in this location.

How much money do I need in the Azores?

The Azores is a destination for all types of travelers, with everything from five-star hotels to local homestays. You can find lodging, food options and island tours to suit all budgets. Your car rental will likely be your biggest expense, especially if you are traveling in high season; try to plan ahead and make your reservations as soon as possible.

These are the average daily costs you can expect:

• Four-star hotel room for two: from €150
• Dormitory room in a hostel: from €45
• Self-catering apartment: from €100
• Car rental: from €35 per day for a small car
• Furnas stew for two: €30
• Beer: €1.50
• Entrance to hot springs: €8

Remember to interact with nature safely

Exploring the various volcanic craters and lagoons hidden in the islands’ interiors is one of the best experiences you can have in the Azores. Keep in mind that these extraordinary natural ecosystems should be approached with great care.

Respect the local landscape by visiting in a way that doesn’t disturb the animals or damage any plants; the easiest way to do this is by sticking to marked trails. Many are there to protect vegetation and prevent soil erosion, but also for your safety, as they avoid unstable or slippery ground.

Also, as much as the lagoons seem like the perfect opportunity for a cooling dip, most are unsuitable for bathing or swimming for safety reasons. Always follow the safety signs displayed at each lagoon.

Finally, be aware that weather conditions can change from one moment to the next, especially in higher areas. Check the forecast before venturing out on a long trail to ensure you’re not caught in a precarious position mid-hike.

What to pack when visiting the Azores

Given the variable weather and outdoor-adventure possibilities in the Azores, we recommend bringing a light rain jacket, a breathable fleece layer you can take on and off on the go, and waterproof trekking boots and poles. You’ll want a good backpack to carry all this with you as you get out and about in this magical archipelago.

This article was first published Jun 4, 2019 and updated Feb 28, 2024.

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Why the Azores Should Be Your Next European Getaway

This remote archipelago is the closest part of europe to the u.s.—and an ideal destination for food, nature, and adventure lovers..

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A visit to the stunning, nine-island archipelago of the Azores feels like you’ve stumbled upon a true travel find. It’s a diverse natural paradise where you can hike into a volcanic caldera, swim in natural pools along the coast, sip the only tea grown in Europe, indulge in fresh seafood, and stay in affordable ecolodges—all in a remote part of the Atlantic Ocean.

But don’t assume its middle-of-nowhere location makes it a difficult travel destination—far from it. As an autonomous region of Portugal, Portuguese is the official language (though English is widely spoken), currency is in euros, there are direct flights from the United States and Europe, and good infrastructure makes it relatively easy to get around. These factors, alongside the unique and varied natural landscapes and distinctly Azorean culture, makes it feel both far-flung and familiar.

Here’s why you should visit the Azores, and some of the top things to do once you’re there.

Where are the Azores?

The Azores are located in the northern Atlantic Ocean, roughly 2,400 miles east of the U.S. and 930 miles west of Lisbon , making them the closest European land to the United States. The archipelago is made up of nine volcanic islands spread across 400 miles, which are divided into three island clusters: eastern (São Miguel and Santa Maria islands), central (Terceira, São Jorge, Pico, Graciosa, and Faial), and western (Flores and Corvo).

The Azores are located in the North Atlantic Ocean, between Europe and North America.

Photo by Rainer Lesniewski / Shutterstock

Visit one (or more) of nine different Azorean islands—each with a distinct feel

Most international tourists land in São Miguel and visit two or three islands during their stay. São Miguel, the largest island, is home to the lively city of Ponta Delgada, which is framed by 18th-century arched gates, as well as crater lakes, volcanic peaks, geothermal pools in Furnas, and the only tea plantations in Europe . Though locals are quick to point out that it’s the busiest of the nine islands (especially in the summer), it’s still worth starting your trip with a few days here.

In addition to São Miguel, the other eight islands in the Azores include:

• Terceira , whose main town, Angra do Heroísmo, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, has an extensive network of lava caves visitors can explore.
• Pico , which has Portugal’s highest mountain (Mount Pico), is known for its (mostly white) wines grown in volcanic soil.
• Faial is notable for its yacht harbor, painted tile–lined churches, and caldera-containing Faial Nature Park .
• Corvo , the smallest island at seven square miles, offers a caldera lake and unparalleled bird-watching each October.
• Flores , a lesser-visited island, is known for its spectacular hydrangea flower blooms in the summer, waterfalls, natural pools, and lakes.
• São Jorge has scenic views of nearby Pico and Faial, natural swimming pools, an artisanal coffee plantation, and a cheese factory.
• Graciosa , nicknamed “the White Island” for its white rocks, hills, and architecture, includes a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve with unique volcanic landscapes, thermal baths, and distinct architectural heritage.
• Santa Maria , the warmest and most southern of the nine islands, is the best for swimming on sandy (as opposed to rocky) beaches and waterfall hikes.

Explore ancient volcanic calderas, chimneys, and lava caves

With its volcanic splendor and great swaths of undeveloped land, the Azores are a paradise for the outdoorsy and adventurous. On Terceira, the Algar do Carvão Natural Reserve is one of the few places on the planet where you can descend into an ancient volcanic chimney and lava chambers (via stairs and tunnels) to explore the caves, formations, and a rainwater lake inside.

On São Miguel, the lakes above the small town of Sete Cidades sit in a cluster of inactive, ancient volcano calderas. If you’re only able to visit one, go to Miradouro da Boca do Inferno , which is accessible by an easy, 1.5-mile in-and-out hike.

On Faial (where the islands’ most recent volcanic eruption occurred in 1957 to 1958), the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Center offers an informative overview of the archipelago’s topography and volcanic history; afterward, climb up the lighthouse or ascend the adjacent ridge for sweeping views of the volcanic landscape.

Most travelers will start their trip to the Azores on São Miguel.

Courtesy of Azoresphotos / Veraçor

Swim, surf, snorkel, or dive at one of the islands’ many beaches

There are many lovely beaches and coves on the islands—wide, sandy Porto Pim on Faial, for example, is popular with families, while Ponta da Ferraria in São Miguel is dramatically lined with black volcanic rock. And with Gulf Stream air currents resulting in warm water temps from May until as late as December, the best way to enjoy the water is to get out on (or in) it. In addition to swimming, there are plenty of opportunities for snorkeling to glimpse the rich underwater flora and fauna. Or book a guided dive to explore underwater caves and shipwrecks at one of more than 50 dive sites around the archipelago.

Surfing is also popular, particularly in São Miguel, where several outfitters, like Santa Barbara Surf School , offer lessons and equipment (Santa Barbara Beach is a great spot for beginners).

Try your hand at deep-sea fishing

Among deep-sea fishers, the Azores are world-renowned for their enormous tuna and marlins. August and September are ideal times to try your hand at fishing, and several outfitters can arrange for day trips out on the water for amateur and expert anglers alike. If you’re (extra) lucky, you might even spot a few whales or dolphins while you’re out on the water.

Soak in a geothermal pool

In the winter months (when it’s just a tad too cold to swim in the ocean), you’ll still want to pack your swimsuit. The town of Furnas in São Miguel is home to several naturally heated geothermal pools and hot springs, such as the pool in Parque Terra Nostra —a park with a large botanical garden and geothermal pool—and the nearby Poça da Dona Beija, which features a series of five steamy pools you can swim in.

Snack on local cheese and ice cream

The Azores’ culinary traditions go beyond Portugal’s essential dishes . On some islands, there are either as many—or more—cows than humans. Left free to graze through green meadows and natural springs, the happy bovines produce high-quality milk that’s enjoyed as is, in ice cream, or as cheese. Dating back to the 15th century, the Azorean dairy industry is so intrinsic to its heritage that the cows have become the islands’ unofficial mascots, adorning postcards and all manner of souvenirs.

With all this abundance, you’ll find cheese on every menu, starting with breakfast and ending with dessert. In fact, each island has its own signature cheese, so there are lots to sample. Favorites include the semi-hard, yellow-rind, spicy-and-salty variety from São Jorge (the so-called land of cheese) and the Pico island soft cheese that packs a strong bite. Don’t miss the ice cream, either: On Terceira, stop by Quinta dos Açores to savor unique flavors, like D. Amélia, which is inspired by a type of local cake.

A hike up Mount Pico, the tallest mountain in Portugal, involves more than a little scrambling.

Hike Portugal’s tallest peak, Mount Pico

One of the top adventure activities on the islands is a climb up Pico island’s Mount Pico, which at 7,713 feet above sea level is the highest mountain in Portugal. Going up this active volcano, which last erupted in 1720, is not your average hike—the rocky, moon-like “trail” is challenging and requires a fair amount of scrambling as you follow a series of markers (rather than a cleared path) to the top. Once at the caldera (which you can camp in overnight), the views of the clouds and island below are hard to beat.

Taste wine grown in volcanic soil

Wine has been produced in the Azores for at least five centuries, but the industry was only revived in the 1940s and ’50s, following a major outbreak of vine-destroying phylloxera in the late 1800s. In 1961, Pico established a co-op for growers and winemakers—an organization that’s now the hub of the local wine s cene and an excellent place for winetasting (reservations recommended). Nearby, visit the Museu do Vinho for an overview of the unique local topography, soil, and grape varietals. Then, round things out with a decadent six- or seven-course dinner paired with local wines at Azores Wine Company , a vineyard with a hotel and restaurant overlooking Pico’s north coast.

If you can’t make it to Pico, some top Azores labels to look for on local restaurant menus to try include Terras de Lava, Curral Atlantis, Azores Wine Company, and Frei Gigante. The latter turns out wines made with the “forbidden grape,” Isabella, which was banned in much of Europe long ago after U.S. varieties brought an outbreak of rot.

Try local Azorean foods

Fresh seafood, rich cheeses, spicy stews, and a different signature bread on each island—all these help make the Azores a foodie wonderland. Given the location, seafood is predictably plentiful and goes well beyond lobster and fish. Terceira, for example, is famous for its cracas , or barnacles, which are boiled in seawater, while residents of São Jorge prefer to enjoy their limpets raw (elsewhere, they are typically grilled and sauced with spicy red pepper and garlic).

Meanwhile, visitors to São Miguel should seek out the cozido meat stew, which is traditionally simmered in geothermal holes in the ground and accompanied by veggies and homemade bread. Terceira’s signature dish, alcatra , is made of beef rump that’s slow-cooked with red wine, allspice, and black peppercorns.

And then there are the carbs: Traditional breads include São Miguel’s bolo lêvedo (mini English-muffin-style breads), sweet breads like the fluffy massa sovada (an favorite during Easter), and Pico’s round rosquilhas (a marriage between a doughnut and a bagel). Terceira’s O Forno bakery is a great place to sample away, as well as to try the islands’ specialty Dona Amélia cakes, made with raisins, molasses, corn flour, and lots of powdered sugar.

For those who want to get the lay of the culinary landscape, local tour company Hungry Whales organizes several informative, small group food tours in Ponta Delgada.

Sensi Hotel & Spa, a small, locally owned hotel, opened in São Miguel in 2020.

Photo by Jessie Beck

Where to stay in the Azores: forts, farmhouses, and eco-resorts

The Azores are blissfully free (for now) from humdrum international chain hotels. Instead, expect to find locally owned hotels in refurbished farmhouses, like the relatively new Sensi Hotel & Spa (São Miguel) and Pico da Vigia (Terceira); eco-resorts designed to fit the landscape, such as Santa Barbara Eco Beach Resort (São Miguel); family-friendly stone cottages in the shadow of Mount Pico at Lava Homes (Pico); and even a 16th-century fort-turned-inn at Pousada Forte Angra do Heroísmo (Terceira).

See our full list of the best hotels in the Azores .

How to get to the Azores

Currently, United Airlines offers direct flights from New York City to Ponta Delgada (around six hours) and Azores Airlines has direct flights from Boston (around five hours). If you’re coming from Lisbon, TAP Portugal, RyanAir, and Azores Airlines all offer direct flights that are just a little over two hours.

At the time of publication, travelers to the Azores from outside of Portugal are required to provide either proof of vaccination from COVID-19 or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of the flight (if unvaccinated).

This article was originally published in 2018 and updated on April 29, 2022, to include current information. Jessie Beck contributed to the reporting of this story.

>> Next: A Guide to Portuguese Food: 12 Essential Dishes to Try in Portugal

Protect Your Trip »

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

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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 .

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

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11 things to see and do when you visit the Azores

Now that United Airlines has launched a nonstop flight between Newark and Ponta Delgada in the Azores, people might wonder what there is to see and do in the nine-island chain scattered across the North Atlantic Ocean.

The Azores are an autonomous region of Portugal , and the islands are about 1,000 miles west of Lisbon and 2,400 miles away from North America, making it a fairly quick and easy flight to the largest and most populated island, São Miguel, and its capital city, Ponta Delgada.

The archipelago has volcanic origins, although some islands have had no recorded activity in centuries.

The Portuguese settled on the islands in the 15th century, planting crops, grapevines and other plants. They also brought domesticated animals like chickens, sheep and cattle. Today, the islands are responsible for at least 50% of Portugal's cheese production.

Extending across 370 miles, the islands are divided into three groups (Eastern, Central and Western). Most visitors make it to one or two islands, with Sao Miguel, Terceira and Pico being the most popular.

Each island has its own characteristics and attractions, and all are worth exploring — at the very least for their unique cheeses, wines and pastries.

Here are some of our favorite experiences on these accessible Atlantic Ocean islands.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Spot whales and dolphins

Once on the islands, taking a whale-watching boat tour is a must. The surrounding Atlantic waters teem with sea life, and many whale species migrate through these waters at various times. You can see resident sperm whales year-round and larger species like blue, fin and sei whales in April and May. Humpbacks pass by in October.

There are always lots of dolphins to see, too. Marina Ponta Delgada is lined with companies that offer three-hour whale and dolphin spotting excursions.

Take a dip in thermal waters

Sao Miguel is one of the most active volcanic islands in the chain and is blanketed with geysers, hot springs and fumaroles. The island is marked by three volcanic cones: Fogo, Sete Cidades and Furnas. The town of Furnas is named after the volcano, now known as Lagoa Furnas because its caldera is filled with water.

Head to the town of Furnas to see bubbling underground cauldrons that locals sometimes boil corn in, (heed the signs about keeping your distance, as they are dangerous to touch), as well as spigots and springs touting various minerals and their health benefits.

If you want to take a dip, go to Terra Nostra, which is home to a well-known hotel and restaurant, lush gardens and a thermal pool with temperatures hovering around 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Take note: light-colored bathing suits and towels may get stained from the water's high iron content.

Try stew cooked in a volcano

Azoreans make good use of their volcanic activity. Aside from cooking corn and other items in the boiling waters, locals also make a stew called cozido. It's made with beef, Azorean wine and vegetables, then buried underground, usually in the volcanic sand surrounding Furnas Lake — behind a roped-off area, where dozens of buried pots bubble in underground pits. The volcanic steam slowly cooks the stew for at least six hours. You can sample some at the Terra Nostra restaurant.

Related: Azores vs. Madeira: Pick your perfect Portuguese vacation island

Eat all the cheese

Dairy is a major component of the local diet and Azoreans pride themselves on their "happy cows," which can be seen grazing across the islands, all year long. Cows outnumber people in the Azores (as everyone loves to share) and they are all grass-fed.

Each island has produced its own variety of cheese since the 15th century, and many have Protected Geographical Status (DOP) certification thanks to the islands' unique topography and climate.

The volcanic, nutrient-rich soil lends a distinct terroir to each cheese (queijo in Portuguese), which comes in soft and hard varieties and ranges from mild to tangy. Try Queijo São Jorge (named for the island where it's produced). It's a semi-hard raw cow's milk cheese that's a little spicy and nutty, but with a buttery core. You should also sample the semi-soft Queijo Vaquinha made on Terceira. You really can't go wrong with any cheese plate you order, though.

Drink some volcanic wine

Wine is produced on nearly every island, and in a unique way. Instead of the typical trellises, the vines in the Azores run along the ground, on top of small black rocks, which retain heat for the cold nights. And, the vines are restricted to small square parcels with black basalt stone walls surrounding them.

The wine region of Pico nestles in the shadow of a large volcano and it's known for producing some of the best Azorean wine. The method is so distinctive on Pico that it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

Visit wineries like Cooperativa Vitivinicola Da Ilha Do Pico on Pico, Adega Simas (adega means "wine cellar" in Portuguese) on Terceira and Quinta da Jardinete winery on São Miguel. When dining out, explore the wine list for bottles from across the archipelago.

See spectacular views

All of the islands are filled with dramatic viewpoints (called miradouros in Portuguese) that take in striking volcanoes, colorful wildflowers, turquoise lakes and crashing ocean waves. These panoramas are worth the trip alone.

One of Sao Miguel's most popular scenic overlooks is Sete Cidades (meaning "Seven Cities"), which is a small town on the island's western end. The sparkling Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake) is on one side and the gorgeous Lagoa Verde (Green Lake) is on the other.

Stop at the lofty Miradouro da Vista do Rei and Miradouro da Boca do Inferno viewpoints above Sete Cidades for sweeping panoramas before heading down to the town itself where you can take a boat to one of the lakes. Along the way, you'll see hundreds of bright blue hydrangea bushes alongside the roads, making any drive or walk a beautiful experience.

Related: 6 off-the-beaten-path places to see in Europe

Stand on the island that was once all of Portugal

The Azores' second UNESCO Heritage Site is the capital city of Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira, which has the second-largest population after Sao Miguel.

This city was the site of a major moment in Portugal's history: In 1581, after the Spaniards conquered mainland Portugal, they sailed to the Azores, conquering many of the islands. However, when they got to Terceira, the residents surprised the Spanish with a well-orchestrated counterattack which involved releasing a thousand bulls (really) that held them off. For two years, the entire country of Portugal was Terceira (even the king lived there), until they too finally succumbed to the Spanish in 1583.

Swim in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean

Located in the middle of the ocean, the beaches of the Azores are often rocky and rugged with chilly water. However, Azoreans still love to swim in them, as evidenced by the ones on Terceira that are full of people on summer afternoons, especially its most popular one, called Biscoitos. There's no sand, but there are concrete platforms for sunbathing and rocks that protect the swimming area so the water there is a bit calmer — albeit still frigid.

Walk inside a volcano, or climb one

Terceira is home to Algar do Carvão, one of the only volcanoes in the world that you can go down into, and it's well worth checking out. Looking up from inside the now-dormant volcano's chimney, you'll see the lush, plant-lined cone, proving how fertile volcanic soil is. At the bottom, there's a clear rainwater lake surrounded by dramatic stalactites and stalagmites. Also on Terceira is Gruta do Natal, a dark and narrow lava tube that you can walk through and explore.

On Pico, the dormant stratovolcano Mount Pico towers over everything else. It's Portugal's highest peak – an extremely steep 7,713 feet tall. If you want to hike it, summer is the best season. You should either start early in the morning, or in the middle of the night to reach the top at sunrise. The hike takes about six to eight hours and it's recommended to go with a guide.

Take a scenic hike

Hundreds of hiking trails crisscross the islands and are full of gorgeous scenery. A good place to start is Ribeira dos Caldeiroes Natural Park on Sao Miguel, which has a photogenic waterfall and five water mills along with a variety of flora and fauna.

On Terceira, walk the 4.6-mile Monte Brasil trial, which skirts the Bay of Angra and the Bay of Fanal and has fantastic viewpoints at Pico do Facho, Vigia da Baleia and Pico das Cruzinhas. It culminates with a panoramic view over the city of Angra do Heroismo.

On Faial, the most popular activity is hiking the Caldeira Faial, a 1.25-mile diameter volcanic crater, which is extremely lush. The hike is fairly easy and the full trail is 4.3 miles.

Related: From Crete to Croatia: 11 best hiking spots in Europe

Sample delicious pastries

Much like the cheeses of the Azores, most islands also have a signature pastry, and many of the delicate baked goods are delicious and unique. One of the most famous is Terceira's legendary Dona Amelia cake. It was created in 1901 when Portugal's Queen Amelia and King Carlos visited the island. The chewy pastry is laced with spices like cinnamon, which came to the islands on Portuguese boats that stopped en route to India and the Far East.

Sao Jorge's most famous pastry is the horseshoe-shaped Especies cookies, which are filled with fennel, black pepper, cinnamon and lemon. If you spot a star-shaped pastry, that's a Queijada da Graciosa, from the island of Graciosa. It has a texture similar to pecan pie, but with an intense cinnamon flavor.

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An Island-by-Island Guide to Portugal's Azores

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-colored 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.

Matt Ortile

Kaitlin Menza

Kelsey Glennon

Lauren Burvill

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 favorite for outdoor enthusiasts, you can try canyoning,  hiking , canoeing, and spelunking here. But allow time to savor 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.

Fertile Faial Island is famous as a yachting destination.

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.

Corvo Island, the smallest in the Azores, is the blown top of a marine volcano.

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.

This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK .

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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Top Reasons Why You Must Visit the Azores

The volcanic landscapes, dramatic coastlines, waterfalls and natural hot springs of the Azores make it a perfect destination for outdoor activities. Pack your scuba gear and your hiking boots and book an adventure with Culture Trip.

The Azores is a remote Portuguese archipelago in the North Atlantic, made up of nine islands characterised by volcanic activity, rolling green hills, fishing villages and a flare for outdoor pursuits. Adventures here range from the sedentary – think whale watching, soaking in hot springs, munching on fried mackerel – to the extreme, with demanding hikes, waterfall hunting and scuba diving all within reach. Here are the top reasons why you must visit the Azores, Portugal .

It’s got hiking trails for all abilities

The Azores’ second-largest island, Pico, is criss-crossed with hiking trails to suit all levels of experience. For an un-demanding 6.2mi (10km) walk that’ll take about three hours, opt for the Caminho de Santa Luzia. It starts in Lajido do Meio and heads down to the coast, then circles back inland and finishes at the Santa Luzia Church. But to take on more of a challenge, you can summit the 2,351m (7,713ft) Mount Pico, Portugal’s highest mountain. Though it’s a demanding ascent, you’ll be rewarded with the kinds of views usually only seen from an airplane window.

Romantic legends are attached to its lakes

Three of the Azores’ most picturesque volcanic lakes are in the northwestern corner of São Miguel, the archipelago’s largest island. The 2.5-mile (4km) Lagoa das Sete Cidades is formed of the so-called Green and Blue lakes, which according to local legend took their respective colours from the tears of a princess and her lover, whose marriage was forbidden by the status-conscious king. Next to it is the smaller but greener Lago de Santiago, and all three can be admired simultaneously from several viewpoints along the EN9-1A road.

You can go whale and dolphin watching

More than 24 species of resident and migratory cetaceans can be seen in the Azores, including spotted dolphins and sperm, baleen and blue whales – the last of which reach up to 30m in length and weigh as much as 150 tons. The best whale and dolphin watching tours depart from Ponta Delgada and Vila Franca do Campo on São Miguel, recommended for spotting blue whales during the spring; Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória on Terceira; Horta on Faial; and Madalena, Lajes and Santo Amaro on Pico.

You can soak in natural hot springs

The Azores’ volcanic landscapes are scattered with natural thermal pools, the iron-rich waters of which are said to have curative effects on skin conditions, stress and circulation problems. Head to Furnas on São Miguel island and take a dip at the Poca da Dona Beija baths – a complex of five pools at 39C (102F), set in tropical gardens – or at the Caldeira Velha Centre, where you’ll find three man-made pools, plus another natural spring.

The scuba diving is world class

Shipwrecks, dramatic underwater topography and more than 3,000 marine species make the Azores a scuba diver’s paradise. Among the best diving spots are the Princess Alice Bank in between Pico and Faial, where the waters teem with hammerhead and blue sharks and mobula rays, and the beginner-friendly Shrimp Cave in Pico, which is home to thousands of Narwhal shrimps. Diveable wrecks include the SS Dori, which sank in 1964 off the coast of São Miguel’s capital Ponta Delgada, and the Terceirense, which lies just off the Vila de Praia beach on Graciosa.

You can go chasing waterfalls

Waterfall hunting is a great way to appreciate as much of the Azores’ unfair share of natural beauty as possible. Make a beeline for São Miguel’s 9m-high Salto do Prego, which you can reach on a 2.8mi (4.5km) circular hike from the bus station in Faial da Terra. Or, the waterfalls in the Ribeira dos Caldeirões natural park are equally stunning. There’s also a botanical garden to visit here, packed with native Azores plant species. Another one of the archipelago’s must-visit falls is the 120m (394ft) Aveiro Cascade on Santa Maria, where you’ll also find a colony of friendly ducks.

The food and drink is unique

One of the perks of visiting the Azores is sampling food and wine that you’re unlikely to encounter anywhere else. Furnas’ hearty specialty is c ozido , a stew of chicken, blood sausage, pork, beef and root vegetables – all cooked in a pot that’s sunk into the volcanic soil for several hours. Along the coast, fried mackerel is one of the most popular snacks. Other regional delicacies include sweet and spicy p imenta da terra (small red peppers) and Curral Atlântis Reserve red wine, from Pico.

It’s easy to get to

The Azores archipelago might be located in the middle of the North Atlantic, but that doesn’t mean it’s difficult to get to. Ryanair operates direct flights from London Stansted to Ponta Delgada on São Miguel, which is the only island with an international airport – the flight time is around four hours. Several other airlines fly from major UK airports via either Lisbon or Porto. Ryanair and TAP Portugal also fly from destinations throughout Europe, usually via Lisbon or Porto. From the United States, Azores Airlines fly direct to São Miguel from Boston.

It’s cheap to visit

Perhaps surprisingly for a remote group of islands that has to import most of its supplies, the Azores aren’t expensive to visit. Shared or private accommodation is possible on even the strictest of budgets, as are decent meals out. Trekking and waterfall hunting – two of the best ways to explore the islands’ unspoilt terrain – are completely free and most of the natural thermal baths can be accessed for small daily fees, leaving you enough cash leftover to book a whale and dolphin watching tour.

The Azores has year-round appeal

Another of the Azores’ major draws is its mild climate. The yearly average is a just-right 17C (63F), hardly ever rising above 30C (86F) in the summer or below 7C (45F) during winter. Beware though – an average humidity level of 70-80 percent can make the air feel hotter than it really is, and the volcanic islands are famous for having four seasons in one day. Pack a waterproof as well as shorts and t-shirts.

For more itinerary insights, be sure to uncover the top things to see and do in the Azores, including taking a visit to its most beautiful places . And if you’re looking for somewhere to stay, choose one of the best hotels or opt instead for a top resort , all bookable with Culture Trip.

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips , led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.

See & Do

The most beautiful places to visit in the azores.

Why Every Traveler Should Visit This Epic Island in The Azores

Guides & Tips

The solo traveller’s guide to the azores .

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The best resorts in the azores.

Top Things to See and Do in the Azores, Portugal

What Not to Miss on São Miguel Island in the Azores

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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.

• Azores: 20 Travel Tips To Know Before You Go

Heading to Azores ? Here’s all you need to know BEFORE going. Follow these Azores travel tips (made by me, a local) for a safe and worry-free trip, while understanding the local culture a bit better.

Boasting a plethora of natural landscapes and wonders, delicious foods and lots of outdoor sports and activities , the 9 islands of Azores have been one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.

Now that the Azores are becoming more popular people come for me – a homeland child – for all kinds of advice. Food, sights, logistics, lifestyle and even what to pack.

Well, it’s all in here. These are the top tips and things you need to know before traveling to the Azores .

Azores travel tips & things to know beforehand

1 There are 9 islands.

There are 9 islands in Azores, divided into three groups. The Western Group is comprised of Flores and Corvo . The Central Group has Terceira, Graciosa, Faial, São Jorge , and Pico . Finally, Santa Maria and São Miguel make the Eastern Group.

Each island can be quite different from its neighbor in terms of landscape, culture, outdoor activities, and traditions. Get a sense of what you can see and do in each island before deciding your itinerary.

2 It’s NOT a party destination.

Don’t expect partying hard in the Azores.

Simply put, if you’re seeking a destination for a stag party, huge Ibiza-like nightclubs or fancy “dress-to-impress” cocktail bars, this is NOT the place for you.

The Azores are in essence a remote and tranquil destination, and locals are extremely proud of that. Call us boring, but generally speaking, we simply don’t care about big parties and clubs or the latest trends in fashion. I’m not a fan of clubs/discos myself, it’s not in my genes!

Of course, there are small unpretentious clubs, bars, and pubs where people meet up. Sometimes even on the street. Those are great places to have a peek into the local culture. Visiting the Azores is all about unwinding and switching to a mindset of enjoying the little things in life.

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

3 The weather is unpredictable.

If I had a penny for every time someones ask me a question “How will the weather be in *insert random date*?” I’d be disgustingly rich.

The thing is: no one knows . The Azores are remotely located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean which causes the weather to be truly unstable .

Any Azorean knows the weather can change dramatically at any minute . I went to school every single day with an umbrella in my backpack, even in the shiniest and brightest of the days. A clear blue sky in the morning and a storm in the afternoon is pretty common.

This unpredictability might be a bit inconvenient, but also adds a pinch of charm and fun to it. You never know what you’ll find which makes the whole experience more… real. Just take that into account while packing and make sure you follow the Spot Azores app to check the weather real-time.

4 There are signs of volcanic activity everywhere.

The Azores are considered to be the European Hawaii and for sure the volcanic activity is a big reason behind it. Yet another way to see nature in its purest form.

You can find some volcanic activity manifestations all around:

• The dark black sand of all beaches in Azores .
• The geysers in Furnas Valley where hot steam literally comes from deep under the ground. You can actually taste food cooked underground .
• The Capelinhos volcano in Faial where you can literally walk on the apocalyptic lava remains of a recent eruption (the closest you’ll have to walking on the moon!).
• thermal springs where you can enjoy the heat of Mother Earth on a “human soup” experience.

5 Bathing in thermal springs is a must-do!

Even though the Azores are blessed with a warm current, the wild Atlantic can still be cold. The good news is that there are warm waters where you can have a delightful swim in.

Natural thermal pools are common in São Miguel island . Places like Poça Dona Beija , Caldeira Velha or Terra Nostra are iron-enriched and surrounded by wild forest of palms and conifers. A surreal landscape perfect to relax after a long day of sightseeing.

Pro tip: pick the most gloomy day of your trip to go to hot springs. Warm water feels better when it’s cold and rainy outside.

Hot springs in São Miguel

The best places to enjoy a mineral-enriched bath in São Miguel island. Includes important tips for a safe swim.

6 It’s the place to try new outdoor activities.

From hiking to horse riding on land, diving to world-class whale-watching in the sea or paragliding in the air, there are loads of outdoor activities you can do in the Azores .

Since you’re already in a cool place, you should make sure you also do cool stuff to go with it, right? Dare to try new things! In São Miguel , I recommend going with a company like Picos de Aventura , they have a wide range of expeditions and tours to choose from.

Outdoor activities to do in the Azores 🌲

Here’s a comprehensive list of the activities you can do in the islands:

• Hiking : Doing one of the dozens of official hiking trails in the islands is a must. The most challenging one is climbing Pico Mountain , the highest mountain in Portugal (2,351m).
• Canyoning : Waterfalls surrounded by lush green forest are the ideal place to give this a try.
• Whale Watching : The Azores are a top-notch whale-watching destination. Choose the best time to go to increase the chances of seeing more species. Pico is the best place to see these amazing creatures .
• Horse Riding : There are private companies who arrange tailored horse-riding tours around lakes and other beautiful landscapes.
• Paragliding : Flies over the volcanic craters of Furnas and Sete Cidades in São Miguel island are now becoming popular.
• Kayaking : In most of the major lakes in São Miguel – except for Lagoa do Fogo , a natural reserve – you can now rent kayaks. Sea kayaking is available across almost all islands.
• Sailing : Any tour agency or private skipper is able to arrange you sailing tours.
• Diving : The potential of the Azores is almost endless in terms of diving spots. Some of the best experiences are the Rosais reef (São Jorge), the whale sharks in Santa Maria and the Angra do Heroísmo bay (Terceira). There are also some shipwrecks sites in Graciosa and São Miguel.
• Swimming with dolphins : This has been recently found to stress out the animals too much and some companies are already not offering this tour. Avoid.
• Surfing : The wild Atlantic ocean allows for fine surfable waves so it’s no surprise one of the stages of the World Surf League is held in Ribeira Grande in São Miguel island.

Book your place in the Azores ASAP for the best deal!

I’ve made your life easier and you can start your search with my pre-selection of the hotels/guesthouses/villas in the Azores . This list only includes the top-rated reviewed hotels in the islands, with WiFi included.

7 There are plenty of dope crater lakes all around.

If there’s a ranking of the reasons to visit the Azores, this will most likely be #1. There is an impressive collection of lakes in the islands, of all shapes, altitudes and accessibility levels. I can assure you being there is a sensory overload and the views will take your breath away.

There is even better news. You can at least hike around most of them which is by itself highly promising in terms of views photo opportunities!

The best lakes in Azores islands 🏞

• Lagoa das Sete Cidades – São Miguel
• Lagoa do Fogo – São Miguel
• Lagoa das Furnas – São Miguel
• Lagoa do Capitão – Pico
• Lagoa Negra & Comprida – Flores
• Poço Ribeira do Ferreiro/Lagoa dos Patos – Flores
• Caldeirão – Corvo

8 Mother Nature is in charge.

Uma foto publicada por BRUN🌎 (@bruno_mb) a Jun 28, 2016 às 12:58 PDT

This is the most important thing you need to take away from this article. Being back in touch with nature is one of the strong selling points of a trip to the islands. Everyone knows that before stepping their feet there (if you don’t, well… it might be more clear now).

What is not immediately visible is why the Azores have managed to keep their stunning lakes, cliffs, meadows as beautiful for so long. And it all comes down to respect by Mother Nature. She’s in charge.

Locals have a deep respect for nature and for the ocean in particular. Sustainability and eco-friendly are big words in the islands!

Do the same. Have this on the back of your mind when you’re out there. Always put trash on the bins – especially plastic and cigarette buns! – and don’t be loud. Loud noises disturb animals (to be fair, some humans too) and the overall harmony of the place.

9 Pick the islands to visit with logistics in mind.

One of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is which islands to visit in the Azores. There are 9 very different islands to choose from and the logistics do matter a lot, so make sure you come up with an Azores itinerary that makes sense for you.

A trip to São Miguel island alone gives you a good grasp of the Azores, but you might feel tempted to add in a few more islands. If you do, study the logistics and check prices and schedules of planes and ferries beforehand.

I’ve made an overview of each island and created some sample itineraries for 1,2 and 3 weeks in Azores in the article below. 👇

Which islands to visit in Azores?

Advice and planning tips to pick an efficient travel itinerary around the islands.

10 Traveling between islands is not easy. Nor cheap.

The Azores are remote and relatively small islands and unfortunately public transportation is not their strongest point so getting around the islands is tricky.

I’ve done some sample Azores itineraries , but for inter-island connections you have only two options.

Option 1 is flying . Sadly, SATA/Azores Airlines is the only airline doing inter-island flights and with no competition, the prices can be expensive.

If you’re considering ferries (Option 2), the reference company is Atlântico Line . Take into account these journeys can be long though. The trip from São Miguel to Santa Maria alone (the two islands on the Eastern Group) takes at least 3 hours! See more details for the ferries in Azores in the section below.

My personal suggestion is to always fly between islands of different groups – Western, Central and Eastern – and to consider the ferry only for short trips in inter-grouping islands (e.g. Faial to Pico or Corvo to Flores ).

Whatever you do, leave the exploration of the island you’re flying OUT back home for last. This will avoid any problems with journey cancellations which are pretty common due to due to rapidly changing weather and sea conditions in North Atlantic.

Ferries in Azores ⛴

Although there are some sub-companies operating inter-island ferries in Azores , they all belong to the same parent company: Atlântico Line . It provides a full service (including vehicles) between all the 9 islands.

Check Atlântico Line ‘s schedule page for detailed info, but this is what you can expect:

• Eastern Group – São Miguel and Santa Maria

Only available during summer months. You can make your reservation directly with Atlântico Line . The trip takes roughly 3 hours.

• Central Group – São Jorge, Pico and Faial

The service runs several times a day the entire year and given the proximity of the islands, it’s very reliable. You can book with Atlântico Line or Transmaçor .

• Western Group – Flores and Corvo

Atlantico Line runs the only ferry to Flores . There is a very small ferry that runs between Flores and Corvo it may hold 10-15 passengers.

11 Get your own wheels.

Another logistics problem to solve: getting around inside each island . Taxis can be expensive and private guides even worse (if you’re going for these options, make sure you negotiate a price before!). The network of buses between the main towns is not frequent and doesn’t get you anywhere close to the main sights anyway.

In face of this catastrophic scenario, I HIGHLY recommend getting your own wheels, preferably renting a car . Even in São Miguel, there have been days with such high demand in summer with virtually NO cars available to rent. Zero.

I’d book the car rental as soon as you book your flights .

12 It’s always tea o’clock.

Did you know the Azores are the only region in Europe where tea is cultivated? The tea estates in the island of São Miguel have been producing organic black, green, and orange pekoe teas since 1883.

Make sure you stop by either Gorreana or Porto Formoso . Getting insights on the way everything works is an original experience and there is even a hiking trail through the tea fields. Plus, the little tea boxes make great gifts for people back home!

13 Get used to a different kind of beaches.

Even though the weather might feel almost tropical, don’t expect postcard-worthy beaches with soft white sand you’re used seeing on Instagram.

The beaches in Azores are of volcanic origin, which means dark sand – a greyish, almost black color – which sadly takes away a bit of the visibility of the water. Also count with wilder, and with rougher waves, which makes beaches incredible character-enriched landscapes.

The Gulf stream raises the sea temperature in Azores up to a tolerable 23-24 degrees Celsius during summer time (only 14-16 degrees during winter). Pretty good considering we’re talking about the North Atlantic.

Beaches in Azores The best Azores beaches plus important tips before you go for an ocean swim.

14 Your budget won’t get hurt.

You know how much I like value-for-money destinations, where your budget can go a long way. There’s no worse feeling than paying an awful amount of money and don’t get a somewhat rewarding experience in return.

Well, I can assure you nothing of that will happen in the Azores. While they are still slightly more expensive than mainland Portugal – insularity comes with a price! – food and accommodation are still cheap compared to other destinations

It’s possible to travel to Azores with a budget of less than $100 a day, including accommodation, food, and transportation. To give you a better idea, these are some of the prices you can expect.

Prices of things in Azores (as per 2023)

15 pack smart..

Dress code is relaxed and practical everywhere in the islands. Very important tip when packing to the Azores : bring comfortable clothes and shoes.

During summertime, it can get quite hot but it’s a good idea to always carry a light jacket with you. Especially if you’re hiking. Shorts are a good idea, even for rainy days as legs dry faster than any fabric. Flip flops, however, are NOT a good shout. They are poor choices both on the muddy, slippery surfaces of trails/lakes as well as on the cobblestones of the major cities.

While temperatures in winter are not unbearable, the number of rainy days is high. And oh boy, when wind and rain combine, it can get really ugly. A rain jacket will be your best friend.

Apart from these, make sure your phone has a good case protecting it and of course… bring a good camera! A DSLR camera – like my super compact one – or a waterproof GoPro would be ideal.

Packing checklist for Azores 👕

• Light rain jacket
• Hiking shoes (or at least ones with good grip)
• Camera(s) – an action camera like a GoPro and a DSLR camera is a good combo
• Small backpack/daypack
• Old swimwear and towel – the thermal springs can leave unremovable light orange stains
• Water filter bottle (to avoid buying plastic bottles)
• Travel adapter plug
• Power bank – there are no plugs in the wild

Check other 20 ideas of travel items to pack .

Geeky Explorer Travel Shop

Make sure you have all the gear for safe and worry-free travels.

16 The food (specially the meat) is delicious.

Food in Portugal is of great quality and actually one of the main reasons to visit . Based on a healthy Mediterranean diet, food comes in generous portions with a low price tag.

The Azores are no exception. Heck I’ve dedicated an entire post to food in São Miguel alone!

Perhaps the most typical food is Cozido das Furnas (Furnas Stew), cooked underground with volcanic steam (!) in São Miguel . For sure it’s a novelty which you have to try out, but I personally there are way more delicious things to eat in the islands. A great example: alcatra , typical from Terceira island .

From typical Queijadas to the iconic Azorean pineapple, there is a wide range of local delicacies. And then there’s the meat. The bife (steak) in Azores is tender and juicy like I’ve never tasted anywhere else. It’s so good I stopped eating red meat elsewhere.

17 A bit of Portuguese can go a long way.

Locals – me included – appreciate if you make the effort to speak some basic words of Portuguese. It is not that hard to learn and in return, it can guarantee you some extra detailed tips or at the very least, a smile. 🙂

Basic Portuguese words and expressions 🗣

• 🗣 Hello – Olá (Olah)
• 🗣 Good Morning – Bom dia (Bom[ng] deeya)
• 🗣 Good Night – Boa noite (Boa noite)
• 🗣 See you tomorrow – Até amanhã (Atay aman[ng]yah)
• 🗣 Thank you – Obrigado (males) or Obrigada (females) (Obrigahdu)
• 🗣 Yes – Sim (sim)
• 🗣 No – Não (now-uh)
• 🗣 Excuse me/Sorry – Desculpe (des kuw pe)

Do locals speak English in Azores?

English is widely spoken in the islands, especially with younger generations. You may find older generations struggling a bit more, they may feel more comfortable with some Spanish or French.

18 Adapt to local infrastructure.

Visiting remote islands in a remote archipelago means that often you won’t find some of the things you’re used back home. No big malls for shopping sprees, no fancy restaurants for premium dining, or no clubs or bars for a Saturday party.

Even though the largest island São Miguel has a very decent infrastructure system of roads, shops or restaurants, other islands may not that prepared. That won’t make us feel unhappy though. Quite the opposite, actually.

The whole point of taking vacations – especially to a place like Azores – is to disconnect the routine and connect back with nature. Adapt, respect the local culture, try to learn from it, and enjoy your trip. Even if the WiFi signal is not as strong as you’d wish for.

19 Practice slow travel.

I’ve helped many people plan their trips and BY FAR the #1 mistake I see is a rushed itinerary. People want to squeeze in the highest number of islands possible in the lowest number of days. That won’t be cheap, practical, or even relaxing.

The whole point of a trip to the Azores is not to tick things off a bucket list, but rather take all that nature has to give you in between. Enjoy those little detours, take a breather to chill down by a lakeshore, or plan a full day to go an adventurous hiking trail . Less is definitely more in the Azores.

20 Get there before mass tourism does.

A few years ago when I told I was from the Azores islands hardly anyone had heard of them. They could hardly pinpoint them on the map. There was no hype on websites or social media either.

Now everything is different. Several airlines are flying to Azores now. Tourism is increasing every year (21% in 2018 alone!). In a sense, I feel we have been (re-)discovered.

For now, islands in the Azores are far from being spoiled by mass tourism. Don’t worry. But quite honestly, the danger is pretty much real long-term. So the sooner you visit, the better. While you can still enjoy the silence, breathe in beautiful landscapes and taking a picture without waiting in a queue.

Planning a trip to Azores by yourself

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. 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 the hotels in Azores:

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!

Azores Flight + Hotel + Transfers Deals

I usually don’t use travel agencies to book holidays. They end up being more expensive in 99% of the times. Yet I have to make an exception for Azores Getaways because I really think they have some pretty good prices for a flight + hotel + transfers packages to the Azores – starting at 599USD!

Plus, you can customize your package by combining 2 or 3 islands to your itinerary, which is awesome:

• São Miguel (6 nights)
• São Miguel and Terceira (6 nights)
• São Miguel, Pico and Terceira (8 nights)

I particularly recommend using Azores Getaways if you are flying from the United States and don’t have much time to plan your holidays.

The Sustainability of Azores

Sometimes I think people think I’m bragging too much about my home islands. Oh the Azores this and Azores that, so full of himself. No, I’m not bragging. The islands are really beautiful – I’d say surreal even – destination.

But please also be aware that the islands are NOT a party or beach islands destination like Ibiza or Mykonos and they need special care when visiting. More than anything, they’re vulnerable and highly dependent on a fragile balance between sustainability and mass tourism.

For many years, the Azores was considered a forgotten garden in the middle of the ocean. They might not be forgotten or hidden anymore, but we all – locals and visitors – have a shared responsibility for keeping them a garden. Forever.

The islands have been consecutively named one of the top sustainable destinations worldwide. Don’t help spoil what has been unspoiled nature for centuries. When you’re in the islands, please try to minimize your impact at all times.

Leave nothing but footprints everywhere you go and be aware of any activities causing visual and noise pollution. This includes avoiding playing loud music on phones and obviously taking ALL the trash with you until you find a bin – especially plastic!

Thank you for keeping my home green and beautiful. 💚

Useful Resources

• Selection of the best hotels in São Miguel island – top reviews and with WiFi
• Azores Getaways – killer holiday deals (flights + hotel) to the Azores
• Hiking Trails of São Miguel – official hiking trails in São Miguel
• Spot Azores – the weather app you’ll want to use
• Travel tips for your first time in Europe
• Visit Azores – the tourism board of Azores
• Start planning your trip to Azores here

More articles about the 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

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Have you used these travel tips in Azores? Which other travel tips would you add?

You might also like these articles 💬

Destinations🌎

SUSTAINABLE BY NATURE

The best natural experiences

9 naturally surprising islands.

In every trail discovered, every dive conquered and every new flavour embraced. It’s through nature that we care for what is most natural, right in the heart of the Atlantic. 9 naturally surprising islands, with hotels and restaurants in complete harmony with the environment. The no. 1 archipelago in sustainability awaits you.

MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES BY NATURE

Choose yours.

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NATURAL EXCELLENCE

Discover the awards that have distinguished the azores and everything they say about its islands.

Azores in the top 10 of the best islands in Europe this title is recognized by readers of Condé Nast Traveler's 2022 Choice Award

Azores wins best adventure destination in the world 2023 by the world travel awards, adora queijo e trilhos descubra onde tem de ir., um hotel com uma piscina de água salgada com vista para o monte brasil e o atlântico.

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.

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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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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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The Azores is one of my favourite spots in Europe.

I can’t believe such an incredible group of islands can be so rarely talked about by travellers. The Azores has everything you could need from a destination, from affordable prices to spectacular scenery, delicious food options to deserted beaches, from dozens of hikes to even more viewpoints.

The Azores are located right in the centre of the Atlantic Ocean, almost mid-way between the west coast of Europe and the east of the United States. There are nine islands altogether — all of them inhabited — and because they’re so compact, it makes perfect sense to work one or two of them into a layover between Europe and North America.

I spent four days on Sao Miguel — the main island — and it was enough to convince me to return in the future. It was one of the best trips I’ve ever taken!

It’s So Easy to Get Around

The island of Sao Miguel is made for road tripping.

Thanks to a trifecta of paved roads, sweeping curves, and little traffic, you’re practically guaranteed an incredible day out on your wheels. Criss-crossing the island on a scooter had me and Dave firmly back in our happy places, and we couldn’t stop commenting on the quality of the riding.

Whether you prefer your adventures to take place with cars or scooters, Sao Miguel is compact enough for you to get from the main city of Ponta Delgada to the east or west coast in a single day without spending the entire time on the tarmac.

We opted to spend one day exploring the west coast, one checking out the south east, and one heading out to the north east. By the end of our adventure, I felt as though we’d seen a significant chunk of what the island has to offer visitors.

The only downside? If you’re unable to drive yourself around, the public transport options aren’t great, and you’ll struggle to see the island if you’re relying on buses. There are two very highly-rated tours on GetYourGuide — one that takes you to the east side of the island and one that shows you the west — that I’d recommend going for if you don’t have an alternative. I book all of my tours on GetYourGuide and these two have some exceptionally great reviews. 

It’s Even Easy to Get To

Whenever I write about some of the lesser-known destinations of the world, one of the biggest issues that prevents my readers from replicating my trips is the fact that many of these places are simply too expensive and impractical to get to.

When it comes to the Azores, I’m happy to announce this isn’t the case.

SATA Airlines flies daily between Portugal and the east coast of the U.S. and allows you to stopover on the islands at no extra charge. Our flight from Boston to Lisbon cost $275, which also turned out to be the cheapest way for us to get to Europe from North America. Adding in a five-day layover made no different to the cost of the flights.

If you’re already based in Europe, SATA Airlines, TAP Portugal, Tui, and Ryanair have a ton of great deals and you can often fly there for as little as $100 return. I recommend using Skyscanner to compare prices.

Once you’re in Sao Miguel, getting to the other islands in the Azores is easy with SATA , who fly the routes displayed above. They run regular trips between every island in the archipelago, and they rarely cost more than around $50-$70. If you’re going to skip over Sao Miguel, SATA gives passengers a free flight to a different island instead!

You could also take the ferry  between islands to save money.

The Food is Divine

If there’s one thing my time in the South Pacific has taught me, it’s that eating on an island in the middle of the ocean is rarely going to be a great or affordable experience. Food is usually imported from the nearest major landmass, which leads to extortionate prices in restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets, making fresh food hard to find unless you’re friends with fishermen or keen to walk around the early morning markets.

In both Tonga and the Cook Islands , I spent several days living on canned food and crisps because that was all that was on offer to people who weren’t growing their own food or staying close to a restaurant.

I was so excited to discover this is far from the case in the Azores.

In fact, all over Lisbon, you’ll find supermarkets and restaurants proudly announcing their food is sourced from the Azores, and they advertise this for one simple reason: the food from these islands is gorgeous! It’s also surprisingly affordable.

The Azores has a fantastic climate and fertile land, which means the islands are all self-suficient and don’t need to import food from mainland Portugal in order to survive.

The most famous dish of the Azores — and one of my favourite meals — is cozido das furnas, a stew that’s cooked inside a volcano! Some of my other food highlights included sampling the tangy Azorean cheese, drinking as much high-quality Azorean wine as my body could handle, swooning over the juiciest pineapples of my life, and snacking on unusual seafood whenever I had the opportunity to.

We paid around €4 for breakfast, €12 euros for lunch, and €15 for dinner, which was amazing value for some of the best meals I’ve had all year.

It’s Surprisingly Inexpensive

Not only is the food cheap, but so is everything else.

Accommodation ranges from €17 a night for a dorm room at Azores Dream Hostel  (rated 8.6 on Booking), €75 a night for a private room with a double bed at Comercial Azores Guest House  (rated 9.1 on Booking), €45 a night for a double room with a beautiful view at Atlantic Home Azores  (rated 9.5 on Booking) and €60 a night for a double room at Azorean Urban Lodge  (rated 9.6 on Booking), which I highly recommend splurging for. I go into more details why at the end of this post!

Transportation-wise, we paid €17 a day for a scooter rental, with car hire coming to around €21 a day.

All in all, I averaged €63.50/$79 a day while not trying particularly hard to travel on a budget.

It Has Year-Round Perfect Weather

Talk about an ideal climate!

The temperature in the Azores ranges between 15°C and 30°C — that’s 60°F and 86°F — and rarely goes higher or lower at any time of year. That means that if you want to escape the cruise ship crowds of the summer, visiting in the shoulder or low season won’t mean having to freeze your ass off.

In mid-October, when we visited, temperatures were a perfect 23 degrees each and every day, and blue skies were a constant presence. I rarely needed more than shorts and a vest top.

There’s Some Seriously Impressive Architecture to Admire

No matter how much I researched, I couldn’t find a definitive answer as to why the buildings in the Azores are all about that black and white colour scheme.

So while I can’t tell you why  the churches and houses and stores and hotels look like the above photos, I can tell you that the uniformity is beautiful, and you’ll end up with so many photos of buildings. So much of the island looks like this, and I couldn’t get enough of the black basalt features.

As Well as an Abandoned Old Hotel to Explore

I was overjoyed to discover that there’s an abandoned hotel on Sao Miguel that you’re free to poke around and take photos.

The Monte Palace Hotel was built in the 80s in an isolated part of the island before tourism was really a thing in the Azores. Unsurprisingly, this five-star hotel quickly tripped into bankruptcy, and has been falling apart ever since.

These days, you’re able to explore the entire space, taking in some of the best views in Sao Miguel from the rooftop, dawdling through the bar, hair salon, and ballroom, clambering up staircases, and peering into bedrooms. There were only a dozen other people in the hotel while we were there, which only served to make the experience even more eerie.

The Villages are So Picturesque

One of the highlights of my time in Sao Miguel came on the third day, when we chose to meander along the northeastern parts of the coastline.

With close to no traffic on the roads, we wound our way through tiny villages comprising a hundred whitewashed buildings, stopping only to nurse a beer while overlooking a beautiful viewpoint or to take yet another photo of a scene that looked like it had come straight from a postcard.

I could have easily spent an entire week just slowly making my way around the small villages and towns of this island.

Lagoons are Everywhere

In Sao Miguel, the majority of your sightseeing will be based around lagoons, because they’re scattered all over the place.

My favourite was easily  Lagoa das Sete Cidades — the Lagoon of the Seven Cities — which is partially pictured above. It’s a twin lake of different colours in the crater of a now dormant volcano. In other words, it’s pretty freaking badass. Lagoa das Furna s was perfect for a peaceful walk along the water’s edge before checking out the volcanic stew being removed from the hot springs where it had been cooking all morning.  Lagoa do Fogo is a lake within a volcano that brought me some of the moodiest photos from the trip — it was shrouded in mist when we visited and we were only able to catch glimpses of it, usually when a particularly strong gust of wind threatened to hurl our motorbike over the edge.

The Hot Springs Provide Plenty of Opportunity for Relaxing

There are three active volcanoes on Sao Miguel alone, so it’s no wonder there’s a ton of geothermal activity to check out while you’re in town. There are four hot springs on the island, and my favourite was the one at Ponta da Ferraria, where there’s a natural thermal pool on the edge of the ocean.

The hot spring that’s most famous on the island is the one in Furnas, but let me tell you now: it looks awful! There’s a whole heap of iron in the water, which has turned the pool into an opaque rusty-colour that looks the exact opposite of appealing.

It’s Great for Hiking

Yes, the Azores has all of the above and fantastic hiking!

There are about a dozen hikes on the main island of Sao Miguel, but due to time constraints, we opted for just two of them. Both of them were easy-to-moderate difficulty and both ended with a spectacular waterfall. The Salto do Prego hike was almost entirely uphill for the 40-minute climb, but having such a stunning spot to ourselves at the end of it made the struggle worthwhile. The  Salto do Cabrito hike took us to one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island and ended up being an easy walk, as we skipped the six-hour round-trip hike and settled for scootering to just 10 minutes from the falls.

You Can See Sao Miguel Over a Few Days

You can easily see the main island of the Azores in less than a week.

We gave ourselves four days to explore Sao Miguel and it turned out to be the perfect amount of time. We spent one day walking the island’s main city of Ponta Delgada, one day exploring the west side of the island, one day scootering the southeast coast, and one day out in the northeast. We drove practically every road on the island over this time and didn’t have to skip out on a single activity. If we’d had longer, we’d have likely spent a day relaxing in hot springs across the island.

If you had a full week to explore the archipelago, you could opt to spend four days on Sao Miguel and three days on one other island. You could choose Pico for volcano-climbing and wine-drinking, opt to go whale-watching on Faial, sign up for hiking and mountain biking on Flores, or go beach-hopping on Santa Maria.

If you had two weeks or more, you could see the majority of the nine islands, as they’re all fairly small. I know I’m already planning to do exactly that later this year.

Azorean Urban Lodge was Wonderful

The guesthouse we stayed at was great! There was a swimming pool! The staff were lovely! It’s not often that I’ll order you to stay in a specific hotel, because a hotel is a hotel is a hotel. But this one? This one is definitely worth checking in to.

Related Articles on Portugal 💰 The Cost of Travel in Portugal: A Detailed Budget Breakdown 🇵🇹 After 70 Countries, Why I Moved to Lisbon, Portugal 💚 The Best Things to Do in Lisbon, Portugal ❤️ 28 Best Things to Do in Porto, Portugal 🏚 Exploring the Abandoned Monte Palace Hotel in Sao Miguel, Azores

Have you been to the Azores? If not, has this post convinced you to add it to your list?

Lauren juliff.

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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59 comments.

The Azores! Yes! I’m going in July and can’t waitttt!

Yay! You’re going to love it because I can’t imagine anyone not doing so.

I’m totally convinced to go to the Azores. I knew they existed but nothing else. Aaaaand now they are on my long list of places to visit.

Yaaaay! They’re SO worth visiting. Eventually :-)

I really want to visit the Azores now! I had never heard of them before! I was excited to see that SATA Airlines flies out of Salt Lake City, Utah, which is near where I am currently living!

Oh, yay! I hope you get to jump on one of their flights at some point :-)

Any recommendations on the beat whit sand beaches with turquoise waters?

Anywhere in the South Pacific: the Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Fiji, Tonga. I also love Koh Kood and Koh Kradan in Thailand. Boracay in the Philippines. Vilanculos in Mozambique. Cape Town. I have posts about most of these places on the site! :-)

So glad to see this post! I went a few years ago with some people and we are OBSESSED…, we still talk about what a hidden gem it is all the time. No tourists, easy to get around, we splurged a lot and it was still so affordable, we island hopped for about 10 days, with lots of hikes. I cannot say enough good things about it!

Right?! It has pretty much everything you could want from a destination!

Hi Eleanor, Curious about your island hoping experience. We are going for 10 days in September and are looking to spend time at two island. One is Sao Miguel, my peeps are from there, and another but we cannot decide which island we should see. Any thoughts given your experience?

The best you haven’t mentioned it’s Madeira Island in Portugal

Yes!!! I visited the Azores in 2014 and had one of the best trips of my life! It’s so underrated and beautiful. I hope you make it to the other islands on your next trip.

I hope so, too! They look amazing :-)

I visited last month – partly as a result of you raving about it in one of your monthly updates last year and partly because we managed to score return flights from London with Ryanair (via Secret Flying) for just £40!!! Absolutely loved São Miguel and now want to go back in Summer in order to explore some of the smaller islands :-)

Oh yay! That’s an amazing deal. And same! I can’t wait to go back and see what the other islands have to offer.

Are you still living in Lisbon?

No, I left last year.

This place looks absolutely amazing. A lake in the middle of a dormant volcano? Come on! Definitely getting added to the list of places to go, it sounds like you guys had a great time.

The quality of the photos you take is very good, the lighting and color of everything looks great. What camera are you using to capture all of this beauty?

Thanks so much! I use a Sony A7ii with the kit lens and edit in Lightroom.

Hi Lauren, great post! thanks to it I’ll probably visit Sao Miguel this summer and cannot wait!! :-) Just one question about car or scooter rental, did you rent it in the city or in the airport? from which company? I am checking the prices for cars on the web but it seems very expensive..maybe bacause it’s high season..thanks a lot! :-)

We rented from Rent-a-car Auto-ramalhense (R. 6 de Junho, 9500-089 Ponta Delgada) in the city, and just turned up on the day and asked to rent a scooter.

Are you looking for an automatic? That usually bumps up the price a lot. If not, you can ask at your hotel to rent one for you, as they usually can get better prices. I’ve seen trip reports from June last year when the people paid 24 Euros a day for car hire, so it shouldn’t be super expensive in high season.

This post inspired my partner and I to spend a week on Sao Miguel in May, thank-you! Sam x

Yay! I’m thrilled to hear that — I hope you have just as amazing a time as I did! :-)

We are going to Sao Miguel later this year! Do you have any safety tips to follow?

Not really! It felt really, really safe there. There’s close to no crime on the islands.

Hi! How did you book the flights on SATA with the 4 day layover in Sao Miguel included at no cost? I’ve been searching on their site and can’t figure it out. :) This is inspiring me for a trip later this summer/fall!

Just go here: https://www.azoresairlines.pt/en and select multi-city rather than one way or round trip. Then you can do the two flights, from the US to Ponta Delgada and then Ponte Delgada to Europe or vice versa.

Hi Lauren! Thanks for the great info. I’m planning a trip in June and really looking forward to it. 2 quick questions- 1) I love the idea of renting just a scooter for my whole stay on the island. Think it’s practical? Do people do that? and 2) I think I’m coming in on a Sunday and I read the island is really shut down on Sunday. Might not be the best day to come in? Did you have a Sunday there? Thanks for any help you can offer and be well!

1) Yep! That’s exactly what we did.

2) The local stores will be closed on a Sunday, but tourist stores and restaurants should still be open. Depends what you had planned for that day — if you wanted to spend it in Ponte Delgada, the museums will be closed so it might not be super interesting (I liked it and didn’t do any museum-hopping, etc — just wandered around and took photos), but if you wanted to head out to explore the island, it’s all about the nature so can’t be closed :-) I wouldn’t let it put you off arriving there unless there’s something specific you wanted to do that you couldn’t.

Can I ask where you rented your scooter from? :) thanks!

Hi Lauren! Planning a trip to the Azores in September! We are planning on flying into Terceira and spending two days there and then going to Faial for 3 days (hopefully with a day tour of Pico from there) and then to Sao Miguel for 4.5 days. Given your experience or what you know about the islands, does this seem reasonable or does it seem like too much?

I also noticed in one of your replies you mentioned a cancelled flight between the islands – does this happen frequently?

Hmmm, I can’t seem to find that comment. But no, as far as I’m aware it doesn’t happen often. Our flight was almost cancelled, but that was because of a hurricane, which only occurs in this part of the world around once every 20+ years. So definitely nothing to worry about!

Thanks for the inspiration! Planning to go in September. Can’t wait! Just one question – when you travel in the different areas of the island do you book a hotel in those areas too, for the night, or is the island small enough where you can go explore and come back to Ponta Delgada for the night? Azorean Urban Lodge looks like a fantastic option, is that the only hotel you stayed at? Thanks!

Hi Lauren-thank you for the awesome info. I’m definitely interested in the Azores now and staying at the accommodation you recommended. any thoughts on going in March? I’m wondering if it would be warm enough to swim in the pool? What do you think about bringing my 3.5 year old son- I wonder if the Azores would be family friendly?

Thanks again! Joanna

Lauren, My wife and I have been talking about visiting the Azores for over a decade. Having wandered around the world in that time we are finally ready to make the visit. Your description was wonderfully inviting and offered so much usable information. Thank you for taking the effort to make the post. Two questions. One – I could not find the extremely reasonable air fares you mentioned. The best I could come up with was $1285 per person out of the DC area. Can you direct me to finding better fares? Two – I am fascinated by the history of any area I visit and hoped you might touch on historical sites in the Azores.

Take a look at the Azores Airlines site directly , or look on Skyscanner at dates across an entire month to find the cheapest deals. We flew out of Boston, so it might be worth checking prices out of there, too.

After reading your post, we’re off to visit the Azores in March this year! I’ve always been a fan of shoulder-season travelling so excited to see what it’s got to offer! Also booked the Azorean Urban Lodge on your recommendation and they have been so sweet over email so far! Can’t wait to visit! Thank you so much!xo

Lauren, thanks for the great and detailed article. Any chance you still have that famous map and could share it with me? I’m planning a trip in early July. Thanks!

Sorry — you have to stay at the lodge to get it! The owner specifically asked us not to share it around, as they own the copyright to it and use it as a selling point for their hotel.

Did you get my message regarding few queries on the trip to Sao Miguel? I had messaged you through contacts me form.

Hi Lauren, Your post is so helpful! I am going to Azores in August- to Sao Miguel 4 days then Pico 4 days, We are staying at the Adegas do Pico houses you recommended! so excited…my question is did you rent a scooter when you were in Pico Island? are the roads easy to get around? how long does it take to circle pico on scooter? thank you!

Hey Amy, I think you’re commenting on the wrong blog post — I haven’t been to Pico!

This is so nice to see, Im an Azorean born and raised in Terceira island. Now living in Florida. The temperature, food, super inexpensive, most people speak English, nature the hikes its simply breath taking. If you enjoy fish all seafood!! Thank you for visiting our paradise!

I have recently visited Azores – it was a wonderful trip. The nature is gorgeous, seafood is fresh and the air is so clean, it is hard to believe coming from a city.

How about Azores in the winter? Getting married in Sintra next week and contemplating making Azores our honeymoon.

Glad you enjoyed. As for the architecture and the white/black. The black is lava stone and was abundantly found throughout the archipelago. Hence it’s use. My family is from Ribeira Quente, home to one of the small few beaches on São Miguel.

Ah, thanks for sharing! I loved the black stone so much :-)

I’ve been there quite a few years ago and I want to go back. I just thing that São Miguel deserves a full week. Some of the things just take more time. For example, the warm waterfalls… No point going there just to see them. You have to go in the water and spend a couple of hours having the shower of your life under a stunning warm waterfall. There is also a tiny isle close to Ponta Delgada called ilhéu de Vila Franca. Known for a cliff used for the Red Bull water jumping competitions, the other side of that isle is a stunning horseshoe shape beach with a beautiful crystal water bay. It’s the only white sand beach in São Miguel (all the other beaches in the island have dark volcanic sand). Again, you don’t go there just to see the beach, you have to spend a few hours in it. And I could say the same about Furnas, Lagoa do Fogo… So, one week is definitively not too much time for São Miguel!

Love this post! Thanks for sharing! We ventured to Sao Miguel Island in July 2018 for a week, and this post was great for reminiscing about some of the things we did and saw. I just came across your blog, and will definitely save for future planning.

Hi Lauren, Is it possible to obtain Azores residency and citizenship? If so, what is process? Via Portugal? Mack

Yeah, I imagine you’d need to obtain residency in Portugal.

Hi Lauren. I’m planning a trip to the Azores. I loved yhis guide; really great job! I was wondering… I looked at availability for the Azorean Urban Lodge you mentioned, but the dates we’ll be available to travel in August are already booked… I’d really like to get my eyes on that map. You don’t perchance still have it by any chance, do you? If so, would it be obnoxious to ask of you wouldn’t mind taking a couple pics of it, and email it or share a cloud link please? I really appreciate it! 🙏

Unfortunately I don’t have a copy with me right now as I’m travelling. It would likely be outdated by now anyway, as it was created in 2017.

Check with the SEF office. They can speak English and tell you what to do. It was not a difficult process.

I’m glad to hear that — thanks for sharing!

Went to Sao Miguel and Pico last year in August/September. Loved the islands, just incredible scenery, food and a delightful culture. Ran into much rainy weather and lots of folks on holiday in Sao Miguel, but still had a tremendous few days. Then, on to Pico, and that was the island for me – gorgeous, more remote, wonderful residents and seafood, swimming in natural ocean pools in the black lava rock – just incredible. Finished trip off with several days kicking around Lisbon with its sights, shopping, museums and food marketplaces. What a trip! Can’t wait to go back.

Azores are really a nature paradise in Portugal. :) I already visited 4 islands (São Miguel, Pico, Faial and Terceira) but want to visit the others soon. The archipelago has some of the nicest trails to walk on the whole country. Fantastic places to discover there!

And about portuguese islands, do you know Madeira Island already? :)

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Trying to Decide Which Azores Island to Visit First?

Essential tips before planning your unforgettable trip to the azores.

Often referred to as Europe's “Best Kept Secret”, the Azores have become an increasingly popular destination with year-round appeal for travelers. This cluster of nine idyllic islands 900 miles off the coast of Portugal is an off-the-beaten-path destination packed with natural beauty, striking landscapes, and tangible authenticity.  Though the islands are similar to one another, each has its own distinct set of characteristics that set it apart from the rest. What makes each island unique? And, how do you know which island(s) you'll enjoy visiting the most? We break down each of the 9 islands of the Azores here with this mini guide.

1. Exploring the Wonders of São Miguel Island, Azores

Nicknamed the "Green Island" for its lush landscapes and rolling hills, the largest of the Azores is also the most visited of the islands. Some of the Azores’ most iconic views and famed crater lakes are found on this island at Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo .

Ponta Delgada , the main city, is not only the hub of the island but the capital of the Azores. Ponta Delgada evokes all the charms of Europe with cobbled streets, sidewalk cafes, and a thriving culinary scene. São Miguel is also a geothermal spot, meaning you can find warm water to swim in year-round in one of the natural spas and hot springs inland or tucked along the rocky coast.

2. Santa Maria Island: Unveiling the Serene Charms of Azores' Hidden Gem

The oldest of the Azores, it’s known as the “ mother island ” of the archipelago. It’s a bit flatter than the others, which means it’s more of a true beach island, with pale yellow sands and warm water year-round . Santa Maria attracts divers from all over the world due to its temperate climate, crystal clear waters, high visibility, and its strategic location at the doorstep of the natural reserve of Formigas and Dollabarat Bank , a rock formation northeast of the island that is considered by many as the best diving location in Europe. Beyond the pastoral landscape, the cities are similar to those found in the Algarve in mainland Portugal with lime-washed houses and lush green forests.

3. Exploring the Rich Culture and Scenic Beauty of Terceira Island, Azores

With patchwork fields crisscrossing the emerald landscape and a cow population that’s almost double the amount of people, Terceira’s gorgeous scenery is reminiscent of the Irish countryside. Angra do Heroísmo , the main city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site is characterized by Renaissance buildings with colorful facades that line windy cobbled streets. The island’s interior is home to its most famous site — the Algar do Carvão , an ancient volcanic cave that you can walk inside and home to some of the largest stalactites in the world .

4. Exploring the Serene and Picturesque Graciosa Island, Azores

This small island is serene enough to live up to its name, which translates as Enchanting. Graceful white rocks line the coastline , and r ed-turreted windmills dot the landscape. Graciosa is also home to the famed Azorean dwarf donkeys - a species on the verge of extinction (there are allegedly only 20 left!) The deep waters around the island also make it one of the best from which to embark on a whale- or dolphin-watching expedition.

5. Unveiling the Hidden Fajãs of São Jorge Island

São Jorge may be small, but its scenery is dramatic, shouldered with mountains that tumble into deep ravines, rocky cliffs, crater lakes, and characteristic fajãs (plains formed by lava flow). The fertile brown soil and dark rock striations lend it its nickname, and the island is a favorite among outdoor and adventure enthusiasts — you can do everything from mountain biking to canyoning , hiking , canoeing , and spelunking . Of course, no visit to São Jorge is complete without a stop at the island’s cheese factory where they produce the famed Queijo São Jorge , a robust, aged cheese characterized by its spicy, tangy flavor.

6. Exploring Pico Island: The Peak of Portuguese Splendor

Characterized by black volcanic soil, Pico Island is covered with basalt (lava rock) lined vineyards that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites . Locals have been producing wine here since the 15th century and even have a museum dedicated to its rich history. Pico’s red and white varietals grow in the shadow of Pico Mountain , the highest point in Portugal , measuring over 7,700 feet. The island also boasts one of the world’s longest lava tubes, where you can see rare stalactites and stalagmites that have been unaffected by outside or artificial light.

7. Faial: A Jewel of Natural Beauty in the Azores Archipelago

Nicknamed the “Blue Island” for its bursting of blue hydrangeas that cover the island in the summer months, Faial is also the site of the most recent volcanic eruption in the Azores which took place along the coast of Capelinhos village in 1958. Most famous as a port, Faial historically has been (and remains to this day) a popular stopping point for sailors crossing the Atlantic. The main city, Horta , though small, has a cosmopolitan feel, with travelers from all over gathering at the restaurants and bars along the harbor to swap stories and take in views of Pico across the bay.

8. Flores Island: A Paradise of Waterfalls and Lush Greenery in the Azores

The island gets its name (meaning Flowers) from the luxuriant botanical garden of a landscape covered in goldenrods and pink and blue hydrangeas. It’s one of the few UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in the world, which is a protection given for natural landscapes. Another island favored by outdoor enthusiasts, Flores gets high annual rainfall, which pays off with an abundance of lagoons , d eep blue crater lakes , and dozens of waterfalls .

9. Corvo Island: The Captivating and Remote Enchantment of the Azores

The smallest of the Azores , Corvo Island has only one village, which is home to 468 locals — one of the smallest communities in Europe. The properties are divided by the same black basalt rocks that many of the homes are built out of, and locals still speak in a medieval dialect of Portuguese. Corvo is also a favorite among bird-watchers , as many rare migratory species can be spotted here, and divers who visit for the skylit caves full of submerged lava formations.

Are you already in love with the Azores? Take a look at our stress-free packages that allow you to book your ultimate island adventure. All our packages are carefully curated by our team of local Azorean Experts so that you don’t need to worry about any details – just enjoy your trip! 

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The Azores: Explore All 9 Islands

Island hopping in the Azores (2024 guide)

By: Author Sylvia

Posted on Last updated: February 20, 2024

Welcome to the ultimate guide to island hopping in the Azores. The paradise islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

The archipelago consists of 9 islands and a trip to the Azores is not complete if you haven’t at least visited a few of them.

If you want to see the highlights, you need on average 3 days per island with the exception of São Miguel where you can easily spend a week.

That means that you can combine a few islands in one trip. Traveling from island to island, either by plane or by boat, is part of the charm of a trip to the Azores islands.

Below, we share everything you need to know about island hopping in the Azores.

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

How to travel between Azores islands

There are two ways to travel between the  Azores Islands .

You can fly or you can use the Azores inter-island ferries.

Azores Airlines has year-round flights between the islands and planes are often the fastest, but of course also the most expensive, solution.

Azores Airlines doesn’t have any competition on these routes and you will notice that when looking at their prices. You’ll often pay around € 100 or more for a ticket.

Below, we will share a tip to help you save on this expense, though.

Taking a ferry to the Azores

The one alternative to flying between the Azores is taking an Azores ferry.

A boat ride is a pleasant and relaxed way to travel between the islands.

It’s also the fastest option when you’re traveling between the central islands of São Jorge, Pico, and Faial.

How to go whale watching in the Azores.

But the ferries don’t connect all islands. They operate in the central island group and there’s a ferry going in between Corvo and Flores.

The bigger ship that connected São Miguel with the central islands is no longer in service. As a result, you can’t use the ferry system to go to São Miguel or Santa Maria.

It’s also important to know that the ferries do not operate all year round. There is absolutely no service in winter. Out of the 6 ferry routes that exist, the first boats will sail from April and everything will come to a standstill again at the end of December.

Not all routes start at the same time. Some routes start operating in May and others are only there in the peak season.

If you visit the Azores in summer you will be able to choose from a good selection of ferries.

We do recommend always checking the schedule. There’re daily boats in summer, but outside the peak season, you may need to play a little with your itinerary so that it aligns with the ferry schedule.

We will discuss in detail the 2 options you have below, but first, let’s talk about the location of the Azores Islands.

After all, it’s their location that determines whether your best option is the ferry or plane when island hopping in the Azores.

If you are looking for information on how to get to the Azores from the mainland, click here.

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 .

Location of the Azores Islands

The Azores Islands can roughly be divided into 3 groups.

Centrally located are Graciosa, Terceira, São Jorge, Faial and Pico.

In the west are the islands of Corvo and Flores. They’re pretty close to one another but are far from the central islands.

And then there are the 2 islands in the east: São Miguel and Santa Maria.

Transport between those different groups of islands is very time-consuming by Azores ferry and, moreover, is not possible all year round.

Azores island hopping by plane

Below, you’ll find an overview of the flights offered by Azores Airlines, between the different islands.

Each island, even tiny Corvo, has its own airport.

Here is an overview of the airports:

Flights that require connections are time-consuming.  Azores airlines operate many flights and with a little bit of planning, you should be able to fly direct each time you switch islands.

Below is how you can book those flights.

Looking for Air Azores flights

Searching for flights is very simple. They have split the process into two steps. On the first screen (shown above) you can only enter the origin and destination for your desired flight.

I’ve shared the airport codes of all the Azorean airports above. You can enter these, or the name of the city. You can also click the arrow to get a list of all the destinations that are served by Azores Airlines (and their partners). Unfortunately, this list is only partly arranged alphabetically.

By default, the system is set to search for a return flight.

When island hopping in the Azores, you’ll typically have to change this to one-way.

This can be done on the second screen. Click on next and you will arrive on the screen shown below.

On this screen you can adjust the number of passengers. You can opt for a one-way flight instead of a roundtrip, or choose for a multi-city trip.

If you will be taking multiple flights you can save money by booking them all together with the multi-city option. We’ll talk about this in more detail below.

When you’ve entered your travel dates and the number of passengers, you can click on the blue arrows to see the results.

Above is how the available flights are shown. This screenshot is particularly interesting because it shows a combination of direct flights, flights with a layover, and flights with an intermediate stop.

The first result is flight SP 544, a non-stop flight.

The second result is flight SP 564, which has an intermediate stop in Horta. Because of the layover it takes a bit longer to arrive in Flores, but you don’t have to change planes.

  A practical guide to the Azores hiking trails.

The third result does require you to change planes.

This is a combination of 2 flights, SP 401 and SP 564 with, in total, 3 stops.

When looking at the details, you’ll see that you fly to Ponta Delgada with flight SP 401.  There you will need to change planes.

The second flight leaves for Flores but before arriving there it makes an intermediate stop in Terceira.

What you need to know before booking a flight to the Azores

The plane tickets are relatively expensive, but in exchange for that you get flexible tickets with the following perks:

• 23kg of luggage is always included . At least, that was the case for all flights we researched. And in all honesty, that’s the least they could do for that price. To be sure, we recommend checking this. You can do that by clicking the arrow below the price.

• As you can see above, exchanging and canceling the ticket are included as well (also double-check this). Note, however, that when you cancel your ticket, you’ll lose the service fee. If you exchange your ticket for a more expensive ticket, you have to pay a supplement fee that covers the price difference.
• Delays and cancelations . Flights can occasionally get canceled, the flight schedule is regularly changed, and you should also take into account some delays. Out of our 4 inter-island flights, 1 was canceled. We were rebooked to a flight that left a few hours later. 2 other flights were delayed by more than 1 hour.

So, it’s important to adapt to the relaxed lifestyle of the Azores Islands, where it doesn’t matter whether you arrive an hour earlier or later.

It’s also best to not fill up your travel schedule too much so that it’s not a total disaster if you have to spend a few more hours at the airport than you expected.

We haven’t yet visited Flores and Corvo ourselves, but we heard that flights to those islands are canceled even more often than other flights. It’s best to foresee a spare day when you’re traveling to or from these islands.

• The flight schedule is not necessarily the same every day or every week. So, while planning your trip, don’t just assume that a flight you find on a Monday will also occur on Monday the next week. Always check the specific days you’d like to fly.
• Azores Airlines recommends being at the airport one and a half hours before your flight if you’re traveling with luggage. Our experience tells us that the check-in often doesn’t open before that, but it’s of course always better to be too early than too late.

The airports are small and, with the exception of the airport in Ponta Delgada, getting from the entrance to the gate will take 10 minutes.

If you arrive more than one and a half-hour in advance you’ll arrive at a deserted terminal where you won’t even see any personnel. We’re talking from experience…

This does not apply to the airport in Ponta Delgada which is larger and serves international flights. We noticed how this airport can become busy at times and to be safe you better arrive a bit earlier.

On the website of Azores Airlines , you can find more info about this.

• The flights between the islands are done with relatively small propeller planes . There are 2 planes that can accommodate 37 passengers and 4 planes that can transport 80 passengers. The flights were usually pretty full and they always had open seating , which means there were no specific seats assigned. 

How you can book cheaper flights to the Azores

If you’re booking more than 1 inter-island flight with Azores Airlines, you can save a lot of money by booking them together as a multi-city trip.

The flights you book together don’t have to be related in any way.

So, they can be on completely different days and they can also be between totally different Azores Islands.

To do this, you start by entering an origin and destination on the homepage. When you click next it will take you to the page shown in the image above. There you can choose “Multicity” in the booking form (see the screenshot above). You will then get 2 lines where each line represents 1 flight. To add a third flight you click on the plus icon on the 2 nd line.

Below, you can see an example of how much you can save. These are some of the flights we took during our Azores vacation. This example is based on the actual flights we took during our first trip to the Azores.  We saved a lot back then and as you can see in these screenshots, which I took in May 2023, you still save a lot today.

The price of the individual flights remained exactly what is was in 2019.

First, we flew from São Jorge to Terceira. As you can see, this flight costs € 60.72 if it’s booked separately.

A few days later, we continued from Terceira to São Miguel. For this separate flight, we would’ve had to pay € 84.

By booking the flights together as a Multi-city trip you would pay only € 91,58. As you can see on the left, these are the exact same flights on the same days. You save € 50 when you book the two flights together as a multicity trip.

The savings are not always that big. I made another booking where the difference was only € 5.

How much money you save seems to depend on which flights you combine, and maybe also on which days you fly, but it’s certainly something that can keep some money in your pockets.

Enough about Azores Airlines, let’s now look at how you can go island hopping in the Azores by ferry.

Azores island hopping by ferry

Just like there’s only 1 airline that flies between the Azores Islands, there’s also only 1 company that operates Azores inter-island ferries.

In comparison, the prices of ferries are much lower. It appears they take less advantage of their monopoly.

A ferry ride is a much more charming way to travel between the beautiful Azores Islands.

Don’t forget, though, that the islands are located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The ride can sometimes be a bit bumpy.

Below is an overview of the different ferry routes.

The different Azores ferry routes

The central island group.

These islands are relatively close together and Faial, São Jorge, and Pico are connected to one another by ferry throughout the entire year.

This island group is where the ferry is the most useful means of transportation.

The blue route

This route is available from April to December. The ferry travels up and down between Horta on Faial and Madalena on Pico. There are daily departures in each direction.

The ferry ride takes 30 minutes.

Here you can find a schedule of the departures.

Remember that these schedules are subject to change. Azores ferry Atlânticoline advises simulating a booking on the website to ensure that you get the most accurate info.

The green route

This route is also in operation from April to December.

It connects to the islands of Faial, Pico, and São Jorge. 

The ferry stops alternately at the São Roque and Madelena ports in Pico.

Depending on the port of call in Pico the trip from Faial to Pico lasts either 30 minutes or slightly over an hour. From there the ship sets sail to the port of Velas on São Jorge. From Madalena trip takes 1 hour 20 minutes, from São Roque it is just under an hour.

Here you can find a  schedule of the departures.

These schedules are also subject to change. Azores ferry Atlânticoline advises simulating a booking on the website so you can see the most accurate info.

The orange route

The orange line sails up and down between Pico and São Jorge. The trip takes 60 minutes.

This orange route operates from June to September (not on Wednesday and Thursday). Outside these months you can use the green line.

Note that the orange line always leaves from the port of São Roque on Madalena. The green line alternates between São Roque and Madalena.

Here is the schedule.

The white route

If you’d like to take the ferry to Graciosa you’ll have to use the white route. This is the only ferry that calls on this island.

This ferry operates only from June to September.

The boat starts in Faial from where it first calls at São Roque (Pico) and Velas (São Jorge) to then set sail to Graciosa. Before heading back to Faial it makes a last stop in Terceira.

Sailing from São Jorge to Graciosa takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes. The trip to Terceira takes 3 hours and 30 minutes.

There is only 1 departure per day and only on Monday and Friday.

The purple route

The purple line offers a faster connection between São Jorge and Terceira.

This route is very much similar to the white line. It starts in Faial and ends in Terceira. The only difference is that this ferry doesn’t call in Graciose, it heads straight for Terceira from São Jorge.

That, and the ports of call. The purple line stops in São Roque on Pico, and Calheta on São Jorge.

The trip from São Jorge to Terceira takes just under 3 hours.

This ferry operates from June to September and there is one departure per day. (only on Tuesday and Saturday)

The western island group

It’s also quite likely that your vacation will include a trip by ferry if you’re going to visit the islands of Flores and Corvo. 

The ferry route between the two islands is operational from May to December and takes just 40 minutes.  Flores and Corvo are, however, further away from the other Azores islands, and traveling there from the central island group can only be done by plane.

The pink route

The pink route connects to the islands of Flores and Corvo. There’s a ferry going in the morning and one in the late afternoon.

The service starts in May with boats on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. From June to August the route is serviced daily with the exception of Wednesday. In September we’re back to a limited schedule of Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and from October onwards there are only ferries on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

The ferry is a small boat that can accommodate only 12 passengers.

Here is the ferry schedule.

Just like all the other routes, these schedules are also subject to change. Azores Ferry Atlânticoline advises simulating a booking on the website so you can see the most accurate info.

The eastern island group

There is no ferry service to the eastern island group and the islands of Santa Maria and São Miguel aren’t connected with a ferry either.

There used to be a ferry connecting these islands during the summer months but that hasn’t returned after Covid-19.

If you are looking for a São Miguel itinerary, click here. 

Ferry to Graciosa and Terceira

If you have little time to visit the Azores, I would definitely recommend taking a plane to travel to these islands.

A trip by plane is faster and unlike at major international airports, you don’t spend hours queueing for check-in and security at the Azores. From check-in to boarding, it is a very swift and painless process.

For lovers of slow travel, taking ferries in the summer months is, however, a great alternative.

Planning your Azores Islands ferry routes

The schedules that we shared above are sometimes a little complex to decipher and are also subject to change. Atlânticoline posts a new update every month . 

It’s easier and better to simulate bookings while planning your route. This is also what Atlânticoline advises. It will also be the fastest solution, much quicker than puzzling your route together by using all those different schedules.

When planning your  Azores itinerary  take into account that the schedules aren’t necessarily the same every week. If you found a ferry on a Monday, don’t assume that it will also operate on Monday the next week. Check all departures on your exact dates!

Simulating and booking routes online is child’s play. You can choose between single, return, or multiple trips.

Make sure to switch the language of the website to English. (with the language selector in the menu at the top of the page) If Chrome auto-translates the website the search function will not work.

You will always see an overview of 5 days. You can compare prices, between the different days but they’ll generally be the same.

If there are no departures on your chosen date, you can immediately choose 1 of the surrounding dates that do have departures.

You have to search for ferries from specific ports.  Pico and São Jorge both have two ports that are just 30 minutes apart.  If you’re looking for ferries from these islands make sure to look for departures from both ports.

On certain weekdays, ferries may depart from one port but not the other.

If there are multiple departures on one day, you can select the one you prefer from the list.

You can buy multiple ferries in one booking with the multiple trips option.

You will then book the ferries step by step. Once you’ve picked your first ferry, this route will appear on the right side of the screen. Then, you can change the form and to fields in the search bar, as well as the date, and search again for the second ferry.

Pricewise, there are no benefits related to this method. The price of the ferries remains the same whether you book them separately or together.

Booking Azores inter-island ferries

You can book your tickets online or you can buy them at ticket counters at the ports.

The price remains the same, so if you’re sure about your travel schedule, you can absolutely buy your tickets online in advance. Changes are free in most cases (see below).

When booking, you have to enter the passport information for each traveler.

You can also purchase your tickets at the port terminal if you want to keep your schedule flexible. Some routes have multiple departures per day, while other ferries operate only once or twice a week.

Definitely take that into account. The longer you wait to purchase your ticket, the higher the chance the ferry will be full. Especially in the peak season.

If you’d like to take your vehicle with you on the ferry, it’s definitely recommended to get your tickets well in advance.

There’re only 2 boats that take cars. One has room for 12 cars, the other for 15 cars.

Below , you can find more information about taking the ferry with your car.

You can take your luggage on the boat for free. Two suitcases of 25 kilos are included per paying customer.

Exchanging and canceling your ferry tickets

Passenger tickets can be exchanged for free before your departure.

In case of cancellations within 24 hours after booking, you are eligible for a 100% refund. After that, you still get 90% back. If the ticket is issued within 3 days prior to departure you’re only eligible for a 90% refund.

If your ticket costs less than € 10, you will get the full amount back, minus an administrative fee of € 1.

When you’re traveling with a vehicle , other rules apply:

Cancellations within 24 hours after booking will still be eligible for a complete refund. After that, and until 5 days before your departure, you can get 90% of your money back. For changes within 5 days before departure, an administrative fee  is charged.

If you made a mistake in your booking and you have to change your name or vehicle license plate it will cost you €10.

You can find all details about changes and cancellations here .

Car on the ferry

It’s also possible to sail from island to island with your (rental) car. The Gilberto Mariano, 1 of the Atlânticoline ferries, has room for 12 vehicles.

In 2019 a second car ferry, the Master Jaime Feijó, was added to the fleet. This ferry can take 15 cars.

Both ferries operate between the islands of the central island group.

In some cases, it may be beneficial to take your rental car on the ferry. By renting a car for a longer period, the actual day costs are usually cheaper. On the other hand, the ferry will be more expensive.

However, it is not always obvious to map out a good itinerary. First of all, only 2 out of 5 ships can take cars. This means you will be able to choose from fewer departures.

But that isn’t the main drawback of traveling with your car from island to island. The biggest disadvantage is that you usually will have to return the car to the place you rented it.

This means that you have to allow time to sail back to your first island. It is an extra boat trip that you otherwise wouldn’t need to do.

The price of a ferry transfer with a car comes close to the price of a plane ticket (and in some cases, it is even more expensive). It is therefore not often economical to do this. We have never found a scenario where it made sense, but it’s worth checking anyway.

Be sure to check your rental contract first though. It’s not always permitted to take your car to another island.

If you’re taking the ferry with your car, it’s best to reserve your ferry ticket and spot well in advance because of the limited capacity. 

Here you can read everything about car rental in the Azores. 

The screenshot below shows how you can add a vehicle to your reservation.

You’ll start by making a regular reservation like we’ve shown above.

Once you’ve selected a sailing you click on the “Add products” button. If you can take cars on the ferry, you will see the form below. There, you can add your car to your reservation. (a regular car is P3)

If you can’t take a car on the ferry (this can be because it is a ship that doesn’t take cars or because it is at capacity) you will only be able to select bicycles and pets as add-on products.

As you can see, there are different types of vehicles that you can add.

Below, you see what these different codes mean.

Boarding the ferry

Atlânticoline recommends arriving at the terminal about 60 minutes before the planned departure time.

You have to leave your luggage at the luggage counters, where you must show your tickets so that they can label the luggage and send it to the correct destination.

Additionally, you must also have your passport ready because you have to show it together with your tickets when boarding.

The fleet of Atlânticoline consists of 5 ships. 

The latest additions is the Mestre Jaime Feijó which joined the fleet in 2019. This ship is able to accommodate 333 passengers and 15 vehicles.

This is the smallest ship. It looks more like a large dinghy, and it operates all year round on the pink route between Corvo and Flores. It has room for 12 passengers.

Gilberto Mariano

This was until recently the largest ship owned by the ferry company. It can accommodate 287 passengers and 12 cars. This ship operates on all the routes in the central Azores Islands group.

Boarding the Cruzeiro Das Ilhas

Cruzeiro Das Ilhas & Cruzeiro Do Canal

Both ships can accommodate 193 passengers and they mainly operate on the green and blue route between the islands of São Jorge, Pico, and Faial.

Island hopping is exactly what makes an Azores holiday so much fun.

Even though the different islands look quite alike, each individual island has its own distinct features and characteristics.

Pico is home to the volcano, São Miguel has its hot springs and Terceira has some stunning caves.

Here you can find all our Azores posts.

This is where you can find an overview of the most beautiful attractions on the Azores. If you are looking for an Airbnb in the Azores, click here. If you are looking for a good hotel or vacation home in the Azores, click here.

In this island-hopping Azores guide, we showed you that booking plane tickets and ferry tickets is pretty easy. However, if you don’t feel at ease traveling on your own around the Azores, you could always opt for a guided Azores vacation package.  

Have a great vacation on these beautiful islands!

10 Must-See Azores Beaches

I love beaches as much as the next gal. So during my trip to the Azores islands, you know I had to seek out some of the best Azores beaches. These islands are a hidden gem for beach lovers. With dramatic volcanic landscapes and crystal-clear waters, the islands offer a unique and captivating experience. So stick around, because I’ll be sharing some of the best Azores beaches and beach towns that you absolutely must visit.

NOTE: THIS POST HAS BEEN SPONSORED AND/OR CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THROUGH WHICH I EARN A COMMISSION AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU. SUPPORT A WOMAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS (LIKE MINE!) TODAY. (P.S. ALL VIEWS EXPRESSED ARE MY OWN. OF COURSE.)

Praia de Santa Bárbara, São Miguel

Praia dos moinhos, são miguel, vila franca do campo, são miguel, praia formosa, santa maria, fajana de la caldera de santo cristo, são jorge, praia dos mosteiros, são miguel, praia baixa d’areia, são miguel, praia do fogo, são miguel, praia de são lourenço, santa maria, praia do porto pim, faial, the azores is more than just beaches, did you find this post helpful, best beaches in the azores.

Praia de Santa Bárbara is situated on the north coast of São Miguel island and it’s known as one of the most iconic Azores beaches. Its vast sandy shoreline stretches for approximately half a kilometer, making it ideal for long walks and beach games.

Surrounded by towering cliffs, it offers a sense of seclusion and tranquility. And if you’re a surfing enthusiast, this is prime territory for catching epic waves. Visitors can also enjoy amenities such as picnic areas and lifeguard services.

Absolutely add a visit to this beach to your São Miguel itinerary.

Fly to the Azores with TAP Air Portugal from dozens of cities in the US and around the world.

Located on the northern coast of the island, this stunning Azores beach is literally the best-kept secret on São Miguel, and I really hope it stays that way. Praia dos Moinhos translates to “Beach of the Mills” and it gets its name from the water mills that used to operate during the 17th and 18th centuries.

This beach is known for its black sand contrasted against clear blue waters. The surrounding cliffs provide a sense of seclusion and shelter, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty (think The Beach, without the scary bits). The road to get there is pretty sketchy and parking can be limited but you know what they say, “Nothing worth having comes easy.”

• What To Do In The Azores: Your Island Adventure Awaits!
• The Absolute Best Time to Visit The Azores
• São Miguel Itinerary: How to Spend 5 Amazing Days in the Azores (Coming soon!)
• A Guide To Renting a Car in the Azores (Coming soon!)
• The Ultimate 7-Day Portugal Itinerary

Vila Franca do Campo is a charming coastal town located on the southern coast of São Miguel. All the towns on this part of the island are beach towns in the traditional sense. Little sandy areas with waves lapping up the shore. Vila Franca has this cool little feature — a collapsed volcano island just off the coast called Ilheu da Vila. It’s basically a rock semicircle.

The islet offers a natural swimming pool known as Praia de Água d’Alto, which is a favorite spot for locals and visitors to relax and enjoy the crystal-clear waters. It’s a protected area and can be reached by boat or kayak, providing a memorable experience for nature lovers and adventurers.

Of all the beaches in Azores Portugal, Praia Formosa is a true paradise for those seeking a serene and picturesque coastal retreat. This stunning golden sand stretches along the southern coast of the island, offering a peaceful atmosphere and magnificent views. The turquoise waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, while the surrounding cliffs provide a breathtaking backdrop.

In case you’re wondering, São Jorge is a neighboring island to São Miguel. This beach is just too good to pass up on a “10 best” list. Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo boasts a lagoon, small streams, and a rocky coastline, nestled between cliffs and lush vegetation. The lagoon, known as Lagoa da Fajã, is a haven for various bird species and serves as a natural reserve. This beach is truly otherworldly thanks to its secluded location and ecosystem.

Getting to this beach isn’t easy because there’s very limited infrastructure. You have to hike down a steep trail from the village of Santo Christo or take a boat from nearby locations. No pain, no gain!

Mosteiros is a small parish located on the western coast of the island of São Miguel, which is part of the Azores archipelago in Portugal. It’s actually pretty close to Ponta Delgada (17 miles) so it’s not a huge trek to get there. “Mosteiros” translates to “monasteries” in Portuguese. This beach is believed to have been named after the presence of small monastic hermitages in the area during the early settlement.

The main reason you should check out this beach is its natural pools and black sand. This volcanic beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, picnicking, and enjoying the ocean breeze. If you’re looking to unwind and experience ethereal landscapes, Mosteiros Beach is the place you want to be.

Praia Baixa is not as well known as the other Azores beaches but I think it should be. It’s a small and charming beach with a mix of sand and pebbles, nestled between cliffs and surrounded by verdant hills, offering a picturesque setting.

This area is a local favorite because of it’s seclusion. It’s not as developed as the other beaches on the island, so you’ll have to bring your own beach supplies, and the conditions and currents at this beach can be pretty unpredictable. Just remember to be aware of your surroundings and swim with caution.

This beach is a quick 20-minute drive from Furnas Valley and worth every minute. The parking is free, the landscape is immaculate, and the water is seriously blue. This beach also has a pretty unique feature: it sits right on top of underwater hot springs. Are you familiar with heated pools? Well, this is a naturally heated beach! Pretty cool, right?

Praia de São Lourenço is located on the southernmost island in the Azores. The bay is characterized by its clear waters and beautiful cliffs. It’s in the shape is a semicircle, which protects the bay from winds and rain. The colors of the water will blow your mind when you witness the deep blue of the ocean transform into emerald and turquoise.

The surrounding landscapes on the island provide breathtaking views of the coastline. If you want a bird’s eye view of the bay, just head on up to the top of the Pico Alto viewpoint and prepare to have your breath taken away.

Side note: it’s advisable to check for up-to-date information before visiting. Local tourism websites, travel guides, or the official tourism office can provide the most current information about Praia de São Lourenço.

A Praia do Porto Pim is a popular beach located on Faial Island. The beach is named after the Porto Pim Bay, which was an important anchorage for ships during the Age of Discovery. The area is historically significant and was even mentioned in Herman Melville’s novel “Moby Dick.”

Praia do Porto Pim features a crescent-shaped shoreline and clear turquoise waters. It offers a relaxed atmosphere and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists to enjoy the sun, swim, and engage in water activities.

If you stay for the day, don’t forget to explore the nearby town of Horta, known for its vibrant marina, where sailors from around the world stop during transatlantic voyages. And make sure to enjoy a tasty bev or two in its quaint cafes and restaurants.

The Azores are anything but typical, and so are its beaches. If you’re a beach bunny who loves off-beat places, these locations are for you. Be sure to follow me for future adventures to equally awesome locales!

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