azores tourist info

• 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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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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© Vicky SP/Shutterstock

This remote archipelago simply abounds with adventures; it is, in fact, the Hawaii of the mid-Atlantic. It has world-class whale watching, sailing, diving, hiking and canyoning; excellent surfing and other watersports; rich opportunities for on horseback, on bikes or, for the daredevils, by paraglider. Then there is the landscape itself: a wonderland of seething mud pots, fantastical caverns, and vivid crater lakes that speak of a volcanic origin.

Transportation

Leave the planning to a local expert.

Experience the real The Azores. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Lagoa do Congro

This hidden lagoon, about 5.5 km from Vila Franca do Campo on The Azores largest island of São Miguel, is an emerald-colored oasis. Surrounded by lush…

Sete Cidades

The Azores are full of places that stop visitors dead in their tracks and cause a sharp, involuntary intake of breath. But the first glimpse of this…

Angra do Heroismo

A Unesco World Heritage Site since 1983, the historic centre of Angra do Heroismo on the island of Terceira is an architectural jewel. This once…

The highest mountain in Portugal rears out of the Atlantic Ocean to a height of 2,351m. A near-perfect cone, Mt Pico is more than postcard material: an…

Capelinhos Volcano

The underwater volcano that erupted in spectacular fashion off the island of Faial in 1957 afforded scientists a unique opportunity to study a rare…

Vineyards of Pico

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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. 

Maya Karkalicheva/Getty Images

Best Things to Do in the Azores 

Sete cidades, são miguel.

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

Ilhéu de Vila Franca

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

Hot Springs in Furnas, São Miguel

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

Pico da Barrosa, Pico

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

Whale Watching 

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

DaLiu/Getty Images

Best Restaurants in the Azores 

Quinta dos sabores, são miguel.

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

Bar Caloura, São Miguel

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

Tasquinha Vieira, São Miguel

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

Restaurante Associação Agrícola de São Miguel, São Miguel

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

O Ancoradouro, Pico

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

Chris VR/Travel + Leisure

Best Wineries in the Azores

Azores wine company, pico.

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

Pico Wines, Pico

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

Quinta Da Jardinete, São Miguel

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

How to Get There

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

The Azores   Travel Guide

Courtesy of cinoby | Getty Images

10 Best Things To Do in The Azores

Updated May 13, 2021

The Azores' location, landscape and wildlife are so incredibly unique that you'd be doing yourself an injustice if you didn't spend all of your time seeking out its natural wonders. Fit in as many natural attractions as your itinerary

• All Things To Do

Azores Whale Watching Azores Whale Watching

The Azores is probably one of the best places in the world to go whale watching. That's because it is one of the world's largest whale sanctuaries, with more than 20 different species of cetaceans that either call the archipelago home or pass through during their yearly migrations. At any given time, you'll be able to spot common and bottlenose dolphins and sperm whales on your tour. Different seasons also bring different species through the islands. Summer is a good time to see spotted dolphins, pilot whales, striped dolphins and bearded whales while the beginning of spring is great for blue whales, sei whales and fin whales. Because so many cetaceans live and pass through these waters, the probability of venturing out on a boat and seeing nothing is extremely unlikely.

Whale and dolphin watching tours in the Azores tend to last for a few hours and can be arranged on multiple islands. Highly rated tour operators include Futurisimo , which departs from the Pico and São Miguel islands,  Terra Azul , based in São Miguel and OceanEmotion , located on Terceira. Recent tourgoers agree that this is undoubtedly a can't-miss experience while in the Azores. Visitors across a number of tours were complimentary of their knowledgeable guides, some of whom are marine biologists, as well as the crew. Additionally, many were happy to report that they saw a number of dolphins and whales during their trip.

Sete Cidades (São Miguel) Sete Cidades (São Miguel) free

Sete Cidades provides the best introduction to the Azores' breathtaking landscapes. Conveniently located on São Miguel, Sete Cidades is an area found northwest of Ponta Delgada that is composed of a blue lake and a green lake that are picturesquely placed in the middle of a 3-mile-wide caldera. The area is filled with gorgeous vantage points and hiking trails as well as a little town, which is located at the bottom of the caldera at the base of the lakes. You can hit all of these viewpoints and more if you follow the EN9-1A road that takes you directly to Sete Cidades.

For stunning vistas overlooking the entirety of Sete Cidades, visit Miradouro da Vista do Rei, the caldera's highest point, or Miradouro do Cerrado das Freiras. From Miradouro da Vista do Rei, you can take a trail that snakes along the western side of the caldera and down to the small village that lies within it. There's also the longer Mata do Canário trail, which starts at the stunning Miradouro da Boca do Inferno viewpoint. Like the west side trail, the Mata do Canário trail snakes along the east side of the caldera and takes hikers down to the village.

Lagoa do Fogo (São Miguel) Lagoa do Fogo (São Miguel) free

In addition to Sete Cidades , another stunning crater lake to see on São Miguel is Lagoa do Fogo. Located in the middle of São Miguel, Lagoa do Fogo is more isolated than Sete Cidades and as such, the perfect place to disconnect if you're hiking. Otherwise, expect to rub elbows with visitors at viewpoints, such as Miradouro do Pico da Barrosa, where there is no parking lot (you have to park on the side of the road).

If you are interested in getting close to Lagoa do Fogo, you have a couple of options. From Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo (just steps away from Miradouro do Pico da Barrosa), you can descend down to the lake, which according to recent visitors, takes about 30 minutes. For a longer hike, venture down the stunning Praia – Lagoa do Fogo trail. This nearly 13-mile round-trip hike passes through a variety of landscapes, including farmlands, wooded areas, evergreen valleys and down to the rocky shores of the lake, where, considering the length of the hike, you'll likely run into no one. Do keep in mind that the Azorean government does not allow swimming in the lake. 

Azores Diving Azores Diving

Ever thought about learning how to dive? If you want to go to the Azores, now is the time. The Azores is overflowing with vibrant sea life. In addition to being a whale sanctuary (that sees more than 20 different species of cetaceans), the Azores is also home to plenty of fish, sharks, octopuses, turtles, mobulas (a type of ray) and so much more. Along with its diverse marine life, the archipelago's underwater topography is just as varied. Take a dive in the Azores and you'll be greeted with volcanic formations, such as crater lakes, caves and pinnacles. Shipwrecks are a common sight here, too. What's more, the archipelago exercises a strong commitment to preserving its natural landscapes, meaning you won't find dive sites that have clearly seen one too many visitors. 

You can find dive centers on every island except São Jorge and Corvo. If you know where you want to go, it's best to center your Azores itinerary around the island that has your desired dive site. Popular spots around the islands include Princess Alice Bank in the waters surrounding Pico Island, the Terceirense shipwreck on Graciosa Island and Dom João de Castro Bank between the islands of São Miguel and Terceira, to name a few. New divers should, on the other hand, seek out dive centers that offer lessons or cater to beginners, as they will know the best sites to take novice divers to. The highly-rated Best Spot Azores Dive Center and Season Challenge Azores Island Diving Center , located on São Miguel, both feature dive courses taught by PADI-certified instructors. Summer is the best time to go diving thanks to the warm water temperature and calm ocean conditions. Though if you are intent on spotting whales, the best chance of seeing them is in the early springtime.

Furnas Valley (São Miguel) Furnas Valley (São Miguel) free

If you want to see the Azores' volcanic activity for yourself, there is no better place than the Furnas Valley. The area of Furnas is basically one giant dormant volcano. As such, the area is full of hot springs, fumaroles, mud springs and geysers. Locals have come to use these geological offerings in a variety of ways, from bathing to cooking. Here, you can take a bath in mineral-filled waters, eat food that has been cooked in steam vents (such as cozido das Furnas stew) and drink tea that has been steeped with water from a volcano (found at Chalet da tia Mercês).

Start your Furnas journey to Caldeiras das Furnas, the best place to see the area's volcanic activity. Here, you can walk through the fumaroles, bubbling mud springs and geysers. Plus, this is where cozido das Furnas is cooked and if you are lucky, you'll see cooks taking the food out of the vents to the nearby restaurants in Furnas. If you're up for a mineral bath, there are a couple options within Furnas. Terra Nostra Park features a large thermal swimming pool, which is always heated between 95 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. There's also Poça da Dona Beija, which features smaller pools in a more intimate setting. Both pools are rich in iron and are surrounded by striking, tropical foliage. If you choose to bathe in the former, be sure to also explore the ground's incredible gardens, which feature more than 2,000 different types of trees, including Japanese red cedars, tulip trees, palm trees and more. 

Azores Beaches Azores Beaches free

You can't visit this island paradise without getting an eyeful of its incredible shorelines. The beaches here are unique in that, like many other natural attractions in the Azores, they feature characteristics that are a result of the islands' volcanic history. You won't find many long, wide expansive beaches here, but rather smaller spots that are flanked by towering cliffs and filled with rocky dark or black sands.

São Miguel boasts a hearty number of beautiful beaches. Praia dos Mosteiros provides a great introduction to the beaches typical of this island chain. The beach is small, but features black sands and is flanked by lush cliffs that stretch for as far as the eye can see. Plus, you'll see some striking volcanic rock formations jutting out from the sea as you gaze at the blue waters of the Atlantic. Praia de Santa Bárbara boasts similar geographic features, but provides beachgoers more room in the sand. The conditions here are known to be rough, making it a popular place for surfers. Like Santa Bárbara , Praia do Fogo is one of the island's bigger shorelines and is particularly breathtaking thanks to the towering, forested cliffs that border the beach. The most unique beach of all on São Miguel is the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo. Located off the central southern coast of São Miguel, the islet is a partially submerged volcanic crater that has turned into one large swimming hole in the middle of the Atlantic. You can reach it via ferry or kayak. Reviewers applaud the islet's beauty, but complain of crowds and a disorganized ferry operation.

Pico Mountain (Pico) Pico Mountain (Pico)

There are plenty of amazing hikes found in the Azores, but Pico Mountain, Portugal's highest mountain, easily takes the cake. Pico Mountain, which is actually a dormant volcano, can be found smack dab in the middle of Pico Island, one of the central islands in the Azores.

Pico rises more than 7,700 feet tall and as such, is not for the faint of heart. Due to its shape, the ascent is entirely uphill (the terrain doesn't level out at any point) and for the most part, is exceptionally steep throughout. It's the kind of hike where you'll need to start first thing in the morning and you likely won't be done until the evening. Know, too, that if want to get to Piquinho, the absolute top of the mountain, you'll have to crawl on your hands and feet at several points on the trail up. Plus, multiple travelers say this particular spot is hot and does emit warm air, so plan accordingly.

Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro free

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Algar do Carvão Algar do Carvão

Gorreana Tea Factory Gorreana Tea Factory free

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Visit the Azores - Your Complete Tourist Guide

Explore the Azores archipelago, made up of nine fascinating islands located in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean. Discover the unparalleled natural beauty of this travel destination, filled with breathtaking landscapes, rich local culture and unforgettable adventures.

At byAçores, we offer detailed travel advice, personalized itineraries and useful information to make your visit to the Azores truly exceptional.

Complete guide to plan your trip to the Azores

At byAçores, we provide all the information, services and contacts you need for a peaceful and unforgettable stay in the Azores. From accommodation to local cuisine, adventure activities and historic landmarks, we have it all covered. In addition to the main topics listed below, on this portal you will find detailed travel guides, personalized itineraries and useful advice to maximize your experience in the Azores.

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Explore the Azores: Guide to Unmissable Places to Visit

We have compiled a list of the most stunning and unmissable places to visit during your stay in the Azores. From unparalleled natural landscapes, to historical monuments and adventure activities, the Azores offer a variety of unique experiences that will certainly make your trip a memorable one.

Santa Maria Island

São Miguel Island

Terceira Island

Graciosa Island

São Jorge Island

Pico Island

Faial Island

Flores Island

Corvo Island

Travel packages to the azores: exclusive promotions and unmissable opportunities.

Plan your trip to the Azores with our exclusive travel packages. We offer a variety of options to make your stay memorable, from convenient flights to comfortable accommodation, all inclusive. Explore our current promotions and discover the perfect combination of adventure, relaxation and culture in the beautiful Azores.

São Miguel & Porto: 15-Day Guided Adventure

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Pico & São Miguel: 10-Day Active Guided Adventure

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Activities and experiences in the azores: what to do during your stay.

The Azores offer an abundance of unique activities and experiences to enrich your stay. From hiking through stunning natural landscapes to exploring the rich local culture, there is something for everyone in this unique archipelago. Discover the true beauty of the Azores while enjoying its unique characteristics and making the most of your visit.

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Home » Europe » Portugal » Azores

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This past summer was my first time visiting the Azores, and an opportunity to rediscover my heritage and roots, reconnect with nature among the Azores’ fascinating volcanic landscapes and learn more about this relatively uncharted territory.

On my summer-long visit to the Azores, I learned to appreciate the slow-paced island life that can make it feel like you are stepping back in time.

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s dive right in…

Where to Go Traveling in the Azores

Best travel itineraries for backpacking azores, azores travel guide: island breakdowns, places to visit in sao miguel, places to visit in terceira, places to visit in pico, places to visit in sao jorge, places to visit in flores, places to visit in corvo, places to visit in faial, santa maria, and graciosa, top things to do in the azores, where to stay in the azores, azores travel tips, safety in the azores, what to pack for the azores, azores travel guide to getting around, visiting the azores on a budget, must try experiences in the azores.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5 Day Azores Itinerary #1: Taste of the Azores

5 Days in the Azores: Sao Miguel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7 days in the Azores: Visit 2 Islands

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10-Day Azores Itinerary #3: Hiking the Azores

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14-Day Azores Itinerary: #4: Azores Highlights

2 weeks on the Azores: The Best of the Islands

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Backpacking Ponta Delgada

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

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

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

Backpacking Furnas

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

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

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

Backpacking Ribeira Grande

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Backpacking Angra Do Heroismo

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

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

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

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

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

Backpacking Praia da Vitoria

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you are an adventurous and outdoorsy traveler, then make sure to visit  Flores.

Hiking around Flores is definitely one of the main highlights. You can find all the trail information at this site; there are signs, maps, and well-marked trails on the island as well.

I highly recommend hiking to/from Faja Grande to  Lajedo on the northern side of Flores, as this part of the island is only accessible by foot (not car). Keep in mind it’s a point-to-point hike, so you’ll want to have some type of transportation pick-up at the end so you don’t have to hike all the way back.

Poço da Alagoinha  is another highlight, and probably one of my favorite places to visit in the Azores. There are tons of waterfalls falling from the sky among lush green mountains and rock formations. The trail is relatively short, but extremely slippery when wet, and Flores is pretty much always wet as it rains almost daily.

I also recommend driving around the island and checking out the small villages, crater lakes, and “Rocha dos Bordoes,” a peculiar rock that shoots up out of nowhere.

My family and I went on a tour with Experience OC and had an absolute blast. The owner, Armando, is so professional and helpful, and I highly recommend using this company for driving tours, hiking, boating tours, etc. especially if you are not renting a car.

Aside from driving and hiking around Flores, there are plenty of other adventurous and relaxing things to do. For one, you should simply wander around the beautiful town of Faja Grande and taking in the waterfalls.

Do as the locals do and swim and fish in the nearby ocean.

Another great thing to do is go canyoneering. With so many running rivers and waterfalls, it’s easy to see why this is the best place to go canyoneering in the Azores. We went with West Canyon and I highly recommend them for their responsible, fun, and professional guides.

If you have canyoneering experience, you can hire one of their guides to scale some much higher (think 100 meters plus) waterfalls!

Finally, make sure to take a day (or overnight) trip over to the island of Corvos . I’ll cover Corvos below.

In terms of towns, there are 4 main towns on each side of the island. Santa Cruz das Flores is the main town by the airport where many tourism companies are located.

The main (and I believe only) supermarket on Flores is in this town too, though be prepared to see practically no fresh produce. It seems like the only way to get a lot of veggies is to track down whoever grows them on the island.

On that note, you don’t visit Flores for the food; aside of the fresh seafood, Flores was the least culinary of the islands I visited.

Ponta Delgada (not to be confused with the capital on Sao Miguel) is a quaint town that is good for basing yourself near the northern activities. It’s located in the Santa Cruz municipality.

Lajas das Flores is the southern town, which I didn’t make it to, but there seem to be some good restaurants here.  Lajedo  is the northern coastal town that is small and quiet, mostly home to farmers. It’s worth driving over here though.

Faja Grande is the most beautiful, as it is surrounded by ocean and waterfalls. Much of the middle of the island doesn’t have any facilities but plenty of pastures and crater lakes to explore.

The smallest and most western island in the archipelago, Corvo makes for a great day or overnight trip from Flores, as you can ferry there in about an hour.

As the smallest island, you can walk around the entire island in a day, which is pretty incredible since the entire island is a caldera and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. (A caldera is when the roof of a magma chamber collapses to form a large crater. Other famous ones include Crater Lake in the US. Pretty epic that the whole island is one.)

Make sure to visit the Caldeirão (crater).

With only 300 inhabitants and one town, finding a place to stay will be pretty straightforward. You also do not need to rent a car on Corvo, but there are bikes for rent if you want one.

I haven’t been to Faial, Santa Maria, or Graciosa, nor do I know anyone who has, so these islands will be covered briefly with information I obtained from the Azores Tourism Board’s help!

Faial is best known for the town Horta, a hub for many sailors and maritime travelers in between Africa, the Americas, and Europe. Other things to do on Faial include the  Capelinhos and  Lagoa da Caldeira.

Now, from what I have heard, Graciosa  doesn’t have that much to do and is least known for its nature out of all of the Azores Islands, but is quite off the beaten path and as authentic as the Azores get.

Here you’ll still see many farmers in the pastures and horses roaming the streets (though this is a sight you can catch on most of the islands too). The best thing to do on Graciosa is bathe in the therapeutic hot springs of  Carapacho.

One of the least visited islands is Santa Maria , which has quite a different geological terrain and climate. While most of the other islands experience cloudy and rainy weather year round, Santa Maria is much sunnier, and home to the only natural sand beaches.

This also means Santa Maria is the brownest and driest of the islands. Moreover, Santa Maria is closest to some of the best diving spots in the Azores, including  Gruta Azul , which I’ll cover in our scuba diving section below.

The Azores off the Beaten Path

Frankly, if you are visiting the Azores you are already off the beaten path, though I predict these islands will not stay off the tourist trail for much longer!

If you really want to get off the beaten path, consider visiting the Azores’ lesser visited islands, namely Faial, Santa Maria, and Graciosa listed above. Sao Jorge also doesn’t get nearly as many visitors as its nearby neighbors and is supposedly really beautiful.

Another great way to get out into nature and away from the crowds is to strap on your hiking boots and hit the trails. While I haven’t been to all of the islands yet, I would argue Flores is the best island for hiking, though Picos and Sao Jorge trail behind in a close second and third.

Though Sao Miguel is the most popular island, it’s the biggest island too. Once you get away from the hot spring resorts and main cities, you can hike, bike, and explore at your leisure. The east side of the island is far less traveled than the west.

For getting off the beaten path in the Azores, you’ll need the right gear. To get your adventure fire lit, check out my article regarding why you should always travel with a tent .

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

1 . Go on a Whale Watching Tour

The Azores are one of the best places to go whale watching in the world! Almost a third of the world’s 92 cetacean species, 27 in all, are found in the Azores. Go at the right time and you may be lucky enough to see a sperm whale or blue whale too.

Whale watching tours are successful because they use  vigias , or lookouts, where people on high land watch for whales and communicate with the captains below. These whale watching operations have helped old whale hunters make a living by saving whales instead of killing them.

I don’t usually take tours, but I highly recommend taking a whale watching tour as well as a day tour on Flores. I really enjoyed my tour with  Experience OC . Not only did I discover places I wouldn’t have otherwise, but I learned a lot about Flores’ history from the guide.

2. Swim in the Ocean

So this might be an obvious thing to do in the Azores, but it is definitely worth mentioning. The man-made swimming holes around the islands are pretty awesome.

While free diving we would regularly see tons of fish, jellyfish, and octopuses too.

3. Bask in the Hot Springs on Sao Miguel

The Azores lie on the European, American and African tectonic plates, which give them an interesting position for geothermal activity.

Sao Miguel is the most geothermically active, and the has hot springs you can soak in around the town of  Furnas.

I definitely recommend  Poça Dona Beija for its 5 open-air pools at different temperatures among a lush garden.  Terra Nostra  is a single large pool on its luxurious hotel grounds. Stay at this hotel if you can afford it!

You can visit also visit the  fumaroles – where people actually cook food in the natural heat from the earth!

4. Summit Mount Pico

No trip to Pico is really complete with a summit to Portugal’s highest point! This strenuous day hike is one of the best things to do on the Azores.

5. Indulge in the fresh food

Interestingly, the islands are extremely self-sufficient in terms of production, even making their own alcohol, tobacco, and dairy as a part of traditional life. While this is slowly changing, the Azores are still quite traditional.

Most islands grow their own produce, raise their own livestock, which is sold all over mainland Portugal, and of course, catch fresh seafood. From what I gathered, the fisheries here are sustainable and small-scale.

I will cover more on Azores food in the food section , but just know that food in the Azores is a very important cornerstone of their culture and you would be a fool not to experience it.

6. Take a Hike

The hiking on the Azores is nothing short of breathtaking (sometimes, literally). I’ll list the best hikes on the Azores in the hiking section, but know that the best islands for hiking are Flores, Sao Miguel, Sao Jorge, and Pico.

7. Party on Terceira

Now, when I say party, I’m not talking about hedonistic parties like Ibiza or Mykonos. The parties on Terceira are not about boozy nightclubs; rather, each of the villages and cities throws a multi-day cultural festival surrounding food and drink, music, dancing, parades, and, of course, the bull runs.

Now I am usually the last person to recommend attending a bullfight – not my scene – but the traditional bull runs on Terceira are totally different from anywhere else on the world and a cornerstone of the island’s culture.

For one, the bulls are not hurt, let alone killed, just sort of teased to get them moving. It’s the participating locals who from the bulls that are much more likely to get hurt.

8. Visit Angra do Heroismo

This colorful city in Terceira is a UNESCO heritage site and well worth a visit, especially if you coincide your trip with Angra’s week-long June festival as part of the parties I talked about in #7.

9. Explore some volcanos

As volcanic islands, there are plenty of calderas, craters, and even extinct volcanos to explore. The most dramatic caldera is definitely found on Corvo, which is basically just one big caldera in itself.

You can also explore extinct volcanos and lava tubes on a few of the islands. On Terceira, we visited one of the few places in the world where you can just walk into a lava tube.

10. Go Canyoneering

There are endless amounts of water sports to play in the Azores, including diving, surfing, and swimming, but don’t forget to go inland too! One of the most fun things to do on a few of the islands is go canyoneering!

Flores is home to a river and probably hundreds of waterfalls, so this is one of the best islands for said sport, alongside Sao Jorge.

We went canyoning in Flores with West Canyon and it was really fun! They have 3-hour guided trips for beginners, but if you have canyoneering experience, you can arrange for a more intense trip. Also consider other awesome adventures, like horse back riding, mountain biking, spelunking, and kayaking!

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

The Azores is beginning to build an infrastructure for tourism, though this wasn’t always the case. In fact, when I was visiting Flores, my guide told me that the first hotel wasn’t even built until the 1970s! (And that was only because of the French Naval Base.)

Things are changing, however, and you can find a range of accommodation types throughout the islands. As I’ve mentioned before, the larger islands have the best infrastructure for a variety of budgets and styles.

Every island has some type of hotel or guest house accommodation, often ran by a family. This is, in my opinion, the best way to visit the Azores.

If you are on a tight budget consider the backpacker hostels in the cities and camping elsewhere. Because there isn’t much competition, hostels aren’t as affordable as the mainland, and dorm beds can cost around $30 a night.

If you are truly on a backpacker budget, then I suggest camping, which is welcomed in the Azores and a fantastic way to get closer to nature. I mean, what’s not to love about free beach front accommodation?

On Terceira, I noticed that it was free to camp at the swimming holes in designated areas. While you’ll need to bring your own supplies, there is often a café at the swimming holes and a local market within walking distance. Other campsites on other islands may require around 10 euro per person.

You won’t find much information about Azores campsites online, but I assure you there are campsites in the Azores. You can also buy affordable camping gear on the islands if you need it, though we always recommend traveling with your own if you can!

Best Places to Stay in the Azores

Below are some awesome travel tips for visiting the Azores. Later, I will discuss the costs for traveling in this dreamy archipelago.

Books to Read on the Azores

Unfortunately, there aren’t many books set in the Azores. (If you know of any, let me know in the comments!) That being said, you can still read some amazing books set in Portugal to inspire you to visit this country.

The Alchemist  – Yes, this world-famous modern classic was actually originally written in Portuguese, so why not read the Alchemist whilst visiting Portugal?

Madeira (Walk and Eat)  – Heading to the island of Madeira too? This is a great book for those who like to hike and then have a bite to eat! Guide to local walks and food.

Alentejo Blue – A collection of short stories taking place in a village in Alentejo. Mostly centered around a young girl.

The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis – Dr. Ricardo Reis returns to Lisbon in the midst of fascism and impending civil war.

Portugal is already very safe to visit ; the Azores may be even be safer. In fact, it just might be one of the safest destinations in the world. You won’t have to worry about theft or crime here, but we always recommend using your street smarts and keeping valuables safe.

The biggest dangers to worry about are the natural hazards. Strong currents, riptides, and intense rainstorms can pose a threat if you are not prepared.

When engaging in outdoor activities, know the risks of what you are doing and have an exit plan. If you are unfit or inexperienced, hire a guide/local. That said, none of the hiking in the Azores is extremely wild or intense.

For more wild hikes, check out our guide to the best hikes in Madeira Island .

I strongly recommend traveling with a headlamp whilst visiting the Azores (or anywhere really – every backpacker should have a good headtorch!), especially if you’re camping. Check out my post for a breakdown of the best value  headlamps  to take backpacking.

Travel Insurance for Azores

Traveling without insurance would be risky so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

When visiting the Azores, you should prepare for all weather. It can be chilly and cloudy in the middle of summer, and sunny and warm in the middle of winter. I recommend packing a couple layers and a rain jacket, hiking shoes, and a couple swim suits.

On every adventure, there are six things I never go traveling without:

Travel Security Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

‘Monopoly Deal’

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

For plenty more inspiration on what to pack, check out my full  backpacking packing list.

Why Should You Travel to South America with a Water Bottle?

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful!

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Best Time to Visit the Azores

Most locals will say that you can experience four seasons in one day (which is sort of false since it doesn’t snow) but you get what they mean. Basically, no matter what time of the year it is, you can get rain, fog, clouds, and sun.

That said, you are more likely to have warm and sunny days in the summer and cold and rainy days in the winter. Moreover, the summer days are much longer, and the sun sets around 9 pm.

Thanks to its location in the middle of the ocean, the weather can be drastically different simply depending on which side of the island you are on, as clouds can get trapped behind mountains.

My first two weeks in the Azores were mostly clouds and rain… and it was June! If that was my whole vacation, well, that would have been my entire experience on the Azores! The rest of the summer was, however, mostly hot!

Locals have told me that the summers seem to start later nowadays, as do the winters, so consider this when booking your trip.

Of course, summers are the most visited and expensive time to visit the Azores. Still, this is when the festivities, sun, and parties are happening too! If you are visiting during a holiday (like Terceira in August) consider booking a bit more in advance.

Always pack sunscreen  and  a rain jacket!

Since we are discussing an island chain, your only way of getting to the Azores internationally is by flight.

Flying into the Azores has become much more accessible and cheaper in recent years, especially since Ryanair and Easyjet started to serve direct flights from various European cities including London, Munich, Lisbon, and Porto.

There are also may direct flights from the US and Canada since many Azoreans have immigrated to certain pockets of this continent. Boston, Oakland, New York, Toronto, and Montreal all serve direct flights to the Azores.

Entry Requirements for the Azores

Since this is an autonomous part of Portugal, the entry requirements are the same as they are for Portugal.

Portugal is part of the Schengen Zone, which is a trans-European pact enabling visa-free travel between participating nations. The Schengen agreement is an extremely convenient means of entry for those backpacking Europe .

Those who reside in the Schengen Zone need only an EU ID card to enter a neighboring country. All other world nations require a passport.

Most non-EU nations can qualify for a 90-day visa that is valid in any participating European nation. There are always exceptions though, so be sure to check the official website before you start backpacking in Europe.

See here for a list of all European nations in the Schengen Zone. Remember that not every nation in Europe is a part of this agreement.

How to get around the Azores

Traveling between islands is fairly easy and self-explanatory. You can travel either by flight or ferry, though which method is best will depend on which islands you are traveling between.

If you are traveling within a group of islands (western, middle, or eastern) then the ferry is almost always best. Island hopping is easy between the central islands – Faial, Sao Jorge, Terceira, and Pico.

If the islands are relatively close (like under 2 hours) then I highly recommend using the ferry system, as flights tend to be delayed – more on this later.

You can also ferry between larger groups, like Sao Miguel to Terceira, but the travel time can be around 5+ hours. These ferries only operate in the summer. You can find more schedule information at  Atlantico Line , which is the only company operating on these routes.

Flights are also easy, as the airports are small and all of the inner island flights are serviced by SATA. The unfortunate problem is that SATA flights are notoriously late as they only have a few aircrafts in the fleet flying between the islands.

In my experience, afternoon and evening flights are pretty much guaranteed to be delayed, so try to book a morning flight for inner-island flights (and out of the country too).

Getting around the Azores is easiest and most enjoyable if you have your own car as public transportation is infrequent and taxis can be expensive. With your own car, scooter, or even bicycle, you have the freedom to explore the islands at your leisure.

Unfortunately, car rentals are not exactly cheap for solo travelers, so if you can’t split the costs, consider renting a bike or scooter! It’s better for the environment anyway 🙂

Renting a Car in the Azores

As I mentioned above, renting a car at some point on your Azores adventure will give you the freedom to roam. There is nothing better than moving around at your own pace.

You can  sort your car rental here in just a few minutes. Booking in advance is the best way to ensure you score the lowest price and your choice of vehicle. Often, you can find the best car rental prices when you pick up the rental from the airport. Make sure you cover your rental car with a RentalCover.com policy . It covers your car against any common damages such as tires, windscreens, theft, and more at a fraction of the price you would pay at the rental desk.

Hitchhiking in the Azores

I did hitchhike a couple times in the Azores, mostly to get back to my car. Locals are friendly and will help out a friendly face if needed, but keep in mind that much of these islands is quite rural, so it may take a while to get a ride in some places.

Onwards Travel From the Azores

The Azores are an isolated archipelago, so I doubt you arrived here by accident, but if you are traveling onwards the most logical step would be to visit mainland Portugal!  Though the same country, mainland Portugal is a completely different place and well worth visiting.

You may be surprised to learn that the Azores are actually closer to the US than Europe. A lot of Azorean citizens have emigrated to the States and Canada, mostly settling in Azorean communities in Boston, Rhode Island, Central California, and Toronto.

You can get a direct flight to Boston, Oakland (just a stone’s throw from San Francisco), Toronto, or Montreal.

Visiting the Azores on a budget isn’t necessarily easy. You have to actively and strategically track how and where you spend your money. Nevertheless, you should be able to visit the Azores without spending hundreds of dollars everyday.

The Azores do not exactly cater to backpackers, as this is not a party destination and aside from the cities there aren’t many hostels. Moreover, public transportation isn’t all that reliable, so you’ll want your own wheels.

Your biggest expenses will be your car rental and accommodation, so visiting the Azores on a budget is best as a couple, or with friends or family, as touristic facilities run on the higher end.

That said, the Azores food and drink are much more affordable than mainland Europe or other Western nations. Beers are around 1 euro at a bar and you can get the fresh catch of the day for around 10 euro.

A reasonable daily budget for backpackers is between $7 0- $100/day . Some days, you can spend less if you are camping or trekking since food is so cheap. If you decide to only visit 1-2 islands and mostly camp, then you can definitely visit for less.

With a budget of $100 a day, you can rent a car, eat well, stay in a hostel or guesthouse with another person, and have a couple beers each evening.

Your costs can really add up if you are trying to visit a bunch of islands in a couple weeks, as ferries and internal flights are  not cheap.

If barebones backpacking is your style, you could easily travel in the Azores whilst spending around $30-40 on most days (including accommodation), but this doesn’t including travel to/from the islands.

Below I have broken down the average daily travel costs you can expect on an Azores backpacking budget.

Daily Costs in the Azores

Dorm bed in a hostel:  $30 – 50 (Welcome to Hawaii!)

Small basic room for two:  $50-100+

Airbnb room/entire apartment : $40+

Camping:  Free – $10

Average small car rental per day : $30+

10 Minute Taxi:  $7

1 tank scuba dive (for certified divers) : $80+

4 Hour Guided Tour with Driver: $60

Lunch at sit down restaurant:  $10+

Bottle of wine at the market:  $2-4

Beer at a bar:  $1+

Espresso  at a cafe : $1+

Breakfast at café:  $5

Seafood Dinner:  $15-25

Azores Budget Travel Hacks

The lion’s share of your budget for visiting the Azores will be spent between lodging and transportation. Below are my tips on how to avoid these expenses.

1) Camp : With plenty of awesome beaches and lush mountains, there are some great places to camp on the Azores. Traveling with a tent is the best way to save money on the Azores, as some sites are free. Otherwise, they’re $10 a head, at most.

2) Cook your own food:  Travel with a  portable backpacking stove , or book accommodation with a kitchen, and cook your own food to save some serious cash whilst backpacking the Azores. If you are on a tight budget, cooking is the best way to do it. You can get fresh produce, seafood, meat, and cheese at any of the local markets. I highly recommend it!

3) Do Free Things:  The ocean is absolutely free and a great place to spend your time while visiting the Azores! Hiking is another free thing to do!

4) Drink locally:  You can get a local beer, wine, or liquor for around 1-2 euro a drink, whether you’re at the store or a bar. A bottle of wine is under 5 euro at the market. Don’t bother getting anything imported if you are on a budget.

5) Eat Locally:  You can eat cheaply (and extremely well) by shopping locally. Hit the food trucks at all the  festas and events for 2 euro sandwiches.

6) Rent a bicycle or scooter: Traveling alone? Rent two wheels instead of four to save money.

Volunteering in the Azores

Long term travel is awesome. Giving back is awesome too. For backpackers looking to travel long-term on a budget in the Azores  whilst making a real impact on local communities, look no further than  World Packers . World Packers is an excellent platform  connecting travelers with meaningful volunteer positions throughout the world .

In exchange for a few hours of work each day, your room and board are covered.

Backpackers can spend long periods of time volunteering in an awesome place without spending any money. Meaningful life and travel experiences are rooted in stepping out of your comfort zone and into the world of a purposeful project.

World Packers opens the doors for work opportunities in hostels, homestays, NGOs and eco-projects around the world. Broke Backpacker readers get a special discount of $10 – just use this discount code  BROKEBACKPACKER and membership is discounted from $39 a year to $29.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Food in the Azores

One of the main reasons to visit the Azores is for the food, truly. For one, you are visiting a chain of isles, where the seafood is as fresh as it can be.

The volcanic soil also means that produce is quite good. Plus, before the tourism industry was a viable source of income, most locals were farmers (and still are).

There are many local customs, dishes, and foods to try in the Azores; I have listed a few below:

Fish:  There are so many types of fish available, depending on the day and season. I always recommend asking the restaurant or market for their fresh catch and advice. I felt good knowing most fish is still caught traditionally and sustainably.

Lapas (limpets):  The is the most famous shellfish in the Azores, a local delicacy. They are usually are served grilled with garlic, butter, pepper and a bit of lemon, though traditionally they are eaten raw. This is becoming rarer though.

Ananás (pineapple):  São Miguel island actually grows an organic pineapple. It’s expensive but really tasty.

Pão do Pico : typical bread from Pico island.

Alcatra:  a famous dish from Terceira island that’s a lot like pot roast; beef is slow-cooked with red wine, onions, garlic, allspice, and black peppercorns. This dish originally was cooked and preserved in lard (before refrigeration) and the woman of the household would prepare it for her family during the festivals when they would be out all week.

Soups and Stews: And speaking of Alcatra, soups and stews are very famous here too, anything from green cabbage soup to octopus, beef, or fish stew.

Cheese: Each island produces cheese, and some of the best in Portugal, for that matter. Sao Jorge is the most famous for its unpasteurized cheese –  Queijo de São Jorge .

Vinho (wine) : Many families and locals make their own wine, so you can find it just about anywhere, though it is Pico that is most famous for their wine, due to their unusual vineyards that grow on lava rocks.

Tea:  The only tea plantations in Europe are in Ribeira Grande on São Miguel,  Chá Gorreana  and  Chá Porto Formoso .

Best Festivals in the Azores

As a predominantly Catholic society, many of the holidays and festivals on the Azores are religious in nature. Holidays like Easter/Holy Week and Christmas, for example, are very important celebrations. The Azores also celebrates New Year’s on January 1st and National Portugal Day on June 10th.

One festival I didn’t experience but read about is called Holy Ghost Festival, which is celebrated several weeks following Easter celebrated with Sweet Bread, dancing, and parades.

In terms of unique festivals on the Azores, each island is different.

Sao Miguel’s largest religious festival is the Festival of the Christ of Miracles, which takes place just after Easter. A statue of Christ is paraded through the street and other festivities take place in Ponta Delgada’s streets.

Santa Maria hosts the Azores’ music festival, Praia Formosa in late August. While visiting the Azores, I saw flyers for this festival all over the islands, and it seems to be a big deal.

Sao Jorge  hosts the Cultural Week of Velas in the first week of July, where there are concerts, a bullfight, and celebrations.

The island Faial is best as a rest stop for many sailors in between the Americas, Europe, and Africa, so it should come as no surprise that they host a festival called “ The Week of the Sea ” to celebrate their history through cultural events and music.

Last but certainly not least, Terceira is known as the “festival” island, so basically there are festivities taking place all over the island all summer long.

The biggest and most famous events are in Angra do Heroismo in June and Praia da Vitoria in August that span over more than a week each. They include parades and marches, folklore, lots of food and drink, bull runs, and dancing.

Hiking in the Azores

As volcanic, diverse islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, it may come as no surprise that the hiking in the Azores is absolutely superb! Each island has at least a few beautiful hikes to enjoy, though not all are created equal.

Azores hiking trails are well maintained and marked, and there are options for every fitness level.

Terceira is the flattest island, so the hikes here are less dramatic. That’s not to say they are extremely easy or boring, but this is the easiest island to hike on for your average Joe.

Sao Miguel has tons of hikes to its many crater lakes. But if you are visiting the Azores for hiking and nature, the best islands are without a doubt Flores and Sao Jorge because of their dramatic  fajés,  vertical coastlines, lush mountains, and scenery. Both islands are considered entire Biospheres.

And of course, you can’t forget the hiking on Pico. Make sure to summit Mount Pico on your trip!

One of the things that I love about trekking is that it is almost always free. If you want to enjoy some of the Azores’ treasures, all you need are your own two feet.

Best Hikes in the Azores

Lagoa Furnas on Sao Miguel  – Takes you around Furnas Lake in 6.3 miles for views of the lagoon and crater. One of the most beautiful places in Sao Miguel.

Sete Ciudades on Sao Miguel:  13-mile hike around multiple green and blue lakes and the towns. This is probably the most visited place in Sao Miguel.

The Great Route in Flores: Not for the faint of heart, you can circumnavigate the entire island of Flores. For more information, check out this site . There are four campsites in Flores, and two of them have hot water. You can also stay in guesthouses in the towns.

Faja Grande to Lajedo in Flores:  One of the best day hikes, and a section of the Great Route. This part of the island is inaccessible by car, so make sure to hike it! Moderate to strenuous and can get muddy.

Poço da Alagoinha in Flores: A short, moderate hike to a lagoon where dozens of waterfalls drop from lush green mountains and rock formations. The trail is relatively short, but  extremely  slippery when wet. You cannot swim in the lagoon.

Agualva trail  in Terceira:  Easy hike with excellent cliff views.

Misterios Negros in Terceira:  Moderate hike that shows you what Terceira  used to look like before invasive plants and farmland. This area is protected to preserve the indigenous plant species.

Summit Mount Pico:  Most likely, when you think of hiking the Azores, you imagine  Mount Pico , specifically. This is the highest point in all of Portugal and I have only heard great things about this strenuous albeit rewarding hike.

Great Route of Sao Jorge :  Similar to Flores, this island is composed of a sheer-sided ridge, lush vegetation, and dramatic fajés. To take on the best of the island, tackle this 42km beast of a hike.

Hike the Caldera on Corvo: A moderate, circular route around Corvo allows you to access Corvo’s collapse crater and take in some breathtaking views. You begin and end this trail near the viewpoint of Caldeirao.

Diving in the Azores

While the Azores do not have reefs like South East Asia or Mexico , the diving in the Azores holds another special charm: its whales and large pelagic life.

If you are a freediver, spearfisher, or advance scuba diver, you can really find some unique dives and big, big fish.

Moreover, there is some cave diving in the Azores too. This isn’t your typical colorful reef diving, but the water visibility is great and there are some dive sites worth coming here for. More notably, you can dive with devil rays, manta rays, blue sharks, and even whales in the Azores.

Keep in mind that diving in the Azores isn’t quite as accessible as other islands.

Best Azores Dive Sites

Rosais Reef (São Jorge Island)  – 3 miles from São Jorge Island is Rosais Reef. Best variety of marine life here. Terceirense Shipwreck (Graciosa Island)  – A shipwreck dive resting at 20 meters. Diving in Seamounts  – Visibility of more than 30 meters and devil rays are common. Second World War Shipwreck (São Miguel Island)  – Shipwreck from one of the largest military operations in world history – Operation Overlord. 

Whale Watching in the Azores

As I mentioned in the  top things to do in the Azores  section, whale watching in the Azores is world-class. 27 cetaceans are found among the Azores.

The best time to go whale watching is late spring, simply because of the sheer variety of whales and dolphins in the area. This is also when blue whales and sperm whales are migrating through the Azores.

What is more, the whale watching tours are very successful because they use  vigias , which are people on high land look-outs watching for whales below. I have heard Pico has some of the best whale watching along with Sao Miguel.

While on Sao Miguel, we went whale watching with  Terra Azul  and they were incredibly friendly, professional, and kind. They prioritize the safety of their customers and the wildlife too.

Canyoneering in the Azores

If you are visiting the Azores, don’t forget to go inland! On certain islands, tour outfitters will take you spelunking, caving, and kayaking, and last but not least, canyoneering.

It’s possible to tackle world-class canyoning on the islands of Flores, Sao Miguel, and Santa Maria.

We went canyoning on Flores with  West Canyon.  They are extremely professional, helpful, and friendly. The gear is solid too.

They lead 3-hour guided trips for beginners, but if you have canyoneering experience you can arrange a more advance full-day trip down 100-meter waterfalls; just call ahead and prepare to pay a bit more!

Make Money Online whilst Visiting the Azores

Traveling in the Azores or Portugal long-term? Keen to make some cash when you are not exploring the city?

Teaching English online is a great way to earn a consistent income—from anywhere in the world with a good internet connection.

Depending on your qualifications (or your motivation to obtain qualifications like a TEFL certificate) you can teach English remotely from your laptop, save some cash for your next adventure, and make a positive impact on the world by improving another person’s language skills! It’s a win-win! Check out this detailed article for everything you need to know to start teaching English online .

In addition to giving you the qualifications to teach English online, TEFL courses open up a huge range of opportunities and you can find teaching work all over the world. To find out more about TEFL courses and how you can teach English around the world, read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad .

Broke Backpacker readers get a 50% discount on TEFL courses with MyTEFL (simply enter the code PACK50), to find out more, please read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad.

Whether you are keen to teach English online or looking to take your teaching game a step further by finding a job teaching English in a foreign country, getting your TEFL certificate is absolutely a step in the right direction.

Being a Responsible Backpacker in the Azores

Reduce your plastic footprint: Perhaps the best thing you can do for our planet is to make sure you do NOT add to the plastic problem all over the world.

Go to Portugal and have the time of your life, do the things you’ve dreamed of but be respectful along the way. Traveling the world makes you an ambassador for your country , which is awesome. We can make a positive impact on people when we travel and get rid of any ugly stereotypes that may be associated with your country…

Check out our post on how to be a responsible backpacker.

I hope you enjoyed my Lisbon travel guide, which covers everything you need to know about Portugal’s capital: top things to do, which neighborhoods to check out, where to stay, and more!

Lisbon truly is an incredible city that blends tradition and modernity seamlessly. Enjoy your trip!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Ana Pereira

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Thanks a lot for the big effort putting this! Very informative!! 🙂

Hi Ana. I have enjoyed reading your information about The Azores so much. I visited Sao Miguel 6 years ago and as soon as the world opens again I’ll enjoy visiting some of the other islands. I ‘ll turn 70 soon and in fairly good shape. I have traveled to many places in the world after I retired 10 years ago. I usually travel alone and low budget, so I was happy to read that camping could be a possibility. I couldn’t find many official campsites on maps, but you wrote that it’s possible to camp some places at ocean pools etc. I prefer to spend money on car rent instead of hotels etc. I am addicted to traveling and have had a hard time staying at home in northern Denmark for 14 months now. I am looking forward to the Covid 19 vaccine which I hopefully shall get in April/ May. On my last trip I went to southern Thailand island hopping in Jan 2020. A top experience. Once again thank you for your very detailed information. Ingelise Frier, Denmark

Hello! I am very interested in traveling to the Azores, my family is also native to the islands, specifically Faial. I am looking to travel for 3 weeks to a month and found your guide extremely informative! I will definitely use your advice and be camping as much as possible and I will make sure to hike all of the trails I can. I was wondering how I might fare traveling by myself and only being able to speak English. I took a Brazilian Portuguese class in college but was told the dialects are very different, not to mention I didn’t retain very much. Also, I was debating on traveling next August or April. Which month do you think would have better weather for camping, and wouldn’t be too crowded with tourists. Thank you for any help!

Hello Dylan! Anyone in the tourism or hospitality industry will know English 🙂 Some locals might not, but you’ll be able to get around okay! There are also a lot of people who immigrated from the Azores to the US/Canada back on the islands all summer who will know Portuguese and English. Younger people tend to know more English as well!

Usually, I would recommend not to travel to Europe in high season (August) if you can help it but the Azores are a special case. While August will be more expensive, there will also be much more going on and the weather will be hot but perfect for the beach. Plus, not all the ferries run in April and certain places may feel pretty dead and shut down. Just be sure to book ahead in August!

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10 of the best things to do in the Azores

Now on the UK’s travel green list, the Portuguese archipelago offers stunning volcanic landscapes and its own delicious cuisine, wines and even coffee

T he Azores archipelago (Açores in Portuguese) lies about 1,000 miles west of mainland Europe and is made up of nine volcanic islands: São Miguel (the largest), São Jorge, Terceira, Pico, Faial, Ilha das Flores, Santa Maria, Graciosa and Corvo, which you can cross by ferry or plane.

Colonised by the Portuguese in 1432, the Azores is now an autonomous region. During the period known as the Discoveries, Portugal had the largest high-seas fleet in the world, with many of its ships stopping to replenish stocks in the Azores as they travelled back and forth to Brazil, India, Japan and elsewhere, bringing with them spices that changed Azorean cuisine from simple. plain dishes to ones spiced and flavoured with new-world produce, such as tomatoes, sweet potatoes and yams.

The weather can vary even across a day, with locals (about 245,000 residents) often calling each other to find out where on an island the sun is. Lots of rain makes for a lush landscape with many waterfalls and hot springs. Tea and coffee are grown here, as well as pineapples. The town of Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira and the landscape of Pico’s vineyard culture are Unesco world heritage-listed sites.

What the Azores produces is astonishing: not just for its quality but because the vines are grown in seemingly inhospitable cracks in rocks and hardened lava, buffeted by winds and storms. These conditions provide distinctive salty notes. The most famous Azorean wines are from Pico, an island dominated by Mount Pico. Try them at Pico Wines , a cooperative, or at the Azores Wine Company, which recently opened an architecturally impressive winery with views across the squares of dry-stone corrais that comprise the vineyards. Pico makes the more well-known wines but Biscoitos , on Terceira, has a similar landscape and also produces great stuff.

Beaches, swimming, dolphin- and whale-watching

There are beaches across the Azores, but since these are volcanic islands the sand is dark or the shore is rocky. Swimming “pools” dot the shoreline of all the islands: sometimes ladders hang on the edge of rocks, some can be accessed directly from the shore, and others are in little harbours. In August, the sea temperature can reach 23C, but given this is the Atlantic, the water is cold for much of the year. There are also waterfalls and volcanic springs to plunge under and into. Dolphin- and whale-watching trips are widely available.

Cakes and biscuits

The islands have their own cakes and biscuits, of which my favourites are Dona Amélia, small cakes made from melkana (like molasses, brought from Brazil), sugar, eggs, cornflour, cinnamon and raisins. Created to celebrate the visit of King Don Carlos and his wife, Dona Amélia, in 1901, try them at Pastelaria O Forno in Angra do Heroísmo . Pudim conde da praia is made from potatoes, sugar, butter, lemon, eggs and cinnamon. Esp é cies de São Jorge are horseshoe-shaped cookies stuffed with a spiced filling that includes fennel, black pepper, cinnamon and lemon – those made by Dulçores on São Jorge are good.

When the Portuguese discovered the Azores they shipped over livestock to the islands to see if the animals could survive. They did, especially the cows with abundant grass to graze on grazing. Butter, milk, cream and cheese produced across the Azores are likely to be some of the best you have ever tasted. Two cheeses have Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status: tangy Queijo São Jorge (try it at Queijaria Canada on São Jorge) and buttery Queijo do Pico, but every island produces wonderful ones (O Morro on Faial is incredible). The ice-cream, yoghurt and ghee (from Azorghee ) are also exceptional.

Drive, walk or cycle along the roads of the Azores and you will be greeted by banks of hydrangeas, often tall bushes full of large floral heads in shades of blue, pink, white and purple. Faial is also known as the blue island – a volcanic eruption in 1957 left behind a fertile soil full of acidity and aluminium, which makes the flowers blue. Hydrangeas are not an indigenous species – they were introduced by Portuguese settlers in the 17th century – but became invasive because of the conditions (the rain, the rich earth) and had a devastating effect on some of the local flora. They were used like walls to keep the cows to certain fields. Hydrangeas begin to bloom in late April and flower until early September.

Formed from lava flows that stopped at the sea, fajãs are mostly steep cliffs running down to the coast and are most concentrated on São Jorge. Being volcanic, fajãs are exceptionally fertile and were used by settlers to grow yams, maize and vegetables. These days coffee and tropical fruits are grown along the more gentle slopes. Take the spectacular walk from Fajã dos Cubres to Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo, the only place on the archipelago where clams are grown (it’s also a magnet for body boarders and surfers). Eat the clams at Restaurante O Borges before walking back to Fajã dos Cubres.

The cult of the holy spirit

The holy spirit (or holy ghost) festivals are the primary annual event for Azoreans, 90% of whom are Catholic. The festivities have common threads but the celebrations and traditions vary from island to island. They centre around impérios (empires) – small shrines to the holy spirit – highly decorated and maintained with care. Their architecture also varies: on Terceira, where there are 73, they are topped with an imperial crown. The festivals are also social and family celebrations, with singing, processions and eating and drinking. The “cult” arrived with the first settlers, with the Azorean people becoming more devoted as communities came together to worship, isolated from the mainland.

Seafood and fish

The Azores has fabulous tuna. Much of it is exported as well as canned, but eating it fresh on the islands is a must. Other species include blue jack mackerel, chub mackerel, forkbeard, red porgy and swordfish, while lobsters, slipper lobsters, crabs and spider crabs are abundant. But there are two types of seafood that are particular to the Azores. The first, more widely available, are lapas , limpets which are usually grilled (try them at Sabores Sopranos on São Jorge, which often has la pa branco , which is more orange, and lapa mansa more black). The other is cracas , barnacles that look like rocks, but have small holes inside that are home to sweet, almost lobster-like meat, which has to be picked out. Cracas are more easily found on Terceira – try them at Beira Mar de São Mateus .

Tea and coffee

Tea is grown on two plantations on São Miguel – Gorreana and Porto Formoso , both on the north coast, producing black (primarily orange pekoe, pekoe, moinha, oolong and broken leaf) and green tea. You can visit the plantations and factories to learn about their teas. Tea is thought to have been introduced to the islands at the beginning of the 19th century, when it was realised that the climate was good for its cultivation. High-quality, fruity coffee is grown on fajã slopes on São Jorge – sample that produced by the Nunes family at Café Nunes at Fajã dos Vimes.

Nine islands, one geopark. There are 121 geosites across the archipelago’s land and the sea bed. There are dry caldeiras , lakes in craters, fumarolic fields, hot springs, caves, grottoes and crevices, many of which are the result of the volcanic nature of the islands. The sites include Mount Pico, which you can climb to the top of. Capelinhos volcano, on the westernmost point of Faial, resulting from an eruption between 1957 and 1958, has a 2km-wide surface caldeira around the crater, which is a nature reserve. On Ilha das Flores, the walking trail at Fajã de Lopo Vaz , probably one of the first places to be settled on the islands, is also a geosite.

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The Best Azores Travel Tips And Information

The top azores travel tips: insider information from locals.

Planning your Azores trip? Before you pack your bags and prepare for your departure, there are some things you will want to know about this special island archipelago. We’ve gathered the most faq and are answering them all for you so that you can be prepared for your Azores travel.

Read on for the inside scoop on all things the Azores, including the top tips when traveling to the Azores.

1. How Many Islands Are in The Azores?

The Azores are a Portuguese archipelago that is made up of nine islands, divided into three different groups. The Eastern Group comprises São Miguel Island and Santa Maria Island . The islands of Terceira, Graciosa, Faial, São Jorge , and Pico make up the Central Group. Finally, the Western Group consists of Corvo Island and Flores Island .

Even though these islands share some similarities, each island is unique and different when you compare their heritage, history, and traditions. Wondering which Azores island to visit? To acquire a more in-depth understanding, we invite you to read our comprehensive article on this topic - "Which is the Best Azores Island" .

2. How Is The Weather in The Azores?

Azores' weather can be quite unpredictable. For instance, on the same day when traveling in the Azores, you can experience all four seasons! You could start the day off with light rain, only to have the sun burst out mere minutes later, followed by a bit of wind, and more! For this reason, don’t rely too much on the weather forecasts while you travel, and come prepared and dressed accordingly (we suggest layers!) so that you can make the most out of every day, come rain or shine. That being said, although the Azores is a mild and moderate climate, it does experience four seasons.

Psst: Did you know that you can monitor the weather across all the Azores Islands? While traveling in the Azores, consider downloading the "Spotazores" app. It offers live webcam feeds from the islands, helping you make informed decisions based on your preferred weather conditions.

3. Do I Need to Rent A Car in the Azores?

Renting a car is highly recommended for visitors to the Azores, as it offers the freedom to fully explore the islands. With a rental car, you have the flexibility to discover hidden waterfalls, traverse hiking trails, and much more at your own pace. Don't let concerns about cost or ease of driving deter you – car rentals in the Azores are reasonably priced and navigating the islands is straightforward. While public transportation, mainly buses, exists, it's sparse and infrequent. Taxis, though available, can be more costly. To delve deeper and gather more comprehensive information, be sure to read our detailed article "Driving & Renting a Car in the Azores"

When it's time to book your trip, don't be daunted by the plethora of rental car choices available. Azores Getaways simplifies this process by presenting you with the best deals and prices by offering a  diverse range of rental car options, ensuring you find the perfect vehicle to suit your travel needs in the Azores. Book your rental car now!

4. What Should I See In The Azores?

There are so many things to see in the Azores, the list of top travel tips of must-sees could be endless! However, we’ll provide you with the most commonly sought-after highlights to enjoy as you make your way around the islands. All around the Azores, you’ll see various signs that alert you to different Azores' wonders. As you are driving around, be sure and pull over for scenic viewpoints (called miradouros ), as well as waterfalls ( cascatas ), hot springs ( fontes termais ) , and more.

Not-to Miss Viewpoints:

• Miradouro da Vista do Rei (São Miguel Island)
• Miradouro do Pico do Carvão (São Miguel Island)
• Monte Brasil (Terceira Island)
• Miradouro de Santa Iria (São Miguel Island)
• Miradouro da Serra do Cume (Terceira Island)

Not-to Miss Waterfalls:

• Salto do Prego (São Miguel Island)
• Ribeira dos Caldeirões (São Miguel Island)
• Cascata do Poço do Bacalhau (Flores Island)
• Cascata da Ribeira Grande (Flores Island)
• Salto do Cabrito (São Miguel Island)

Not-to Miss Hot Springs Spots:

• Ferraria Natural Hot Springs (São Miguel Island)
• Poça da Dona Beija (São Miguel Island)
• Termas do Carapacho (Graciosa Island)
• Parque Terra Nostra (São Miguel Island)
• Caldeira Velha (São Miguel Island)

5. Can I Fly Between the Azores Islands?

Absolutely, flying between the Azores islands is possible and highly recommended! Each island in the Azores is distinct and offers its unique charms and experiences. Fortunately, SATA Air Açores operates daily flights to all the islands in the Azores, making it convenient to explore multiple islands, particularly during the winter months. This flexibility allows you to experience the diverse beauty and attractions each island has to offer. For a more comprehensive understanding and detailed insights, be sure to read our in-depth article on the topic "Azores Inter-Island Flights"

6. Can I Travel by Boat Between The Azores Islands?

Indeed, inter-island travel is feasible, particularly within the central and western groups of the Azores. Atlântico Line, the regional ferry transport company, provides year-round services between closely situated islands such as Pico, Faial, and São Jorge Islands, and also offers routes from Flores to Corvo. This makes island-hopping convenient for travelers looking to explore neighboring islands.

For comprehensive details on availability, dates, and specific ferry routes, we encourage you to read our in-depth article " Azores Inter-Island Ferries ". This resource will provide you with all the necessary information to plan your inter-island travel in the Azores effectively.

Pssst: If you're considering a trip from Flores Island to Corvo Island, opting for a boat tour rather than the ferry is recommended. This way, you'll not only achieve your travel objective but also enjoy the added experience of viewing the stunning coastal waterfalls and a transfer to the impressive Corvo's Caldeirão,  learn more!

7. What Should I Bring On A Hike & What to Know Before Taking a Hike?

Before embarking on the Azores' stunning hiking trails, remember to pack essential items for a safe and enjoyable experience. Key things to bring include a raincoat , snacks , ample water , sunscreen , and lunch for longer treks. Many trails feature picturesque picnic spots with unforgettable views. Proper hiking footwear is crucial, particularly shoes with good grip for challenging sections and waterproof or water-resistant capabilities to handle the frequent rain and muddy conditions that contribute to the Azores' lush landscapes. These preparations will enhance your hiking adventure in this beautiful region.

When hiking in the Azores, it's important to note that not all trails are circular; many are one-way. Proper planning is essential for these hikes. You may need to arrange a taxi back to your starting point or plan an alternate return route. Additionally, research each trail's difficulty and length beforehand to ensure it matches your physical capabilities. The good news is that the Azores offer a diverse array of trails, from easy nature walks to more challenging treks. This variety ensures that everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of these pristine islands, regardless of their hiking experience.

8. What Can I See for Free in The Azores?

Travelers to the Azores will be delighted to discover that a majority of the attractions on the islands are accessible at no cost. Almost every hiking trail, panoramic viewpoint, and picturesque lake can be enjoyed without any fees. This abundance of free, natural attractions ensures that your visit to the Azores will be filled with memorable and cost-effective adventures.

9. But Not Everything is Free.

In the Azores, while many natural attractions like hiking trails, beaches, and scenic viewpoints are free, some certain attractions and activities may have an entrance fee or require payment. Some examples include:

- Thermal Baths and Spas : Places like Furnas and Poça da Dona Beija on São Miguel Island offer thermal baths and spa services, which typically charge for entry.

- Botanical Gardens : Gardens such as Terra Nostra Park in Furnas have an admission fee. These gardens often feature unique flora, thermal pools, and beautifully landscaped grounds.

- Guided Tours : Guided tours, whether for whale watching, diving, or exploring volcanic caves, usually require payment.

- Museums and Historical Sites : Some museums and cultural or historical sites might charge an entrance fee. This includes places like the Angra do Heroísmo Museum in Terceira or the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre in Faial.

- Specialized Activities : Activities like scuba diving, canyoning, or boat tours are typically offered by private companies and require payment.

10. Should I Make Restaurant Reservations?

It's wise to make restaurant reservations in advance, particularly during the busy summer months in the Azores. Due to the smaller size of many local eateries, securing a table ahead of time guarantees you won't miss out on dining at your preferred location and time. This is especially important for popular local restaurants, which often become fully booked quickly. Remember that in the Azores, contacting restaurants directly via phone or email is often necessary, as many establishments haven't yet adopted online booking systems. This aspect contributes to the islands' quaint, old-world charm, evoking a sense of stepping back into a simpler era.

11. How is The Tipping Etiquette in the Azores?

Tipping in the Azores is not as customary as it is in the United States, where a minimum of 15% is typically added to the total bill. In the Azores, while it's not expected to tip, you are certainly welcome to leave a few euros as a gesture of appreciation for exceptional service. However, it's important to note that not leaving a tip is not seen as impolite or unusual in this region.

12. What About Nightlife and Parties in the Azores?

The Azores, while not a renowned party destination like Ibiza or Saint Tropez, still offer vibrant nightlife, especially on the larger islands. In these urban centers, near the marina, a variety of pubs and bars provide lively atmospheres, often featuring live music for a fun night out. On São Miguel, there's even a casino for those feeling lucky. One of the highlights of the Azorean nightlife is the exceptional hospitality and sense of safety that accompanies your evening adventures, making it a unique and enjoyable experience.

13. What Outdoor Activities Do the Azores Offer?

The Azores are a hub of exciting outdoor activities, and Azores Getaways collaborates with various companies to offer a plethora of options. Popular activities include canyoning, hiking, whale watching, horseback riding, diving, surfing, and much more. Reach out to us for an unforgettable Azores adventure tailored just for you!

14. Do Azoreans Speak English? 

In the Azores, where Portuguese is the official language, you'll find that English is commonly spoken across all the islands. This makes communication easier for non-Portuguese speakers. And for those occasional instances where language barriers arise, the Google Translate app comes in handy, allowing you to translate and clarify your needs with ease.

15. Are the Azores More Than Just a Beach Destination?

While the Azores boast stunning volcanic black-sand beaches, they are more famously recognized for their pristine and picturesque pastoral landscapes. Often likened to the vibrant greenery of Ireland, the Azores offer a tapestry of lush countryside views. Here, you'll find enchanting lakes, cascading waterfalls, soothing hot springs, and an array of trails. This destination is less about sprawling sandy beaches for sunbathing and more about immersing yourself in diverse natural wonders and scenic beauty.

16. Is the Azores an Affordable Travel Destination?

Fortunately, the Azores offers a travel experience where affordability is a key feature. Your budget stretches further in the Azores compared to many other Western European destinations. Dining and accommodation costs are relatively low; for instance, a good meal can average around 15 euros per person. When it comes to lodging, a standard double-occupancy hotel room for two people typically costs about 100 euros per day. This value for money makes the Azores an attractive option for travelers seeking quality experiences without a hefty price tag.

17. What’s The Official Government in the Azores?

The Azores hold the unique status of being an Autonomous Region within Portugal, and they are also a member of the European Union. This distinctive political and geographical standing contributes to the Azores' intriguing blend of local culture and broader European influences. As part of the EU, the Azores enjoy certain benefits and adhere to EU regulations, while also maintaining a degree of self-governance that allows them to preserve their unique island identity and traditions.

18. What is the official currency used in the Azores? 

In the Azores, the Euro is the standard currency, and you'll find that most major credit cards are widely accepted across the islands. For cash needs, ATMs are readily accessible in larger towns and villages. For those traveling directly to the Azores, currency exchange services are available at airports, banks, and in many hotels, making financial transactions convenient for visitors.

19. Is there Internet and WiFi in the Azores?

Free WiFi is widely available in many public areas, restaurants, bars, shopping centers, and hotels, but you should contact your mobile provider ahead of your trip and find out about your plan’s international data rates and any relevant roaming fees that may apply.  The last thing you want is to get home to a bunch of surprise charges for overseas data usage!

20. What Voltage Is Used in the Azores?

The electrical system in the Azores operates at 220-240V and 50Hz, using the European standard Europlug and Schuko plug types. Visitors who intend to use electrical devices from regions with different voltage systems will require a transformer. Additionally, for appliances with incompatible plug types, an adapter will be necessary to connect them to the Azorean power sockets.

21. What Should I Pack to Travel to the Azores?

While not at all an exhaustive list, the items below are what we consider to be essentials and a good start:

• Bathing suit;
• Water shoes; 
• Sunblock; 
• Sunglasses/sun hat;
• Power plug adaptor/voltage converter;
• Camera and/or camera phone;
• Lightweight coat/windbreaker or raincoat;
• Walking shoes/sneakers (sandals or flip-flops for pool or dinners only); 
• Comfortable/athletic wear/shorts; 
• Lightweight backpack for walks/hikes.

22. What Are the Emergency Contacts in the Azores Islands?

The Azores Getaways Customer Care team is at your service every day of the week, ready to assist with your inquiries via phone, email, or online chat. However, in case of an emergency, please remember to dial 112.

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

The complete guide to the Azores Islands

By: Author Kris

Posted on Last updated: February 21, 2024

Are you traveling to the Azores islands and looking for the best places to visit on each island? You have come to the right place. 

The Azores islands are an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean with nine inhabited islands. In 2019 we visited five, and we were so charmed by them that we will certainly return to visit the remaining four Azores islands.

You will read all about the Azores in this Azores blog post.

We will share where they are, the easiest way to get there, the best time to visit, and the best things to do on each of the Açores Islands. 

I can already tell you that the Azores are a great place to go hiking and whale watching, 

This post will allow you to choose which islands to visit when you’re going island hopping in the Azores. Be sure to read on.

There  is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Where are the Azores Islands

The islands of the Azores are located in the Atlantic Ocean between Europe and America.

Roughly measured they lie about halfway between these two continents. It is 1,360km from the Azores to Portugal, and 1,925km to Newfoundland in Canada.

This location in the middle of the ocean makes it a popular mooring spot for sailing yachts that cross the Atlantic.

Azores climate

The seasons in the Azores are in line with those in Europe.

The temperatures rise to about 20 degrees Celsius in spring. During the day, it is at least 16 degrees, at night it cools down to approximately 10 degrees. The amount of rain gradually decreases.

The Azores are a very green destination, which means there is a year-round chance of rain. Most of it falls in autumn and winter and to a lesser extent at the start of spring.

We went in June, and although we had one completely sodden day, we mostly enjoyed dry weather, although it did often threaten.

Spring is also a great time to visit as there are many festivals (festas) at that time.

When you arrive on an island, be sure to pass by the tourist information office to check whether there is something special during the days of your visit.

The summer is the high season in the Azores. It is thus the busiest period but you shouldn’t expect tourist crowds, the Azores aren’t that touristy yet. 

July and August are the driest months, and during the summer, the temperature rises to 25 degrees.

13 wonderful things to do in the Azores.

August and September are the best months if you would like to join the locals in the natural swimming pools. 

There were already a lot of people swimming in those pools in June but the chilly water stopped us from joining them.

In August and September, the ocean water has warmed to about 23 degrees.

From October, the temperature starts to fall, and there is more precipitation. The temperature drops to between 18 degrees during the day, and 12 degrees at night.

The amount of rain makes this period less suitable for  island hopping in the Azores.

The end of summer also marks the end of the ferry’s seasonal routes.

Off-season, there are only boats between São Jorge, Pico, and Faial, although the ferry service between Flores and Corvo also keeps going throughout the year.

Azores Airlines provides year-round flights between the islands, but there is an increasing chance that flights are canceled or delayed because of the fickle weather.

Is this your first trip to the Azores and do you feel a bit overwhelmed by the travel preparations?

Creating a fantastic itinerary for the Azores will be much easier and much more enjoyable with our Azores Travel Planner .

The islands are pretty dead during the winter. Some residents will even leave the islands and winter elsewhere.

Others remain on the islands, but they told us that the winter on the Azores is a long period of binge-watching Netflix, as there is nothing, absolutely zero, to do.

To us, it seems that this would be the most unpleasant time for a vacation on the Azores.

Best time to visit the Azores

The weather in the Azores is very unpredictable. You can have four seasons in one day. The best time to travel to the Azores is in the spring and summer .

We were here in June.  We had mostly covered but dry days.

There were a few clear and sunny days and only one sodden day. 

The natural swimming pools were still a bit cold, if you like to go swimming, it might be best to wait until summer. 

Here you can read our full post about the best time to visit the Azores.

How to get to the Azores

Unless you’re traveling on your own yacht, the only way to reach the Azores is by air. TAP and Azores Airlines serve several flights from continental Portugal.

There are flights from Lisbon to the Azores, as well as departures from Porto.

Most flights head to Ponta Delgada on São Miguel but some other islands are served directly as well.

Here we share the best tips on finding cheap flights.

The Azores islands are gaining popularity and this is reflected by an increasing number of direct flights from other countries.

There are direct flights from Boston and New York in the USA, from Toronto in Canada and several other locations in the UK and continental Europe.

In this post we share how to get to the Azores ( FREE flight included)

Going independent or joining an organized tour

We found it easy and straightforward to create our own travel itinerary.  It was also fairly easy to travel through the Azores independently. 

Here you can find our Azores itineraries.

• 3 weeks in the Azores
• 1 week in the Azores

But if you want the company of a group, don’t have the time to create your own itinerary, or just don’t want to go independent, you could also join an organized tour.

Tourradar is a trustworthy company where you can book an organized tour to the Azores to make it easy on yourself. 

If you are looking for an overview of the best guided  Azores tours , have a look at this post in which we share Azores hiking trips, Azores island hopping tours, whale watching tours, and more.

Where to stay in the Azores? 

You will find plenty of hotels in the Azores. From high-end hotels to ecolodge and small boutique hotels. In this itinerary, we mention per island where we stayed. 

Here we share a list of the best places to stay in the Azores.

If you prefer staying in an Airbnbs, have a look at our  Azores Airbnb post  in which we share the best Airbnbs on each island.

Renting a car in the Azores

The easiest way to discover the Azores is with a rental car.

We used Rental Cars and were quite happy with our choice. 

Here you can find all info about renting a car in the Azores

Do I need travel insurance for the Azores?

Travel Insurance is something that can be overlooked when you prepare for your vacation.  Certainly when you’re traveling to a safe and civilized country. 

We didn’t get travel insurance for our first vacation. 

A few years later we both took out new credit cards that came with travel insurance and relied on those.  We know better now…

Overall, chances are slim that you will encounter any problems while traveling through a civilized country such as the Azores. But when things go wrong in civilized countries, the medical costs can be high. 

We learned it the hard way when we once had to visit a hospital in the United States. 

The medical care was excellent but we had high out-of-pocket expenses as it turned out the insurance that came with our credit cards didn’t cover these costs.  It turned out we were underinsured.

Drawing up a travel insurance policy may seem expensive at first but it can potentially save you a significant sum, significantly more than the small insurance fee. 

Good travel insurance, such as the one from World Nomads, covers things like medical expenses, trip cancellation, overseas medical costs, evacuation, baggage damage or loss, and theft.

If you still need travel insurance, check out HeyMondo and SafetyWing. Both companies offer good insurance for a competitive price.

Now that we covered all practical things, let us find out which Azores Islands are worth visiting.

Spoiler alert, they all have something unique to offer.

Which Azores islands to visit

The Azores consist of nine inhabited islands.

There are also eight tiny uninhabited islands, but you can’t visit those

São Miguel is the largest and most visited island.

It is a shame that many limit their visit to São Miguel because we loved how each island had its own treasures and charming spots.

We find it very difficult to say what’s the best Azores island to visit.

Therefore we share all the details about the different Azores islands below.  So you can choose which Azores island you want to discover. 

If you are planning to go hiking, read our Azores hiking guide full of practical tips.

Pico is located in the central part of the Azores.

It is the second-largest island of the archipelago.

Characteristic of this island is the impressive eponymous volcano.

Its height of 2,351 meters also makes it Portugal’s highest mountain.

Pico means “peak” in Portuguese.

Things to do on Pico Island

Here are a few of the main attractions of Pico.

UNESCO wine tasting

There are very special vineyards on the Azores. The fields are divided into very small compartments by walls made of black lava stone. This gives the vineyards a very special appearance. So special, in fact, that it was designated as UNESCO World Heritage.

PR5PIC  is a wonderful walk that winds through these vineyards.

To learn more about the Azorean wine culture you can visit the wine museum where you can also taste the local wines.

Admission : Free on Sunday

Open : The hike can be done 24/7, consult the museum website for its opening hours

Find the Cachorro

The Azores are volcanic islands, the lava rocks of the jagged coastlines clearly show this. When you drive around the island, you’re sure to come across some beautiful vistas.

The Cachorro is a beautiful piece of coastline where the ocean has carved into the lava rock and created several caves and natural bridges.

Cachorro means “dog” in Portuguese. As you walk along this coastline you can try to spot a rock that has the shape of a dog.   We didn’t see it. Maybe you’ll have more success.

Admission : Free

Open : 24/7

Discover the Gruta das Torres

Lava streams created this cave as they sought a way to the surface.  It’s called a cave but it’s really more of a tunnel.

The tunnels are huge and the fact that they are made by seething hot rivers of lava only makes it more impressive.

You visit the Gruta das Torras with a guide.  The tour takes you through a number of larger and smaller tunnels.  As you make your way through the cave the guide will provide more information about the different types of lava that you pass.   I honestly had no idea there were so many different kinds.

Admission : 8 € (only cash)

Open : Check the website

Climb Mount Pico

Mount Pico towers over the island. If you like a challenge, you can climb this volcano.

It is a tough climb to the summit, and the descent is certainly not easier. If you keep a steady pace, you’ll be at the top in three hours. The descent takes another four hours.

The hike starts at the “ mountain house ”.

Everyone is obliged to register at the house before they start the climb. You need to pay a fee which is determined by how far you want to climb.

If you want to go all the way to the top, the so-called Pico Pequeno, it will cost €20.

You can climb individually or with a guide. The price for a guide is about €50 to €60 per person.

Hiking up and down the mountain on the same day may seem a bit daunting.  If you prefer to take it easy you can choose to stay overnight on top of the mountain.  You won’t find any 5-star resorts on the crater edge but there’s plenty of space to put up your tent.

Another amazing experience is climbing Pico at night. Here you can find more info about this experience.

It means you can take your time going up and down the mountain and, in addition, you will increase your chances of good weather and breathtaking pictures.  With good weather, you also not only enjoy great views but also a wonderful sunset and sunrise.

Check prices and availability: Climbing Pico overnight stay

Admire Pico in the mountain lakes

At the center of the island are some fantastic mountain lakes.

They are very photogenic on a bright day, especially the Lagoa do Capitão, which will show a clear reflection of the towering Pico volcano.

Whale watching on the Azores

You can go whale or dolphin watching from several of the islands.

The islands of Pico and São Miguel are most highly regarded in this respect.

Pico has a long history of whale hunting (see below), and the residents of this island are supposed to be very good at spotting them.

Two organizations in Pico organize whale watching tours. One leaves from Madalena, the other from Lajes do Pico.  Both claim that Pico is the best island to spot whales but that’s what you’d say about yourself anyway, wouldn’t you?

We planned a trip from Lajes do Pico, but at the briefing, they said there were no whales in the area, and as the weather was not great either, we postponed it to São Miguel. 

Check prices and availability: Pico whale watching tour

Here you can find all the info about whale watching tours.  We also share our honest opinion about the tour we took.

Visit the whaling museums

Whales have always been an important source of income in Pico.  Today in the form of whale watching tours but before this, the residents of Pico took to the sea to hunt these giants.

Pico has a long history of whaling. At the start, hunting whales was a real goldmine. Whaling went on until 1986, at which point there was no real money in it anymore. But, as there was no immediate alternative source of income available, the inhabitants kept up what they knew best until the formal EU ban was introduced.

Fortunately, they no longer kill the animals, but they still use the old methods to find them.

From the coast, some people scan the water looking for blows or anything else that may betray the presence of whales. Once they spot the animals, they pass the coordinates to the boats so they know where to go.

Pico counts two museums that provide more info about the time when whaling was still very common.

The museum in Lajes do Pico focuses on the hunt. The museum isn’t very large, but you can watch an interesting film which shows how they used to catch whales. You can also see different boats they used to follow the whales, as well as the other materials they utilized.

The museum in São Roque is housed in a former whaling factory and explains more about the processing of fat into whale oil.

Both museums are free on Sundays. We thought the museum in Lajes do Pico was more interesting. Especially the film is worth watching.

For a full list of amazing things to do in Pico, click here. 

Where to stay in Pico

Although it is the second-largest island of the archipelago, you don’t need more than an hour to cross the 42 km from Madalena in the west to Manhenha in the east. That makes it easy to pick your base camp. 

Although most things to do on Pico are in the western part, there is no need to worry too much as it will take you max an hour to reach them.

The locals say that there is a better chance of good weather in the east, so if that is something you value, go there for a place to stay.

Alma do Pico

We stayed at the Alma do Pico hotel , which is run by Italians who moved to Pico a few years ago.

You stay in detached houses that also have a separate kitchenette.

Although the houses are not far from the main house, it feels like you are in the middle of nature.

When the weather is nice you can enjoy a beautiful view of Pico mountain.

Check prices and availability: Booking.com

Three days is plenty to explore Pico, even if you want to climb Mount Pico.

Terceira Island

Terceira is the third largest island and is also centrally located in the Azores.

In the high season, you can get here by ferry, but outside of that, you need to take an Azores Airlines flight.

Things to do on Terceira

Find out here what you can do on Terceira.

Admire the views from Serra Do Cume

Rarely do you see such a succession of colorful fields.

This viewpoint offers you a panoramic view of the undulating interior of Terceira.

Descend in Algor do Carvão

Algor do Carvão is one of the most beautiful caves we have ever seen. As you can guess, this is also the work of a volcano. The entrance to the cave is already spectacular, but it’s the lake at the bottom that really did it for us.

Every year a few concerts are organized in the cave because the acoustics are excellent. This is thanks to the porous lava stones which remove all echo. 

You can explore the cave at your own pace during the opening hours. There are two people inside the cave who regularly provide information, and can answer any questions you may have.

Admission : 8 € 

Open : daily from 2 PM

A combination ticket with Gruta do Natal costs €12. The Gruta do Natal is not a real cave, but rather a lava tunnel. It is less spectacular than the Algar do Carvão, but it is impressive to see the immense tunnels the lava has created.

Go exploring in Gruta do Natal

The Gruta do Natal has a somewhat misleading name as it is not actually a cave, but a lava tunnel. 

You visit the tunnel by yourself and follow a set route. It will take you through both large and small tunnels. En route, you will see different types of lava and there are some explanatory signs that give more details about what you see.

Admission : €8.

A combination ticket with Algor do Carvão costs €12.

Look for fairies in Furnas do Enxofre

Halfway between Algor do Carvão and Gruto do Natal lies Furnas do Enxofre, a fumarole field where you can clearly notice the volcanic activity.

The soil is warm, up to 95°C in some places, and sulfurous gases whirl upward from small craters in the earth’s crust.

The sulfurous vapors give the are a mystical atmosphere, and the colorful mosses that grow around the craters make the area look like a fairy tale.

You would think that every moment fairies could come out of the cracks in the soil.

Wander through Angra do Heroísmo

The ancient capital of the Azores is now recognized as World Heritage by UNESCO. When you walk through the narrow streets, you can marvel at the well-preserved colorful facades of the historic buildings.

This is one of the prettiest  small towns in Portugal. 

The two forts in the charming city also played an important role in the recognition by UNESCO. One fort is in the city itself. The second fortress, São João Baptista, can be found on the Monte Brasil, an extinct volcano that forms the peninsula of the city.

During sunny days, the peninsula attracts many visitors who come to hike, picnic or relax in this green environment

Go swimming in Biscoitos

All islands have loads of natural swimming pools but none of them come close to the ones at Biscoitos. They’re the most extensive ones in terms of facilities and probably also in size.

The pool features a bar, changing rooms, and several food outlets.

There was even a lifeguard on duty when we were there.

We went to the pool on a sunny day and there was a pleasant hustle and bustle.

Biscoitos is certainly recommended if you would like to enjoy a swim in a natural swimming pool.

Stroll along the Mistérios Negros

We did many hikes in the Azores.  Off all the walks we did PRC1TER was one of the best.

This walking trail starts at Lagoa do Negro, at the entrance of the Gruta do Natal. It is a five-kilometer loop through a forested area.  You also pass some lagoons and the Mistérios Negros, black lava mountains.

As you approach the end you can make a sidestep and climb the Pico Gaspar to enjoy a beautiful view.

If you are looking for more amazing things to do in Terceira, click here.

Hotels on Terceira

The alluar lodge.

The ALLuar Lodge is located in Porto Judeu. 

You stay in small but comfortable bungalows that overlook the ocean and the Ilhéus das Cabras. 

Breakfast is served in a charming breakfast basket.  Every morning we enjoyed our breakfast overlooking the pool which was an excellent way to start the day.

There’re a few restaurant options near the hotel but not a lot.  If you want to stay here we really advise hiring a rental car.

This is a great location for those looking for a relaxed stay.

We really loved Terceira, the highlights were definitely the many sights related to the volcanic activity that once shaped this island. 

• Three days is sufficient to see the major spots of Terceira.
• Make sure to visit the Algor do Carvão cave. We thought this was one of the absolute highlights of the Azores.

The best things to see in the Azores

Faial Island

Faial is another beautiful island in the center of the Azores.  

It is about 30 minutes by boat from Pico. There are daily ferry connections between Horta on Faial and Madalena on Pico.

On clear days, you have a nice view of Mount Pico from Faial.

Things to do on Faial

Admire the caldeira from the highest point of faial.

The Caldeira is both literally and figuratively the highlight of your visit to Faial.  The crater sits in the center of the island and towers above everything else.

He is about 1000 meters high, and the top is often shrouded in the clouds.

We went up on both a sunny and cloudy day and that makes a world of difference.  

The hike that leads you around the crater is a must-do but only on a sunny day.  

If it does not look like you will have good days, you can also drive to the viewing point at the edge of the crater.  It was an impressive view to see how the clouds first dropped into the crater on one side to then gradually glide over the edge at the opposite side.

Visit the lunar landscape of Capelinhos

This region offers a stark contrast with the lush rainforest that covers the remainder of the island.  This desolate moon landscape was created by a volcanic eruption.  The only building that survived the eruption was the lighthouse which now lonely towers above the region.

It is free to visit the area. Beneath the surface hides a futuristic visitor center that could well be copied straight from an old James Bond movie.

The visitor center houses a museum which gives you more information about the eruption and its consequences. The entrance to the lighthouse is also inside the visitor center.

Admission : Adults : € 10 / Children 7-14 and seniors 65+ : € 5 /

Open : The region can be visited 24/7.  The visitor center has the following opening hours: 1 November to 31 March Monday : closed / Tuesday – Friday : 10 AM – 5 PM / Weekend : 2 PM – 5h30 PM

1 April to 31 October Everyday: 10 AM – 6 PM 

Go bird watching at Morro de Castelo Branco

This peninsula is home to many different bird species.

A trail leads down from the primary road to this rock formation along the coast. 

The trail takes about 2 hours.

If you don’t have so much time you can also take your car, there’s a parking lot at the coastline.

It is a lovely spot to relax, gather your thoughts, and have some lunch.

Admission : free

Relax at Praia do Almoxarife

This black lava beach was one of the best we came across.

When the weather is nice, Mount Pico provides a great view while you can relax and listen to the sounds of the ocean.

Admire the boats and the mural paintings at Horta marina

The marina at Horta has always been the most popular of the Azores marinas. Throughout history, sailors crossing the Atlantic Ocean stopped here to break up the journey.

Stopping here used to be crucial to gather the latest weather forecasts. These days the weather forecasts are sent electronically but the harbor has retained its charm as a nice spot for some rest and recreation.

Sailors who stop at the harbor leave mural paintings with the name of their ship and their occupants on the breakwater or the jetties.  This is an old tradition that still continues up to today.  It makes for a very colorful place to visit.

Peter’s Café Sport is also located near the marina.

The cafe is nearly legendary among the sailors visiting the island, and this has been very profitable for the owners.

The original cafe was a modest townhouse on the dike. Now they own nearly the whole of the dike behind the marina. 

Besides the pub, they have a museum and they offer excursions.

The cafe itself is decorated with flags and other presents from the sailors that passed through here.

The pub is supposed to have some good food options on the menu but you better make reservations if you want to get a chance at trying them.

Get a tan in Porto Pim

Bordering Horta on the south-side is this picturesque bay with a very photogenic black sandy beach.

This is the most popular beach on the island.

It has all the facilities and it is within walking distance of Horta.

Best beaches on the Azores

Admire the view from Monte da Guia

Monte da Guia lies beside Porto Pim.

From here you have a great view of Porto Pim and Horta from the top of this mountain.

A former whaling factory at the foot of Monte da Guia has been transformed into a museum about whaling.

Enjoy the view from the Espalamaca lookout

This lookout offers a great view of Horta on one side, and you can see the beach of Almoxarife on the other side.

If you are looking for more amazing things to do on Faial, click here.

Hotels on Faial

It’s best to book a hotel in or at least nearby Horta.  This is the only city worth mentioning and the only location on the island where you have a choice of pubs and restaurants.

Lofts Azul Pastel

We stayed in Lofts Azul Pastel.   The hotel is slightly outside Horta. 

We had a spacious room with a sitting area and kitchenette. From our room, we could see the Caldeira on one side and the ocean on the other side. 

The restaurant had several cheap food options and was always crowded for lunch and dinner.

A great place to stay, not too far from Horta.

We really enjoyed the rugged landscape of Faial.

Especially the hike around the Caldeira and the rocky landscape of the Capelinhos are highly recommended.

Two to three days are perfect to discover Faial Island.

Here you can find more fun things to do on Faial island.

São Jorge Island

This long and narrow island is also part of the central islands of the Azores. It lies at about one-and-a-half hours by boat from Pico Island.

The north side of the island is characterized by rugged, steep mountainsides, which means that the largest cities if you can call them that way, are all located on the south side of the island.

Things to do on São Jorge

These are the best things to do in São Jorge.

Go bird watching in Fajã dos Cubres and Fajã da Caldeira de Santa Cristo

There are several lagoons on the north coast. It is a paradise for birdwatchers, but these serene locations are also great for just unwinding.

You can reach Fajã dos Cubres by car.

Getting to Fajã da Caldeira requires a bit more effort as it is only accessible on foot. This fajã is the only place in the Azores where they grow cockles. You can taste them in some of the restaurants on the island. For an overview of the best restaurants in São Jorge, click here.

The  PR1SJO trail  starts on the mountain ridge of Serra de Topo, and leads you past Fajã da Caldeira before ending at Fajã dos Cubres.

Taste some cheese

Besides the cockles, São Jorge is also famous because of its cheese. Belgians once started producing cheese near Topo. Nowadays, many different varieties are made.

You can order a cheese plate as an aperitif in most restaurants, and you’ll undoubtedly find this local specialty at the breakfast buffet in your hotel.

Swim in Fajã do Ouvidor

There is no shortage of natural swimming pools in the Azores, but this one at Fajã do Ouvidor is particularly nice because of its great location.

It has showers and toilets.

Bird watching on Ilhéu do Topo

Ilhéu do Topo lies off the coast at the eastern point of the island. This is a small island where you can spot a lot of seabirds.

It also has a beautiful natural swimming pool.

Hotels on São Jorge

We recommend staying in a hotel in Velas or Calheta or somewhere in between these two cities.

Make it happen farm

This accommodation is located on an organic farm and consists of 6 detached bungalows. 

The main house has a shared living area and a luxurious well-equipped kitchen.

Guests are free to pick everything on the farm and use it to prepare lunch or dinner in the kitchen or on the barbecue. 

There is no real breakfast provided but there is home-made bread and home-made jam available and you can also bake an egg.

Thanks to the shared kitchen and living area this is a great place for those who want to socialize with other travelers.

• You can see the highlights of São Jorge in two days.  There are some great hikes so if you’re into hiking you can also easily spend 3 days on the island.
• Our personal highlight of this island was its lagoons. 

São Miguel Island

São Miguel is the largest island and the most beautiful according to many.

I find it hard to choose, so I’ll leave that up to you. 

What I can say with certainty is that São Miguel is the island that attracts the most tourists. 

São Miguel also has hot springs , which you won’t find on the other islands, which is a great reason to make sure you do not miss São Miguel.

Things do on on São Miguel

Admire the crater lake of lagoa do fogo.

This beautiful crater lake is the highest on the island. We visited it at sunset on a clear day, and the glow of the setting sun made it a breathtakingly beautiful scene.

There’s a viewpoint that you can reach by car. 

It’s high up above the lake on the crater’s edge.

There’s also a hike which takes you to the lakeside from where you can walk around the lake.  This hike  starts near Praia.

If you are looking for more amazing São Miguel hikes, click here.

Enjoy the view of Sete Cidades

The image of the two-colored twin lakes is the most popular image of São Miguel, and by extension probably the entire Azores.

If you haven’t seen this, you haven’t really been to the Azores.

You’re best off visiting these viewpoints when the weather allows it. If the weather isn’t great, you’ll have your head in the clouds, and there’ll be nothing to see.

The website  http://www.spotazores.com  lists a raft of webcams, including one that shows images of the Sete Cidades. You can check beforehand whether it is worthwhile driving to the top.

There are two viewpoints worth visiting.

Vista do Rei

This spectacular viewpoint lies alongside the road.

You’ll also find the abandoned Monte Palace hotel here.

The owner thought this was a fantastic spot for a hotel, but apparently, his spatial planning was better than his financial planning as the hotel went bankrupt after a year.

The building has been empty for over 25 years, but apparently, there’s now a new owner who’s ready to give the building a new lease on life.

Boca do Inferno

While the views from Vista do Rei are already outstanding, they can’t compare with what you will see from Boca do Inferno. You don’t only see the lakes from this viewpoint, you can also see the ocean.

The viewpoint isn’t signposted, but it is not hard to find.

You head to Lagoa do Canário. You can stop in the car park along the main road, but you can also take your car down a dirt road opposite the car park until this road eventually terminates in another small car park.

It is a 10 to 15-minute walk from the main road to this car park at the end of the dirt road.  From here, steps lead up to the viewpoint.

Tea tasting at Chá Gorreana

The climate of the Azores is particularly suited for growing tea.  That you’re also a long way from the polluting industry of the mainland won’t harm either.

At 32 acres, the tea plantation is relatively small. Everything here is small-scale and the thee is really produced by loving hands. 

You can freely walk around the plantation, you’re even free to roam into the tea factory where you can observe the manual process.

You end your visit in the cafe where you can taste the tea and have some ice cream.

We personally really liked the green tea.

Go dolphin and whale watching

The Azores are the place to be to see the largest mammals on earth. Here you can spot whales all year round.

Some species stay around. Some other species are only around for certain months of the year when their migration brings them past the Azores.

The world’s largest whale, the blue whale, can be seen between February and April.

There are viewpoints on the island from where you can spot the whales, but if you want to see a whale up close, it is recommended you book an organized tour.

The organizations work with professional spotters and have the equipment to locate the animals.

The tours are canceled if the weather is bad. Due to the unpredictable weather in the Azores, we advise you not to wait until the last day to book a tour.

Check prices and availability: Overview Whale watching tours

Here you can read the review of the whale watching tour we booked. 

Take a bath in Caldeira Velha

Caldeira Velha is a collection of natural hot water springs nestled amidst the tropical vegetation on the hills of the Água de Pau stratovolcanic complex.

In the middle of the jungle-like nature, you can relax in the hot water while looking out on a waterfall.

It sounds really good, but unfortunately, they’ve become a victim of their own success.

We passed by here three times at different hours of the day, and it was incredibly busy every time.

As a busy pool full of other tourists is not our idea of relaxation, we went for a dive in the Terra Nostra baths in Furnas instead.

If you are planning to go to Caldeira Velha, it is easily combined with a visit to Lagoa do Fogo.

Discover Furnas

Furnas has a lot to offer. Therefore we recommend you stay here for at least a few days if you can.

First, there is the Lagoa das Furnas, a beautiful, stretched crater lake. Beside the lake is the Caldeiras da Lagoa das Furnas. This is where they prepare the local specialty Cozida das Furnas in pits in the gound.

You can taste this dish in several of the restaurants in town, but you need to order it in advance.

Furnas is known for its thermal baths. When you’re here you certainly have to test the pools heated with water coming from the natural hot springs.

There are several options. The ultimate comfort is to stay in a thermal spa hotel, such as the excellent Furnas Boutique Hotel . Not cheap, but we definitely think it was worth it.

Another option is to visit one of the public baths.  You have the Poça da Dona Beija and the baths in the Parque Terra Nostra.

The Parque Terra Nostra is a beautiful park where you can enjoy a wonderful walk before or after your bath.

There wouldn’t be any thermal baths if there wouldn’t be any volcanic activity.  Right outside Furnas, you can view a number of other geysers, the Recinto das Caldeiras.

To find them you can go by the white sulfur fumes and the sulfur smell.

For a wonderful view of Furnas, be sure to stop at Pico do Ferro.

We wrote a complete post about the best São Miguel and Azores hot springs. 

Walk to the Lagoa do Congro 

This is a small, but no less beautiful, lake that lies hidden in the deep forests of São Miguel.

Visit the rugged Nordeste

The village of Nordeste doesn’t have much to offer in itself, but it is situated in one of the most pristine and rugged nature areas of the island. You immediately notice this by the number of bends in the road as you’re making your way to the north-eastern coast.

The east coast of the island has two wonderful viewpoints, Ponta Da Sossega, and Ponta da Madrugada.

We will have to rely on what others say about this place, as the weather was dreadful and rainy when we were here.

So we didn’t get to enjoy the view, but we can tell you that the viewpoints themselves were very nicely landscaped.

If you are looking for an overview of the best things to do in Nordeste, Azores.

Go sunbathing at Mosteiros

There is a nice beach at Mosteiros in the northwest of São Miguel.

The horizon is dominated by rugged rocks that create a wonderful view when you’re sunbathing and these rocks make the sunset particularly special.

For more  São Miguel beaches, click here.

Hunt for waterfalls

Do you know the feeling of how a waterfall can completely take your breath away?

If so, São Miguel has everything your heart desires. There are several picturesque waterfalls waiting to be discovered.

Some of them are just next to the road. Others lie in the middle of lush nature and are the cherry on top of the cake of an already wonderful walk.

Here are a few beautiful waterfalls:

Cascata de Moinhos (Porto Formoso)

Our number 1 was this waterfall near the beach of Moinhos. We don’t actually know what it is called, so we called it after the nearby village.

There is no signpost, which adds to the charm, as it is not yet discovered by tourists. We were completely alone, and that gave us an opportunity to splash into the water, a unique experience!

Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões

It is not hard to find the park, as the entrance is marked by a beautiful waterfall right next to the road.

However, this is only one of three waterfalls inside this park. So if you have time, park the car, put on your hiking boots, and go see the other two cascades.

Salto do Prego

The Salto do Prego lies hidden in the woods, but the road there is nearly as pretty as the waterfall itself.

Another positive point is that the trail is a loop.

On the way back, you pass the fairytale abandoned village of Sanguinho, after which you are treated to a spectacular view of Faial da Terra, where the trail starts and ends.

Most definitely recommended.

Salto do Cabrito

This is a beautiful and well-known waterfall.

We were lucky to have the place to ourselves for the first minutes of our visit.   Afterward, there was a constant flow of tourists coming and going.  

The charm of this waterfall is somewhat diminished by the power station located at the foot of it.

In short, it is worthwhile to take a detour, but we prefer the other waterfalls on this list.

Here you can find our complete São Miguel itinerary for 3-7 days.

Hotels on São Miguel

We stayed in Furnas for the whole week, but we don’t recommend this.

As São Miguel is quite large, it takes about 90 minutes to drive from one side to the other, we suggest you split your stay between Furnas and Ponta Delgada.

In Furnas, you can relax in the hot water baths and it is a great base to explore the rough east coast of the island.

Ponta Delgada offers a wider choice of restaurants and is better positioned to visit other parts of the island.

If you are looking for great Ponta Delgada Airbnbs, click here . If you prefer hotels, take a look at our suggestions below.

Furnas Boutique Hotel

We stayed in the Furnas Boutique hotel . 

The rooms are nicely decorated and spacious.

You start the day with a delicious breakfast on the pleasant terrace.  After a long day, you can relax in the hotel thermal pools, the sauna, and the steam bath. 

The restaurant’s menu is rather limited but they have some delicious options.  It’s not just us who think so, as you can see by the excellent reviews on TripAdvisor .

Casa do Contador

Casa do Contador is right in the center of Ponta Delgada. 

From the hotel, it’s only a 10-minute walk to the boardwalk where you can enjoy drinks or snacks in one of the many trendy bars. 

All rooms come with a small kitchenette. 

Helpful and friendly staff

You can easily spend 5 to 7 days on São Miguel.

Be sure to visit Sete Cidades, the crater lake at Lagoa do Fogo, and the town of Furnas.

São Miguel is also the perfect place to spot whales if you have not done this elsewhere.

If you prefer visiting São Miguel with a guided tour, have a look at this blog post in which we share the best São Miguel tours.

The next islands we didn’t visit during our first visit to the Azores. You always have to choose and we decided to keep these for a future visit.

Was it the right choice? Or the wrong one? That is, of course, hard to say if you haven’t been there.

After all the beautiful things we saw on the other islands, we are planning to go back and visit these four islands.

So until that time, here is some information we found when we were planning our trip.

Flores Island

Flores is one of the smaller islands in the west of the archipelago. From what we have read about it, and from what the inhabitants of the other islands tell us, it is a green, undisturbed oasis.

We already said the same about the other islands, but apparently, Flores is even purer than what we’ve already seen.

In the high season, you can take the ferry from Faial to Flores. The trip takes several hours. There are flights to Flores throughout the year. They are regularly delayed and are canceled in case of bad weather.

Take this into consideration when you are traveling to Flores.

The highlight of this island is the Poço de Bacalhau, where you can swim at the foot of a 90-meter high waterfall.

The waterfalls at Ribeira Grande, which you see in the photograph above, are also impressive and another sight you don’t want to miss is the 7 splendid crater lakes at Sete Lagoas.

The island is a paradise for walkers, and bird spotters can find a large variety of local as well as migratory birds here.

Sporty people can enjoy canyoning, tours are organized for novices as well as for those that have done it before.

Hotels in Flores

There are not many hotels on Flores and the few hotels that are there are quickly fully booked.

Do not postpone your booking for too long.

Aldeia da Cuada

You stay in cozy houses with a view of the sea.

The hotel offers a nice breakfast and is run by very friendly staff.

The restaurant offers delicious meals.

Corvo Island

Corvo is Flores Island’s little brother. The island is as big as a needle head and it is nearly unknown to tourists.

Corvo is connected to Flores by ferry throughout the year, and although the island is tiny, it has its own airport.

The 720-meter high Caldeirão dominates the island. Only a small part of the island is relatively level, formed by the lava from the last eruption, and this is where the city of Corvo is located.

You have a great view of the island from the top of Caldeirão. You can also walk around the crater.

A boat trip around the island is also something we recommend. There are many sea birds, and if you’re lucky there will be some dolphins and whales too.  But even without these animals, the trip is still worth it to see the spectacular coastline with the steep cliffs

Corvo is the best island for bird watching. There is a bird interpretative center as well as a bird sanctuary.

Hotels on Corvo

The whole island has only around 400 inhabitants and about 48 beds for tourists. Don’t wait too long to book your accommodation, I only found 2 hotels on Booking.com.

Joe &Vera’s Vintage Place

This is a cheap place to stay in the center of Corvo.  It’s also only a 10-minute walk to the airport. 

The hostess is very hospitable and speaks fluent English.

The Pirates’ Nest

The Pirates’ Nest offers basic but clean rooms with a wonderful view overlooking the ocean. 

The host is very warm and friendly.

Graciosa Island

Graciosa is part of the central group of islands of the Azores.

In the high season, the ferry connects it to São Jorge and Terceira. In the low season, you can only reach it by air with flights from Azores Airlines.

There are many traces of volcanic activity on Graciosa, such as the Furna Do Enxorfre, a volcanic cave with a 130-meter-diameter lake at the bottom.

You can also find a thermal bath in Carapacho. You can first warm-up in the inside pool and then dive into the ocean water in the outside pool.

Like the other islands, the highest point is formed by an impressive Caldeira. An easy 11-kilometer hike you can visit Furna Do Enxofre and this Caldeira.

In the north of the island lies the Ponta da Barca, the highest lighthouse of the Azores. From here you have a wonderful view of the Ilhéu da Baleia, a rock in the shape of a whale.

Hotels on Graciosa

Graciosa hotel.

The Graciosa hotel is a modern and comfortable design hotel. 

It’s located along the coast with easy access to a beach but not too far from the center of Santa Cruz da Graciosa.

The hotel has a good kitchen and offers an excellent breakfast to start the day.  The hotel’s swimming pool is a lovely place to relax.

Santa Maria Island

Santa Maria is the eastern-most island of the Azores. It is one of the smaller islands, but it still has a lot to offer.

It is the only island in the Azores that has two white sandy beaches. It makes these beaches, São Lourenço and Praia Formosa, very popular. 

You won’t have to fight for a spot on the beach though, there’s no mass tourism, it mainly attracts the inhabitants of the other islands of the Azores.

Because of its location and the better climate, the island is also perfectly suited for all sorts of water sports. You can go windsurfing and sailing, but there are also underwater activities on offer. Diving is one of them, and if you want something different, you can go spearfishing.

The other thing that no doubt contributes to the success of the aforementioned beaches is the warmer climate.

The climate on Santa Maria is considerably dryer and warmer than on the other islands.

To that extent that it even has a bit of desert. Although technically, it’s not really a desert, its picturesquely red and barren landscape is nicknamed “the red desert”.

The nearly vertical rock formation with accompanying waterfall, Ribeira de Maloás, is likely the most spectacular view of the island.

Hotels in Santa Maria

Charming blue.

The Charming Blue hotel is a well-located and nicely decorated hotel. It has super friendly staff.

The hotel has pleasant rooms and an excellent restaurant. 

After a busy day, you can take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool.

A good choice for Santa Maria.

We were extremely charmed by the Acores islands. It is close to home, and yet you arrive in a different world.

One knows no stress on these islands. Everything here is “calmamente” and with this much nature around, there is no escaping the holiday mood.

Yet we’re not ones to sit down, not even on our holidays. We did not have time for that either on the Azores. It was easy to fill every day with walks or visits to one of the many beautiful locations.

In short, this is a great destination for an active nature holiday. We will be going back to explore the other islands.

In our Azores travel guide , you can find all our Azores posts.

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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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