Discover the Azores Islands
The most surprising volcanic archipelago in the Atlantic. Nature, culture and adventure across 9 unique islands.
The Azores Islands: nine volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic
The Azores are an archipelago of nine volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. They belong to Portugal and are around two hours by air from Lisbon, with seasonal and connecting routes from several European cities. They are a destination with a character of their own, completely different from almost anywhere else in Europe.
Each island offers something different: from the crater lakes of São Miguel to the UNESCO-listed vineyards of Pico, the fajas of São Jorge and the white-sand beaches of Santa Maria. This is a destination where nature sets the pace: trails lined with hydrangeas, open-air thermal waters, whale and dolphin watching, volcanoes you can climb and Atlantic cuisine that surprises almost everyone who arrives.
The nine islands are divided into three groups: the eastern group (São Miguel and Santa Maria), the central group (Terceira, Faial, Pico, São Jorge and Graciosa) and the western group (Flores and Corvo). To travel between them there are inter-island flights operated by SATA Air Açores and ferries run by Atlânticoline, although not all islands are directly connected, so planning the itinerary carefully is essential.
Tourism in the Azores has grown in recent years, but the archipelago still keeps the authenticity that many European destinations lost long ago. There are no huge resorts or overcrowded beaches: people come here to disconnect, explore and discover places that feel almost otherworldly.
On this website you will find detailed guides to each island, the best experiences and activities, practical advice on transport and accommodation, and the local food you should not miss.
Explore by topic
Discover the Azores Islands
Explore the 9 islands of the archipelago: volcanoes, lakes and unique landscapes.
Experiences and Adventure
Whale watching, hiking, diving and the most exciting experiences in the Azores.
Food and Culture
Cheeses, UNESCO wines and the unique volcanic flavours of the archipelago.
Plan your trip to the Azores
Accommodation, transport, itineraries and the best practical tips.
The most visited islands in the Azores
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The largest island and the main gateway to the archipelago. Crater lakes in Sete Cidades, the natural hot springs of Furnas, tea plantations and the famous cozido, a stew cooked underground using volcanic heat.
Terceira — UNESCO heritage
Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage city, is the most historic city in the Azores. Natural pools in Biscoitos, volcanic caves and popular festivals that are unique in the archipelago.
Pico — The roof of Portugal
At 2,351 metres, Mount Pico is the highest point in Portugal. The island is home to UNESCO-listed volcanic vineyards and is one of the best places in the world to see sperm whales.
Santa Maria — The island of the sun
The warmest and sunniest island in the archipelago, with the longest sandy beaches in the Azores. A quiet, uncrowded destination, ideal for travellers looking for beaches, coastal hikes and authenticity.
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Frequently asked questions about the Azores
The Azores are one of the most impressive nature destinations in Europe and they are still not overcrowded. If you enjoy volcanic landscapes, hiking, the ocean and authentic food, this is a trip that is worth every euro. As the islands belong to Portugal and the European Union, EU citizens can travel with their national ID card or passport.
It depends on how many islands you want to visit. For São Miguel, the main island, we recommend at least 4 or 5 days. If you want to combine two or three islands, such as São Miguel, Faial and Pico, you will need at least 8 to 10 days. With two weeks you can explore the archipelago more calmly and enjoy the slower rhythm of the islands.
The Azores have a mild oceanic climate all year round, with average temperatures ranging from about 14 °C in winter to 25 °C in summer. High season runs from June to September, with more sunshine hours and the best conditions for whale and dolphin watching. From June onwards, hydrangeas also bloom along the roads in shades of blue and pink. Spring, especially April and May, is ideal for hiking, with lush green landscapes, powerful waterfalls and fewer tourists. In winter the archipelago is still attractive, with much lower prices and nature at its greenest.
There are direct and connecting flights from Spain to Ponta Delgada on São Miguel, depending on the season and departure city. Many travellers also connect through Lisbon or Porto, where flights to the Azores are frequent and usually take around two hours from mainland Portugal. It is worth comparing prices in advance, because fares vary a lot depending on the season.
It is highly recommended. Public transport on the islands is limited and schedules do not always suit travellers. Renting a car lets you explore each island at your own pace and reach viewpoints, beaches and trails that would otherwise be difficult to access. On smaller islands such as Corvo or Graciosa you can get around more easily, but on São Miguel, Terceira or Pico a car is almost essential.
There are two options: plane and ferry. Inter-island flights are operated by SATA Air Açores and connect most islands, although not all of them have direct links; São Miguel and Terceira are the main hubs. Ferries, operated by Atlânticoline, run mainly in summer and connect the central group islands: Faial, Pico, São Jorge, Graciosa and Terceira. There is no ferry connection between the eastern group (São Miguel and Santa Maria) and the rest of the islands, so planning your route before travelling is important.
Azorean cuisine is one of the great surprises of the trip. In São Miguel, the must-try dish is cozido das Furnas: a stew of meats, sausages and vegetables cooked underground for 6 to 8 hours using only the volcanic heat of the fumaroles. It is a unique food experience, but you need to book a table in Furnas restaurants in advance because places sell out every day. São Jorge cheese, aged for months, has protected designation of origin and is one of the best cheeses in Portugal. Pico is known for wines produced in UNESCO-listed volcanic vineyards. On every island you will also find fresh seafood, especially grilled limpets, an Azorean classic. For dessert, do not miss bolo lêvedo, the sweet bread typical of Furnas.
