How to Get to Santa Maria, Azores: Flights, Ferry and Transport on the Island

São Lourenço viewpoint on Santa Maria Island, overlooking the bay and coast

Getting to Santa Maria in the Azores is easier than many travellers imagine, but it is different from arriving on São Miguel, Terceira or Pico. Santa Maria is the southernmost island in the archipelago and has a quieter rhythm, fewer direct connections and a travel experience that rewards planning. How to Get to Santa Maria … Read more

Santa Maria Beaches, Azores: Best Beaches and Swimming Spots

Maia beach on the north coast of Santa Maria Island, with black basalt cliffs, Azores

The beaches of Santa Maria in the Azores are different from almost anywhere else in the archipelago. While many Azorean islands are known for black volcanic rock and natural pools, Santa Maria also has golden sand, warmer sea temperatures and sheltered coastal bays. Why Santa Maria Has Golden Sand Santa Maria is one of the … Read more

Things to Do in Santa Maria Azores

Praia Formosa on Santa Maria, the Azores' largest golden-sand beach

Things to Do in Santa Maria Azores: best beaches, Vila do Porto, São Lourenço, viewpoints, short routes and practical ideas for planning time on Santa Maria island. Santa Maria is the sunniest island in the Azores and the best choice if you want golden beaches, dry landscapes, quiet villages and a slower rhythm. This guide … Read more

Where to Stay in Sao Miguel (Azores): Best Areas and Hotels

Terra Nostra iron-rich thermal pool in Furnas on São Miguel Island, Azores

Choosing where to stay in Sao Miguel can change the whole rhythm of your trip. The island looks compact on the map, but its main sights are spread between Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, Furnas, the north coast and Nordeste. If your base is inconvenient, you can lose valuable time driving back and forth every … Read more

Hiking in São Miguel Azores

Hiking trail overlooking Lagoa do Fogo on São Miguel Island, Azores

Hiking in São Miguel Azores: best lake trails, waterfalls, coastal walks, viewpoints, route difficulty and practical advice for planning hikes on São Miguel. Hiking in São Miguel is one of the best ways to experience the island beyond viewpoints. Trails lead to volcanic lakes, waterfalls, forests, coastal scenery and quiet rural areas, but weather and … Read more

Best Things to Do in São Miguel Azores

Vista aérea de la Lagoa das Sete Cidades con los dos lagos de colores en São Miguel, Azores

São Miguel is the best island in the Azores for a first trip: volcanic lakes, hot springs, tea plantations, viewpoints, waterfalls and black-sand beaches are all within reach. This guide groups the best things to do in São Miguel by area so you can plan a realistic route. Best for Independent travellers planning routes, viewpoints … Read more

Visit Graciosa Azores: complete island guide

Visitar Isla de Graciosa - Santa Cruz

Visiting Graciosa island in the Azores is a good choice if you want a slower, more local and less crowded side of the archipelago. Graciosa is not the island for rushed sightseeing or dramatic checklists. It is an island of volcanic caves, white villages, vineyards, sea pools, rural roads and open Atlantic views. The rhythm … Read more

Visit Faial Azores

Vista aérea de la ciudad de Horta en la isla de Faial, Azores

Visit Faial Azores if you want Horta, marina culture, volcanic landscapes, ocean views and one of the easiest combinations with Pico. Faial is often used as a stop between islands, but it deserves more attention than that. It has a strong maritime identity, a beautiful harbour, the dramatic Capelinhos volcano and one of the best … Read more

Visit Sao Jorge Azores

Cascada y valle verde en una faja costera de la isla de São Jorge, Azores

Visit Sao Jorge Azores if you want cliffs, hiking trails, fajãs, cheese, ocean views and one of the most distinctive landscapes in the central group. São Jorge is long, narrow and dramatic, with high ridges dropping towards small coastal plains created by lava flows and landslides. These plains are called fajãs, and they are the … Read more

Visit Flores Azores

Poço do Bacalhau waterfall in Fajã Grande on Flores Island, Azores

Visit Flores Azores: waterfalls, lakes, viewpoints, villages, hiking ideas and practical tips for planning the western island. Visit Flores Azores if you want waterfalls, crater lakes, green cliffs and one of the most dramatic natural landscapes in Portugal. Flores is remote, lush and deeply Atlantic. It is not the easiest island logistically, but for many … Read more