Azores Islands, Portugal: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Europe’s Hidden Paradise

Far from the European mainland and floating in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores archipelago is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful and unspoiled destinations in the world. Known for its lush green landscapes, crater lakes, geothermal springs, and volcanic peaks, the Azores offers a dreamlike escape for nature lovers, adventurers, and anyone seeking serenity away from the crowds.
 

Part of Portugal, these nine volcanic islands offer a diverse and dramatic landscape, often compared to Iceland, Hawaii, or New Zealand—but with fewer tourists and more affordability.

As your travel guide, let me take you on a journey through this Atlantic jewel, where every island has a unique personality and every hike ends in a panoramic masterpiece.

📍 Quick Facts About the Azores

📌 Location: North Atlantic Ocean, ~1,400 km west of mainland Portugal

🌋 Number of Islands: 9 (grouped into Eastern, Central, and Western)

🏛️ Belongs to: Portugal (autonomous region)

✈️ Main Airport: Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island

🌦️ Best Time to Visit: May to October

🚶‍♂️ Known For: Volcanic craters, hiking, whale watching, hot springs, natural beauty

🧭 The Nine Islands of the Azores

Each island in the Azores has a distinct character, and together they form an archipelago of endless adventure.

🟢 São Miguel – The Green Island

Largest and most developed island

Home to the famous Sete Cidades twin crater lakes

Explore Furnas Valley with geothermal cooking and hot springs

Don’t miss Lagoa do Fogo, a stunning mountain lake

Taste local pineapples and tea plantations

🏨 Capital: Ponta Delgada – charming city with good infrastructure

🔵 Pico – The Mountain Island

Dominated by Mount Pico (2,351m), Portugal’s highest peak

Climb the volcano for surreal sunrise views

Known for volcanic vineyards (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Great for whale watching and kayaking

⚪ Faial – The Blue Island

Marina of Horta is a sailing hub and historic stop for Atlantic crossings

Visit Capelinhos Volcano, formed in a 1957 eruption

Hike Caldeira do Faial, a massive crater

Perfect for marine life exploration

🔴 Terceira – The Festive Island

Known for its vibrant culture and festivals

Capital city Angra do Heroísmo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Explore lava tubes and volcanic caves

Rich in bull-running traditions

🟡 São Jorge – The Dragon Island

Long and narrow island known for fajãs (flat land by sea cliffs)

Epic hiking and breathtaking coastal views

Try Queijo de São Jorge – spicy cow’s milk cheese

🟠 Graciosa – The White Island

Peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experience

Known for Furna do Enxofre, a volcanic cavern with a sulfur lake

Windmills and vineyards dot the landscape

🟣 Flores – The Flower Island

Arguably the most beautiful of the Azores

Lush waterfalls, blue lagoons, and rugged cliffs

Perfect for hiking and photography

Visit Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro, a fairytale-like landscape

🟤 Corvo – The Tiny Island

Smallest and most remote island

Population under 500

Ideal for birdwatchers and solitude seekers

Hike to Caldeirão, an ancient crater with lakes and ridges

🧡 Santa Maria – The Sunniest Island

Warmer and drier climate than the others

White-sand beaches like Praia Formosa

Visit Barreiro da Faneca, a red desert landscape

Great for sunbathing, snorkeling, and surfing

🌋 Top Natural Attractions & Experiences

🏞️ Sete Cidades Crater (São Miguel)

One of Portugal’s most iconic views—twin lakes (one green, one blue) nestled inside a volcanic caldera.

Stunning hiking trails

Miradouro da Vista do Rei is the best viewpoint

Kayaking on the lakes is magical

🌡️ Furnas Valley (São Miguel)

A geothermal wonderland with hot springs, bubbling mud, and fumaroles.

Visit Terra Nostra Garden and soak in thermal waters

Try Cozido das Furnas, a stew cooked underground in volcanic heat

Explore Lagoa das Furnas

🐋 Whale Watching (Pico, Faial, São Miguel)

The Azores is one of the best places in the world for marine life.

Sperm whales, dolphins, and even blue whales

Tours available year-round

Best time: April to October

🧗‍♀️ Hiking and Adventure

Over 60 official hiking trails across the islands.

Trekking Mount Pico

Exploring the waterfalls of Flores

Climbing crater rims and walking coastal trails

🍇 Volcanic Vineyards (Pico)

UNESCO-protected vineyards grown between lava stone walls.

Taste Pico white wines

Tour the Museu do Vinho in Madalena

Visit local wine cellars for samples

🕳️ Lava Tubes & Caves

Gruta do Carvão (São Miguel) – walk through underground lava tunnels

Algar do Carvão (Terceira) – explore the volcanic chimney with stalactites

Unique geology and dramatic formations

🍽️ Cuisine of the Azores

Azorean cuisine is deeply tied to the land and sea. Expect fresh seafood, volcanic-cooked meals, and robust dairy products.

Must-Try Dishes:

🥘 Cozido das Furnas – stew cooked by volcanic steam

🧀 Queijo de São Jorge – aged spicy cheese

🐟 Lapas (limpets) – grilled shellfish, often served with garlic and lemon

🍖 Alcatra – Terceira-style slow-cooked beef

🍍 Azorean pineapples – sweet and grown in greenhouses

Drinks:

🍷 Pico & Graciosa wines

🫖 Gorreana tea – Europe’s only tea plantation

🥃 Azorean brandy and liqueurs

🏨 Where to Stay in the Azores

Accommodation options range from charming guesthouses to eco-resorts:

White Exclusive Suites & Villas (São Miguel) – luxury with ocean views

Aldeia da Fonte Hotel (Pico) – nature resort with volcanic charm

Quinta do Martelo (Terceira) – traditional Azorean rural stay

Eco-tourism and sustainable lodging are popular, with many places offering local experiences like cheese-making, farming, or fishing.

✈️ How to Get to and Around the Azores

🛫 Getting There:

Direct flights from Lisbon and Porto daily

Seasonal flights from U.S., Canada, U.K., and Germany

Airlines: SATA Azores Airlines, TAP Air Portugal

🚗 Getting Around:

Inter-island flights or ferries (check schedules—weather-dependent)

Car rental is the best way to explore each island

Buses available but limited on some islands

📅 Best Time to Visit the Azores

🌈 The weather can change quickly—locals joke that you can experience all four seasons in one day.

📷 Best Photo Spots

Sete Cidades lakes from Vista do Rei

Mount Pico at sunrise

Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro (Flores)

Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Paz (São Miguel)

Cliffside fajãs of São Jorge

🌿 Sustainable & Responsible Travel Tips

Stick to marked trails to protect vegetation

Support local businesses and family-owned accommodations

Bring reusable water bottles and reduce plastic use

Respect marine life during whale-watching tours

Follow “leave no trace” principles

🧡 Why You’ll Fall in Love with the Azores

The Azores isn’t just another island destination. It’s a place where nature rules, where the landscapes feel ancient and wild, and where the people welcome you with genuine warmth. Whether you’re climbing a volcano, sipping tea at a coastal café, or soaking in a geothermal spring, you’ll be reminded of the simple joy of being connected to the earth.

The Azores is for explorers, dreamers, and wanderers—a true Atlantic Eden.