adminThe Azores islands are a pearl in the Atlantic, a green paradise of volcanic origin, an ecological and natural destination and still off the beaten track. The Azores islands are Portugal’s best kept secret. They belong to Portugal, but they are definitely a different and isolated place, with overwhelming landscapes and a very characteristic island culture. They are a part of Portugal that is essential to know for the beauty of their nature but also for the fact that they are a little piece of Portugal adrift in the Atlantic. Visiting the Azores islands will be something you will never forget.
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PRACTICAL TIPS TO VISIT THE AZORES ISLANDS
When you think about traveling to the Azores islands the first question that arises is: where to? Because in reality this will be the first choice you will have to make. The Azores archipelago is made up of 9 islands divided into 3 groups according to their geographical location:
Azores islands Eastern Group
- São Miguel
- Santa Maria
Azores islands Central Group
- Pico
- Faial
- Graciosa
- Terceira
- São Jorge
Azores islands Western Group
- Flores
- Corvo
So, if you don’t have a lot of free time, you will have to choose which island or islands you want to discover and visit in the Azores. Before making a decision and creating your travel itinerary through the Azores islands, it is important to have in mind some ideas that are very important for you to enjoy your trip.
Rent a car in the Azores islands.
How much time do I need?
The Azores islands may not be very big but there is no island that you can visit in just one day (you might be able to visit Corvo island in one day but you won’t really get to know it). Most of the Azores islands cannot be visited in less than 3 days and some of them require at least 4 or 5, as is the case of São Miguel, Pico, São Jorge or Terceira. If you have less than a month of vacation, it is impractical, even if you fly between islands, to visit the 7 islands of the Azores in one trip and enjoy, having time to get to know the Azores.
Is it easy to travel in Azores?
It is easy to travel to and in the Azores, whether in terms of sea or air transport, but you must be flexible because delays are very common in the Azores, and sometimes even flight cancellations, especially on the islands of the Western Group (Corvo and Flores).
Search and buy your flight to the Azores islands.
What kind of destination are the Azores islands?
The Azores islands are a sustainable tourism destination and off the beaten track in Europe. It is very important to travel to the Azores with this awareness. Be part of the process and don’t be the problem in the Azores. Enjoy nature, respect local ways of life and value the Azores archipelago. The Azores islands are a destination for nature lovers and this should be the profile of the visitor looking for the Azores. If you don’t like nature, trails, wild beaches, natural pools, volcanoes, you’ll probably have to think twice before deciding to go to the Azores. If you are looking for urban life, excitement, parties and glamour, then the Azores will not be so much for you.
Is it expensive to visit the Azores islands?
Prices on the Azores islands are, in general, higher than on mainland Portugal, either the lodging as well as the food. But even so, they are an accessible destination in the European context.
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Is it safe to visit the Azores islands?
Portugal is one of the safest countries in Europe and Azores islands are the safest region in Portugal. But, if you are doing outdoor activities, you shoul always visit Azores islands with travel insurance.
Buy your travel insurance for your trip to the Azores islands.
When is the best time to visit the Azores islands?
It is possible to visit the Azores at any time of year. The Azores climate is inviting and mild throughout the year, with averages between 14 and 22 degrees Celsius (57 to 72 degrees Farenheit). Since they are islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the weather is unstable and during one day it is possible to go through the four seasons of the year, with brief periods of rain being likely even in summer. However, the months between May and October are the hottest and driest, and most suitable for outdoor activities, with the longest days and warmest nights. Spring is when the land and roads are filled with flowers. Whale watching can be done almost all year round, but it is also at this time of year that conditions are more favorable, with lower swells making the activity even more pleasant.
However, if you prefer to visit the Azores islands in a more intimate and calm environment then autumn and winter could be the time for you. Normally the last fortnight of October and the month of November maintain pleasant temperatures. January to March are the months with the lowest tourist influx, with lower prices and the islands exhibit a nostalgic and magical atmosphere, with mist covering the landscape. It is also the time for important cultural activities, with Easter being a special time on many of the Azores islands.
WELCOME TO THE AZORES ISLANDS
As we have been to all the islands of the Azores (and we will soon have all the posts in the blog), we will share with you what you should know when you have already decided you want to travel to the Azores but haven’t yet decided which island in the Azores to choose.
1. São Miguel, the largest of the Azores islands
The island of São Miguel in the Azores is the one suitable for all those traveling to the Azores for the first time. It is the island to which there are the most direct flights, from Porto, Lisbon, Faro or Madeira. It is a very diverse island, with some of the most beautiful Azorean landscapes and good infrastructure (many hotels, restaurants, transport, car rentals, agencies for excursions and tours). As it has a wide range of services and products (it is the most accessible island in the Azores) the prices are the most affordable in the Azores archipelago. São Miguel is the largest island in the Azores and therefore do not dedicate less than 5 days to it (the ideal time to get to know the island would be 7 days).
Bottomline: If you haven’t yet visited any island in the Azores, São Miguel is for you. That’s where you should start. You won’t regret it.
If you are going to travel to the Azores island of São Miguel, check out our posts
- AZORES ISLANDS – Travel to Portugal’s best kept secret – Introduction to the nine islands of the Azores and their characteristics; practical tips for visiting Portugal’s best kept secret.
- SÃO MIGUEL ISLAND – What not to miss when visiting the Azores – Tips for visiting São Miguel island, a paradise in the Atlantic; how to get around, where to sleep, what to do and see and places not to miss.
Book your accommodation in the town of Ponta Delgada.
2. Santa Maria, the sunny island of the Azores
The island of Santa Maria in the Azores is a small island but you need at least 3 days to get to know it. It is the island of beaches and for those who like and look for the best beaches in the Azores. There are beautiful white sand beaches there, such as São Lourenço Bay, one of the most beautiful places in the Azores. There are natural pools, good food, a desert, beautiful trails and the largest waterfall in the Azores. In the summer it is possible to go to the Formigas islands by boat and even swim with manta rays.
Bottomline: Santa Maria is a small but beautiful island and, oddly enough, one of the least visited of the Azores islands. It is great to combine with a visit to São Miguel.
Book your accommodation in Santa Maria island.
3. Pico, the highest vulcano in the Azores islands
Pico island is the second most visited in the Azores islands and that is no coincidence. Pico Island is probably the most beautiful island in the Azores. Pico mountain is so imposing that it rises from the bottom of the ocean to 2,351 metres (7,713 ft) above sea level and can be seen from all the islands in the central group. Pico is the second largest island in the Azores and therefore you will need at least 5 days to visit it.
Pico is an island for lovers of nature and adventure travel. It is possible to climb to the summit of Pico Mountain, and camping overnight in the volcano’s caldera. It is an island to enjoy the natural pools in the rocks, because Pico has no beaches. It is an island to enjoy culture and whaling history, which began and ended in Pico. It is also the place to appreciate the volcanic landscape and man’s struggle to produce wine on those lands. Pico wine landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bottomline: Pico island is excellent to visit along with the islands of Faial and São Jorge, the so-called islands of the Triangle. They make an excellent destination for a two-week holiday in the Azores.
Book your accommodation in Pico island.
4. São Jorge, the home of “fajãs” in the Azores islands
The island of São Jorge, in the Azores, is the island sensation for lovers of hiking and trails. Tourists come from all over the world to follow the trails that lead to the celebrated fajãs (a fajã designates a portion of flat land, generally cultivable, of small size, located by the sea, formed by materials detached from the cliffs or by lava deltas resulting from the penetration of lava flows into the sea from the slope). There are fajãs on all the Azorean islands, but those on the island of São Jorge are the most beautiful, most diverse and most exuberant. The island of São Jorge is a small paradise in the middle of the Atlantic but, along with Pico, the most expensive island in the Azores.
Bottomline: If you like trails and adventure, São Jorge is the island for you. There will be wonderful trails to take, magnificent natural pools and breathtaking landscapes. It is ideal to visit along with Faial and Pico on a trip to the Triangle islands.
Book your accommodation in São Jorge island.
5. Faial, the last eruption in the Azores islands
Faial island was the scene of the most recent eruption in the Azores, in 1958. It’s an island to learn about Azorean volcanism and realize that you really are in virgin territory. The volcanic landscape of Capelinhos is wonderful and it will feel like you are on Mars. It is a fantastic island for whale watching in a sustainable way and very important on the sailboat and yacht routes that cross the Atlantic, with Horta being a shelter port with a long maritime history.
Bottomline: Although Faial island is the smallest of the Triangle islands, it is the most cultural one and you will need 3 days to visit it. It is excellent to combine with a visit to Pico and São Jorge.
Book your accommodation in the town of Horta.
6. Terceira, the festive island of the Azores
Terceira island was the third to be discovered in the Azores and is also the third in size so don’t think that visiting the island will be quick. The ideal is to have at least 5 days to explore Terceira island. The island has wonderful volcanic landscapes, namely the largest caldera in the Azores (with a patchwork of cultivated fields in the center of the island), the only visitable volcanic chimney in the world (Algar do Carvão), volcanic tubes, fumaroles, and natural pools in lava flows. The historic center of the Town of Angra do Heroismo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bottomline: Terceira Island is also excellent for a first trip to the Azores. Along with São Miguel, these are the easiest islands to explore, due to the ease of renting a car, driving and the excellent accommodation and restaurant offerings. It is a very diverse island and will certainly ensure a longing passion for the Azores and a desire to return.
If you are going to travel to the Azores island of Terceira, check out our posts
- Visit Terceira island – Territory, history and geography – Guide to visit Terceira island in the Azores; the territory, history and geography of this beautiful and diversified Azores island.
- Terceira island travel tips – Travel tips to start planning your trip; when to go, how to get there, how to get around, travel insurance and where to stay.
- Terceira island itinerary – 5 days itinerary on this beautiful Azores island, covering the island’s main attractions.
- Where to stay on Terceira island – The best hotels and places to stay on this beautiful Azores island.
- Terceira island best viewpoints – Best spots to enjoy the spectacular landscapes of this beautiful Azores island.
- Terceira island culture & heritage – Best places to learn about Terceira island culture & heritage, UNESCO heritage town of Angra do Heroismo, religious and historical places on the island.
- Terceira island beaches, bathing areas and natural pools – Terceira island best beaches and bathing areas, including natural swimming pools, the best places in the Azores island to enjoy the sea and sun.
- Terceira island best restaurants – Best places on Terceira island to taste Azores traditional food, fish, seafood and meat.
Book your accommodation in the town of Angra do Heroísmo.
7. Graciosa, the white island of the Azores
Graciosa Island is the best kept secret of the Azores Archipelago. The least visited of the Azores islands sees very few mainland and foreign tourists. The majority of tourists are Azoreans from other islands who enjoy the beautiful beaches and natural pools of Graciosa. It’s a small island but full of incredible places to discover. Furna do Enxofre on the largest volcano on the island gives it fame but there is much more to discover on the island of Graciosa. Graciosa has the most beautiful natural volcanic pools in the Azores, in Poceirões, and some of the most virgin and exuberant landscapes in the archipelago.
Bottomline: Graciosa Island is a small island but you need 3 days to explore and visit it. It’s ideal for renting a motorbike and feeling like a teenager. It is excellent for beaching in the natural pools and for visiting from Terceira (because there are frequent boats). It is an island to visit in the summer. As it has little infrastructure, accommodation and restaurants, everything has to be booked well in advance.
Book your accommodation in Graciosa Island.
8. Flores, the most western point of the Azores islands
The island of Flores is reputed to be the most beautiful in the Azores. Beauty cannot be discussed, but Flores is truly a charming island that will not leave anyone indifferent. Flores hold a unique, raw and wild beauty. It has wonderful trails, steep slopes towards the sea, waterfalls and lagoons scattered throughout the island. There are good, welcoming people and many secrets to discover.
Bottomline: The island of Flores, in the Eastern group, is the most difficult to visit in the Azores, especially due to the number of flights, cancellations and delays. Plan your trip well and be flexible with dates. To visit the island of Flores you need 3 days but the ideal is to have 5 to be prepared for unforeseen events. When visiting the island of Flores, add a couple more days and go to Corvo.
Book your accommodation in Flores island.
9. Corvo, the smallest of the Azores islands
The island of Corvo is the most remote island in Europe. Getting there is difficult, and leaving too. But believe us, it’s worth it. The island only has 7 km (under 5 miles) of road and being there is almost like living on a different planet. The island of Corvo is worth visiting, whether in one day or more. Corvo´s caldera is probably the most beautiful of the Azores islands.
Bottomline: You can visit the island of Corvo in one day, by boat from Flores. That’s what we did. However, if you really want to get to know the island of Corvo, the ideal is to stay overnight on the island, even if it’s just one night. You can also get to Corvo island by plane.
