9 Azores Islands, A Guide to Help You Choose
The Azores Islands, a stunning archipelago in the North Atlantic, are an intriguing destination for travelers seeking natural beauty and rich culture. These nine volcanic islands, part of Portugal, offer a unique blend of hiking trails, picturesque villages, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. But which one to visit?
Are you a foodie interested in trying the local cuisine? Or are you an adventure seeker wanting to do surfing, diving, and water sports? Or are you a nature lover looking to hiking, whale watching? Or just want to relax on one of the beautiful beaches?
Overview of the nine islands
Which Islands Have International Airport?
São Miguel and Terceira are the most convenient choices since they have international airports with flights from mainland Europe and from a handful of cities in the United States. All other islands have airports, but typically require connecting flights from these two.
Where Can You Find the Best Activities?
Outdoor adventure enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy, from hiking Mount Pico, the highest peak in Portugal, to exploring numerous trails across all nine islands.
For marine wildlife lovers, Pico and São Miguel offer whale-watching tours since it is one of the world’s dedicated Whale Heritage Sites.
If water sports are your thing, São Miguel and Terceira provides great surfing opportunities at multiple beaches. And after all the excitement, São Miguel’s Furnas Valley is the perfect place to unwind in its hot springs.
Which Islands Offer the Best Cultural and Historical Experiences?
Terceira’s Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a treasure for history buffs with its beautiful architecture and historic charm. Vila da Madalena on Pico Island is not only the Azores’ small wine capital, but it is also one of 2023’s Best Tourism Villages. Santa Maria Island is where Christopher Columbus stopped on its way back to mainland Europe. The nine islands also host a range of festivals, from Terceira’s Holy Ghost Festival to Pico’s Wine Festival.
Where Can You Find the Best Food and Wine?
Pico’s volcanic soil gives its wines a distinctive taste making it a fantastic destination for wine enthusiasts. São Jorge is known for its rich and creamy local cheese, while São Miguel is famous for Cozido, a stew cooked in the fumaroles of Lake Furnas. São Miguel is also the home of the only tea plantation in Europe, Gorreana.
What is the Most Beautiful Scenery in the Azores?
For dramatic volcanic landscapes, Pico and Faial take center stage. São Miguel is known for its stunning lakes, such as the iconic Sete Cidades, and beautiful waterfalls that dot the landscape. The beach at Fajã Grande on Flores Island is one of the most scenic spots in the Azores.
How Affordable is a Trip to the Azores?
São Miguel and Terceira offer the most affordable options for accommodation and dining, catering to a wide range of budgets from eco-friendly stays to luxury retreats. For a more exclusive experience, Santa Maria and Graciosa offer fewer but more intimate options.
São Miguel Island (Green Island)
São Miguel is the largest island in the Azores archipelago, known for its stunning landscapes and rich culture. If you want to explore its entirety, you need at least a week or two to do that.
The island’s capital, Ponta Delgada, is where all flights and cruises arrive. It is also the place from where most of the whale watching tours start.
One of the island’s key attractions is Furnas, famous for its geothermal activity. Visitors can enjoy unique culinary experiences such as Cozido, a traditional dish that is cooked underground using volcanic steam. This charming town is also the home of several thermal baths and hot springs nestled within a huge botanical garden called Parque Terra Nostra.
Related article: Octant Furnas, Staying in the Middle of a Volcanic Crater
The Sete Cidades region features two breathtaking lakes, one blue and one green set within a massive volcanic crater. Kayak on the lake, visit the Miradouro da Vista do Rei or Miradouro Da Boca Do Inferno for a stunning viewpoint, or hike the 12-mile long loop trail around the lakes.
São Miguel is also home to unique agriculture. The island is home to the famous tea plantation, Gorreana, which is the only location where tea is cultivated and produced in Europe. Additionally, you can also find pineapple plantations, like Arruda that yield sweet and juicy fruit.
Related article: Rediscover Nature’s Charm at Tradicampo Eco Country Houses
There are ample beaches in São Miguel, but let me highlight three. Santa Bárbara beach is a favorite among surfers, known for its impressive waves. For those who prefer calmer waters, Praia do Fogo is a stunning black sand beach with warm geothermal waters, perfect for a relaxing swim. Ponta da Ferraria is a natural swimming pool where the cool ocean meets hot thermal water. If you are interested in diving or snorkeling, head to Vila Franco do Campo, a volcanic crater turned lagoon.
Related article: Discover the Best Azores Beaches Tailored to Every Type of Traveler
Terceira Island (Lilac Island)
Terceira is one of the nine islands that make up the Azores archipelago and the second most-populated after Sao Miguel. Thus, it has an international airport that connects the island with mainland Europe and cities in the United States.
The capital city, Angra do Heroísmo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its well-preserved architecture and historical significance. Visitors can explore charming streets, beautiful gardens, and the iconic Forte de São João Baptista. The small peninsula beyond the fort is perfect for light hiking and offer multiple viewpoints towards the ocean and the city.
A noteworthy natural attraction on Terceira is a volcanic cave called Algar do Carvão. Inside, visitors can marvel at stunning stalactites and a remarkable underground lake. Or head to the Miradouro da Serra do Cume, where you get picture-perfect views of the green pastures.
Terceira Island offers a fantastic surfing scene, with the beach at Praia da Vitória and Santa Catarina being the main hubs for wave riders. For those seeking a more relaxed beach experience, you should try Terceira’s natural swimming pools, like the ones at Biscoitos.
Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the local wine scene, particularly in Biscoitos, where the volcanic soil enhances the quality of the grapes. Tastings at the Museu do Vinho provide a delightful experience for visitors.
Faial Island (Blue Island)
Faial is one of the picturesque islands in the Azores archipelago, known for its stunning landscapes and rich maritime history. Faia means breech trees, but the island is often referred to as the “Blue Island” due to the abundance of hydrangeas that bloom in various shades of blue.
The capital city, Horta, is a vibrant port town famous for its marina. It was a popular stop and trading port for sailors crossing the Atlantic. Visitors can enjoy charming cafés and art galleries while taking in views of the ocean. Its beach, Praia do Porto Pim is a popular family-friendly beach with calm waters, warm sand, and lovely hiking trails around the small crater.
Capelinhos is a famous site of a volcanic eruption that occurred in the 1950s. The volcanic cone and surrounding area offer a unique landscape that contrasts sharply with the typical greenery of the Azores islands and the striking blue of the ocean. There is a visitor center at the base of the lighthouse that provides insights into the volcanic activity that shaped the island.
There are multiple stunning hiking trails await the traveler on this island. But let me highlight the Caldeira do Faial trail (PR 04), which is a moderate 4-mile circular hike along the rim of Faial’s massive volcanic crater. The Levada trail (PR03) is an easy-to-moderate walk through Faial’s forests, following old irrigation channels and passing waterfalls and streams.
Pico Island (Black Island)
Pico is one of the most captivating islands in the Azores since it is the home of Pico Mountain, the highest peak in Portugal, reaching 2,351 meters (7,713 feet). It is a dormant volcano that attracts hikers and nature enthusiasts alike. While the island has 14 hiking trails, one of them is a trail up to Pico Mountain to get close to the caldeira. But you need to register in advance, since there is a limit of 10 unregistered hikers per day. Or join a guided hiking tour.
The waters surrounding Pico island are rich in marine life with resident whale species, making it a great spot for going on dolphin and whale watching tours throughout the year.
Wine production is also something Pico is known for. Verdelho is a white wine produced in the vineyards of Criação Velha and Vila da Madalena. This area is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing the unique grape cultivation techniques in lava rock soil. Madalena is not only the Azores’ small wine capital, but it is also one of 2023’s Best Tourism Villages. The Grape Harvest Festival is also held here every year in September.
Tourists can enjoy various activities beyond hiking like swimming in natural pools like Manhenha.
You can also combine traveling to Pico and Faial Islands, since they are close-by. Atlanticoline operates two ferry lines: Horta – Sao Roque (one hour, EUR 12 per person (2024 price)) and Horta – Madalena (30 minutes, EUR 3.80 per person (2024 price)).
São Jorge Island (Sleeping Dragon Island)
São Jorge is an island in the central group of the Azores. It is often referred to as one of the “triangle islands,” alongside Faial and Pico.
The island is characterized by its unique geological features called fajãs, low-lying plains surrounded by steep cliffs. These forms were created by landslides or volcanic activity. The most famous one is Caldeira de Santo Cristo which can only be reached on foot via a scenic 6-mile-long hiking trail. If you don’t want to hike alone, take a local guide with you.
Visitors to São Jorge can indulge in local delicacies, such as Queijo de São Jorge, a DOP certified cheese known for its hard, crumbly texture and intense flavors. Many farms and cooperativas offer tastings and sales of this cheese, highlighting the island’s culinary heritage.
The next highlight should be Fajã dos Vimes, home to the island’s only coffee plantation Café Nunes. Visitors can tour the small-scale coffee farm, taste local brews, and talk to the owner directly.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy on São Jorge, the highest peak called Pico da Esperança, is a must-see sights. It is standing at 3,455 feet above sea level. From the summit, hikers (following the PR4 trail) can see three neighboring Azores islands: Pico, Faial, and Graciosa on clear days.
The crystal-clear natural pools of Simão Dias is located on the island’s northern coast. It looks like the pools are carved into the volcanic rock, but the water is calm since they are sheltered from the ocean.
Graciosa Island (White Island)
Graciosa, meaning “graceful” in Portuguese, is often referred to as the “White Island.” It is one of the northernmost islands in the Azores archipelago. It is a relatively small island is known for its compact charm and beauty. The main settlement on the island is Santa Cruz da Graciosa, which serves as the hub for visitors.
One of the highlights of the island is the Ponta da Barca Lighthouse, standing 75 feet tall and providing breathtaking views from its altitude.
The island is home to several natural pools, hiking trails, a lave cave called Furna do Enxofre and a unique red sand beach called Praia do Barro Vermelho. Even though the island is smaller compared to Sao Miguel, there are plenty of natural beauty to explore.
Santa Maria Island (Sunshine Island)
Santa Maria is the southernmost Azores islands known for its golden brown sand beaches that are in contrast to all the black sand beaches around the archipelago. Praia Formosa and Praia de São Lourenço are two famous ones surrounded by vineyards and steep hills.
Santa Maria Island has an interesting link to Christopher Columbus. On his way back from his first trip to the Americas in 1493, he stopped at the village of Anjos. Columbus and his crew attended a thanksgiving mass at the Nossa Senhora dos Anjos, a small chapel that still stands today. The town erected a Columbus statue to commemorate the event. It is a cool spot to visit if you are interested in history.
Flores Island (Flower Island)
Flores is not only the westernmost island in the Azores, but also the westernmost territory of Europe. Another interesting fact is that Flores together with neighboring Corvo are part of the North American tectonic plate, while the other islands belong to the European and the Nubian plates.
The terrain of Flores is predominantly mountainous, featuring deep valleys and cascading waterfalls. 45% of the island is part of the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve Network since 2009, emphasizing its ecological importance beyond its beauty.
The emblematic Poço do Bacalhau is a must-see attraction. Located near Fajã Grande, this stunning waterfall cascades from a height of around 295 feet into a clear natural pool below.
But the most iconic and photogenic attraction on the island is Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro. It is a gorgeous valley with multiple cascading waterfalls, creating a picture-perfect scene that feels almost magical. It is often compared to Waialeale Falls (The Weeping Wall) in Hawaii’s Kauai Island.
Related article: Exploring Kauai’s Best Waterfalls
Rocha dos Bordões is a unique geological formation, with its towering basalt columns. It is one of Flores’ most famous landmarks, offering incredible views and photo opportunities.
You can reach the island via Lajes regional airport via São Miguel Island, Corvo, Faial, and Terceira Islands. Since Corvo and Flores are lying next to each other, you can take a 40-minute ferry with Atlanticoline (EUR 10 per person (2024 price)).
Corvo Island (Crow Island)
Corvo is the smallest and the northernmost island in the Azores archipelago with a massive volcanic crater in the middle. The island has a small population of about 430 residents, predominantly living in Vila do Corvo, the island’s only settlement.
Visitors are often drawn to Caldeirão in the middle of the island. This crater features stunning twin lakes with small islands PRC 02 COR hiking trail takes travelers on a 3-mile long circular trail. The scenery is green thanks to being one of the biggest and oldest peatlands of the Azores.
Birdwatching in Corvo is especially popular during the winter months. According to AviBase, 291 bird species live on or migrate to the island, many vulnerable and near-threatened. Corvo Island is largely untouched by tourism compared to its larger neighbors. It remains a hidden gem among the Azores islands.
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Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.