22 Portugal Islands You Can Actually Visit
While you may know Madeira and the Azores, out of Portugal’s 102 islands, actually 22 are open to visitors. They range from wild volcanic landscapes to golden beaches. Some feature ancient fortresses and lighthouses, while others are unique rock formations that support diverse wildlife. You can find islands scattered across Portugal, out in the Atlantic Ocean, near the coast, or even within rivers.
Each Portugal island offers something different. In this guide, you will find what to see on each of the Portugese islands and exactly how to get there. Check out the map at the end to see where they are exactly.
Madeira
Madeira is the largest island of the Madeira archipelago, located 600 miles southwest of mainland Portugal in the Atlantic Ocean. It stands out with its dramatic cliffs, lush mountainous landscapes, and year-round spring climate.
This Portuguese paradise offers stunning levada walks through ancient laurel forests, vibrant botanical gardens in Funchal, and the famous Monte Palace Tropical Gardens.
The island is also known for its namesake fortified wine, traditional wicker toboggan rides, and fresh seafood restaurants along the coast.
Madeira is easily accessible via direct flights from major European cities to Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport in Funchal. Regular flights connect through Lisbon and Porto, with flight times averaging 1.5 hours. There is only one direct flight between the United States and Madeira airport, launched on June 7, 2025. It departs from Newark Liberty International Airport and is operated by United Airlines.
Porto Santo, Madeira
Porto Santo stands out with its pristine 5-mile golden beach, turquoise waters, and therapeutic sand rich in minerals. The island offers excellent diving spots, scenic golf courses, and tranquil hiking trails through volcanic landscapes.
The historic Vila Baleira, the main town, features Christopher Columbus’s former house, now a museum showcasing the explorer’s connection to the island.
Located 46 miles northeast of Madeira, Porto Santo has a small airport, welcoming daily flights from Lisbon and Funchal.
Regular ferry services run from Madeira’s capital, with the journey taking approximately 2.5 hours. During summer a round-trip would cost € 69,70 for adults and € 34,84 for kids between 5 and 17 years (2025 prices).
Desertas Islands, Madeira
Located 11 miles southeast of Madeira, the Desertas Islands form an uninhabited volcanic archipelago with three main islets: Ilhéu Chão, Deserta Grande, and Bugio. These protected islands serve as a sanctuary for rare species, including the Mediterranean monk seal.
The rugged cliffs and untouched landscapes create an otherworldly atmosphere, making them a paradise for nature photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
The Desertas Islands can only be reached by boat tours departing from Funchal Marina. Daily trips with a catamaran last about 9 hours and include guided walks on Deserta Grande. Access is restricted to authorized vessels due to the islands’ protected status.
Selvagens Islands, Madeira
The Selvagens Islands (also known as Savage Islands) stand as Portugal’s southernmost territory. Due to its pristine volcanic landscapes and rich biodiversity, the area is on the Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Convention.
These uninhabited isles serve as a natural sanctuary for rare seabirds, including Cory’s shearwaters and Bulwer’s petrels.
The main island, Selvagem Grande, offers dramatic cliffs, unique flora, and crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling.
Located between Madeira and the Canary Islands, the Selvagens sit 163 miles south of Funchal. Access requires special permission from Madeira Natural Park authorities. Organized tours are the only transportation options, with trips typically lasting 3-4 days due to the remote location.
São Miguel Island, The Azores
São Miguel Island stands as the largest of the Azores archipelago, offering dramatic volcanic landscapes and natural hot springs. One of the most striking locations on the island is the twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades.
For wellness-lovers Terra Nostra Park’s thermal pools offer relaxation. Furnas Valley surely captivates visitors with its geothermal activity, traditional cozido stews cooked underground, and historic botanical gardens.
Whale watching off Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island, is a must-do for nature lovers. Tours are led by marine biologists aboard catamarans or zodiacs. Travelers regularly spot resident sperm whales and pods of dolphins year-round, plus up to 28 cetacean species during migration season.
São Miguel is accessible through João Paulo II Airport in Ponta Delgada. It is the largest international airport in the Azores. Direct flights connect the island to mainland Portugal, with seasonal routes from Europe and North America.
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Terceira Island, The Azores
Terceira Island stands out with its vibrant city of Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with 16th-century architecture.
The island’s volcanic origins shine through at Algar do Carvão, an ancient lava tube you can descend into.
Monte Brasil, an extinct volcano, offers hiking trails and panoramic views, while traditional bull running events take place during summer festivals.
Beaches like Praia da Vitória and Santa Catarina are renowed among water sport lovers, such as windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Terceira welcomes visitors through Lajes Airport, which is an international airport connecting the island with mainland Europe and with North America. Apart from Santa Maria Island, the island is connected to all other Azorean islands with the help of SATA Air Açores.
Santa Maria Island, The Azores
Santa Maria Island stands out for its golden sandy beaches like Praia Formosa and sun-drenched climate, making it the “driest” of all Azores islands.
São Lourenço Bay is a secluded beach framed by vineyards and traditional stone walls.
The distinctive Barreiro da Faneca, with its red desert-like landscape, creates a striking contrast against the lush greenery.
Christopher Columbus stopped at Santa Maria in Baía dos Anjos, where they attended the Thanksgiving mass at the chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Anjos.
Located in the eastern group of the Azores archipelago, Santa Maria Island is accessible through its regional airport with direct flights from Lisbon and connecting flights via São Miguel.
Graciosa Island, The Azores
Graciosa Island stands out with its stark white windmills, volcanic landscapes, and thermal springs.
The island’s crown jewel is the Furna do Enxofre, a stunning volcanic cave with a crystal-clear sulfurous lake.
Praia do Barro Vermelho is the only red sand beach in the Azores right by the airport.
The historic town of Santa Cruz da Graciosa features charming Portuguese architecture, including the iconic baroque church of Santo Cristo and traditional wine cellars carved into volcanic rock.
Located in the central group of the Azores archipelago, Graciosa sits between São Jorge and Terceira islands. SATA Air Açores operates daily flights from Terceira to Graciosa Airport.
Ferry services run regularly from Terceira and São Jorge during summer months, making the island accessible for day trips or extended stays.
Faial Island, The Azores
Faial Island stands out with its blue hydrangea hedges lining the roads, earning its nickname “Blue Island.”
The marine hub of Horta Marina attracts sailors worldwide, with its walls covered in colorful paintings left by passing crews.
Mount Pico’s silhouette dominates the horizon, while the Capelinhos Volcano offers dramatic landscapes and an underground interpretive center showcasing the 1957-58 eruption.
Faial sits neatly between Pico and São Jorge islands. Daily flights connect Horta Airport to major Portuguese cities, including Lisbon and Porto and other regional airports in the Azores.
Regular ferry services run between Faial to Pico and through Pico to other neighboring islands.
Pico Island, The Azores
Pico Island stands out with its towering volcano, Mount Pico. It is Portugal’s highest peak at 7,713 feet.
The island’s black basalt landscape features unique vineyard patterns, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Historic whaling sites, lava tubes, and traditional wine cellars dot the rugged terrain.
Pico sits between São Jorge and Faial islands. Direct flights connect to Pico Airport only from São Miguel and Terceira islands. No direct connection between Pico and the Portugal mainland.
Ferry services run regularly between neighboring islands.
São Jorge Island, The Azores
São Jorge’s dramatic fajãs (coastal plains) create a stunning landscape along its 33-mile coastline. These fertile plains, formed by ancient lava flows and landslides, support unique farming communities.
The island stands out for its premium cheese production, particularly the PDO-certified São Jorge cheese, and excellent hiking trails including the Serra do Topo route.
Located in the central group of the Azores archipelago, São Jorge sits between Pico and Graciosa islands. SATA Air Açores operates daily flights from São Miguel and Terceria Islands.
Ferry services connect São Jorge to neighboring islands Faial and Pico through Atlanticoline’s regular routes.
Flores Island, The Azores
Flores Island stands out with its seven crystal-clear lakes and abundant hydrangeas that blanket the landscape in vibrant blues and purples during summer.
The island’s natural wonders include the Rocha dos Bordões, a dramatic volcanic formation, and the Poço do Bacalhau waterfall, which drops almost 300 feet into a natural swimming pool.
Ribeira do Ferreiro is a wall of over 20 separate waterfalls descending into a natural lake. It is one of Flores’s signature sights and similar to ‘Wall of Tears’ in Maui, Waialeale Falls (‘The Weeping Wall’) in Kauai or the famed ‘Bridal Veil Falls’ in Hawaii’s Big Island.
Located in the western part of the Azores archipelago, Flores Island welcomes visitors through its small airport with direct flights from four other Azorean islands. The nearest major hub is Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island for international visitors.
Flores and Corvo Islands are also connected by a ferry line.
Corvo Island, The Azores
Corvo Island stands as the smallest inhabited island in the Azores archipelago.
The centerpiece of this volcanic wonder is the stunning Vila do Corvo caldeira, a crater lake that stretches 1.2-mile wide.
The island’s sole settlement, Vila do Corvo, holds traditional stone houses and narrow lanes that showcase authentic Azorean architecture.
Located in the northern group of the Azores, Corvo sits 6 hours from mainland Portugal by air. SATA Air Açores operates regular flights to São Miguel, Flores, Faial, and Terceira.
The island’s port also accepts ferry services during summer months, connecting it to neighboring Flores Island.
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Formigas Islets, The Azores
The Formigas Islets stand as remote, uninhabited rocky outcrops in the Azores archipelago. These small formations serve as a sanctuary for diverse marine life, making them a prime spot for diving enthusiasts.
The crystal-clear waters around the islets offer exceptional visibility, with schools of pelagic fish, manta rays, and sharks frequently spotted in the area.
They are between Santa Maria and São Miguel islands. Local operators run seasonal diving expeditions to the islets from Vila Franca do Campo, though trips depend heavily on weather conditions.
Berlenga Grande
Berlenga Grande stands as Portugal’s most striking island preserve, featuring dramatic red cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Spotting rare seabirds in this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is not impossible.
The 17th-century São João Baptista Fort dominates the landscape, while pristine beaches and hidden caves attract nature lovers. I recommend visiting the lighthouse for panoramic views.
Located about 6 miles off Peniche’s coast, the island is accessible by boat from Peniche’s harbor between May and September.
Daily ferries take 30 minutes to reach the island where you can stay for 3.5 hours before heading back to Peniche.
Guided boat tours will take passengers not only to and from Peniche, but around the island and inside multiple caves.
Baleal Island
Baleal Island stands as a captivating peninsula connected to mainland Portugal by a narrow sandbar near Peniche.
The island’s historic whitewashed buildings and ancient fortifications are dating back to the 12th century.
Surfers flock to its shores for consistent waves, with multiple surf spots catering to different skill levels.
Located just north of Peniche, roughly 62 miles from Lisbon, Baleal is easily accessible by car or bus.
The drive from Lisbon takes approximately one hour along the A8 highway. Once in Peniche, a short 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk along the scenic sandbar leads to the island.
Armona Island, Rio Formosa Nature Park, Algarve
Ilha da Armona stands out with its pristine 5.6-mile long golden beach, crystal-clear waters, and untouched sand dunes.
This car-free island is at the barrier of Rio Formosa Nature Park offering a peaceful escape lined with traditional Portuguese fishing villages that seamlessly blend with modern beach houses.
The lighthouse at the eastern tip provides spectacular views, while the local restaurants serve fresh seafood caught daily.
It is located in Portugal’s Algarve region, just off the coast of Olhão. Guided day trips take travelers around the nature park stopping at multiple islands including Armona.
Regular ferries run daily from 7:30 AM to 8:30 PM during summer months, with reduced schedules in winter. One way ticket for adults is €1,85 (2025 price).
The nearest airport is Faro International, a 20-minute drive to Olhão.
Culatra Island, Rio Formosa Nature Park, Algarve
Ilha da Culatra is another car-free paradise within the territory of Rio Formosa Nature Park. The island has three small settlements: Culatra, Farol, and Hângares.
This peaceful haven maintains its traditional charm with wooden fishing boats lining the shore and fresh seafood restaurants serving catch-of-the-day specialties.
The Farol de Barra Nova lighthouse offers incredible views across the Atlantic.
Located just off Olhão in Portugal’s Algarve region, the island can be reached by regular ferries from Olhão. The journey takes about 30 minutes, with boats running several times daily.
Guided day trips take travelers around the nature park stopping at mulitple islands including Culatra.
Tavira Island, Rio Formosa Nature Park, Algarve
Ilha de Tavira stands out with its pristine almost 7-mile beach strip and crystal-clear waters.
The island’s charm lies in its traditional fishing heritage, marked by wooden boardwalks and ancient Roman salt pans. Visitors can spot diverse bird species at the protected wetlands or relax at one of the beach bars serving fresh seafood.
Located in Portugal’s Algarve region, this barrier island of Rio Formosa Nature Park sits off the coast of Tavira town. Local tour operators offer guided boat tours, sailing tours and other excursions around the island.
Regular ferry services run from Tavira, Quatro Águas and Santa Luzia throughout the day, with increased frequency during summer months. The boat ride takes just 10-15 minutes each way.
Round trip tickets from Tavira are €2.20 for adults, from Quatro Águas €1.70 and from Santa Luzia €2.20 (2025 prices).
Barreta (Deserta) Island, Rio Formosa Nature Park, Algarve
Ilha da Barreta, also known as Ilha Deserta, offers a true escape into untouched nature with its nearly 6-mile-long stretch of golden sand and rolling dunes.
There are no permanent residents, only a single restaurant called Estaminé powered by solar energy.
It is an ideal spot for birdwatching, especially for spotting rare species like the purple heron and little tern within the Ria Formosa wetlands.
Situated just south of Faro, Barreta is the southernmost island of the Rio Formosa Nature Park. Local operators run eco-friendly catamaran and speedboat tours.
Regular ferries and water taxis depart from Faro’s Porta Nova pier, with travel times around 45 minutes. Naturally, summer schedules offer increased frequency.
Round trip tickets start from €5 for adults (2025 prices), with discounts for children and families.
Cabanas Island, Rio Formosa Nature Park, Algarve
Ilha de Cabanas is a narrow barrier island known for its quiet, shallow 4-mile long beach and calm waters. It is the northernmost island of Rio Formosa Nature Park.
The island sits opposite the fishing village of Cabanas de Tavira. Its charm comes from its low-key atmosphere, with no roads or cars, just wooden boardwalks connecting sunbathers to stretches of soft sand.
Ilha de Cabanas is a short hop via a 5-minute boat ride from the Cabanas waterfront. Small boats and water taxis run frequently throughout the day, especially in the summer season.
Almourol Island
Almourol Island stands as a medieval stronghold in Portugal, crowned by its iconic 12th-century castle. The ancient fortress rises dramatically from the rocky islet, with its stone walls and watchtowers creating a striking silhouette against the sky.
This small island served as a strategic defensive point for the Knights Templar, and today visitors can explore the restored castle interiors and walk along its ancient ramparts.
Located in the middle of the Tagus River near Vila Nova da Barquinha, the island sits about 74 miles northeast of Lisbon. You can take perfect photos of the fortress from the miradouro on the other side of the river.
Access is available through regular boat trips from the mainland dock, with services running daily from 9 AM to 6:30 PM from 1 March to 30 September. The price is €4 per person (2025 price).
Other Portugal Islands
There are a few other Portuguese islands and islets not on your list that can be visited, even if they are lesser known or small.
Continental Portugal
- Pessegueiro Island (Alentejo) is a small island near Porto Covo with Roman ruins and an old fort. Accessible by boat in summer.
- Ilha do Cavalo (Setúbal/Arrábida) is a rocky island near Sesimbra. It is great for kayaking and snorkeling.
- Lombo do Mocho (Algarve, near Carvoeiro) is a tiny sea stack accessible only by kayak or SUP with no options to moor or dock.
Azores Islets
- Vila Franca do Campo (São Miguel) is volcanic crater islet with a natural swimming lagoon. It can get quite popular during the summer months. Visitors usually choose to do a day trip with one of the local tour operators.
- Ilhéus das Cabras (Terceira) are twin islets south of the island. Great for boat tours, snorkeling, and birdwatching.
- Ilhéu da Praia (Graciosa) is a protected bird reserve. No landing allowed, but visible by boat.
- Ilhéu dos Mosteiros (São Miguel) are scenic offshore rocks you can marvel at from the beach. They are impossible to visit due to their sheer size. It is a popular bird haven though.
- Ilhéu de Santa Maria (Santa Maria) is a small rocky islet ideal for snorkeling or diving.
Madeira Islets
- Ilhéu de Ferro near Porto Santo is a tiny rocky outcrop. Only visible from the beach.
- Ilhéu da Cal is part of Desertas Islands. It is a protected islet. Landing is allowed only with conservation permits.
Map of Portugal Islands You Can Visit
Check out the map of Portugal Islands mentioned in this article to see where they are exactly.
More articles about Portugal
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.