Visiting the Azores for the first time? This complete travel guide will help you navigate this beautiful and remote archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. With more flights now connecting the islands to Europe and beyond, these Portuguese islands are quickly becoming a popular destination and it’s easy to see why. Lush green and dramatic volcanic landscapes with relatively few visitors await.
There’s still relatively little information about traveling here, and the limited infrastructure means that planning ahead pays off. Whether you’re wondering which islands to visit, how to get around, or what to expect, this Azores travel planning guide has all the tips and insights you need for a fantastic first visit.
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Table of Contents - Visiting the Azores – A first-timers travel planning guide
The Azores at a Glance
Before getting into travel planning, let’s get our bearings. The Azores archipelago belongs to Portugal, but is located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, about 1400 km away from the mainland.
The archipelago consists of nine islands, each with a visible volcanic origin. But don’t be fooled; that doesn’t make them all the same. Over centuries, their unique histories and landscapes have shaped each island differently, giving them distinct volcanic features, from dramatic craters and crater lakes to vast lava fields.
The islands are grouped geographically into three clusters: the Eastern, Central, and Western groups. You can only travel between these groups by air, but islands within the same group are also connected by regular ferries.
How to get to the Azores
Besides the frequent inter-island flights, the larger islands are well connected to the Portuguese mainland. São Miguel also offers regular international flights↗, including direct connections from several European countries and the USA. Terceira also receives some international flights, though these tend to be less frequent and more seasonal.
How to get around the Azores
The one and only way to really explore the Azores, is by renting a car↗. Most islands have some public transport available, but it’s very limited and mainly designed for locals getting to work or school. To really make the most out of our trip and visit the best things the Azores have to offer you need a car. The only exception is the tiny island of Corvo, which is walkable.
Best time of year to visit the Azores
Unlike Spain’s Atlantic archipelago, the Canary Islands, summer has the most favorable weather conditions in the Azores. But it’s also the busiest and priciest season. It doesn’t get quite as busy as Madeira, but I still recommend shoulder season.
The Azores don’t have the same infrastructure for tourism as Madeira either and hotels fill up quickly and rental cars disappear even quicker. Prices also soar in summer, even more so than in Madeira. For that reason, I recommend the shoulder seasons: May/June or September/early October. The islands are quieter during these months but still enjoy mild and more reliable weather.
We visited in June, and while we did experience some inflated prices and lower availability of cars and accommodation, it was a good month to visit since the weather was great and it wasn’t too crowded.
Island Hopping Logistics
When planning your trip to the Azores, it’s important to know that if you want to travel between island groups, this requires flying. So if you want to avoid flights as much as possible, stick to one island group. You can often travel between islands within the same group on ferries, although not all of them go regularly or throughout the year. Check the up to date schedules here↗.
Another important factor to keep into consideration is that traveling to the more remote islands not only takes longer, they are generally also more expensive since they have a more limited infrastructure. So there is less competition and budget options book out earlier. Booking your accommodation and rental car as early as possible to get the best deals is even more important when visiting remote islands like Flores.
The Azorean Islands Overview - Which Azores islands to visit
Before diving into the unique features of each island, a little disclaimer: I only visited São Miguel and Pico, and spent a day in Faial before leaving the Azores. So I can only share first hand experience regarding these islands. But in order to give you a complete overview I’ll also share the information I found when researching the other islands.
| Island | Most Iconic Features |
|---|---|
| São Miguel | Crater lakes Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, hot springs in Furnas, tea plantations, volcanic caldeiras, Ribeira dos Caldeirões waterfalls |
| Santa Maria | Golden sandy beaches, red clay cliffs, Pico Alto viewpoint, historic villages, eroded volcanic landscapes |
| Pico | Mount Pico, lava fields, vineyards on volcanic soil, whale-watching, lava caves |
| Faial | Capelinhos Volcano, central caldera Caldeira do Faial, marina in Horta, hydrangea-lined landscapes |
| Terceira | Algar do Carvão lava cave, Serra do Cume viewpoint, Angra do Heroísmo, volcanic cones, traditional festivals |
| São Jorge | Volcanic cliffs, fajãs, hiking trails, cheese production |
| Flores | Rugged cliffs, volcanic lakes, waterfalls, Laurisilva forests, birdwatching |
| Corvo | Large central caldera Caldeirão, small villages, pristine landscapes, birdwatching |
🌋 Volcanic highlights | 🌿 Nature & hiking 🏝️Island hopping
São Miguel
São Miguel is the biggest and most diverse island in the Azores. It’s also the main gateway to the islands, with most international flights arriving here. If you’re traveling to the Azores for the first time and you can only visit one island, make it São Miguel. But also if you’re island hopping, São Miguel deserves a spot on your itinerary.
This is where you’ll find the postcard view of the Azores: Sete Cidades, the most photographed place in the whole archipelago. But São Miguel has much more to offer. You can explore other crater lakes like Lagoa do Fogo and drive to countless scenic viewpoints. The island is also known for its geothermal activity, especially around Furnas where you can see the fumaroles, and offers several hot springs which you can visit. Did you know that São Miguel is also home to Europe’s only two tea plantations? You can tour the facilities for free and sample locally grown tea.
Between the dramatic volcanic landscapes, geothermal activity, and unique agricultural heritage, São Miguel offers incredible variety which makes it a must-visit for your trip to the Azores.
If you’re short on time, I’ve put together a 2-day São Miguel itinerary for budget travelers with the best free things to do, plus extra tips in case you have more days to spend here.
Santa Maria
Santa Maria is the southernmost island in the Azores and has a very different feel from São Miguel. It’s known for its sunny, dry climate and golden sandy beaches rather than dramatic crater lakes. Praia Formosa is one of the best beaches in the Azores, with a long stretch of fine, light-colored sand and calm, clear waters which are quite rare for this archipelago.
Beyond the beaches, Santa Maria has some unique geological features waiting to be explored. The Barreiro da Faneca, nicknamed the “Red Desert of the Azores,” is an arid, clayey landscape with red and orange tones that contrast beautifully with the island’s green hillsides. For panoramic views, head to Pico Alto, the island’s highest point, where you can see across the island and out to the neighboring islands on clear days. The island also has interesting coastal formations and historic villages, including Vila do Porto, the oldest settlement in the Azores.
Santa Maria is smaller and quieter than most other islands, which makes it ideal if you’re looking for a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experience. It’s particularly appealing if you want to add some beach time to your Azores adventure, since most other islands have rocky coastlines rather than sandy beaches.
Pico
Pico is the second biggest island in the Azores and home to Portugal’s highest peak: Mount Pico. I really enjoyed our trip to Pico since it’s such a different island compared to São Miguel. It’s full of lakes and small volcanic craters and you can see Mount Pico tower out over the island from just about anywhere. While it is a popular island to visit, it wasn’t as crowded as São Miguel and when we visited the lakes we had them almost to ourselves most of the time.
The highlight of our visit was hiking Mount Pico, we had such an amazing day with views over Pico island as well as the surrounding islands. The climb is challenging but incredibly rewarding, and if you’re reasonably fit and the weather cooperates, it’s an experience you won’t forget. Standing at Portugal’s highest point with the Atlantic stretching endlessly around you and feeling the heat from the volcano below you is truly special.
Beyond the mountain, Pico has plenty more to offer. The island’s unique vineyards, grown on volcanic soil and protected by stone walls, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and produce some excellent wines. The lava tunnels provide a fascinating glimpse into the island’s volcanic geology, and Pico is also one of the best spots in the Azores for whale watching. For more information about these activities check out my article about the best things to do on Pico Island.
Faial
Faial is the most popular island in the central island group among tourists. The island is quite small though, so it can feel crowded quickly. What draws people here is the combination of maritime culture and colonial architecture in Horta, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and easy access to neighboring Pico.
Beyond the charming town of Horta, Faial offers impressive volcanic features. The massive central crater Caldeira do Cabeço Gordo provides stunning panoramic views, while the island’s northern and southern coasts showcase different sides of its volcanic nature. The Capelinhos volcano, which erupted in 1957-58, is one of the most iconic volcanic sites in the Azores. The barren lava field it created gives you a sense of how powerful and recent this volcanic activity was.
Despite its small size and popularity, Faial’s dramatic volcanic features and maritime culture make it well worth a visit, especially if you’re island hopping in the central group.
Terceira
Terceira is the third-largest and most populated island in the Azores and stands out for its rich cultural heritage and unique volcanic formations. The island’s capital, Angra do Heroísmo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets that reflect centuries of maritime history.
One of Terceira’s highlights is Algar do Carvão, where you can descend into an ancient lava tube featuring an underground lake and striking rock formations. The nearby Gruta do Natal lava tunnel showcases more of the island’s volcanic past.
For panoramic views, head to Serra do Cume viewpoint, where you’ll see the distinctive patchwork of agricultural fields divided by volcanic stone walls stretching across the landscape. Terceira also has a more lively cultural scene than some of the other islands, with traditional festivals and touradas à corda (rope bullfighting)↗ throughout the summer months.
Terceira works well for travelers who want volcanic landscapes but also appreciate historic towns and cultural experiences. With its lively atmosphere and more developed infrastructure, it provides a nice contrast to the remote, nature-focused experience of islands like Pico or Flores.
São Jorge
São Jorge is known as the island of fajãs, which are flat coastal plains formed either by ancient lava flows or landslides from the towering cliffs above. These fajãs create some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the Azores, with steep cliffs dropping hundreds of meters to small settlements and agricultural land at sea level. The island is a paradise for hikers, with trails leading down to remote fajãs like Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo and Fajã dos Cubres.
São Jorge is also famous for its cheese production. The island’s unique microclimate and grazing lands produce a distinct, flavorful cheese that’s become one of the Azores’ culinary highlights. If you’re into hiking and seeking quieter, more remote experiences, São Jorge offers a peaceful alternative to the busier islands while still delivering spectacular natural beauty.
As a hiking lover, São Jorge is high on my list for when I’m visiting the Azores next!
Flores
Flores is the westernmost island in the Azores and one of the most remote and rugged. The name means “flowers,” and the island lives up to it with lush vegetation, dramatic waterfalls, and stunning volcanic lakes. This is the island for nature lovers who don’t mind a bit of extra effort to reach paradise.
The landscape here is incredibly dramatic and so different from the other islands. Flores features towering cliffs, deep valleys, and waterfalls seemingly around every corner. Some of the most famous include Poço da Alagoinha and Poço do Bacalhau, both spectacular multi-tiered waterfalls surrounded by green hillsides. The island also has several beautiful crater lakes, including Lagoa Funda and Lagoa Rasa.
Because Flores is so remote, it’s less developed for tourism than islands like São Miguel or even Pico. That means fewer accommodation options and higher prices, but also far fewer crowds. The island rewards those who make the journey with some of the most pristine and untouched landscapes in the entire archipelago and even great birdwatching, particularly during migration seasons.
Flores was really high on our list, but didn’t make the cut due to the remoteness and lack of accommodation. Getting there required extra flights there and back and there was virtually no more accommodation available when we were looking to book. So visiting Flores would have stretched our budget a little too much and we decided to focus on São Miguel and Pico instead. But next time I’ll prepare better and make Flores a priority!
Corvo
With a population of around 400 inhabitants, Corvo is the smallest Azores island. It’s so small, it’s even walkable! So if you do want to travel the Azores without a car, Corvo is the perfect island to visit.
The main attraction is the Caldeirão, a massive volcanic crater at the island’s summit. You can hike around the crater which has small lakes at the bottom. The viewpoint at the rim offers breathtaking views, especially on clear days.
The island’s only settlement, Vila do Corvo, is a charming village where life moves at a peaceful pace. There’s limited infrastructure here, so visiting Corvo requires more planning and flexibility than the other islands. But for those seeking solitude, authentic island life, and a true sense of remoteness, Corvo delivers an experience unlike anywhere else in the Azores. If you’re looking for the ultimate off-the-beaten-path experience, this is it.
Final thoughts about visiting the Azores for the first time
There are lots of islands to choose from when visiting the Azores for the first time. So planning a first trip to the archipelago can feel a little overwhelming, it was for us too! Having said that, I’m really happy with our selection of São Miguel, Pico, and Faial. São Miguel and Pico are both beautiful islands with so much to offer visitors, and spending a final day relaxing in Horta was the perfect way to wrap up our trip. This combination also kept travel time between islands to a minimum, which meant more time actually exploring.
As I mentioned earlier in this Azores travel guide, which island is best to visit really depends on your personal preferences and what you want to get out of your trip. Are you looking for dramatic volcanic landscapes? Pristine nature and waterfalls? Cultural experiences and historic towns? Beach time? Each island offers something different, so think about what appeals to you most.
But honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these islands. As long as you’re well prepared and know what to expect, each one has its own unique charm. I really loved our trip and I’m already looking forward to exploring the islands we missed on a future trip – especially Flores!
Did you book your first trip to the Azores? Let us know which islands you’ve picked in the comments below!
| Guide | What You'll Find |
|---|---|
| 2-Day São Miguel Itinerary for Budget Travelers | Short on time or money? This itinerary focuses on free activities and the island's must-see highlights without breaking the bank. |
| Top 3 Very Best Things to Do on Pico Island | From hiking Mount Pico to exploring lava caves and the Caminho das Lagoas, discover the best activities this volcanic island has to offer. |
| How to hike Mount Pico | Planning to summit Portugal's highest peak? Get all the details on preparation, what to expect, and tips for a successful climb. |
FAQ about visiting the Azores
It really depends on how many islands you want to visit. For a single island like São Miguel, I’d recommend at least 3-4 days to see the main highlights without rushing. If you’re island hopping, plan for at least 2-3 days per island, plus travel time between them. 7-10 days gives you enough time to explore 2 to 3 islands comfortably. Keep in mind that weather can be unpredictable, so having a few extra days gives you flexibility if conditions aren’t ideal for certain activities.
That completely depends on the season when you’re visiting. Generally speaking, visiting the Azores is moderately priced compared to mainland Portugal, though costs vary by island and season. Accommodation and rental cars are the biggest expenses, especially during summer when prices soar and availability drops. Remote islands like Flores and Corvo tend to be pricier due to limited infrastructure and competition.
That said, the Azores offer plenty of free activities. Most viewpoints, crater lakes, and hiking trails don’t cost anything. Eating at local restaurants is reasonably priced, and grocery stores are affordable if you’re self-catering. Book accommodation and cars as early as possible to get the best deals and avoid traveling in high season (July and August) for the best deals.
Yes, the Azores sit on a geologically active zone, and several volcanoes are considered active, though they’re currently dormant and most haven’t erupted in decades or centuries. The most recent eruption was Capelinhos on Faial in 1957-58, which you can still visit today. Mount Pico is also considered an active volcano, though its last eruption was in 1720. The geothermal activity you see around Furnas on São Miguel is evidence of ongoing volcanic activity beneath the surface. While eruptions are rare, the islands are monitored, and there’s no significant risk to visitors.
Pack for changeable weather! Layers are essential since the weather can shift quickly, even in summer. Bring a waterproof jacket, comfortable hiking shoes with good grip, and quick-dry clothing. Don’t forget swimwear for hot springs and any beach visits. Sunscreen and sunglasses are important, even on cloudy days the sun can be strong. If you’re planning to hike Mount Pico or do serious trails, pack proper hiking boots and warm layers for higher elevations. A reusable water bottle or water bladder is also always handy!
The waters around the islands are home to over 28 species of whales and dolphins, making it one of the best whale watching destinations in the world. You might spot sperm whales, blue whales, fin whales, and various dolphin species depending on the season. Seabirds are also abundant, with several endemic species – Flores and Corvo are particularly great for birdwatching during migration seasons.
On land, you’ll notice the islands are surprisingly quiet – there are no snakes, and very few land mammals. The most common animals you’ll encounter are cows and the occasional lizard. The real wildlife spectacle here is definitely in and around the ocean!
This is actually more mysterious than you might think! The official history says the Portuguese discovered uninhabited islands in the 15th century, but recent research suggests people may have settled the Azores as early as 700 years before Portuguese arrival. Archaeological discoveries between 2010-2011 found hypogea (carved burial structures) on Corvo, Santa Maria, and Terceira that might indicate earlier human presence. Some evidence even points to possible Norse/Viking visits centuries before the Portuguese. However, when Portuguese sailors arrived in the 1420s-1430s, they found the islands uninhabited with no permanent settlements. Whether earlier visitors simply didn’t stay, or left before the Portuguese arrived, remains one of the Azores’ intriguing unsolved mysteries!
If you visit between late spring and early summer, you’ll notice hedges of blue, pink, and purple hydrangeas lining practically every road. They’re absolutely everywhere! While they weren’t originally native to the islands, they’ve become one of the Azores’ most iconic sights for a practical reason: farmers traditionally used them as natural property dividers between fields. The thick bushes are harder for cattle to push through than simple fences, and they thrive in the Azores’ humid climate and volcanic soil. What started as a functional farming solution has created one of the most beautiful features of the landscape.