Sitting out in the Atlantic Ocean, around 850 miles west of mainland Portugal, the Azores are one of those destinations that feel refreshingly different from much of Europe. This Portuguese archipelago is made up of nine volcanic islands where dramatic crater lakes, green hills, waterfalls, hydrangeas and rugged coastlines combine to create some extraordinary scenery.
What appealed to me most about the Azores was the feeling of being somewhere genuinely shaped by nature. These aren’t islands dominated by sprawling resorts or endless beaches. Instead, they are places to explore, whether that’s on foot along one of the many walking trails, driving through the countryside, visiting volcanic landscapes or heading out onto the Atlantic in search of whales and dolphins.
Introducing the Azores
The Azores were formed through volcanic activity over millions of years, and their volcanic origins are still evident everywhere you look. Crater lakes fill ancient calderas, hot springs bubble beneath the surface and volcanic peaks rise dramatically above the surrounding Atlantic.
Portuguese settlement of the islands began during the 15th century and today the Azores form an autonomous region of Portugal.
São Miguel is the largest and most populated of the islands and is where many visitors begin their Azores adventure. Ponta Delgada, its largest city, is also one of the main gateways into the archipelago.
For me, however, the attraction of the Azores goes well beyond simply ticking off individual sights. The landscapes are the star of the show. Driving or walking through the countryside can take you from rolling green pastures and tiny villages to crater lakes, dramatic viewpoints and wild stretches of coastline remarkably quickly.
Then, of course, there is the Atlantic itself.
🐋 Whale Watching in the Azores
Whale watching is one of the experiences most closely associated with the Azores, and the waters surrounding the islands are home to an impressive variety of whales and dolphins.
The islands’ position in the Atlantic means both resident and migratory species can be encountered at different times of the year. Sperm whales are among the species associated with the Azores, while dolphins are also regularly spotted.
Getting out onto the water and searching the Atlantic for marine life was one of the experiences that really brought home just how remote these islands are.
I’ve written separately about my experience and what you can expect, so take a look at my Whale Watching in the Azores guide if you’re thinking about including a trip during your stay.
🍷 Food and Wine in the Azores
Food is another part of discovering the islands. Azorean cuisine makes good use of locally produced meat, seafood, vegetables and dairy products, with cheese being something of a speciality.
One of the most unusual traditional dishes is cozido das Furnas, a meat and vegetable stew cooked underground using the natural geothermal heat around Furnas on São Miguel. It is difficult to think of many meals that demonstrate the volcanic nature of a destination quite so effectively!
The islands also have a long history of wine production. Pico is particularly famous for its vineyards, where vines are traditionally grown between walls of black volcanic stone that protect them from the Atlantic winds and sea spray. The Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
ℹ️ Azores Travel Information
Region: Europe
Country: Portugal
Largest city: Ponta Delgada
Currency: Euro (€)
Language: Portuguese
Time zone: Azores Time
Number of islands: Nine
For current entry requirements, always check the latest UK Government travel advice for Portugal before travelling.
☀️ When Is the Best Time to Visit the Azores?
The Azores have a mild maritime climate, but the weather can change quickly. Sunshine, cloud, wind and rain can sometimes all make an appearance during the same day, which is worth remembering when packing.
The summer months from June to September are generally the most popular time to visit, bringing warmer temperatures and longer days. July and August are particularly popular, while the shoulder months can be an attractive choice if you prefer fewer visitors.
The islands don’t need wall-to-wall sunshine to look beautiful. In fact, those lush green landscapes are partly a result of the Atlantic climate.
If you’re travelling primarily for walking, whale watching or other outdoor activities, it is worth considering the time of year carefully rather than simply choosing the hottest month.
🚗 Getting Around the Azores
How you get around depends largely on how many islands you plan to visit.
Flights connect the islands, while ferries operate on a number of inter-island routes. Ferry services can be particularly useful between islands that sit relatively close together, although schedules and frequencies vary according to route and season.
If you’re staying on one island, hiring a car gives you far more freedom. This is particularly useful on São Miguel, where many of the viewpoints, lakes, villages and natural attractions are spread around the island.
I also think you need to experience at least some of the Azores on foot.
There are superb walking trails across the archipelago, taking you through forests, beside crater lakes, along the coast and through some wonderfully peaceful countryside. Have a look at my Azores Walking Guides for more information on exploring the islands on foot.
🏝️ The Nine Islands of the Azores
One of the first questions when planning an Azores holiday is deciding which island — or islands — to visit. The nine islands all have their own character, so whether you are planning to base yourself on São Miguel or explore several islands, this Azores travel guide will help you get started.
São Miguel is the largest island and the natural starting point for many first-time visitors. This is an island of crater lakes, thermal springs, waterfalls, forests and spectacular viewpoints. Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo provide some of the classic Azores landscapes, while Furnas gives you a fascinating glimpse of the geothermal forces beneath the islands.
Terceira combines volcanic scenery with history and culture. Its main city, Angra do Heroísmo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with colourful buildings, traditional streets and an important maritime history.
Faial is often called the Blue Island thanks to the hydrangeas that flower during the summer. Horta has long been an important stopping point for sailors crossing the Atlantic, and the famous marina reflects the island’s strong connection with the sea.
Pico is dominated by the unmistakable outline of Mount Pico. At 2,351 metres, it is the highest mountain in Portugal and a magnet for hikers. Pico is also famous for its unusual volcanic vineyards and is an important base for whale-watching excursions.
São Jorge is long, narrow and mountainous, with dramatic cliffs and distinctive coastal plains known as fajãs. It is an island that particularly appeals to walkers and anyone looking for a quieter side of the Azores.
Santa Maria lies to the south of São Miguel and was the first of the Azorean islands to be settled. It is known for its warmer, drier climate, attractive landscapes and beaches.
Flores sits in the western group and is one of the lushest islands in the archipelago. Waterfalls, crater lakes, green pastures and masses of flowers make this another wonderful island for nature lovers.
Graciosa is one of the smaller and quieter islands. Its gentler landscape, traditional villages and volcanic features make it an interesting option for travellers looking to get away from the busier parts of the archipelago.
Finally, Corvo is the smallest of the nine islands and one of the most remote. Its enormous volcanic caldera dominates the landscape and gives this tiny Atlantic island a character all of its own.
🥾 Walking in the Azores
If you enjoy walking, this is where the Azores really come into their own.
The volcanic terrain has created an extraordinary variety of landscapes, and walking allows you to experience them at a much slower pace. Trails can take you around crater rims, through forests, alongside lakes, down towards coastal settlements and across landscapes covered in the hydrangeas for which the islands are famous.
You don’t necessarily need to be an experienced hiker either. There are walks of different lengths and difficulty levels, so it’s possible to include some walking even if you’re visiting primarily for sightseeing.
My dedicated Azores Walking Guides go into much more detail, so rather than repeating all that information here, I’d use this guide as your starting point and then head over there if walking is going to be an important part of your trip.
📸 Why Visit the Azores?
For me, the real appeal of the Azores is the combination of scenery, wildlife and that wonderful feeling of being somewhere slightly removed from the everyday.
You can stand beside a volcanic crater lake in the morning, walk through countryside filled with hydrangeas in the afternoon and head out across the Atlantic looking for whales the following day.
There are towns and villages to discover, local food and wine to enjoy and plenty of opportunities simply to stop at a viewpoint and take in the scenery.
The Azores aren’t really about rushing from one famous attraction to another. They are about the landscapes and the journey between them — and that’s precisely why they made such an impression on me.
🎟️ Things to Do and Excursions in the Azores
There is plenty that can be arranged independently, particularly if you have a hire car, but organised excursions can be useful for experiences such as whale watching, guided hikes, canyoning, geothermal tours and full-day island trips.
❓Frequently Asked Questions About the Azores
Are the Azores worth visiting?
If you enjoy nature, dramatic landscapes, walking and wildlife, there is an enormous amount to discover. The volcanic scenery and Atlantic setting make the islands feel quite different from many other European destinations.
Which Azores island is best for a first visit?
São Miguel is a popular starting point because it combines some of the best-known scenery with Ponta Delgada, good road connections and a wide range of things to see and do. That doesn’t necessarily make it the right island for everyone, though, particularly if you’re looking for somewhere quieter.
How many days do you need in the Azores?
For a first visit, I’d allow at least five to seven days if you’re concentrating on one island. If you want to explore several islands, give yourself longer rather than trying to squeeze too much into a short trip.
Do you need a car in the Azores?
You can visit without one, but a hire car makes exploring considerably easier, particularly on São Miguel. Many of the most beautiful viewpoints and natural attractions are scattered around the islands.
Can you island hop in the Azores?
Yes. Inter-island flights operate across the archipelago and ferries connect a number of islands. Which option makes most sense depends on the islands you’re visiting and the time of year.
Is the Azores a beach destination?
Not in the traditional sense. There are beaches and natural swimming areas, but the main reasons I would travel to the Azores are the volcanic landscapes, wildlife, walking and outdoor experiences.
🌍 More About the Azores
If you’re planning a trip, continue with my Azores Walking Guides and Whale Watching in the Azores articles for more detailed information.
For official tourism information, current walking trail information and practical travel advice, the Visit Azores website is also worth checking.
