Are you thinking about visiting the Azores Islands and have no idea where to start? Don’t worry, you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll show you the top things to do in Azores so you can begin planning your trip.
Volcanoes, lagoons, hot springs... It’s natural that the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about things to do in Azores is its stunning nature, and for good reason! This archipelago is a true paradise for nature lovers.
But the Azores Islands aren’t just about nature; they’re also rich in history, which you’ll feel as you stroll through cities like Ponta Delgada or Ribeira Grande, two must-see cities in Azores. In fact, these islands were discovered by the Portuguese in the 15th century and were a key stop for figures like Christopher Columbus, who made a stop here on his return from the "New World."
And of course, we can’t forget the food... Besides the delicious traditional Portuguese cuisine, which we absolutely love, the Azores have their own local dishes that are simply amazing, like "Cozido das Furnas," a specialty of São Miguel Island.
No matter what, traveling to the Azores is an incredible experience you shouldn’t miss, so take note of all the things you can do in Azores. Let’s get started!
If you still haven’t booked your rental car in the Azores, don’t miss out on the best car rental deals, with full coverage to protect you from any issues!
Things to do in Azores - Contents:
Which islands to visit in the Azores
The first thing you should know about the Azores Islands is that this Portuguese archipelago is made up of 9 volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean: the Eastern Islands (São Miguel and Santa Maria); the Central Islands (Terceira, Graciosa, Faial, São Jorge, and Pico); and the Western Islands (Flores and Corvo).
In this map of the Azores, you can see it more clearly:
Each of the Azores Islands has something unique to offer, though São Miguel is the most visited, often considered the gateway to the Azores, followed by Terceira.
The other islands also receive visitors each year, and all of them have their own airports. While some have direct flights from Lisbon and Porto, the most common way to reach them is by taking internal flights or ferries.
Eastern Islands of the Azores
1. São Miguel: The gateway to the Azores
If there’s one island you can’t miss, it’s São Miguel, the largest in the Azores archipelago. This is the most visited island and, in our opinion, the most complete, especially if it’s your first time visiting the Azores.
To fully explore all the things to do in São Miguel, you should check out our complete travel guide to the island, but here’s a sneak peek of some places you simply can’t miss to give you a sense of this wonderful island.
São Miguel is also known as the “Green Island,” and it’s easy to see why. Its mountains covered in lush vegetation and its spectacular volcanic landscapes leave a lasting impression on everyone. One of the must-see spots in São Miguel is the Sete Cidades Lagoon, the famous twin lagoons, one blue and one green. Incredible, right?
São Miguel is full of viewpoints where you can take in breathtaking vistas. One of our favorites (and perhaps the most visited) is the Vista do Rei Viewpoint, where the views of Sete Cidades are absolutely unbeatable.
Another must-see in São Miguel is Caldeira Velha, a waterfall with hot springs where you can swim in a tropical setting, and Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lagoon), another stunning lagoon on the island.
By the way, São Miguel has something unique in Europe: tea plantations. In fact, they’re the only industrial tea plantations in Europe. To experience these, you can visit the Gorreana Tea Plantation and the Porto Formoso Tea Factory, both must-visit spots in São Miguel.
MORE INFO ON SÃO MIGUEL:
2. Santa María: The oldest island in the Azores
Santa Maria, the southernmost island of the archipelago, is known as the "Golden Island" due to its beautiful beaches and marine fossils that can be found throughout the land. Some people even say it’s the most beautiful of all the Azores. Is it true? It also stands out for having a warmer, drier climate, in contrast to the humidity found on the other islands.
Vila do Porto, the capital, is the first city established in the Azores, and walking through its streets feels like stepping back in time. You can't miss the Church of Nossa Senhora dos Anjos, where Christopher Columbus attended mass after returning from his famous voyage.
One unmissable spot in Santa Maria is São Lourenço Bay and its beach, known for its terraced vineyards facing the ocean, a sight most of us aren’t used to. We recommend heading up to the viewpoint for a spectacular view from above—it’s truly impressive.
If you're looking to relax on a beautiful beach, head to Formosa Beach. Though it doesn’t have a wide stretch of sand, it’s the most visited beach on the island because of its beauty. The sand is golden, and the water is crystal clear, especially when the waves are calm. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind, but you may also spot people surfing.
For hiking enthusiasts, we recommend visiting the Barreiro da Faneca Nature Reserve, known as the "red desert" of the Azores. It’s likely the first time you’ll see a landscape like this—its red soil contrasts with the green vegetation, making it a unique place.
Central Islands of the Azores
3. Terceira: A UNESCO World Heritage site in the Azores
While São Miguel is the natural entry point to the Azores, Terceira is the cultural and historical heart of the archipelago. Its main city, Angra do Heroísmo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and walking through its cobblestone streets will transport you back to the 16th century. In the city center, you must visit the Angra Cathedral.
Once you’ve explored the city center, head to São João Baptista Fortress, a 16th-century fortress that protected the city from pirate attacks. This fortress is located on Mount Brasil, an extinct volcano that emerged from the sea and joined the city of Angra do Heroísmo. This natural park is another must-see in Terceira, offering various viewpoints with stunning vistas.
For nature lovers, the Algar do Carvão, an ancient volcanic chimney that you can explore from the inside, is a true geological wonder. Its moss-covered dome and stalactites are unlike anything else in the world.
4. Graciosa: The White Island of the Azores
Graciosa, known as the "White Island" of the Azores, is a small yet charming island. It’s one of the least visited islands in the Azores, making it the perfect place to disconnect and enjoy its tranquility (not to mention its stunning landscapes).
If we had to pick one must-see in Graciosa, it would be the Caldeira, a volcanic crater where you can visit the famous Furna do Enxofre, a volcanic cave with a cold-water underground lake and fumaroles. This cave is a must-visit on Graciosa as it’s considered one of a kind in the international volcano-speleology scene—you won’t want to miss it!
In terms of towns, don’t miss Santa Cruz da Graciosa and Vila da Praia. Their white houses with red roofs contrast beautifully with the island’s dark volcanic rocks, giving these towns a unique charm.
And, of course, you can’t leave Graciosa without taking a dip in the natural pool of Carapacho. This thermal pool is the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring the island. Could there be a better way to end the day?
5. Faial: The Bue Island of the Azores
Faial, known for its expansive hydrangea landscapes, is called the "Blue Island." Its capital, Horta, is an international port famous among sailors crossing the Atlantic. In fact, at the port, there’s an iconic bar, Peter Café Sport, where sailors from around the world leave memorabilia, turning this bar into almost a museum (and the food is great too).
One of the most impressive landscapes on Faial is Capelinhos, a volcanic area that looks like it belongs on another planet. This incredible landscape was formed in 1957 by an eruption that expanded the island and created this striking "lunar landscape." To fully understand the history of this place, you can visit the Capelinhos Interpretation Center, one of the best experiences in Faial and the Azores.
6. São Jorge: Untouched nature in the Azores
Although nature plays a starring role on all the islands of the Azores, São Jorge Island is perfect if you're looking for some of the archipelago's most unspoiled landscapes and if you're particularly interested in hiking.
São Jorge is famous for its breathtaking fajãs, coastal plains formed by lava flows that stretch into the ocean. The most famous is Fajã de Santo Cristo, which is only accessible on foot or by 4x4, and it’s renowned for its lagoon in front of the sea. Additionally, its beach is quite popular among surfers, so you're likely to spot some surfers when you arrive. Without a doubt, hiking the path to Fajã de Santo Cristo is a must-do if you visit São Jorge Island.
And, of course, we can't talk about São Jorge without mentioning what we consider to be the best cheese in the Azores: Queijo de São Jorge. This cow's milk cheese, yellow in color, is beloved for its intense flavor, and it's no surprise that it's one of the most famous gastronomic products of the Azores. And don’t worry if you’re not planning to visit São Jorge—you can find it in most restaurants across the Azores!
7. Pico: Climb the highest mountain in Portugal, located in the Azores
Pico, the second-largest island in the Azores, is known for Mount Pico, a volcano that, at 2,351 meters (7,713 feet) tall, is the highest mountain in Portugal. So, if you're one of those people who loves to conquer the tallest or most iconic mountains in different countries, you definitely have to make your way to Pico Island. And although the climb isn't exactly easy, we assure you the effort is worth it. From the top, if the weather is clear, you can see the entire Azores archipelago. Doesn’t that make you want to climb it?
But if hiking isn’t your thing, Pico Island has another unique gem: its volcanic vineyards, which have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stone walls that protect the vines from the wind create a surreal landscape. Plus, the wine produced here is delicious, especially the Verdelho variety.
Western Islands of the Azores
8. Flores: The best waterfall in the Azores
Flores, as its name suggests (meaning "flowers" in Portuguese), is another natural paradise in the Azores, where hydrangeas cover the valleys and mountains, creating a stunning landscape of blues and pinks. In the Morro Alto Nature Reserve, one of the highest points on the island, you’ll find the best views of Flores.
Waterfalls are another main attraction on Flores, with Ribeira do Ferreiro Waterfall being one of the most spectacular in the Azores. Have you ever seen so many waterfalls together? Simply breathtaking.
And if you're in the mood for some coastal relaxation, the natural pools of Santa Cruz das Flores are perfect for unwinding and swimming in crystal-clear waters surrounded by volcanic rock formations.
9. Corvo: The smallest island in the Azores
Corvo, the smallest island in the Azores, covering just 17 km² (6.6 sq mi) and home to around 400 inhabitants, is perfect if you're looking for a more isolated, peaceful, and quiet experience, far from the tourist crowds. Like the small island of Graciosa, it’s an ideal place to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature.
One of the most spectacular spots on Corvo is, without a doubt, the Caldeirão, the crater of an extinct volcano with several lagoons inside, surrounded by small hills covered in lush vegetation. From the Caldeirão viewpoint, you’ll have incredible views of this impressive volcanic landscape of the Azores.
Another of the island's charms is the 19th-century windmills scattered along Corvo's cliffs. These volcanic stone constructions with wooden blades give you a glimpse into how life on the island used to revolve around agriculture and self-sufficiency. Now, they are historic landmarks perfectly integrated into the island’s landscape and are a must-visit.
How many days do you need to visit the Azores?
If it’s your first time visiting the Azores and you only have one or two weeks, the ideal plan is to focus on the main islands: São Miguel or Terceira.
If you only have one week, we recommend dedicating it entirely to São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores. Our travel guide to São Miguel will help you plan your trip and explore all the island's corners.
If you have two weeks, we recommend splitting your time between São Miguel and Terceira, and depending on your travel pace, you could also include 1 or 2 more islands from the central region, such as Pico, Faial, or São Jorge.
To fully explore all the islands, we think you’d need at least a month.
How to plan your trip to the Azores
1. Flights to the Azores
The first thing we do when we start planning a trip is look for available flights. This not only helps us understand the prices, but also how easy or complicated it will be to reach our destination. It’s important to consider the connections between the closest airport and where you want to go. Sometimes, the travel time may not be worth it if your vacation is short. Plus, price plays a big role, as some destinations can be very expensive and may go over your budget.
Airbus A321 neo Wonder with more than 180 seats. (Photo from Sata Azores - www.azoresairlines.pt)
For traveling to the Azores, we recommend flying into Ponta Delgada Airport on the island of São Miguel. This airport is considered the gateway to the Azores, as we explain in this article on how to get to São Miguel.
And if you're planning to visit other islands besides São Miguel, it’s a great starting point to begin your journey around the Azores. São Miguel is connected to all the other islands (Pico, Terceira, São Jorge, Faial, Flores, Santa Maria, Graciosa, and Corvo), so you won’t have any issues reaching other parts of the Azores.
Conexiones aéreas interinsulares. (Foto de Sata Azores - www.azoresairlines.pt)
If you prefer not to fly through São Miguel, you can look for alternatives like flying directly to Terceira. To find the best flight combinations, you can use a flight comparison site like Skyscanner, our favorite.
2. Car rental in the Azores
Renting a car in the Azores is definitely the best way to explore these islands at your own pace and with total freedom, allowing you to discover hidden spots and move around without being tied to schedules.
Even on São Miguel, the most “tourist-prepared” island, public transportation is quite limited, with few bus connections and low frequency. So we recommend you don’t hesitate and explore the Azores with a rental car.
If you’re planning to rent a car in São Miguel, don’t miss our article with everything you need to know about driving and renting a car on the island.
If you decide to drive in the Azores, we recommend booking your car in advance, especially if you're traveling during the high season.
For years, we've always booked our rental cars through the price comparison site Discover Cars, which shows you the best rental options in one place and without any hassle. In this article, we explain in detail how to rent a car with Discover Cars and all its benefits, but here are the most important ones:
You can CANCEL 48 hours before the reservation.
In many cases, you DON'T PAY ALL AT ONCE. You can pay part when booking and the rest directly to the rental company when picking up the car—you choose.
They offer FULL COVERAGE insurance so you don’t have to worry about anything.
They have 24/7 CUSTOMER SUPPORT.
NO HIDDEN FEES, everything is very transparent.
They offer rentals at the BEST PRICE. And while "every company says that," Discover Cars negotiates directly with the providers to get you the best deals. Don’t believe us? Check for yourself here.
3. Accommodations in the Azores
Accommodation often takes up a significant portion of your budget when you travel, so it’s essential to book in advance, especially if you’re traveling during the high season in the Azores. Nowadays, most booking sites offer free cancellation, allowing you to secure a place well ahead of time and cancel without any fees if something comes up. This makes everything much easier and more flexible.
We always use Booking.com as a comparison site for reserving accommodations, and we've never had any problems—quite the opposite! For us, it’s essential to have great customer service and the option for free cancellation, so we consider Booking the perfect platform.
By the way, if you’re planning to stay on São Miguel, don’t miss our article with all the information on where to stay in São Miguel or our selection of affordable hotels on the island.
Canadiano Urban Nature Hotel. (Booking Photo)
4. Protect yourself with travel insurance
No matter where you’re from, even if you’re European, it’s essential to have travel insurance, especially if your destination is the Azores. These islands are perfect for hiking and outdoor activities, and while everything is under control, we never know when something unexpected might happen. A good insurance policy gives you peace of mind so you can enjoy your trip without worries.
If you’re from Europe, is the European Health Insurance Card enough? The truth is, no. This card only covers basic medical care, but it won’t cover more complex situations like mountain rescues, emergency transport, or repatriation.
We always purchase our travel insurance from Heymondo, which offers comprehensive coverage. Plus, booking through our website gives you a 5% discount.
5. Documents for traveling to the Azores
If you're a European Union citizen, traveling to the Azores is easy. All you need is your valid ID. However, we always recommend carrying your passport as well, just in case. That way, if one is lost, you still have the other on hand.
If you're coming from outside the European Union, you’ll need a passport that’s valid for at least six months from the date of entry. For citizens of countries like the United States, Canada, or Australia, a visa is not required for trips under 90 days. Still, it’s always a good idea to check the exact requirements for your nationality before traveling, in case there have been any changes.
6. Activities and tours in the Azores
The Azores are a destination of abundant nature, making these islands the perfect place to enjoy outdoor adventure activities. The most popular ones include whale and dolphin watching, especially in São Miguel and Terceira, although the truth is that each island has something unique to offer. You can also book tours of the islands, which are perfect if you prefer to explore with a guide or don’t want to rent a car.
For years, we've been booking all our activities through Civitatis or GetYourGuide. Both are trustworthy, and we love how easy they make it to book—plus, there’s something for everyone!
CHECK OUT THE BEST ACTIVITIES IN THE AZORES!
And that's it for our article on all the things to do in the Azores. We hope it helps you plan your trip to these wonderful Portuguese islands; we’re sure you will fall in love with them!
