Nobody knows what paradise looks like, but if it exists, it probably looks a lot like the Azores in the Atlantic Ocean, an autonomous region of Portugal. There are 9 islands of volcanic origin (don’t worry, the volcanoes are dormant) lying west of Portugal, about 1,500 km (930 miles) of ocean away from Lisbon.
The Azores: Background
The islands’ name comes from the word Açores, from açor, a goshawk (a bird of prey); in Portuguese it’s pronounced roughly “a-SO-resh”. When the Portuguese first arrived in the 15th century (the Age of Discovery), there were lots of birds of prey there, so the islands were named after them.
Discovering the Islands
The islands were discovered by a Portuguese captain who was part of the fleet of Henry the Navigator (an important figure in Portuguese history), who led Portugal’s drive to discover new sea routes and new lands.
Wartime Trivia: During World War II the islands were very important to the Allies as a stopover for refueling and organizing operations in the Atlantic. They were also a base for the battle for control of the sea against German submarines.
Life on the Islands
The islanders make a living from farming bananas, tobacco, tea, pineapples and grapes, as well as from Portuguese and international tourism. The islands get their electricity from local power plants.
Why Visit the Azores?
Because it’s an island, because it’s green and, above all, because the scenery and mountains are spectacular, with lovely hiking trails, lakes, waterfalls, caves and lots of hot springs. Add friendly, pleasant locals, cheap food and plenty of peace and quiet, and you’ve got paradise.
Food for Thought When Planning!
The islands are a natural gem, and a visit here is about natural wonders rather than city sights. The choice of restaurants and non-nature activities is relatively small, so the trip suits travelers and families who understand that options are limited in that respect and who are ready for walking, touring and an intense encounter with nature.
Where Do You Start, and Should You Visit All the Islands?
The islands are scattered in three groups, and you can visit all of them. Most visits start on the largest island, São Miguel, and continue from there to the other islands. One thing that affects your trip is the ferries between the islands, since flights reach only some of them. On some islands the ferry runs only seasonally, so you won’t always be able to reach every island.
Local Tip: In our opinion there’s no need to visit all the islands. Pick 2–3 and you’ll experience a wide range of nature and of what makes each island different.
Getting to the Azores
By flights from Portugal (Porto and Lisbon) and from other European countries (depending on the season). There are also flights from the northeastern United States. Besides the Portuguese national airline and the islands’ own airline, the islands are served mainly by low-cost airlines like Ryanair and others.
The largest island handles most of the flights, but flights also reach the smaller islands (Terceira, Pico, Faial). You can get between islands on local flights, but mainly by ferry (about an hour’s sailing on average).
Weather in the Azores, or When to Go
The islands lie at roughly the same latitude as Lisbon, so the weather is similar. Peak season is summer, which is relatively pleasant (up to 24°C / 75°F on average) but humid. The islands are also largely subtropical, so the weather varies from island to island, is unstable and can change quickly (even within a day), with rain, fog and wind.
What to Wear: Bring long clothes, and especially a raincoat and suitable (waterproof) shoes.
When to Visit: Autumn is outside the summer peak season but is still considered a comfortable time to visit in terms of weather, crowds (there aren’t any) and prices.
Getting Around the Azores
All the islands have a good road network, so it’s easy to rent a car and get everywhere on your own. Alternatively, you can hire a driver on the island to take you to various destinations and attractions.
Where to Stay in the Azores
Every island offers accommodation at different levels and prices. There are new hotels alongside guesthouses in converted old farms and the like. The islands’ varied beauty makes choosing the best places to stay in the Azores a challenge.
Recommended Hotels on São Miguel
São Miguel is the largest island in the Azores and a popular destination, so there’s plenty of accommodation.
Sul Villas & Spa – Azores Located in Lagoa, it offers free Wi-Fi throughout, a sun terrace with a pool, a bar and a garden, a 24-hour front desk, concierge services and free private parking, and if you want to explore the area you can also rent bikes. Click here for prices and bookings.
Octant Ponta Delgada This lively, cosmopolitan hotel offers 123 rooms with amazing sea views and an outdoor pool in Ponta Delgada. All rooms are modern and equipped with air conditioning, soundproofing, a minibar and a flat-screen cable TV. The private bathrooms have a bath or shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries. Click here for prices and bookings.
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel Set in a tree-lined valley, it offers elegantly designed rooms. Your stay includes access to an indoor pool and an outdoor pool. All rooms are decorated in neutral tones with wooden furniture. Click here for prices and bookings.
Recommended Hotels on Terceira
Beautiful Angra do Heroísmo is the historic capital, a charming city on Terceira, full of colorful cafés, bars and boutiques. Terceira is also one of the best places if you love festivals: between May and October, several towns on the island hold touradas à corda (bull-running on a rope), when bulls are let loose in the streets to join the party.
ALLuar Lodge: Accommodation with lovely sea views. The property has a pool area and a garden overlooking the sea.
Click here for prices and bookings.
Palacio Santa Catarina Hotel: This 4-star hotel in Angra do Heroísmo, 700 meters from Silveira beach, offers an outdoor pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge. Click here for prices and bookings.
Atlantida Mar Hotel: A contemporary hotel offering designer rooms with panoramic views. It has direct access to the Atlantic promenade and an outdoor pool. Click here for prices and bookings.
Recommended Hotels on Pico
The Azores are also known for their wildlife, especially the whales that grace the waters around the islands several times a year during their migrations. Almost every town or village with a marina offers whale-watching tours. Pico is a great choice if that’s one of the things you’re most looking forward to in the Azores.
Miradouro da Papalva Guesthouse – Pico – Azores: Offers barbecue facilities and a garden. All units have a seating area, a TV, a private bathroom with free toiletries and a bath, a microwave, a toaster, a fridge and a coffee machine. Click here for prices and bookings.
A rural guesthouse (TER – TA) in Pontas Negras. The property offers a terrace, free private parking and free Wi-Fi. The pool has a pool bar and sea views. Click here for prices and bookings.
What to Eat
Unlike in a city, the food options on the islands are more limited. Fish and seafood are the main products, and there are of course burgers and steaks with familiar sides like rice, fries, eggs and so on. And of course there’s plenty of fruit, as you’d expect on an island, which is definitely worth taking advantage of.
The local dish is cozido (Cozido das Furnas), a hearty meat and vegetable stew cooked underground using the heat of the volcanic hot springs.
Top Attractions in the Azores
Each island offers a similar yet different nature experience. There are many beaches (the water is fairly cold), forest hiking trails (with difficulty levels for everyone), tea and tobacco plantations and other farms to visit, hot springs, caves and quite a few boat trips.
Dolphin and whale watching cruises – see these amazing mammals in their natural habitat. Suitable if you don’t mind the waves; boat trips leave from most of the islands.
São Miguel
São Miguel is the largest and most populated island in the Azores, nicknamed “the Green Island”. It’s a well-known holiday destination and draws many tourists.
- Lagoa do Fogo (Lake of Fire) – one of the most famous sights on the island, especially its viewpoint.
- Caldeira Velha hot springs – a stunning nature reserve with hot water pools.
- Terra Nostra Park botanical garden and hot pool – a park with an entrance fee, flowers, and a lake with a walking path and a pool for bathing.
- Sete Cidades lake and viewpoint – a spectacular viewpoint that visitors love.
- An island within an island: Vila Franca do Campo Islet – a round beach on a tiny islet that you can reach by a short boat ride.
You can take a guided cruise from Ponta Delgada to see and learn more about the whales, dolphins, turtles, fish, birds and marine biodiversity of the Azores. You can book the cruise in advance – click here to buy.
Pico
Pico is the second-largest island in the Azores. Its western part is dominated by the Pico volcano, and it’s just 6 km from the neighboring island of Faial.
- Mount Pico – the highest mountain in Portugal. You can climb it for a sweeping view of the whole area.
- Volcanic caves – the island has several caves formed by volcanic eruptions that are worth a visit if you’re interested.
- Lagoa do Capitão lake and viewpoint.
Terceira
- A visit to Monte Brasil
- Fortress of São João Baptista
Faial
Faial is the third most populated island in the Azores archipelago. Its highest point is Cabeço Gordo, which reaches 1,043 meters (3,422 ft).
- Capelinhos Volcano
- The Whalers’ Museum (not an easy experience to watch)
- Monte Carneiro viewpoint (Miradouro do Monte Carneiro)
Flores, “the Island of Flowers”
- Walks among impressive subtropical vegetation, flowers and lots of birds
- A tour of the island’s small villages
- The Flores Museum and the old whale oil factory.
São Jorge
- A visit to the factory of Queijo de São Jorge, the cheese made on the island.
- Pontinha do Topo natural pool
- The natural cave of Velas
Santa Maria
- The Columbus monument (Santa Maria is where Columbus stopped on his way back from his first voyage to America)
- Pico Alto viewpoint
Graciosa
- Caldeira da Graciosa hot water pool
- Wineries producing the local wine (Verdelho)
- Furna do Enxofre cave
- Ponta da Barca lighthouse.
Have you visited the Azores? Tell us about your trip in the comments.