The Azores Islands: Which One Is Right for You?

Where are the Azores?

The Azores are a group of nine islands sitting about 1,370 kilometers west of the European mainland. Administratively, they belong to Portugal, and Portuguese is the language you’ll hear everywhere.

The main island is São Miguel; the best-known islands include Pico, Faial, and Terceira, while the smaller ones are Flores, São Jorge, Graciosa, Santa Maria, and Corvo.

To help you picture the layout, we’ve put together a map showing all nine Azores islands.

For the quick reader: Which of the 9 Azores islands suits you?

Just want a quick take on what each island has to offer? This section gives you a brief overview, splitting the nine islands into three categories.

After that, we’ll dive into each island in more detail.

For nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts: São Miguel, Santa Maria, Pico, and Faial

Water sports, hiking, cycling — on the Azores you can almost certainly pursue your favorite activity. These islands deliver the full package: ocean, forests, mountains, and gorges. Just make sure to check the best time of year for your sport before you go.

For culture seekers: São Miguel, Terceira, and Faial

The Azores have a genuinely fascinating history, and you can dig into it at museums across the islands. Visit fruit and tobacco plantations, learn about the traditional whaling that was once practiced here, or simply wander through old fishing villages — it’s incredibly interesting.

For peace and relaxation: São Jorge, Flores, Graciosa, and Corvo

The Azores are already pretty remote in general, but on the smallest islands like Graciosa or Corvo there are only a few hundred residents. So you can imagine: tranquility here comes in abundance. Despite the quietness and the occasional language barrier, locals welcome you with real warmth and hospitality.

São Miguel

São Miguel is the largest and most well-known of the Azores islands, and that means you get a little of everything here: city and countryside, volcanoes, lakes, and lush greenery everywhere you look. If you’re short on time, São Miguel delivers an incredibly varied experience — which is also why it’s the most visited of the nine.

São Miguel is also home to the capital of the Azores: Ponta Delgada has a beautiful historic center, great restaurants and cafés, and more cultural programming than anywhere else in the archipelago.

The island is particularly famous for its steaming thermal springs, like those in the Furnas Valley. Agriculture and livestock farming are widespread here too. Pineapples are grown in abundance, and you’ll find Europe’s oldest tea plantation, Chá Gorreana.

Hikers tend to gravitate toward the Caldeira de Sete Cidades, a massive volcanic crater in the west of the island. Numerous viewpoints offer a one-of-a-kind panorama over the lakes Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul. You can find out more in our guide to Azores attractions.

Our Top 5 Attractions on São Miguel

There’s an incredible amount to experience on São Miguel. Here are our five must-sees that you really shouldn’t miss on your Azores trip.

#1 Furnas Valley: A crater landscape featuring the Terra Nostra botanical garden, the Poça da Dona Beija thermal pool, an orange-colored river, and the Caldeiras das Furnas mineral springs.

#2 Sete Cidades: A massive volcanic crater with a village of the same name and several stunning lakes — the most famous being Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul.

#3 Ponta Delgada: The island’s capital, with a charming historic downtown, great shops, and plenty of restaurants and cafés. Perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll.

#4 Chá Gorreana: The oldest tea plantation in Europe. A walk through the green tea fields is absolutely worth your time.

#5 Eating Cozido: The “national dish” of the Azores — a hearty stew that simmers for hours in the volcanic ground. Don’t leave without trying it.

Our Hotel Recommendations for São Miguel

As the main island of the Azores, São Miguel has the widest selection of places to stay. Here are our favorites for every budget.

Pico

The island of Pico takes its name from its top attraction: the volcano of the same name. Pico is actually the highest mountain in all of Portugal. You can absolutely climb it — but come with a solid level of fitness.

Beyond the main peak, there are also about 100 smaller volcanoes on the island. The black lava rock has earned it the nickname Ilha Negra (Black Island).

Pico was also known for whaling until the 1980s. Thankfully that’s no longer practiced, but you can still learn a great deal about the history of whaling at the local museum. Or better yet: join a whale watching tour and see the animals in their natural habitat.

Our Top 5 Attractions on Pico

Pico isn’t just about volcanoes — there are plenty of other highlights on the island. Here are our top five.

#1 Montanha do Pico: The 2,351-meter-high mountain is a must on this list and gives the island its name. A strenuous hike, but worth every step.

#2 Natural Pools Ponta do Admoiro: Natural pools filled with seawater, set in a volcanic landscape. Perfect for a sheltered swim away from the open waves.

#3 Gruta das Torres: One of the longest lava tunnels in Europe. The tunnel system stretches more than five kilometers in total.

#4 Criação Velha: A wine-growing area that feels like a labyrinth. The many volcanic stone walls surrounding the vines are called Currais.

#5 Whale Watching in Lajes: The town of Lajes has a long whaling history. Today it’s simply a great base for whale watching tours.

Our Hotel Recommendations for Pico

As the second-largest island, Pico has plenty of great places to stay. Here are our favorites among Pico hotels for every budget.

Faial

Faial is a true paradise for sailors — and you might be surprised to learn that a stopover on this small Azorean island is practically a rite of passage for anyone crossing the Atlantic. The marina in the capital city of Horta is proof: every sailor leaves their mark with a small painted tribute — it’s said to bring good luck on the voyage ahead.

Apart from sailing, Faial is known for something else entirely. The island is also called the blue island, because gorgeous blue hydrangeas grow everywhere as far as the eye can see. It gives the flower island of Flores a real run for its money.

Faial’s most striking feature is its wild rocky coastline. The island also has many abandoned buildings and ruins slowly being reclaimed by nature — the kind of atmospheric spots that make for seriously great photos.

Our Top 5 Attractions on Faial

Faial offers a colorful mix of things to see and do. Here are our top five.

#1 Horta: A historic old town with colorful manor houses — and a harbor lined with the painted tributes of sailors from around the world. Don’t miss it.

#2 Morro de Castelo Branco: A gigantic rock formation on Faial’s rugged coastline. The short hike is perfectly manageable even if you’re not in peak shape.

#3 Caldeira do Faial: A crater that drops about 400 meters deep. From the rim you get a fantastic view surrounded by blue hydrangeas.

#4 Capelinhos Volcano: In 1957, Capelinhos blasted 30 million tons of ash into the air, creating a Mars-like peninsula in the process. Seriously dramatic.

#5 Credos: A small village whose hinterland is a sweep of deep green meadows crisscrossed by hedgerows of blue hydrangeas. Quintessential Faial.

Our Hotel Recommendations for Faial

Faial is one of the smaller Azores islands, but you’ll still find small, modern hotels that often put a real emphasis on sustainability — plus lovely villas set amid lush greenery. Here’s our varied selection of places to stay on Faial for all budgets.

Terceira

The name Terceira means the third — quite literally, as Terceira was discovered as the third island of the Azores back in the 15th century. A few centuries on, the island is steeped in history and culture.

Terceira is particularly known for its remarkable collection of architectural monuments, from old fortresses and small chapels to churches and grand palaces. You feel that historic atmosphere most strongly in the capital, Angra do Heroismo. With its beautiful colorful buildings, the old town has earned UNESCO World Heritage status.

But Terceira isn’t only for culture enthusiasts — the island is also a genuine hiker’s paradise, whether you’re tracing the rugged cliffs or pushing through the wild greenery at the heart of the island.

Our Top 5 Attractions on Terceira

Most of the cultural highlights are concentrated in Angra, but we also want to point you toward some of the island’s natural standouts. Here are our top five picks on Terceira.

#1 Angra do Heroismo: A stroll through this Renaissance city is a must — colorful little houses, many churches, great restaurants, and shops!

#2 Monte Brasil: One of the best hiking spots on Terceira, where you can often spot wildlife and exotic birds along the way.

#3 Mata da Serreta: An enchanting forest filled with exotic plants. Ideal for hiking and picnicking, with beautiful viewpoints throughout.

#4 Lava Pools of Biscoito: Natural pools where you can swim in complete calm while just a few meters away the sea crashes against the rocks.

#5 Praia da Vitória: A long sandy beach with shallow water — perfect for swimming with young children.

Our Hotel Recommendations for Terceira

As you’d expect from an island with such beautiful architecture, the hotels on Terceira don’t disappoint either. Here are our picks for where to stay on Terceira.

Flores

For the fourth-smallest island in the Azores, the name really does say it all — Flores means flowers, and you’ll find entire seas of them here. Every island in the archipelago is beautiful in its own way, but Flores is just especially pretty. In summer particularly, the island bursts into bloom with waves of blue hydrangeas.

If you’re after nightlife or a packed cultural program, Flores isn’t your island. What you’ll find instead is a place of genuine peace and quiet — no tourist crowds, no rush, just nature in its purest form.

Beyond the floral splendor, Flores is also famous for its many waterfalls. They plunge from the rugged cliffs into the sea in a wildly romantic way — almost impossibly beautiful.

Our Top 5 Attractions on Flores

The real highlight of Flores is simply the nature itself. Your best bet is to grab a rental car and explore freely — you’ll stumble across beautiful spots without even trying. Here are five more pointers for things to see on Flores.

#1 Rocha dos Bordões: A striking rock formation made up of around 200 vertical basalt columns. The ultimate symbol of Flores.

#2 Poço da Alagoinha: A paradise-like lake surrounded by greenery and waterfalls. Not suitable for swimming, but stunning to look at.

#3 Sete Lagoas: A plateau with a total of seven lakes, each quite different and named after its own characteristics.

#4 Faja de Lopo Vaz: A very remote, stunningly beautiful beach of black sand and lava rock.

#5 Gruta dos Enxaréus: A hidden cave you can only reach by boat or kayak. Legend has it that it served as a hideout for pirates.

Our Hotel Recommendations for Flores

The accommodation selection on Flores is noticeably smaller than on the bigger islands. You won’t find a chic eco-lodge here, but you will find small guesthouses with real family charm. Here are our suggestions for places to stay on Flores.

Santa Maria

The southeasternmost of the Azores islands is known above all for one thing: its very warm climate and an exceptional number of sunny days. Sounds pretty good, right?

The island is also geologically fascinating — the flat, rugged west makes for a striking contrast with the mountainous, lush east.

Santa Maria is also the oldest island in the archipelago. Not only did it form first geologically, it was also the first to be discovered and settled. No wonder, then, that Santa Maria has such a deep sense of history and culture today.

Traditional crafts have a particularly long tradition here. There’s also a unique folk music scene, and the houses with their colorful door frames and distinctive chimneys are unlike anything else in the Azores.

Our Top 5 Attractions on Santa Maria

Santa Maria serves up a great mix of natural wonders and cultural highlights. Here are our top five.

#1 The red desert: A vast nature park of clay-like, rust-red desert. These Barreiros are unique to Santa Maria thanks to its distinctive climate.

#2 Praia Formosa: A beautiful sandy beach framed by sea cliffs and lush greenery. Perfect for soaking up the sun on this sunshine island.

#3 Pico Alto: At 587 meters, Pico Alto is the highest point on Santa Maria. A moderately challenging hike that rewards you with a fantastic vista.

#4 Cascata do Aveiro: A waterfall near the village of Maia that plunges about 110 meters — a seriously impressive photo opportunity.

#5 Vila do Porto: The oldest town in the Azores, dating back to 1432, with old churches, small shops, and charming cafés.

Our Hotel Recommendations for Santa Maria

Santa Maria is a small island and the hotel selection is somewhat limited. That said, there are plenty of lovely self-catering options. Here are our tips for where to stay on Santa Maria.

São Jorge

São Jorge is considered the greenest of the Azores islands and is therefore a true paradise for outdoor sports — from hiking to canyoning. Surfers of all skill levels will also find the waves on São Jorge very much to their liking.

The island goes by quite a few nicknames; our favorite is Island of Dragons, which comes from the many dragon trees found here.

There are no actual dragons, of course, but there are plenty of cows happily grazing on the abundant greenery. Their milk is used to make a delicious cheese called Queijo de São Jorge — which is why São Jorge is also known as the cheese island.

Alongside livestock farming, a lot of fruit is also grown here, in what are known as Fajãs — small, very remote patches of flat land between the sea and the black sea cliffs.

Our Top 5 Attractions on São Jorge

On the greenest island in the Azores, there are naturally plenty of activities and beautiful outdoor spots. Here are our recommendations for things to see and do on São Jorge.

#1 Faja dos Cubres: Arguably one of the most beautiful fajas on São Jorge, with a crystal-clear lagoon and a small village.

#2 Faja da Caldeira do Santo Cristo: The beautiful surf break draws many surfers. Even just watching from the cliffs is a real spectacle.

#3 Uniqueijo: At this cheese factory you can learn everything about how the locally iconic cheese is made. You’ll spot the happily grazing dairy cows all over the island.

#4 Topo Lighthouse: A wonderfully idyllic lighthouse with views of the small island of Topo. The perfect spot to catch the sunrise.

#5 Serra do Topo: Deep green mountains that are practically a must for any hiking enthusiast. The trails run along the coastline.

Our Hotel Recommendations for São Jorge

São Jorge’s accommodation selection is small but excellent. You won’t find large luxury hotels here either, but you will find places to stay with genuine warmth and hospitality. Here are our suggestions for lodging on São Jorge.

Graciosa

Graciosa translates to the graceful one, and the name fits perfectly — Graciosa is the second-smallest and flattest of the Azores islands. Tourism here is minimal, and the island has a total of just 1,800 residents.

That makes it an ideal destination for anyone craving peace, quiet, and a proper chance to recharge.

Don’t underestimate little Graciosa, though — the island has quite a few things going for it. Most notably its roughly 30 distinctive white windmills with red roofs. But delicious wine and fascinating tales of pirates are also firmly part of the island’s character.

Our Top 5 Attractions on Graciosa

Graciosa is the island of peace and relaxation. There aren’t many traditional sights here — rather, it’s a place where you can simply wander through beautiful nature and charming little villages at your own pace.

#1 Furna do Enxofre: A volcanic cave nearly 200 meters long and 50 meters deep. The standout is the mystical underground lake.

#2 Praia: A sleepy fishing village with a few cafés and a beach. It’s lovely to watch the little fishing boats puttering around.

#3 Farol do Carapacho: A lighthouse in the small village of Santa Cruz de Graciosa — an idyllic postcard scene right on the coast.

#4 Termas do Carapacho: A thermal bath with natural and man-made pools. The water is said to have particularly healing properties.

#5 Porto Alfonso: A fishing harbor set against an impressive backdrop of sea cliffs ranging from gray to deep red.

Our Hotel Recommendations for Graciosa

As the second-smallest island, Graciosa has a very limited selection of places to stay. Even so, we have three solid recommendations for you.

Corvo

The smallest of the nine Azores islands has just over 400 residents — not exactly a metropolis! Many of the inhabitants live as subsistence farmers from agriculture and livestock. You could quite fairly say that visiting Corvo feels like a small journey back in time.

The stunning landscape is shaped by green meadows, the Monte Gordo volcano, and the Lagoa do Caldeirão lake at its base. When hiking through the crater landscape, exercise a bit of caution — the ground can get quite boggy.

When you’re in the mood for a bit of company, head to the small, idyllic village of Vila do Corvo. Here you’ll find a few nice cafés, a museum, and plenty of lovely alleyways to explore.

Our Top 5 Attractions on Corvo

Even though Corvo is very small, there are one or two highlights well worth checking out. Here are our tips for things to do on Corvo.

#1 Miradouro do Caldeirão: A viewpoint overlooking the roughly 300-meter-deep crater with its deep blue lake in the valley below.

#2 Windmills of Corvo: A few of these traditional windmills stand in the village of Vila do Corvo. None of them are in operation anymore, but they make for a great photo.

#3 Vila do Corvo: The largest settlement on Corvo, where nearly all of the island’s residents live. The small cobblestone streets are perfect for a leisurely stroll.

#4 Miradouro do Porto: From this viewpoint you get a great view over Vila do Corvo all the way to the neighboring island of Flores.

#5 Centro de Interpretação: A museum dedicated to the history and cultural heritage of Corvo.

Our Hotel Recommendation for Corvo

The hotel selection on Corvo is just like the island itself: small but excellent. Here is our top pick for where to stay on Corvo.

Joe & Vera’s Vintage Place: A family-run guesthouse in the village of Vila do Corvo, very close to the sea and with a seriously good breakfast.