The Azores
The Azores are nine volcanic Portuguese islands scattered across the mid-Atlantic, about 2.5 hours by plane from Lisbon — a genuinely different trip from mainland Portugal or Madeira, built around hiking, crater lakes, natural hot springs, and some of the best whale watching on Earth (27+ species recorded, with sperm whales resident year-round). São Miguel, the largest island, is the easiest first visit and deserves 4–5 days on its own.
If Madeira is Europe's answer to Hawaii, the Azores are its answer to Iceland crossed with the Pacific — nine volcanic islands scattered across open Atlantic, each with its own crater lakes, hot springs, and microclimate, and genuinely far enough from the mainland that they feel like their own country.
Which island should you visit?
| Island | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| São Miguel | First-time visitors, the fullest single-island trip | The largest island; Sete Cidades, Furnas, and the main airport hub |
| Terceira | History and a smaller-scale, easy-to-drive island | Angra do Heroísmo's UNESCO old town, bullfighting festivals |
| Pico | Hiking Portugal's highest peak and wine country | Mount Pico (2,351m) and UNESCO-listed volcanic vineyard landscape |
| Faial | A sailing and yachting base with dramatic volcanic craters | Capelinhos volcano site; often paired with Pico via a short ferry |
Getting there and between islands
Flights from Lisbon to São Miguel (Ponta Delgada) take about 2.5 hours, with SATA/Azores Airlines and seasonal budget carriers running direct routes; round-trip fares typically run €80-250 depending on season and how far ahead you book. Porto also has direct flights to São Miguel. Between islands, short inter-island flights (SATA) or ferries (in summer, mainly between the central island group of Pico, Faial, and São Jorge) connect the archipelago — island-hopping needs real planning, since not every route runs daily or year-round.
Sete Cidades — the twin crater lakes
Sete Cidades is São Miguel's single most photographed sight — two lakes, one appearing blue and one green depending on light and mineral content, filling a massive volcanic caldera. Vista do Rei is the classic viewpoint, reachable by car or organized tour; hiking the crater rim takes several hours and rewards you with a genuinely different, quieter perspective than the roadside lookout.
Furnas — hot springs and volcano-cooked stew
Furnas is a small village in São Miguel's volcanic interior where the ground steams in a dozen places. Terra Nostra's thermal pools (35-40°C, iron-rich and rust-colored) and Poça Dona Beija's five open-air pools (25-39°C) are the two best-known soaking spots. The local specialty, cozido das Furnas, is a full meat-and-vegetable stew that's literally buried in the ground over a volcanic steam vent and slow-cooked for 6-7 hours — restaurants around Lagoa das Furnas serve it fresh most days.
Furnas's thermal water is genuinely sulphurous and can stain light-colored fabric — wear a dark swimsuit and bring a dark towel rather than your favorite ones.
Whale watching
The Azores are considered one of the world's best whale-watching destinations, with over 27 species recorded and sperm whales resident year-round (they dive over 1,000 meters to hunt squid, and land-based whale spotters called vigias still help guide boats to them, a genuinely old-school touch). Depending on season you may also see blue, fin, humpback, sei, and pilot whales, plus several dolphin species. Boat tours run 2-3 hours and cost roughly €55-75 per person, departing mainly from Ponta Delgada on São Miguel.
What it costs
| Item | Approx. cost |
|---|---|
| Round-trip flight from Lisbon | €80–250 |
| Guesthouse/hotel, per night | €60–140 |
| Whale watching tour (2-3 hours) | €55–75 |
| Cozido das Furnas meal | €15–25 |
| Car rental, per day | €35–60 |
Mistakes worth avoiding
- Trying to island-hop too ambitiously on a short trip — inter-island flights and ferries don't run daily on every route, and weather delays are common. One or two islands per trip is realistic.
- Not renting a car on São Miguel — public transport is limited outside Ponta Delgada, and most of the island's best sights (Sete Cidades, Furnas) are a real drive from the capital.
- Packing only summer clothes — Azorean weather is famously changeable ('four seasons in a day' is a real local saying), so a rain layer matters even in July.
Best time to visit
June-September gives the most reliable weather and the widest range of whale species passing through. May and October are quieter and greener, with fewer crowds. Winter is mild but wet and windy, with some hiking trails and boat tours affected by weather — not the best season for a first visit.
Where to stay in The Azores — hotels
Check live availability and prices for hotels, resorts, and guesthouses in The Azores on Booking.com:
Search hotels in The Azores on Booking.com ←We may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.