Azores · 24 Places · Best May, June, September
The Azores (Açores) are a chain of nine volcanic islands scattered across the mid-Atlantic, roughly 1,400 km west of mainland Portugal. Known for crater lakes, dramatic sea cliffs, thermal springs, and green pastureland, the archipelago offers whale watching, hiking, and diving in a landscape often compared to Ireland and Hawaii combined. Ponta Delgada, on São Miguel, is the archipelago's largest city and main gateway.
The Azores archipelago is made up of nine volcanic islands grouped into three clusters: the Eastern Group (São Miguel and Santa Maria), the Central Group (Terceira, Faial, Pico, São Jorge, and Graciosa), and the Western Group (Flores and Corvo). São Miguel, the largest island, is home to the crater lakes of Sete Cidades, the geothermal village of Furnas, and the capital Ponta Delgada. Pico, dominated by Portugal's highest mountain, produces UNESCO-listed vineyard wine grown in volcanic stone enclosures, while Faial's marina at Horta is a legendary mid-Atlantic sailing stop. The islands share a mild, rainy, changeable oceanic climate, lush green landscapes, hydrangea-lined roads, and some of the best whale and dolphin watching in Europe. Travel between islands is by short regional flights or interisland ferries, and each island rewards a slower, nature-focused pace rather than a checklist of sights.
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The 24 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
The most famous viewpoint in the Azores, perched on the southern rim of the Sete Cidades caldera at roughly 656 meters above sea level. It overlooks the twin crater lakes, Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde, which appear blue and green side by side inside the same volcanic basin. An abandoned mid-century hotel, the Monte Palace, stands beside the viewpoint and is a well-known photo subject in its own right.
A crater lake sitting inside a dormant volcano in the Serra de Água de Pau, part of a protected nature reserve near the geographic center of São Miguel. The lake is one of the highest and least developed of the island's crater lakes, ringed by steep, largely untouched slopes, and reachable by a marked hiking trail down to its shore.
A historic botanical garden in the Furnas valley dating to the 18th century, spread across more than 12 hectares of subtropical planting, camellia collections, and a large thermal swimming pool fed by iron-rich, mineral-warm spring water that stains the water a distinctive orange-brown. Visitors can walk the garden paths and bathe in the heated pool on the same ticket.
A set of open-air thermal pools fed by natural hot springs on the edge of Furnas, landscaped with small waterfalls and changing facilities. The iron-rich water runs warm year-round, and the pools are popular with both visitors and locals for a soak after exploring the surrounding valley.
A forested thermal park on the lower slopes of the Lagoa do Fogo volcano, centered on a warm waterfall that cascades into a natural bathing pool ringed by ferns and hydrangeas. It is one of the more scenic hot-spring sites on São Miguel, set directly beside the main road up to Lagoa do Fogo.
A lava tube running beneath the streets of Ponta Delgada, formed by a volcanic eruption from the Picos volcanic system thousands of years ago. It is one of the longest known urban lava tubes in the world and is visited on guided walks that explain the island's volcanic formation.
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
A five-star seafront hotel opposite the marina in Ponta Delgada, offering direct Atlantic views, an indoor and outdoor pool, and a spa within walking distance of the historic city centre.
Check rates on Booking.comA design hotel on the Ponta Delgada waterfront known for its black-stone rooftop infinity pool and panoramic marina and Atlantic views, formerly branded as the Azor Hotel.
Check rates on Booking.comA boutique hotel in the historic centre of Ponta Delgada celebrating Azorean art and craft, with an indoor saltwater pool, spa, and steam room a few minutes from the harbour.
Check rates on Booking.comA three-star boutique hotel set in a restored 19th-century building in the heart of Ponta Delgada, a short walk from the city gates and the marina.
Check rates on Booking.comCafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
A long-running, family-run steakhouse in central Ponta Delgada, part of a small hotel, known island-wide for its Azorean-style steak served on a hot volcanic stone with salt-crusted red pepper and garlic. Also serves morcela (blood sausage) with fresh local pineapple. A meal runs roughly EUR 20-30 (approx USD 22-32) per person.
A coastal seafood restaurant in the São Roque neighbourhood east of central Ponta Delgada, serving grilled local fish, seafood rice and bacalhau to a mostly local crowd. Mains run about EUR 15-25 (approx USD 16-27).
A small, contemporary tasquinha in Ponta Delgada's old town reworking Azorean staples with modern touches, such as açorda with swordfish and mussels in coconut curry. Plates run about EUR 12-20 (approx USD 13-22).
A modern petiscaria in central Ponta Delgada serving small-plate Azorean dishes with European-influenced technique, including smoked fish croquettes, moray eel with charred greens and octopus with polenta. Sharing plates run EUR 8-16 (approx USD 9-17) each.
A cosy seaside restaurant on Ponta Delgada's waterfront specialising in Azorean beef and pork, grilled simply to let the quality of the local meat stand out. A meal runs roughly EUR 18-28 (approx USD 19-30).
A restaurant in Ponta Delgada's historic district blending Portuguese, Mediterranean and seafood-focused dishes in a relaxed dining room. Mains run about EUR 14-24 (approx USD 15-26).
The Azores are a chain of nine volcanic islands spread across roughly 600 km of the mid-Atlantic, and there is no bridge or tunnel connecting any of them - moving between islands always means a flight with Azores Airlines or, for the closely grouped Faial, Pico, and São Jorge 'Triangle Islands', a short Atlânticoline ferry crossing. Within each island, a rental car is by far the most practical way to reach volcanic crater lakes, coastal villages, and hiking trailheads, since public bus networks are thin and built around residents' commuting hours rather than sightseeing. Ponta Delgada on São Miguel is the main international gateway and the largest town in the archipelago, with Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira and Horta on Faial as the next-largest hubs.
Daily spend by tier in EUR, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €28 ($30) | €85 ($92) | €230 ($248) |
| Food (per day) | €18 ($19) | €35 ($38) | €90 ($97) |
| Transportation | €12 ($13) | €18 ($19) | €35 ($38) |
| Activities | €7 ($8) | €12 ($13) | €25 ($27) |
| Daily total | €65 ($70) | €150 ($162) | €380+ ($410+) |
The Azores rank consistently among the safest destinations in the world, ranking in the top tier of the Global Peace Index alongside mainland Portugal
Check trail and weather conditions before hiking, since fog and heavy rain can roll in quickly at higher elevations such as Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, and Pico Mountain
Wear sturdy, closed footwear on volcanic terrain, which is often sharp, wet, and uneven, especially on crater rim trails
Respect posted warnings at natural sea pools (piscinas naturais) and coastal viewpoints, where sudden swells and strong currents can sweep people off rocks
Book whale and dolphin watching trips only with licensed operators who follow marine wildlife distance and interaction regulations
Carry a light rain jacket year-round, since Azorean weather can change within the same day, particularly at altitude
Take care around geothermal features in Furnas; fumaroles and boiling mud pools can cause serious burns if approached too closely
Driving on narrow, winding volcanic roads requires caution, especially in mist or rain; watch for livestock crossing rural roads
Interisland ferries and some flights can be canceled at short notice due to Atlantic swell or wind; build flexibility into island-hopping plans
Keep valuables out of sight in parked rental cars at trailheads and viewpoints, as opportunistic theft from vehicles occasionally occurs
Entry requirements follow Portugal/Schengen rules. EU citizens need only a national ID card; non-EU visitors from many countries, including the US, Canada, UK, and Australia, may stay visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period; others require a Schengen visa. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with the nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
Interisland flights operated by SATA Air Açores link all nine islands from Ponta Delgada and typically take under an hour. In the Central Group, Atlânticoline ferries connect Faial, Pico, São Jorge, and Terceira, mainly from June through September. A rental car is recommended on each island to reach trailheads, crater lakes, and viewpoints not served by public buses.
The Azores are known for cozido das Furnas, a stew of meats and vegetables cooked slowly underground using volcanic heat. Other specialities include fresh tuna and limpets, São Jorge cheese, Pico Island wine grown in volcanic stone enclosures, and São Miguel pineapples and tea, along with the local liqueur licor de ananás.
The top attractions in the Azores include the twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades, the geothermal village of Furnas, Pico Mountain and its UNESCO-listed vineyard landscape, the crater lake of Lagoa do Fogo, and Horta marina on Faial. Each island offers a different mix of volcanic scenery, hiking, and marine wildlife.
The cities below have their own guides — hotels, attractions and where to eat, in depth.
Explore Angra do Heroísmo with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Angra do Heroísmo.
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