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.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Terra Nostra Park Thermal Pool
A large, warm, iron-rich thermal pool set within a lush botanical garden in Furnas. The murky orange water looks unusual but is a hit with children, who can swim while surrounded by tropical plants and towering trees.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Whale and Dolphin Watching
Boat trips from Ponta Delgada, Faial, or Pico spot sperm whales, dolphins, and seasonal migratory whales with high success rates. Most operators set a minimum age of around 4-6, and a motion-sickness remedy is recommended for younger children.
Duration: 2.5-3.5 hours
Poça da Dona Beija Thermal Pools
A series of small, warm, iron-rich pools tucked into a fern-lined garden near Furnas. Shallower and more intimate than Terra Nostra Park, making it comfortable for younger children to wade in.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Cozido das Furnas Tasting
Meat, sausage, and vegetables are slow-cooked underground using natural volcanic heat around Lagoa das Furnas, then served at a nearby restaurant. Watching the steaming pots lifted from the ground is a memorable novelty for children.
Duration: 1.5-2 hours (with viewing)
Sete Cidades Crater Lake Walk
An easy, mostly flat walk to viewpoints overlooking the famous twin green and blue crater lakes. Longer full-caldera hikes suit older, fitter children, while shorter viewpoint routes work well for younger kids.
Duration: 1-2 hours (short viewpoint route)
Gruta do Carvão Lava Tube Tour
A short, guided walk through a lava tube cave close to central Ponta Delgada, offering an easy introduction to the islands' volcanic origins without a long hike or drive.
Duration: 45 minutes
Portas do Mar Waterfront
Ponta Delgada's redeveloped marina area has open plazas, gardens, and sea-level swimming platforms, giving children space to run and cool off within walking distance of the old town.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Snorkeling in Natural Sea Pools
Volcanic rock pools such as those at Ponta da Ferraria or Mosteiros mix warm spring water with the Atlantic, giving older children a gentle introduction to snorkeling in a sheltered setting.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Furnas Boutique Hotel
Thermal spa hotel set among Furnas' geothermal gardens, a short walk from Terra Nostra Park, convenient for families centering their trip on the hot springs
Family features: Pool access, proximity to thermal parks, spacious rooms, restaurant with local dishes
White Exclusive Suites & Villas
Clifftop resort near Ponta Delgada with an infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic, best suited to families with older children given its quieter, adults-leaning atmosphere
Family features: Pool, sea views, spa, suites with extra space for families
Azoris Royal Garden
Central Ponta Delgada hotel with a rooftop pool, an easy walking base for families exploring the old town and marina
Family features: Rooftop pool, family rooms, central location, breakfast included
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Azorean restaurants generally welcome children, and high chairs are available at most sit-down tascas and hotel restaurants
Ask for a meia dose (half portion) for younger children at local restaurants
Bolo lêvedo, a griddle-cooked sweet bread often served with butter, is a popular and inexpensive treat with kids
Fresh local pineapple from São Miguel greenhouses is widely available and a hit with children
Most restaurants can prepare simple grilled fish or plain pasta for fussy eaters if asked
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Book interisland flights and rental cars with child seats well ahead of peak summer season, when availability is limited
Pack for changeable weather in every season; a rain jacket and warm layer matter more than swimwear for most of the year
Choose morning departures for whale-watching trips, when seas tend to be calmer and children are less prone to seasickness
Thermal pool water at Terra Nostra Park and Poça da Dona Beija is naturally iron-rich and can stain light-colored swimwear
Pharmacies (farmácia) are well stocked and easy to find in Ponta Delgada and Angra do Heroísmo for any family medical needs
Strollers are impractical on many volcanic trails and cobbled old-town streets; a baby carrier is more practical for younger children
Confirm minimum-age policies before booking activities like diving, coasteering, or longer guided hikes