The Azores are nine volcanic islands scattered across the Atlantic, about 1,500km west of mainland Portugal – crater lakes, geothermal springs, black-sand beaches, and hiking trails with almost nobody on them. People reach for comparisons (a bit of Iceland, a bit of Hawaii) but it’s genuinely its own thing, and one of the more underrated places in Europe to actually slow down.
Getting there
Most visitors arrive via São Miguel, the largest island, through Ponta Delgada airport (PDL). Direct flights run from several European cities including Lisbon, Porto, London, and Manchester – around four hours from the UK. São Miguel is the natural starting point before branching out to smaller islands.
The three island groups
The nine islands split into three groups, which matters for planning – distances between groups are considerable, even though the whole archipelago gets talked about as one destination.
Eastern Group: São Miguel, Santa Maria. São Miguel is the gateway island – crater lakes, hot springs, whale watching, proper hiking. Santa Maria is warmer and drier, with the best beaches in the archipelago.
Central Group: Terceira, Pico, Faial, São Jorge, Graciosa. Considered the heart of the Azores, and the easiest group for island-hopping – several are close enough to connect by ferry. Volcanic landscapes on Pico, dramatic hikes on São Jorge, culture on Terceira, maritime atmosphere on Faial.
Western Group: Flores, Corvo. The most remote and the wildest-feeling. Flores has waterfalls and crater lakes; Corvo is tiny and about as far from anywhere as Europe gets.
Getting between islands
Flights with SATA Air Açores are the quickest option – 30-60 minutes between most islands. Common routes: São Miguel to Pico, Terceira, Faial, or Flores.
Ferries work well within the Central Group specifically – Pico to Faial (about 30 minutes), plus connections to São Jorge. Scenic, and often more practical than flying for islands that sit close together.
One thing worth knowing before you book anything: you can’t take a rental car between islands – hire cars don’t transfer, so if you’re visiting more than one, you’ll need to arrange a separate rental on each.
Suggested itineraries
First-time visitors (7–10 days): São Miguel alone, or São Miguel plus Terceira. A solid introduction without overreaching.
Adventure-focused (10–14 days): São Miguel, Pico, Faial. Built around hiking, whale watching, and the more dramatic volcanic scenery.
Nature-focused (14+ days): São Miguel, Flores, Corvo. Waterfalls and remote landscapes, for people with more time to spend getting there.
One thing worth knowing: island-hopping is part of the appeal here, but the distances between islands add up fast. Two or three islands, properly explored, generally beats a rushed tour of five.
The islands, one by one
São Miguel – the largest and most accessible, and where most first-time visitors should start. Crater lakes, lush hills, geothermal activity, dramatic coastline. Highlights: Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, Furnas, Ponta Delgada. Worth doing: the hot springs, whale watching, a hike, and trying Cozido das Furnas (food cooked using volcanic heat).
Pico – dominated by Mount Pico, Portugal’s highest peak, and the most dramatic scenery in the archipelago. Volcanic vineyards (UNESCO-listed), lava fields, rugged coast. Good for serious hikers and wine tasting alike.
Terceira – the best mix of culture and scenery. Angra do Heroísmo’s UNESCO old town, volcanic caves at Algar do Carvão, and Serra do Cume for the views.
Faial – known as the Blue Island for its hydrangea-lined roads. Horta’s marina is one of the most famous stops for sailors crossing the Atlantic. Pairs naturally with Pico for island-hopping.
São Jorge – long, narrow, and built for walkers. The “fajãs” — small coastal plains formed by old lava flows — are unique to this island and worth the hike to reach.
Flores – often called the most beautiful island in the group, and it’s a fair claim. Waterfalls, crater lakes, dramatic cliffs. Remote enough to feel genuinely untouched.
Graciosa – the White Island, and the slowest-paced of the group. Traditional villages, volcanic caves, quiet countryside. Good if the goal is doing very little.
Corvo – the smallest and most remote island in the archipelago. A short hop from Flores, worth adding on as an extension rather than a standalone destination.
Santa Maria – the warmest, driest climate and the best beaches. A more Mediterranean feel than the rest of the group.
You can grab my free pre-booking checklist for the questions I ask before recommending any property – it may help with the decision on which island and hotel is right for you.
When to go
May to October is the general window – warmer, better for hiking and whale watching. Spring brings the hydrangeas into bloom; summer gives the longest days.
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