Which island to choose
São Miguel — the mother island
Largest, most varied, best for first visit. 5 days enough. Direct flights to Ponta Delgada.
Pico
Highest mountain in Portugal (2351m) and UNESCO lava-stone vineyards. World capital for sperm whale watching.
Faial — blue island
Blue hydrangeas in summer. Caldera hike. Marina with sailor paintings.
Terceira
UNESCO in Angra do Heroísmo. Rope bullfights, Algar do Carvão caves.
São Jorge, Flores, Corvo
Wilder islands. Flores: photography paradise. Corvo: 400 inhabitants.
When to visit
Unstable year-round. May-October best (17-25 °C). July-August peak.
Top 10 experiences
- Vista do Rei and Sete Cidades
- Furnas Cozido
- Dona Beija hot springs
- Sperm whale watching at Pico
- Lagoa do Fogo hike
- Boca do Inferno viewpoint
- Caldeira do Faial 9km loop
- Pico UNESCO vineyard tasting
- Algar do Carvão (Terceira)
- Manta ray diving in Santa Maria
Food
Cozido das Furnas, Holy Ghost soup, grilled limpets, Azores tuna, São Jorge cheese, Pico Verdelho wine, bolo lêvedo.
Getting around
SATA Azores Airlines. Ryanair to São Miguel. Between islands: SATA flights or ferries. Car rental essential €25-40/day.