Which Azores island suits you best?

Sandra has just returned from her homeland, the Azores, where she was gathering insights for the upcoming Pocket Azores guidebook, set to release in October 2024. She shares her local expertise to help you find the ideal island for your visit.

Renowned for its hiking paths and scenic lagoons, dormant volcanoes, and whale-watching opportunities, the Azores are a haven for nature lovers. However, these islands also boast a distinct culinary scene, remarkable wines, lively cultural festivals, and traditional events.

As the Azores continue to rise in popularity among tourists, some islands still remain under the radar. Much of the archipelago's allure lies in its breathtaking landscapes, where nature feels pristine yet accessible. The scenery varies significantly from one island to another, often shifting even within the same island, making the saying 'seen one, seen them all' inapplicable here. Keep reading to discover the ideal islands for your Azores journey.

1. Santa Maria

Top island for summer festivities

Known as “the sunny island” by the residents of the Azores, Santa Maria enjoys an abundance of beautiful beach days in the summer—quite rare for the region. However, the allure of sun-soaked days by the ocean isn’t the only reason travelers are drawn here in the warmer months. On my nearly empty early morning flight to Santa Maria on a late-January weekday, I noticed that most fellow passengers were locals heading home or on business trips.

In mid-July, the village of Anjos invites blues enthusiasts to its three-day celebration, the Santa Maria Blues. Later, at the end of August, Praia Formosa transforms into the hub and main stage for Maré de Agosto, Portugal’s oldest music festival, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2024. Marienses (Santa Maria residents) certainly know how to host an unforgettable event.

Explore more: Your ultimate guide for a first-time visit to the Azores

2. São Miguel

Top island for activities

As the largest island, São Miguel attracts the most tourists and offers frequent flights from various locations just two to five hours away. For many travelers, it strikes a balance between experiencing an island getaway and not feeling too distant from home.

Here, you can start your day exploring the stunning lagoons of Sete Cidades, then spend your afternoon relaxing in a thermal bath warmed by an underground volcano in Furnas. In the evening, indulge in international dishes and discover local artists in O Quarteirão, a charming area in the historic heart of the island’s capital, Ponta Delgada.

And when those pesky rainy days strike, you can wander through the shopping center or enjoy a movie.

Discover more: Maximizing your Azores experience without a rental car

3. Terceira

Top island for cultural experiences

Terceira possesses a regal charm, perhaps echoing its history as the heart of the Portuguese Kingdom. The celebration of local heritage is vibrant here, from the many beautifully maintained, colorful impérios (small temples dedicated to the Cult of the Holy Spirit) that embellish every village and town, to the cobbled streets of Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The island has produced many renowned intellectuals, artists, and writers. However, it also embraces more playful cultural expressions, such as the witty song and dance performances known as Bailinhos during Carnaval, and the lively music and street parades during the Sanjoaninas festival in June.

4. Graciosa

Top island for family visits

Graciosa is one of the least explored islands in the archipelago. At first glance, this second smallest island may seem to offer little in comparison to the others. However, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve doesn’t need dramatic lagoons or waterfalls to capture your interest.

In just half a day, you can drive around the island and visit all the essential sights—a fact that locals will readily share. This itinerary is ideal for families with young children who may get restless during long drives. The journey includes a stop to view a whale-shaped rock formed entirely by nature. You can also take them on an exciting adventure down a spiral stone staircase into the depths of Graciosa’s dormant volcano, Caldeira (or Furna do Enxofre).

The island is home to the burro da Graciosa, an endangered donkey species that has been rescued and is now protected and bred by a local nonprofit. Visitors can come to the farm to observe the donkeys from a distance or even pet them if they wander closer to the fence.

Local tip: Graciosa is well-known for its red-roofed, Dutch-style windmills. Most of these structures are no longer operational and have been converted into vacation rentals by their owners.

5. São Jorge

Top island for hiking

Whether you arrive by boat or plane, São Jorge appears like the scaly back of a colossal dragon peacefully resting in the ocean. This long and narrow island features most towns and villages nestled between the sea and steep cliffs, formed by volcanic land that has slipped down the coast to create fajãs (coastal plateaus).

While some of these fajãs can be accessed by car, reaching them as locals once did—via designated hiking trails—truly makes São Jorge the ultimate hiking destination.

Local tip: Due to the island's rugged landscape, all official trails on São Jorge vary from moderate to challenging, necessitating some hiking experience. It's advisable to wear trekking boots and carry poles for a safe and enjoyable hike.

Learn more: Explore the 7 top hikes in the Azores

6. Pico

Top island for local heritage

Known as “the mountain island” for hosting Portugal’s highest peak, Pico has a rich history as a land of whale hunters and winemakers.

Whale watching replaced hunting in the mid-1980s, with many former hunters now sharing their expertise with whale-watching companies. The legacy of this industry can be explored in museums and old processing plants. Today, whale-watching tours have become one of the island’s most popular attractions.

Pico residents, or picoenses, showcase their resourcefulness by producing wine from vines that flourish in volcanic soil, protected from wind and sea by basalt walls. The winemaking scene is enjoying a revival, highlighted by the UNESCO recognition of the Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture in 2004.

Local tip: Year-round ferry services connecting Faial, Pico, and São Jorge—known as the “Triangle Islands”—make it easy to hop between the islands. While many tend to stay on Faial due to frequent flights, Pico serves as a better base; Madalena on Pico is just a 30-minute ferry ride from Horta on Faial, while São Roque on Pico is 50 minutes from Velas on São Jorge.

7. Faial

Island with the finest beaches

On most Azorean islands, natural swimming pools outnumber sandy beaches, and Faial is no exception, featuring five beaches compared to its seven natural pools. The cool Atlantic waters—sometimes brisk even in summer—don't exactly place the islands on the best beach destination map. However, the sandy stretches on Faial are certainly worth exploring.

Praia do Almoxarife undoubtedly boasts the best view. Picture yourself relaxing on the black sand or swimming while gazing at Portugal’s highest peak, Mt Pico, across the water.

Praia de Porto Pim is a local favorite just a short walk from Horta's city center. The beach's closeness to urban life doesn't diminish the experience at all, and the bay provides a lovely sheltered environment.

8. Flores

Top island for unspoiled nature

Many visitors to Flores consider it the most beautiful island in the Azores, often likening it to destinations such as Hawaii, Switzerland, and Ireland.

This lush island features numerous waterfalls cascading down steep cliffs into the ocean or freshwater ponds, seven lagoons nestled within the craters of ancient volcanoes, and a rugged coastline dotted with caves and pirate legends—though only a few of these wonders are easily accessible.

Local tip: When the weather suddenly changes on Flores, locals like to say, “Here today, gone tomorrow in Flores.” While this may be amusing for them, stressed travelers might not find the humor when facing the potential chaos of canceled flights. If you're planning a three-day stay on Flores, consider adding two extra days for travel—avoid booking connecting flights on the same day you arrive or depart from Flores.

9. Corvo

Ideal island for relaxation

Corvo, the smallest of the nine islands, offers a serene escape with minimal noise, scarce traffic, no pollution, and a tranquil atmosphere—perfect for disconnecting and rejuvenating.

Strolling through the labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets lined with closely-knit houses and patios that once shielded the corvinos (residents of Corvo) from fierce winds and pirate threats makes you feel that if you can thrive here, you can thrive anywhere. These islanders have been living here for over four centuries.

Local tip: Most visitors arrive by boat from Flores, take a quick tour of the town, and visit the Caldeirão volcano. To truly embrace life on the most remote island in the Azores, plan to stay at least one night on Corvo.