Travel Guide of Azores in Portugal by Influencers and Travelers

The Azores, officially the Autonomous Region of the Azores, is one of the two autonomous regions of Portugal. It is an archipelago composed of nine volcanic islands in the Macaronesia region of the North Atlantic Ocean, about 1,360 km west of continental Portugal, about 1,500 km west of Lisbon, in continental Portugal, about 1,500 km northwest of Morocco, and about 2,500 km southeast of Newfoundland, Canada.

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Pictures and Stories of Azores from Influencers

20 pictures of Azores from César Couto, Luke Paris, Rui Silvestre and other travelers

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How to visit Azores ?

To get to the Azores, you can fly from major European cities such as Lisbon, London, or Frankfurt. There are also direct flights from the United States and Canada. The main international airport is in Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island.

It is recommended to book some activities and accommodations in advance, especially during the peak season (June to September). Whale watching tours, hikes to specific volcanic sites, and guided tours of the islands can be booked online or through your accommodation.

The costs of traveling in the Azores are moderate, with budget accommodations starting at €20 per night and meals at local restaurants ranging from €10-20. Car rentals, essential for exploring the islands, are available at reasonable rates.

Some of the best things to do in the Azores include:
- Hiking around the volcanic lakes and craters, such as Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo on São Miguel Island.
- Whale and dolphin watching, with the opportunity to spot more than 20 different species.
- Visiting the UNESCO-listed vineyards on Pico Island.
- Exploring the historic towns of Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira Island and Horta on Faial Island.
- Bathing in natural hot springs, such as Caldeira Velha and Furnas on São Miguel Island.

For dining options, consider:
- O Genuino on Faial Island, offering delicious seafood and stunning ocean views.
- Tasca in Ponta Delgada, serving traditional Azorean dishes with a modern twist.

Accommodation suggestions:
- Terra Nostra Garden Hotel in Furnas, São Miguel Island, which offers rooms and suites with access to thermal pools and botanical gardens.
- Aldeia da Fonte on Pico Island, an eco-friendly hotel nestled in a cliffside with ocean views.

Off the beaten path:
One unusual travel experience in the Azores is visiting the Algar do Carvão on Terceira Island. This ancient lava tube is a unique geological formation that allows you to venture 100 meters deep into the heart of a dormant volcano. The interior of the cave features impressive stalactites and stalagmites, as well as a crystal-clear subterranean lake. To visit Algar do Carvão, join a guided tour that also includes other volcanic sites on Terceira Island, such as the Furnas do Enxofre and the Gruta do Natal.

In conclusion, the Azores offer a rich and diverse travel experience, with stunning landscapes, unique outdoor activities, and a blend of European and Azorean cultures. Make sure to plan ahead, book accommodations and some activities in advance, and explore the hidden gems of these volcanic islands.

The Best Things to Do and Visit around Azores

Disover the best Instagram Spots around Azores here

1 - Ponta Delgada

Ponta Delgada is the largest municipality and economic capital of the Autonomous Region of the Azores in Portugal. It is located on São Miguel Island, the largest and most populous in the archipelago.

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2 - Portas da Cidade - City Gate

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3 - Wildlife Experiences in São Miguel

In Azores you will have the opportunity to observe 27 different species of whales and dolphins all year round. Join Picos de Aventura on a whale and dolphins tour so you can take a closer look to this magnificent mammals. The team of local skippers a...

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4 - Lagoa

   9 km away
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5 - Calhetas

   11 km away

Calhetas is a freguesia in the municipality of Ribeira Grande in the Azores. The population in 2011 was 988, in an area of 4.70 km². Calhetas is the smallest parish in area in Ribeira Grande. It contains the localities Calhetas and Figueira do Mato.

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6 - Snorkeling in São Miguel

Live a fantastic experience while in the Azores - get onboard, and join Picos de Aventura for a snorkeling tour to swim with the friendliest dolphins of the Atlantic ocean. Swim with dolphins in their natural habitat - the open sea - and feel in perf...

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7 - Miradouro da Boca do Inferno

   14 km away
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8 - Miradouro da Vista do Rei

   15 km away
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9 - Experiencias de vida salvaje in São Miguel

Live one of the most remarkable experiences available these days by swimming with dolphins in São Miguel Island! Imagine yourself floating in the deep blue ocean of the Atlantic, watching and hearing dolphins in their natural habitat. This is ...

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10 - São Miguel Island

   16 km away

São Miguel Island, nicknamed "The Green Island", is the largest and most populous island in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores.

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11 - Miradouro do Pico da Barrosa

   16 km away
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12 - Scuba Diving in São Miguel

Discover the best diving spots with expert, local guides who know the island like the back of their hand. Go out exploring with a team of expert and certified scuba divers who love nothing more than unveiling the most exquisite marine life and divin...

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13 - Ribeira Grande

   17 km away

Ribeira Grande is a municipality in the northern part of the island of São Miguel in the Portuguese Azores. The population in 2011 was 32,112, in an area of 180.15 km².

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14 - Lagoa do Fogo

   17 km away
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15 - Mountain bike in São Miguel

Ride up to the highest mountain tops, pedal through hills and valleys, as well as along magnificent lakeside paths, and discover unexplored trails and enchanting towns. These are some of the options that Trails of Nature has at your disposal when you...

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16 - Cabeço Gordo

   29 km away

Cabeço Gordo is the highest mountain, massive stratovolcano and the largest geomorphological structure that forms the island of Faial.

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17 - Salto do Prego

   42 km away
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Learn More about Azores

The Azores, the most exotic archipelago of Europe archipelago and 2 hours away from Lisbon by plane. There are nine islands, all volcanic, which are a paradise for hikers and nature lovers for a trip full of mountains, hot springs, natural pools, mysterious lagoons, a wide range of possibilities is offered to you.

Still unknown and not very touristy. Here is a compilation of what you need to know to travel to Azores

The different Islands to Visit

1 - São Miguel : nicknamed the green island by its inhabitants, it is the largest and most populated, easily accessible thanks to its international airport.
2 - Pico : the black island, it owes its name to its volcano "Pico" which dominates the island, here landscapes are much more lunar.
3 - São Jorge : the island of fajãs, flat land surfaces, along the sea, at the foot of the cliffs
4 - Terceira : the island of parties, after Sao Miguel it is the most touristic, in summer hundreds of parties are organized.
5 - Faial : nicknamed the blue island, its landscapes will remind you of Brittany, then the moon...
6 - Flores : as its name indicates, it is certainly the island with the most luxuriant nature. Miles of hydrangeas, crystal clear waters, green as far as the eye can see...
7 - Graciosa : it is the flattest island of the Azores, exposed to all winds, its transparent waters are the dream spot for diving fans.
8 - Santa Maria : you will find the most beautiful beaches.

When to travel to Azores ?

The best time to go is during summer. Don't forget that the Azores are in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean so the weather is very changeable. It can rain and 5 km further it is the big blue sky.

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Azores

What is the most beautiful island of the Azores?

São Miguel Island is the most beautiful island of the Azores.

Located in the Azores, a group of islands with authentic charm and sumptuous landscapes, the island of São Miguel is without a doubt the island not to be missed during your stay in this archipelago.

Azores : what to eat?

A pot of chicken, pork, beef, accompanied by cabbage or potatoes buried for four hours in soil releasing strong fumes of sulfurous gases... 

It is ready! The cozido, Azorean stew, has just simmered in the hot earth of Furnas on the island of São Miguel.

São Jorge is famous for its "Queijo São Jorge" protected designation of origin cheese. Made exclusively with cow's milk, it can weigh up to 7 kg. 

More generally, in the Azores one eats "açorda", a soup made of water, salt, pork fat, and fish.
Not to mention that the rich waters of the archipelago offer a wide range of fish to grill (sardines, cod...) and a wide variety of seafood and shellfish (lobsters, cicadas, barnacles...).


As for drinks, you can find local wines, beer (in São Miguel), fruit liqueurs, and brandy.

How to move between the Azores Islands?

To move between the Azores islands, you have two options:

• internal flights with SATA
• ferry and boat

   Where to Stay near Azores

   More Travel spots to explore around Azores

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Discover more travel spots to explore around Azores

  🌊‍ Ocean spots     ⛰️ Cliff spots     ⛰️ Hill station spots     🌲 Forest spots     🏖️ Shore spots     🛣️ Road trip spots     ⛰️ Highland spots     🏞️‍ Waterfall spots     🏘️ Town spots     🌲 Nature reserve spots     🐾 Wildlife spots     🌉 Bridge spots     🏖️ Coast spots     ⛰️ Hill spots     Kitesurfing spots     🏞️ Reservoir spots     🏄‍ Surfing spots     🏊 Swimming pool spots     🏞️ Waterway spots     🏖️ Archipelago spots  

  Travel map of Azores

Explore popular touristic places around Azores

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