In the Azores, you can hike into a volcanic caldera, swim in natural pools along the coast, sip the only tea grown in Europe, indulge in fresh seafood, and stay in spectacular eco-lodges—all from a chain of islands sitting nearly a thousand miles from mainland Europe.
And yet it is surprisingly easy it is to reach and explore this nine-island archipelago rising out of the mid-Atlantic. This autonomous region of Portugal has direct flights from the United States and Europe, good infrastructure, and a euro-based economy; English is widely spoken alongside Portuguese. These factors, combined with the dramatic natural landscapes and distinctly Azorean culture, make it feel both far-flung and familiar.
Where are the Azores?
The Azores are located in the northern Atlantic Ocean, roughly 2,400 miles east of the United States and 930 miles west of Lisbon, making them the closest European land to the United States. The archipelago’s nine volcanic islands, spread across 400 miles, are divided into three island clusters: eastern (São Miguel and Santa Maria islands), central (Terceira, São Jorge, Pico, Graciosa, and Faial), and western (Flores and Corvo).
When should you visit?
The best time to visit the Azores is during summer, from June to September, when direct flights from Europe and North America are most frequent. Temperatures are also at their warmest (though rarely exceeding 80°F), keeping conditions comfortable for exploring.
For fewer crowds and better deals on accommodations, however, consider arriving in May or October. It will be cooler—great for hiking—but hospitality businesses should still be operational.
Bear in mind that seasonality varies considerably by island. My first trip to Saõ Miguel was in November and while it was too chilly to get in the water, most activities were still possible. Pico, however, was firmly in the off-season: Many hotels had already closed, and restaurants welcoming diners were limited.
The Azores are in the North Atlantic Ocean, between Europe and North America.
Photo by Rainer Lesniewski / Shutterstock
Which Azorean islands should you visit?
International tourists tend to land in São Miguel and visit two or three islands during their stay. São Miguel, the largest island, is home to the lively city of Ponta Delgada as well as crater lakes, volcanic peaks, geothermal pools in Furnas, and the only tea plantations in Europe. Although locals are quick to point out that São Miguel is the busiest of the nine islands (especially in the summer), it’s still worth starting your trip with a few days here.
Theses are the other eight islands in the Azores:
Terceira
Angra do Heroísmo, the main town on Tercerias, is a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for its role as a port of call for ships sailing between Europe, the Americas, and India from the 15th to the 19th century. In addition, the town has an extensive network of lava caves to explore. There are also natural rock pools (which you can swim in) across the island. The one in Biscoitos, on the northwest coast, is shielded by rocks from the open sea and has showers, a lifeguard, and other facilities.
Pico
The archipelago’s second-largest island is home to Portugal’s highest peak, Mount Pico, and is known for its (mostly white) wines grown in black volcanic soil.
Faial
Faial is notable for its yacht harbor, churches lined with painted tiles, and caldera-containing Faial Nature Park.
Corvo
The smallest island at seven square miles, Corvo has a caldera lake and draws serious birders every October.
Flores
The lesser-visited island of Flores is known for its spectacular hydrangea flower blooms, waterfalls, natural pools, and lakes.
São Jorge
São Jorge has scenic views of neighboring Pico and Faial, natural swimming pools, an artisanal coffee plantation, and a cheese factory.
Graciosa
Nicknamed “the White Island” for its pale rocks, Graciosa has a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve with striking volcanic landscapes, thermal baths, and distinctive architectural heritage.
Santa Maria
The warmest and most southerly of the nine islands, Santa Maria is also the oldest geologically, meaning its landscapes look different from younger volcanic islands like Pico or Faial. Its ancient volcanoes have eroded into rolling hills and sandy beaches perfect for swimming.
Explore ancient volcanic calderas, chimneys, and lava caves
With its volcanic splendor and great swaths of undeveloped land, the Azores are a paradise for outdoorsy and adventurous travelers.
On Terceira, visit Algar do Carvão Natural Reserve to swim in a rainwater lake, descend into an ancient volcanic chimney, and explore caves and lava chambers (via stairs and tunnels).
Above the small town of Sete Cidades on São Miguel, a cluster of inactive, ancient volcano calderas cradle crystal clear lakes. If you’re only able to visit one, go to Miradouro da Boca do Inferno, which is accessible by an easy, 1.5-mile in-and-out hike.
Faial was the site of the archipelago’s most recent volcanic eruption in 1957 to 1958—context that makes a visit to the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Center, with its informative overview of the archipelago’s topography and volcanic history, all the more vivid. Afterward, climb the lighthouse or ascend the adjacent ridge for sweeping views.
On Terceira, you can swim in natural ocean pools created by volcanic rocks.
Photo by Liliana Marmelo / Shutterstock
Swim, surf, snorkel, or dive at one of the islands’ many beaches
There are many beaches and coves on the islands—wide, sandy Porto Pim on Faial, for example, is popular with families, while Ponta da Ferraria in São Miguel is dramatically lined with black volcanic rock. And with Gulf Stream currents resulting in warm water temperatures from May until as late as December, the best way to enjoy the water is to get out on (or in) it. Surfing is popular, particularly in São Miguel, where several outfitters, like Santa Barbara Surf School, offer lessons and equipment. Beginners can catch some waves at Santa Barbara Beach.
You should also consider a guided dive to underwater caves and shipwrecks at one of more than 50 dive sites around the archipelago. Book with marine expert Norberto Diver based out of Faial. He can take you on a shark dive around Faial and Pico or, if you’re an experienced diver, to the Princess Alice Bank, a seamount where you swim with acrobatically leaping Mobula Rays.
Try your hand at deep-sea fishing
Among deep-sea fishers, the Azores are world-renowned for their enormous tuna and marlins. August and September are ideal times to try your hand at fishing, and several outfitters can arrange for day trips out on the water for amateur and expert anglers alike. If you’re (extra) lucky, you might even spot a few whales or dolphins while you’re out on the water. Blue, fin, and sperm whales are among the species that call the Azores home.
Soak in a geothermal pool
In the winter months (when it’s a tad too chilly to swim in the ocean), you’ll still want to pack your swimsuit. The town of Furnas on São Miguel is home to several naturally heated geothermal pools and hot springs, such as the large pool in Parque Terra Nostra and the nearby Poça da Dona Beija, which features a series of five steamy pools you can enjoy.
The Azores’ volcanic soils produce both verdant landscapes and exceptional wine.
Photo by Hanneke Wetzer / Shutterstock
Hike Portugal’s tallest peak, Mount Pico
One of the top adventure activities on the islands is a climb up Pico island’s Mount Pico, which at 7,713 feet above sea level is the highest mountain in Portugal. Going up this active volcano, which last erupted in 1720, is not your average hike—the rocky, moon-like “trail” is challenging and requires a fair amount of scrambling as you follow a series of markers (rather than a cleared path) to the top. Once at the caldera, the views of the clouds and island below are hard to beat, and you can camp overnight.
Taste wine grown in volcanic soil
Wine has been produced in the Azores for at least five centuries, but the industry was only revived in the 1940s and ’50s, following a major infestation of vine-destroying phylloxera in the late 1800s. In 1961, Pico established a co-op for growers and winemakers—the organization’s headquarters is now the hub of the local wine scene and an excellent place for winetasting (reservations recommended).
Nearby, visit the Museu do Vinho for an overview of Pico’s local topography, soil, and grape varietals. Then, round things out with a decadent six- or seven-course dinner paired with local wines at Azores Wine Company, a vineyard with a hotel and restaurant overlooking Pico’s north coast. Its majority owner António Maçanita is considered one of Portugal’s most renowned winemakers.
If you can’t make it to Pico, some top Azores labels to look for on local restaurant menus include Terras de Lava, Curral Atlantis, Azores Wine Company, and Frei Gigante. The latter turns out wines made with the “forbidden grape,” isabella, which was banned in much of Europe long ago after U.S. varieties brought an outbreak of rot.
Pico is the island best known for wine, but Faial and Terceira have vineyards, too. On Faial, seek out wines from Adega do Vulcão. On Terceira, the village of Biscoitos is home to a handful of wineries that you can arrange visits to.
Try local Azorean foods
Fresh seafood, rich cheeses, spicy stews, and a different signature bread on each island—the Azores punch well above their weight at the table. And given the location, seafood is predictably plentiful. Terceira, for example, is famous for its cracas, or barnacles, which are boiled in seawater. Residents of São Jorge, meanwhile, enjoy lapas, or limpets, raw (elsewhere, they are typically grilled and sauced with spicy red pepper and garlic).
Visitors to São Miguel should seek out the cozido meat stew, which is traditionally simmered in geothermal holes in the ground and accompanied by veggies and bread. Terceira’s signature dish, alcatra, uses beef rump that’s slow-cooked with red wine, allspice, and black peppercorns.
And then there are the carbs: Traditional breads include São Miguel’s bolo lêvedo (mini English-muffin-style breads), sweet breads like the fluffy massa sovada (a favorite during Easter), and Pico’s round rosquilhas (a marriage between a doughnut and a bagel). Terceira’s O Forno bakery is a great place to sample these varied bakes, as well as to try the archipelago’s specialty Dona Amélia cakes, made with raisins, molasses, corn flour, and lots of powdered sugar.
For those who want to get the lay of the culinary landscape, local tour company Hungry Whales organizes several informative, small-group food tours in Ponta Delgada.
Snack on local cheese and ice cream
The Azores’ culinary traditions go beyond Portugal’s essential dishes. On some islands, there are either as many—or more—cows than humans. Left free to graze through green meadows and natural springs, the happy bovines produce high-quality milk that’s enjoyed as is, in ice cream, or as cheese. Dating back to the 15th century, the Azorean dairy industry is so intrinsic to its heritage that the cows have become the islands’ unofficial mascots, adorning postcards and all manner of souvenirs.
With all this abundance, you’ll find cheese on every menu, starting with breakfast and ending with dessert. In fact, each island has its own signature cheese, so there are lots to sample. Favorites include the semi-hard, yellow-rind, spicy-and-salty variety from São Jorge (the so-called land of cheese) and the Pico island soft cheese that packs a strong bite. Don’t miss the ice cream, either: On Terceira, stop by the restaurant and shop at Quinta dos Açores farm to savor unique flavors, like D. Amélia, which is inspired by a type of local cake.
Related: A Guide to Portuguese Food: 13 Essential Dishes to Try in Portugal
The Octant hotel group’s Azores property sits on the edge of town of Furnas, perfectly placed for exploring the area’s geothermal waters.
Courtesy of Octant Furnas
Where to stay in the Azores: forts, farmhouses, and eco-resorts
The Azores has a range of hotel options, ranging from agriturismo-style stays to newly landed luxury properties.
Locally owned, refurbished farmhouses like Senhora da Rosa on São Miguel, where they have their own pineapple greenhouses, and Terceira’s Pico da Vigia offers a close-to-the-land experience.
Eco-resorts such as Santa Barbara Eco Beach Resort on São Miguel and the stone houses of Pegasus Lodges on São Jorge blend into the striking island landscapes. History nerds, meanwhile, should check out the 16th-century fort-turned-inn at Pousada Forte Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira.
Luxury hotels are a more recent addition to the islands. Octant Hotel Furnas is a stylish choice near São Miguel’s bubbling hot springs, while the intimate Sul Villas & Spa offers incredible ocean views on its perch just outside Ponta Delgada.
On Terceira, Torel Brava, which opened in late 2024, delivers colorful, maximalist interiors with a sweet wellness setup. And if you’re here for the wine, the Azores Wine Company on Pico has five guest rooms and one apartment overlooking the island’s stone-hedged vineyards.
See our full list of the best hotels in the Azores.
How to get to the Azores
United Airlines offers direct flights from New York City to Ponta Delgada (around six hours), and Azores Airlines has direct flights from New York City and Boston (around five hours). TAP Air Portugal connects San Francisco to Terceira (around 11 hours). If you’re coming from Lisbon, TAP Portugal, RyanAir, and Azores Airlines all offer direct flights that are a little over two hours.
These are all seasonal summer services, but Azores Airlines also run flights from both New York City and Boston to Ponta Delgada throughout the winter.
This article was originally published in 2018 and updated on May 14, 2026, to include current information. Jessie Beck and Lucy Kehoe contributed to the reporting of this story.
