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Though sometimes described as the "Hawaii of the Atlantic," the nine volcanic islands that comprise the Azores are unlike anyplace else on the planet. Less-known and less traveled than many tropical counterparts, the islands offer dramatic landscapes, volcanic caverns, dazzling emerald-green lakes, and cascading waterfalls.
The Azores Island's rich culture blends Portuguese traditions, a deep religious heritage, and its own proud regional identity. Farming families from Portugal and France first began settling in São Miguel in the mid-fifteenth century, producing wheat, sugar cane, and oranges.
The flourishing community became a target for European pirates at the turn of the 17th century before falling into the hands of Spanish troops. By 1640, the Azores was again under Portuguese rule.
The islands are home to two of Portugal's 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The first is the city of Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira Island. The port was a vital stop on transatlantic routes between Europe, Africa, and the Americas and a thriving trade center during the Age of Discovery. Two maritime forts from the 16th and 17th centuries remain, along with numerous historic churches and a graveyard of sunken ships.
Pico Island's picturesque vineyards, which produce some of Europe's fines wines, were named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004.
An Island for Everyone – 5 Highlights
The nine islands of the Azores fit into three groups: eastern (Sao Miguel and Santa Maria Islands), central (Terceira, Graciosa, Sao Jorge, Pico, and Faial Islands), and western (Flores and Corvo Islands).
São Miguel
São Miguel, the Azores' largest and most populous island, draws visitors with its beautiful lakes, rolling hills, and sandy beaches. Laid-back Ponta Delgada is the archipelago's largest city. Its cobbled streets offer contrast to the modern marina, and visitors enjoy a variety of excellent dining options.
The Azores are known for their unique flora and fauna, and the hydrangea plant, introduced here in the 17th century, is the most recognized symbol of the region. During the spring and summer months, you'll find countless shapes, colors, and sizes of these beautiful flowers across the islands. It's illegal to pick hydrangeas from the countryside or public gardens as the flowers play a critical role in maintaining the beauty of the roadways for tourists and locals.
A day trip to Furnas will take you along a hydrangea-lined route, guaranteed to keep your camera clicking. No other place on the island has the same level of visible volcanic activity. Watch for it in the steamed vents and potholes where locals cook the famous Cozido, a mix of root vegetables and meats. Or, enjoy the outdoor therapeutic geothermal mineral baths in the area.
The Azores are the only locale in Europe where tea is cultivated. São Miguel's tea estates have produced organic black, green, and orange pekoe teas since 1883. Visit for a tour and tea tasting.
Faial
Scenic Faial is known as the blue island because of the cool blue hydrangeas covering houses and spilling onto roads, especially in late spring. Climb to Whaler's Chapel for a spectacular view of Pico.
The Azores' last major volcanic activity occurred in Failal in 1957, causing the island to gain a land extension of 3 square kilometers. The eruption covered an entire village in ash and permanently changed the landscape.
The crater of Lagoa da Caldeira offers magnificent views, and port town Horta features stunning architecture, tiny but beautiful parks, and a historic marina. Head to Genuino's for a unique dining experience. The namesake owner's solo sailing trips around the world inspired the decor, and he's often on-site, ready to share a tale from his travels.
Pico
Pico Island, the second-largest in the Azores, bears the nickname "the gray island" because of its volcanic history. Dramatic lava formations dominate the scenery, in contrast to the ocean's blue waters and foamy white waves.
Also known as "Mountain Island," Pico boasts the Azores' highest peak. Climbing Mt Pico is difficult, requiring 7-9 hours depending on your fitness level. On the other hand, the island's swimming holes are some of the finest in the archipelago.
The waters surrounding Pico Island are some of the best in the world for observing whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. When you travel with one of our trusted partners, the success rate of sightings is 99%, thanks to the age-old techniques they employ.
Travelers observe up to 27 different species of whales and dolphins throughout the year, thanks to the nutrition found around Pico Island. Nearly nowhere else on earth is it possible to see the same variety of whales and dolphins in one season. Sperm whales are the most common whale observed in the region.
Four kinds of dolphins can be found year-round: bottlenose, common, striped, and Risso's dolphins. Large pods of spotted dolphins join the waters around Pico in mid-June, birthing calves and causing the population to swell to over 1,000.
Flores
With its lakes, waterfalls, lagoons, and valleys, remote Flores is one of the Azores' most beautiful islands. Together with Corvo, it forms the western group of the Azores and is Europe's westernmost point.
Flores and Corvo sit on the North American tectonic plate, while the other Azorean islands are part of the European plate. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this photogenic island has magnificent hiking, geological formations, caves, and canyons to explore.
São Jorge
São Jorge offers some of the best hiking in the Azores. Though only five miles wide, this tiny island has incredibly diverse scenery, from steep cliffs and ravines to remote beaches and lakes.
It's also a fantastic site for bird-watching. Over 400 European and American birds make their home in the Azores, due to its position in their migration routes.
Inspired? If you think the Azores are a good fit for your next vacation, click here to start planning.
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