Azores 8 min reading

Which is the best Azores Island to visit

Atualizado: 28 de May de 2024

Which is the Best Azores Island to Visit? This is one of the most frequently asked questions from our dear visitors, readers, and tourists. It’s also a straightforward question, but with an answer that is not so simple and easy to give.

Therefore, we decided to produce this article to answer this question in detail and, if you also have the same doubt, to clarify it and help you choose the island(s) to visit.

Which is the Best Azores Island to Visit?

In reality, it would be unfair to point out or suggest a single island to visit. There is no best island to visit. All are ideal and excellent to visit and enjoy, considering that each one has its own characteristics, attractions, population, and activities.

We believe that the choice of the island(s) should always match what you are looking for. What might be ideal for one person could be completely the opposite for another. Let’s look at some points about each island.

Santa Maria Island

Baía de São Lourenço (2006)
Fotografia de ByAçores

Known as the Island of the Sun, it has fantastic bathing areas, calm and with a unique and characteristic landscape. Its terrain is relatively drier, so you won’t find as much greenery as on the other islands. But that’s no reason to skip visiting Santa Maria Island; on the contrary, here are some highlights:

Fantastic bays and bathing areas: São Lourenço Bay, Anjos Bay, and Praia Formosa (one of the most fantastic beaches in the Azores);
Maré de Agosto Festival: in August, don’t miss one of the most emblematic festivals in the Azores;
Azores’ Red Desert: at the Barreiro da Faneca, you’ll find what many consider the Red Desert of the Azores;
Sopas do Espírito Santo: festivities that take place during the summer months, where you can taste the best Espírito Santo soups;
Cavacas de Santa Maria: a sweet you must try during your stay;
Don’t miss this itinerary with all the must-visit places on Santa Maria Island >

São Miguel Island

The presence of lush green nature on the island lives up to its nickname: Green Island. It is the largest island in the archipelago and also the most popular due to its urban development and population. It is one of the islands with the most lagoons, waterfalls, and other natural beauties. During peak tourist seasons (spring and summer), you may encounter more people, especially at points of interest. Some highlights:

Must-see lagoons: Sete Cidades Lagoon, Lagoa do Fogo, Lagoa do Canário, Lagoa das Empadadas;
Gastronomy and sweets: Bife à Regional, Cozido das Furnas, and Lapas; Sweets: Bolos Lêvedos and Queijadas da Vila;
Hot thermal waters: There are 5 areas with thermal waters on São Miguel Island: Caldeira Velha, Poça Dona Beija, Parque Terra Nostra, and Termas da Ferraria and Ribeira Grande.
Fantastic beaches all around the island, see the best beaches on São Miguel.
Don’t miss this itinerary with all the must-visit places on São Miguel Island >

Terceira

On this island, you will find one of the most incredible tourist attractions in the world, visiting the interior of a dormant volcano and exploring two fantastic cities, Angra do Heroísmo – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Praia da Vitória, which are full of history, festivities, and unique places to explore. A island with magnificent landscapes with different contrasts, known as the Lilac Island. Some highlights:

Algar do Carvão Cave is a must-visit spot! Being inside a dormant volcano and exploring its history is a unique experience.
In gastronomy, special mention goes to the magnificent Alcatra da Terceira. As for sweets, the delicious Queijadas da Dona Amélia;
The Serra do Cume is an authentic patchwork quilt in the open air. Enjoy the fantastic view from the Serra do Cume viewpoint;
The Biscoitos Bathing Area should not be left out of your itinerary for sea swimming.
Don’t miss this itinerary with all the must-visit places on Terceira Island >

Graciosa

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Its name already suggests what you can expect from this island: graceful by name, landscapes, history, and also by the magnificent and unique Queijadas da Graciosa, known worldwide! It is classified as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is known as the White Island. Some highlights:

As expected, visit the Queijadas da Graciosa Factory and delight yourself with this typical regional sweet;
Visit and explore the Furna do Enxofre, a fascinating lava cave with its main feature being its perfect dome-shaped ceiling formed by lava prisms.
Enjoy the properties and benefits of hot thermal waters at the Termas do Carapacho;
If you like good bathing areas, you will surely love Praia de São Mateus.
Don’t miss this itinerary with all the must-visit places on Graciosa Island >

Pico

It is on Pico Island that you will find the highest point in Portugal, the majestic Pico Mountain, which leaves no one indifferent. Also known for its fantastic vineyards planted on lava soil and located in small plots separated by stone walls. With these unique characteristics, it is also known as the Gray Island. Some highlights:

If you have the opportunity and like climbing/exploring nature, obviously climbing Pico Mountain is an excellent activity. It is also possible to spend the night there, learn all about it here.
Taste and enjoy the magnificent wines and liqueurs of Pico Island. Don’t forget to explore the Cultural Landscape of the Pico Vineyards.
The Lagoa do Capitão offers a unique mirror-like view of Pico Mountain.
Explore the Gruta das Torres, of volcanic origin, the largest lava tunnel in the Azores archipelago.
Don’t miss this itinerary with all the must-visit places on Pico Island >

São Jorge

São Jorge Island is known for its magnificent fajãs, each with unique characteristics, where you can appreciate and enjoy equally unique moments. It is known as the Brown Island because of its rocks at Ponta dos Rosais. Some highlights:

The Poça de Simão Dias Natural Pool is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful natural pools in the world!
The island’s name also gives its name to one of the most popular and characteristic cheeses of the Azores, Queijo São Jorge.
Explore the Fajãs, such as: Fajã dos Vimes, Fajã da Caldeira do Santo Cristo, and Fajã dos Cubres (there are more wonderful fajãs).
If you like clams, don’t miss the Clams from Caldeira de Santo Cristo, they are… to die for.
Don’t miss this itinerary with all the must-visit places on São Jorge Island >

Faial

On Faial Island you will find a landscape with unique characteristics, after the eruption of the Capelinhos Volcano, and where Ponta dos Capelinhos is located. It is also known for the famous and one of the most visited marinas in the world, the Marina of Horta. Known as the Blue Island due to the abundance of hydrangeas. Some highlights:

The Ponta dos Capelinhos is a must-visit site with much history to observe and learn about at its Interpretation Center.
Appreciate up close an open-air art gallery at the 4th most visited marina in the world, the Marina da Horta.
One of the most famous gins in the Azores can be found on this island, at Peter’s Sport Café.
Fantastic bathing areas and beaches, such as Praia do Almoxarife, Praia de Porto Pim, and the Varadouro Natural Pools.
Appreciate the incredible Caldeira do Cabeço Gordo.
Don’t miss this itinerary with all the must-visit places on Faial Island >

Flores

Flores Island boasts breathtaking landscapes with its numerous waterfalls and lush greenery. A pure nature setting makes it the Pink Island due to its vibrant azaleas. Some highlights:

The Poço da Alagoinha is considered by many to be paradise on Earth. Enjoy this unique scenery; the sound of nature is phenomenal.
The Poço do Bacalhau Waterfall and the Rocha dos Bordões are two other must-visit sites.
Magnificent lagoons, such as Lagoa Negra & Lagoa Comprida and Lagoa Rasa & Lagoa Funda.
Don’t miss this itinerary with all the must-visit places on Flores Island >

Corvo

Corvo Island is the smallest in the Azores archipelago, yet it also has unique characteristics and beauty. Known as the Black Island (due to its small size, appearing as a tiny “black dot” on the horizon when seen from Flores, and its lacework of black stone walls). Some highlights:

The Caldeirão is one of the island’s main tourist attractions, and its panoramic view takes the breath away of all visitors.
Vila do Corvo and also appreciate the Windmills.
Don’t miss this itinerary with all the must-visit places on Corvo Island >

As you can see, each island has its own highlights, unique features, landscapes, monuments, and diverse points of interest. Explore the best of each island during your trip to the Azores. To make the most of your stay, also check out: