Tucked away in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, about halfway between Europe and North America, this Portuguese archipelago is a nine-island wonderland that feels untouched by time. Think dramatic cliffs, crater lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs - it’s like Mother Nature’s masterpiece.
And the best part? You don’t have to choose just one island - you can island-hop your way through paradise. So buckle up and let’s explore what a multi-island trip in the Azores really looks like!
Why Visit the Azores?
Before we dive in, let’s set the mood: the Azores aren’t your typical beach destination. There are no crowds, no resorts lined with umbrellas - just wild beauty, authentic charm, and endless adventure.
Whether you’re into hiking, whale watching, diving, or just soaking in hot springs with ocean views, this is a destination for travelers who love raw, natural magic.
Quick Facts:
- 9 volcanic islands in total, each with its own personality.
- Easy connections by plane or ferry between the main islands.
- Mild climate year-round (best months: May–October).
The Perfect 10-Day Azores Itinerary
Day 1–3: São Miguel - Lakes, hot springs, and tea plantations.
Day 4–5: Faial - Volcanic craters and ocean views.
Day 6–7: Pico - Climb the mountain and sip local wine.
Day 8–9: São Jorge - Hike to the fajãs and savor island cheese.
Day 10: Terceira - Culture, cuisine, and celebration before flying home.
São Miguel - The Green Island
Nickname: “The Green Island”
Best for: First-time visitors, nature lovers, and hot spring seekers.
Your Azores adventure starts here. São Miguel is the largest and most accessible island, and it has a little bit of everything - from volcanic lakes to tea plantations and coastal hot springs.
Top Experiences:
- Sete Cidades: Two crater lakes - one blue, one green - that look like a painting.
- Furnas: Steaming geysers, natural hot pools, and famous Cozido stew cooked underground.
- Lagoa do Fogo: A stunning crater lake best seen after a morning hike.
- Gorreana Tea Plantation: The only tea plantation in Europe - and it’s free to visit!
Relaxation alert: Soak in the warm, orange-tinted waters of Terra Nostra Park - surrounded by tropical gardens.
Must-try: Fresh pineapple, local cheeses, and lapas grelhadas (grilled limpets - trust me, they’re delicious!).
Faial - The Blue Island
Nickname: “The Blue Island”
Best for: Sailors, ocean lovers, and volcanic explorers.
From São Miguel, hop over to Faial, a charming island famous for its deep-blue hydrangeas (they bloom everywhere in summer!) and its connection to the sea.
Don’t Miss:
- Horta Marina: A gathering point for sailors crossing the Atlantic - every yacht leaves a colorful mural behind!
- Caldeira do Faial: A massive volcanic crater you can hike around for sweeping island views.
- Capelinhos Volcano: Walk across black volcanic ash where the island literally grew after a 1957 eruption.
Local tip: Visit Peter Café Sport, the legendary sailor’s bar that’s been welcoming travelers for over 100 years. Order their gin and tonic - it’s iconic.
Pico - The Mountain Island
Nickname: “The Mountain Island”
Best for: Wine lovers, climbers, and adventure seekers.
Just a 30-minute ferry ride from Faial, Pico Island is dominated by Mount Pico, Portugal’s highest peak (2,351 meters). It’s a place where lava meets vines - and the wines here are truly special.
What to Do:
- Climb Mount Pico: A challenging but bucket-list-worthy hike - the sunrise from the summit is unreal.
- Explore the UNESCO Wine Landscape: Ancient vineyards grown in volcanic rock walls - the scenery is as incredible as the wine. 🍷
- Whale Watching: Pico is one of the world’s best spots to see sperm whales and dolphins year-round.
Sip this: Try Verdelho do Pico, a crisp white wine once exported to royal courts across Europe.
São Jorge - The Island of Fajãs
Nickname: “The Island of Fajãs”
Best for: Hikers and off-the-beaten-path travelers.
From Pico, take a short ferry to São Jorge, a narrow, cliff-lined island known for its fajãs - flat coastal plains formed by lava flows and landslides. It’s a paradise for hikers who love rugged trails, ocean views, and complete tranquility.
Top Experiences:
- Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo: A legendary hike leading to a remote lagoon known for clams and surfing.
- Fajã dos Cubres: Peaceful and photogenic, often connected with Santo Cristo on hiking routes.
- Cheese tasting: São Jorge cheese (Queijo de São Jorge) is the pride of the Azores - tangy, creamy, and addictive.
Hiking tip: Bring sturdy shoes and a camera - this island’s trails are wild and spectacular.
Terceira - The Island of Festivities
Nickname: “The Island of Joy”
Best for: Culture, color, and local life.
Fly east to Terceira, one of the Azores’ most vibrant and historic islands. While the others are all about nature, Terceira mixes it with lively towns, festivals, and plenty of Azorean charm.
Highlights:
- Angra do Heroísmo: A UNESCO-listed town filled with pastel houses, cobbled streets, and seafront cafes.
- Algar do Carvão: A lava cave where you can walk inside a volcano!
- Traditional bull runs (touradas à corda): A centuries-old local tradition - much milder than Spanish bullfights.
Eat this: Alcatra, a slow-cooked beef dish simmered in clay pots - best enjoyed with red wine and locals for company.
Other Islands Worth Adding (if you have more time!)
If your trip allows, these lesser-visited gems are well worth the extra hop:
- Graciosa: Peaceful and pretty - great for slow travel and volcanic caves.
- Flores: The wildest island, filled with waterfalls, cliffs, and natural pools.
- Corvo: Tiny and remote - population under 400, views over a volcanic crater that feels like another planet.
Getting Around the Azores
Flights: SATA Azores Airlines connects all nine islands.
Ferries: Great for island-hopping between central islands (Faial, Pico, São Jorge).
Car rental: Essential on each island - public transport is limited.
Timing: Give yourself at least 7–10 days to experience 3–4 islands at a relaxed pace.
Final Thoughts: Paradise in the Middle of the Atlantic
The Azores aren’t a place you simply visit - they’re a place you feel. Each island has its own rhythm, scent, and soul. One day you’re hiking through clouds; the next, you’re soaking in a hot spring while watching the sunset melt into the ocean.
It’s wild yet peaceful, remote yet welcoming - and entirely unforgettable.So whether you’re chasing waterfalls, sipping volcanic wine, or watching whales dance offshore, remember: the best way to explore the Azores is slowly, island by island, sip by sip, and smile by smile.
