Best of the Azores

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around The Azores
Characterized by rugged coastlines, towering cliffs, lush green valleys, volcanic craters, and clear blue lakes, the Azores, an archipelago of nine volcanic islands 870 miles (1,400 km) off the coast of Portugal, is a stunning destination for the adventurous and active traveler. With the largest island being São Miguel, each offer world-class whale watching, sailing, diving, hiking, and canyoning, not to mention the beautiful panoramic views North Atlantic.

Travelers to the Azores can also enjoy excellent surfing and other watersports. Horseback riding, cycling, and paragliding are also popular activities. A visit to Pico Island, home to the biggest mountain in Portugal, offers the chance to hike to the summit. Renting a car is a great way to explore the island.
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Photo courtesy of Azoris Angra Garden
The 4 Best Boutique Hotels in the Azores

When traveling to the Azores, you want to ensure you're taking advantage of the many aspects of these lush islands. A stay on São Miguel or Terceira will put you in the center of the attractions, with options both in the city centers and out in the natural world, along with volcanic springs, lively city squares, and bay views.

The lush volcanic landscapes of São Miguel
Map of Escape to the Azores: São Miguel Island & Porto - 11 Days
Escape to the Azores: São Miguel Island & Porto - 11 Days

Pristine landscapes and outdoor adventures beckon on this exhilarating 11-day Azores vacation. Based on the island of São Miguel, you'll explore Portugal's remote Atlantic archipelago with a series of unforgettable excursions—diving, hiking, and cycling through its lush volcanic scenery. After some free time for whale watching, caving, or just relaxing on the island's unspoiled beaches, it's time to head back to the mainland to put your feet up and discover Porto in style with a vintage car tour and wine tasting.

São Miguel's crater lake of Sete Cidades
Map of The Azores, Lisbon & Porto - 11 Days
The Azores, Lisbon & Porto - 11 Days

Escape to the Azores on this 11-day itinerary that combines a remote island getaway with some of mainland Portugal's essential cultural highlights. Start in the Atlantic archipelago for four days of whale watching, caving, and hiking in the otherworldly landscapes of São Miguel Island. Then it's time to switch gears and head back to the mainland, where sightseeing, food tours, and wine tasting are on the menu as you make your way north from Lisbon to Porto.

Hike along volcanic craters in Sete Cidades
Map of Adventure to Lisbon & the Azores - 6 Days
Adventure to Lisbon & the Azores - 6 Days

In under a week, this adventurous itinerary takes you from the bustling streets of Lisbon to the remote Atlantic island of São Miguel. After visiting the highlights and hidden corners of Portugal's colorful capital, catch a flight to the Azores for three nights in a secluded paradise of lush greenery, volcanic lakes, and unspoiled beaches.

Go hiking along the mountainous trails of Sete Cidades in the Azores
Map of Adventure in Mainland Portugal & the Azores - 10 Days
Adventure in Mainland Portugal & the Azores - 10 Days

Explore the diverse coastal landscapes of the Algarve, the rich history and culture of Lisbon, and the natural wonders of the Azores with this 10-day adventure through Portugal. This active itinerary includes a kayaking expedition to the mesmerizing Benagil Cave, a challenging ascent to São Miguel's highest peak, and plenty of outdoor adventure. Get ready for a journey that will leave you with lifelong memories of Portugal's breathtaking landscapes and vibrant urban charm.

The emerald landscape of São Miguel Island
Portugal: The Azores, Lisbon & Porto - 14 Days

Spend two weeks taking in the best of Portugal's scenery, history, food, and wine. This trip begins with three days in the Azores on the gorgeous green isle of São Miguel; discover the charming city of Ponta Delgada, sample local delicacies, go whale watching, and admire the island on a fantastic hike. You'll then head to Lisbon for two days of city life, followed by a string of beautiful towns and UNESCO World Heritage sites. End your stay with time in Porto and enjoy tasting flights of incredible Porto wine in the sweeping romance of the Douro Valley. 

Sunset over the lagoons of São Miguel Island in the Azores
Map of Lisbon, Porto & the Azores - 12 Days
Lisbon, Porto & the Azores - 12 Days

This 12-day adventure checks off Portugal's classic highlights before escaping to the Azores' untamed nature and remote beauty. Embark on a perfect itinerary of day trips, culinary tours, and cultural excursions as you discover Lisbon and Porto, then set out across the Atlantic to explore volcanic valleys, crater lakes, and towering waterfalls on the island of São Miguel.

Play with the kids on the sandy beaches of the Azores
Map of Family Vacation in Portugal & the Azores  - 14 Days
Family Vacation in Portugal & the Azores - 14 Days

Get ready to check Portugal off your family's bucket list on this 14-day adventure! Start in Porto, where you'll take a foodie tour and try traditional Portuguese cuisine, cruise the river on a rabelo boat, and see the city via vintage car. Then it's off to Coimbra and Lisbon for tuk-tuk tours, the mysterious Mira De Aire Caves, and a day trip to whimsical Sintra. Finish up with a flight to the Azores for beach time, forest hikes, geothermal pools, and whale watching on São Miguel Island.

The magnificently situated town of Seixal on Madeira
Map of Explore the Beauty of Portugal: Lisbon, Madeira & São Miguel - 14 Days
Explore the Beauty of Portugal: Lisbon, Madeira & São Miguel - 14 Days

This captivating two-week trip through Portugal unlocks the diverse wonders of Lisbon, Madeira, and the Azores. Start in Lisbon to delve into the city's vibrant atmosphere, exploring hidden gems and the local way of life. Fly to Madeira, where 4WD safari tours unveil dramatic landscapes and enchanting terraces. End on the Azorean island of São Miguel, discovering geothermal wonders at Furnas, marveling at the beauty of Sete Cidades, and whale watching, horseback riding, and canyoning.

A scenic path along the coast of São Miguel Island
Map of Porto, Lisbon & the Azores - 13 Days
Porto, Lisbon & the Azores - 13 Days

Experience two vacations in one on this diverse 13-day journey through Portugal. Start on the mainland to tour the highlights of Lisbon and Porto (with a slew of fascinating day trips to the Douro Valley, Coimbra, and Sintra in between). Then it's time to jet off toward the remote Azores archipelago, where you'll spend four days exploring the volcanic landscapes, verdant scenery, and wild beaches of São Miguel Island.

Explore São Miguel, stopping at landmarks like the Lagoa das Sete Ciudades
Map of Highlights of Portugal & the Azores: Lisbon, Coimbra, Douro Valley, Porto & São Miguel - 16 Days
Highlights of Portugal & the Azores: Lisbon, Coimbra, Douro Valley, Porto & São Miguel - 16 Days

Explore the highlights of mainland Portugal and the Azores on this 16-day trip for food and nature lovers. Kick things off in Lisbon with a food tour and a home-cooked dinner with a local family, then discover the gardens and palaces of Sintra before picking up your rental car and driving to historic Coimbra. Sample local wine in the Douro Valley, and tour Porto in a vintage car, then fly to São Miguel to beach hop and explore the crater lakes by 4WD.

Other popular travel destinations in Portugal
Lisbon · Porto · Algarve · Alentejo · Évora · Douro Valley · Lagos · Sintra · Coimbra · Cascais · Madeira · Nazaré · São Miguel Island · Tomar · Funchal · Braga · Óbidos · Tavira · Sagres · Marvão · Guimarães · Peneda-Gerês National Park · Batalha · Mértola