Personalized trips to the Azores
for independent travelers

How it works
Chat with specialist icon Step 1
Tell us what kind of trip you want
Complete our quick travel quiz
Chat icons Step 2
Chat with a local travel specialist
Work out the details together
Credit card icon Step 3
Securely book your trip
100% satisfaction guaranteed

Travelers love kimkim

- ., traveled to in

Introducing the Azores

Dormant volcanoes, lush vegetation, great hikes, and dramatic views are attracting a fast-growing number of travelers to this archipelago of 9 volcanic islands in the North Atlantic.

Best time to visit
While the Azores can be visited year-round, the climate is best from March to October, with the peak summer months (July and August) attracting the biggest crowds. March to June are best for watching dolphins and whales.  

Things to do
Adventure seekers and families alike visit the Azores for world-class whale watching, hiking, and mountain biking on trails with sweeping views, canoeing in volcanic lakes, and canyoning through beautiful waterfalls. To recharge after these adventures, enjoy food cooked in the ground using the energy of volcanoes, stroll through romantic gardens and enjoy a nice glass of Azorean wine by the ocean. 

How to get to the Azores
With many direct flights from Europe (2 - 5 hour flights depending on where you fly from) and an increasing number of direct flights from the US (only 4 hours from Boston) the Azores are easy to reach.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 7 days · 10 days

The Azores Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Hike around the caldera at Sete Cidades
Map of Azores Adventure: Best of São Miguel - 7 Days
Azores Adventure: Best of São Miguel - 7 Days

São Miguel is the biggest of the nine islands that compose the Azores archipelago, and you'll spend a week getting to know its lakes, towns, and geothermal calderas on this guided tour. From your base in beautiful Ponta Delgada, discover the island's highlights and hidden gems through hiking, cycling, and off-roading expeditions—with plenty of time to relax in natural hot pools and beaches along the way.

Sunset over the coastline of Terceira
Map of Self-Drive Azores Adventure: São Miguel & Terceira - 8 Days
Self-Drive Azores Adventure: São Miguel & Terceira - 8 Days

The volcanic landscape of the Azores archipelago is a nature lover's paradise. Begin on São Miguel, which is a hot spot of geothermal activity. Dip in thermal springs, kayak across a lagoon, and eat stew cooked from the heat of rocks before flying to the smaller but equally lush island of Terceira nearby. Marvel at Terceira's brightly colored buildings, relax on its epic lava formations, and get lost in the fog of its ancient laurel forest.

Sete Cidades in São Miguel Island
Map of Island Hopping in the Azores: São Miguel, Faial, Pico & Terceira - 15 Days
Island Hopping in the Azores: São Miguel, Faial, Pico & Terceira - 15 Days

Explore the volcanic landscapes of the Azores on this 15-day self-driving tour that highlights four of the Portuguese archipelago's islands. Start in São Miguel, where you'll kayak across crater lakes and try stew made with geothermal heat. Then, hop between Faial, Pico, and Terceira to hike dormant volcanoes, explore deep magma chambers, and swim in natural pools made of solidified lava.

Drive at your own pace along the stunning  São Miguel coastline
Map of Natural Wonders of the Azores: São Miguel & Terceira – 7 Days
Natural Wonders of the Azores: São Miguel & Terceira – 7 Days

Discover the stunning beauty of two islands in the Azores during this weeklong tour. First, touch down on the largest island in the archipelago, São Miguel. With a rental car, you'll hike and kayak among shimmering crater lakes, soak in hot springs, and explore the Furnas Valley's geothermal landscapes. Finish on Terceira Island, where you'll stay in the UNESCO-listed city of Angra do Heroísmo, check out colorful temples, and bathe in pristine rock pools.

Immerse yourself in the volcanic landscapes of Pico Island
Map of Azores Two-Island Adventure: São Miguel & Pico - 10 Days
Azores Two-Island Adventure: São Miguel & Pico - 10 Days

Escape to one of Europe's most remote and remarkable corners on this active 10-day tour of the Azores. Start on the Atlantic archipelago's largest island of São Miguel, where you'll discover its dramatic volcanic landscapes with 4WD and hiking tours, then hit the water for whale watching and diving experiences. Get off the beaten path next as you hop over to Pico, exploring this sparsely-populated island with a trek up Portugal's highest peak and a tasting tour of its UNESCO-listed vineyards.

Drive yourself to several stunning hiking trails on São Miguel Island
Map of Best of the Azores & Lisbon – 10 Days
Best of the Azores & Lisbon – 10 Days

This 10-day tour combines cultural activities in Lisbon and gorgeous landscapes in the Azores for a trip of a lifetime. Land on São Miguel Island, where you'll hike to sparkling crater lakes, laze on volcanic beaches, soak in thermal pools, and join a range of diving excursions and whale watching trips. Continue the adventure in Portugal's vibrant capital, Lisbon, to sample food with a local expert, explore hip neighborhoods, and take a day trip through the rural Alentejo region.

The Azores Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Our Latest the Azores Content

Savor fresh shellfish, local wines, and artisan cheeses on this food-focused tour of the Azores
Map of Cuisine & Culture in the Azores - 5 Days
Cuisine & Culture in the Azores - 5 Days

Explore the Azorean island of São Miguel through your taste buds on this five-day culinary adventure. Visit one of Europe's only tea plantations, get hands-on as you learn to whip up local dishes cooked with volcanic heat, and try the archipelago's tastiest offerings—from local wines to artisan cheeses and fresh seafood. In between memorable meals, hike along the rim of a crater, swim in hot springs by night, and witness smoking fumaroles and calderas in the geothermal Furnas Valley.

Split your time between the islands of São Miguel and Terceira
Map of Best of the Azores: São Miguel & Terceira - 5 Days
Best of the Azores: São Miguel & Terceira - 5 Days

This five-day itinerary combines two Azorean islands for a quick taste of the archipelago's landscapes and culture. Start on São Miguel with a tour of its natural highlights and a kayaking adventure on its famous lagoons. After exploring the hot springs and mud pits of the Furnas Valley, hop over to Terceira, a peaceful island known for its lush climate and sustainable agriculture. Here, you'll visit a working farm, try your hand at milking a cow, and sample local dishes and wines on a gastronomic tour.

Get behind the wheel and explore the incredible landscapes of São Miguel
Map of Azores Self-Drive Adventure: São Miguel Island - 5 Days
Azores Self-Drive Adventure: São Miguel Island - 5 Days

Choose your own adventure on this five-day road trip around the Azores' largest island. You'll have all of São Miguel at your fingertips as you get behind the wheel to seek out pineapple plantations, explore ancient lava tubes, and soak in the many hot springs that are scattered around the island. But it won't be all about driving. You'll also have the opportunity to go on a whale watching excursion, kayak within a volcanic caldera, or join an exhilarating canyoning tour.

the Azores Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 1 Week in the Azores - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in the Azores - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 10 Days in the Azores - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in the Azores - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map Azores Adventure: Best of São Miguel - 7 Days
Azores Adventure: Best of São Miguel - 7 Days
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for the Azores
Travel specialist Marina Courtaut
active 3 mins ago

Marina Courtaut

Can you think of a better way to live adventures than traveling? When we travel we open our minds to new experiences and learn new cultures by making the destination we visited our home for a...

read more...
Travel specialist Beatriz De Pablo Rocha
active 3 mins ago

Beatriz De Pablo Rocha

The combination of the two places where I grew up (Madrid and a small village in Badajoz, Extremadura) has made me a passionate traveler almost from birth. Unknown destinations visited by travelers...

read more...
Travel specialist Pedro Luis
active 1 hour ago

Pedro Luis

Hello everyone :) Every single time I have the opportunity to travel, my goal is to fully experience the destination. I truly believe that the essence, the context & the materialization are the...

read more...
Travel specialist Tiago Filipe
active 11 hours ago

Tiago Filipe

I've always traveled extensively with my family and from a very early age developed a strong taste for it. Portuguese were once sailors and discoverers and I like to think of myself as one too: a...

read more...

Related Destinations

Travelers who visit the Azores also visit these destinations

Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan

Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

Secure & easy booking

Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.

100% satisfaction guarantee
Kimkim offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not fully satisfied with us, we’ll work with you to make it right.
kimkim trips are 100% climate neutral
A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
BBB A+ rated

Kimkim is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.

Seller of Travel Registration number: CST #2136279-40.
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

Trip Reviews for the Azores

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Fantastic experience traveling with Kim Kim
the Azores | Dec 20 - Dec 28, 2023

Rafael
Rafael M.
Japan | Reviewed on Jan 04, 2024
Just finished a trip to Terceira and Sāo Miguel, organized by Tiago from Kim Kim and I highly recommend it to anybody interested in doing a self-guided experience. Tiago's expertise was critical to help us make the best of our trip. he was patient, knowledgeable and very accommodating to our group's needs (which were a lot since we had 5 people). He even created a WhatsApp group so we could stay connected and checked up on us often to make sure that we provided all the information we... Read more

Just finished a trip to Terceira and Sāo Miguel, organized by Tiago from Kim Kim and I highly recommend it to anybody interested in doing a self-guided experience.

Tiago's expertise was critical to help us make the best of our trip. he was patient, knowledgeable and very accommodating to our group's needs (which were a lot since we had 5 people). He even created a WhatsApp group so we could stay connected and checked up on us often to make sure that we provided all the information we needed and that everything was going well during our trip.

Both islands were amazing and the hikes suggested by Tiago were unbelievable. We were lucky in that the weather cooperated a lot and we were able to do almost everything int he agenda that Tiago prepared. Some of the places we went to (like the volcanic rock pools in Terceira) we wouldn't have known about if it wasn't for Tiago's recommendations.

Our group traveled to the Azores in December (low season), which was great weather wise (not too cold), but I definitely want to go back in May (high season) to fully appreciate the beauty of the natural flowers that were not in bloom during our trip.

Hotel Review
Senhora da Rosa Tradition & Nature Hotel
Ponta Delgada

Great experience staying at Senhora da Rosa Tradition & Nature Hotel. The building is beautiful and the rooms were gorgeous. Everything was very unique and it felt very special. We ate at both restaurants within the hotel on different days and the food was fantastic. They also have a bar which made great cocktails. We all wanted to try some of the amazing treatments offered at their SPA, but because it was low season (we were there during Christmas) there wasn't a lot of availability when we arrived. Also, we had a pretty tight schedule so our options were limited.

Authenticity & Character
Location
The hotel is not located in the center of town, so a car is definitely needed, but it was less than a 10 minute drive to get to any place within the town of Ponta Delgada. I also liked that it was sort of removed from the main streets, which made the hotel and the vibe very peaceful.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Canyoning in the Azores
Canyoning in the Azores
the Azores

I loved this canyoning experience at Azores. Because of the time of the year when went, they only had the short time options, but I definitely would have done the longer one if it was offered. Our guides, Pauhlo and Carolina were amazing. They were very patient with the group and made sure that everybody felt safe and comfortable. The location was incredible, with amazing vegetation. m.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Tiago Filipe
Tiago
Tiago Filipe
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Jan 04, 2024
Dear Rafael, Thank you so much for your feedback! It was a pleasure having you although we didn't get to meet face to face, and I must say I'm very sorry for that because I immediately realized that you were a great team!! I was actually in the Azores a few days after your departure for the New Year's! I truly love that place and although I've been there many times I just don't seem to get enough of it!! I thought about sending you a picture just like the one you sent me the 5 of you in... Read more

Dear Rafael,

Thank you so much for your feedback! It was a pleasure having you although we didn't get to meet face to face, and I must say I'm very sorry for that because I immediately realized that you were a great team!!

I was actually in the Azores a few days after your departure for the New Year's! I truly love that place and although I've been there many times I just don't seem to get enough of it!!

I thought about sending you a picture just like the one you sent me the 5 of you in the pool at the Terra Nostra central pool, but unfortunately it was drizzling a bit so I couldn't take pictures! But I really thought about it!!

I wish you a great 2024 and please extend these greetings to the rest of the group!

Best,

Tiago

Unforgettable trip tailor-made by an attentive and knowledgeable local specialist
the Azores | Dec 20 - Dec 28, 2023

Isabela
Isabela V.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Dec 29, 2023
We couldn’t be more pleased with our trip to the Azores, we had never been and had little knowledge of the islands so we were very grateful to have a local assist us in the planning. Tiago was attentive and scheduled the trip according to our wants and wishes, he provided an itinerary and also suggested other things we could do if we had extra time or were interested. During our time in the Azores he circled back and checked in to see if everything was going well and if we needed anything... Read more

We couldn’t be more pleased with our trip to the Azores, we had never been and had little knowledge of the islands so we were very grateful to have a local assist us in the planning. Tiago was attentive and scheduled the trip according to our wants and wishes, he provided an itinerary and also suggested other things we could do if we had extra time or were interested. During our time in the Azores he circled back and checked in to see if everything was going well and if we needed anything else. Would absolutely recommend to anyone, because I do believe that working with a local provided us with a better insight of the place and we were given name of restaurants and/ or trails and sights worth visiting.

Activity Review
Canyoning in the Azores
Canyoning in the Azores
the Azores

Absolutelly recommend the canyoning activity with Active Blueberry! We had 2 instructors with us, they were sure everyone was safe and felt secure to make the jumps, they accommodated to people who didn’t want to jump or were a little hesitant. Furthermore they were knowledgeable and very professional and we were very pleased and would do this activity again because of the lush and beautiful scenery.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Tiago Filipe
Tiago
Tiago Filipe
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Dec 30, 2023

Dear Isabela and family!

You're just too sweet. I do believe that I worked to meet your expectations, but the fact that you're so nice and easy going people made everything much simpler!!

Thank you for being kind, interested and for your constant feedback!!

I only wish we had spent some time together in the Azores!!

Please send my regards to Paulina, Cristina, Rafael and Eugenia. You are a great family!!

A happy 2024 to you all!

Best,

Tiago

A relaxing time in Sao Miguel
the Azores | Oct 8 - Oct 12, 2023

Noelle
Noelle F.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Oct 15, 2023
We had a very relaxing time in Sao Miguel. The weather cooperated (sort of) for most of our time here. Highlights for us were the hotel (Terra Nostra) in Furnas, and our private tour of Set Ciudades with Natacha. We had 24 hour access to the thermal pool and Botanical garden, which was wonderful. The restaurant was also top notch. Read more

We had a very relaxing time in Sao Miguel. The weather cooperated (sort of) for most of our time here. Highlights for us were the hotel (Terra Nostra) in Furnas, and our private tour of Set Ciudades with Natacha. We had 24 hour access to the thermal pool and Botanical garden, which was wonderful. The restaurant was also top notch.

Hotel Review
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel
Furnas

This hotel is solely focused on relaxation and high quality service. We loved having 24 hr access to the thermal pool and botanical garden, which allowed us to use both without the crowds. The restaurant was also excellent - we at there for almost every meal and were never disappointed.

Authenticity & Character
The grounds and the restaurant are wonderful. The rooms are clean.
Location
Access to the botanical gardens is wonderful.
Staff
Service is clearly a focus for this hotel - it shows in all of the interactions we had.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Whale Watching in the Azores
Whale Watching in the Azores
São Miguel Island

Caveat for this review - our tour was eventually cancelled (hence the 3 stars). That said, I will definitely try a whale watching tour with this company if I return to Sao Miguel. The staff is very professional, clearly focused on conservation and learning about the animals. The briefing was very thorough and the focus on safety is also very clear. We suited up and actually went out of the marina into choppy water (we were told that up front). The swells were bigger than anticipated (8-10 ft - my estimate), and the captain very quickly turned us around for safety reasons.

Quality of Experience
Nothing in the companies control - the weather wasn't great on the day I went
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Clearly very knowledgeable and committed.
Transport
Sete Ciudades Jeep & Hike Adventure Full Day
Sete Ciudades Jeep & Hike Adventure Full Day
São Miguel Island

Natacha was just amazing. She took the time up front to understand what we were looking for and then modified the tour as appropriate. Given the unpredictable nature of the weather on Sao Miguel, she maximized our day to take advantage of the "breaks" in our overcast day, and we really got to know a lot about the culture of the Azores as well as the physical beauty.

Quality of Experience
The whole day was great
Guides, Drivers and Staff
We really hit it off with Natacha - she clearly loves Sao Miguel and showed us so many things.
Transport
Local specialist: Marina Courtaut
Marina
Marina Courtaut
Local specialist in Madrid | Replied on Oct 17, 2023

Hi Noelle,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write your trip to the Azores review! I am glad you enjoyed your stay at Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, I am sure it was nice to relax after your trip to Spain :)I will pass on your kind words to Natacha. I am sorry you could not see the whales due to the weather and I hope you can come back to the Azores to see these magnificent animals. My warmest regards, Marina from the Espiritu Travel family :)