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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.

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

Discover Parque Terra Nostra in the Furnas Valley on São Miguel
Map of 10 Days in the Azores - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in the Azores - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in the Azores, you can visit São Miguel and Pico islands or pair Porto or Lisbon with one of the Azorean islands without feeling rushed. Adventure seekers and nature lovers can take to the Azores for hiking, off-road excursions, and diving, while Porto offers gentler activities such as wine tasting and a riverboat cruise in the Douro Valley. Travelers wanting to hit the highlights of Portugal should explore Lisbon's food scene and take a day trip through the rural Alentejo region.

Hike for panoramic views of Lagoa do Fogo lake in São Miguel Island
Map of 1 Week in the Azores - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in the Azores - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas

One week in the Azores is enough time to cover one to three destinations. The islands are small, but your itinerary can be full of adventurous excursions or relaxing beach time, depending on your preferred pace. Focus on being in nature with snorkeling, whale watching, and hiking on São Miguel; discover the natural wonders and landscapes of the Furnas Valley and Terceira Island's rock pools; or experience São Miguel's culture through culinary-focused activities like eatery-hopping in downtown Ponta Delgada.

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.

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
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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 1 day 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 1 day 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...

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Travel specialist Pedro Luis
active 3 hours 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...

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Travel specialist Marta Trzeciakowska
active 3 hours ago

Marta Trzeciakowska

From a very young age, I have grown up in an international environment since my parents moved to Spain from Poland. This meant that every year we traveled across Europe to visit our family and...

read more...

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Trip Reviews for the Azores

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

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
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
Food
We had lunch in a local restuarant in Sete Ciudades - all traditional Azorean food that 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
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
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 :)

Great recommendations and communication
the Azores | Sep 20 - Sep 27, 2023

T
Tracey S.
Houston, TX | Reviewed on Sep 28, 2023

I usually do all my travel planning using a variety of websites but stumbled upon KimKim as I was planning a trip to the Azores. Our contact, Tiago, was very helpful and quicl to respond to questions. Every hotel we stayed at was incredible. The recommendations of things to do closely aligned with our interests. I will definitely use KimKim again.

Local specialist: Tiago Filipe
Tiago
Tiago Filipe
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Sep 28, 2023

Dear Tracey,

Many, many thanks for your words!

Truly happy that you enjoyed your stay in the Azores!

Hope you brought good memories back home!!

All the best,

Tiago

Really great trip!
the Azores | Sep 11 - Sep 25, 2023

Kimberly
Kimberly H.
Boulder, CO | Reviewed on Sep 27, 2023
Beatriz put together a wonderful trip for us, including the hotels and the activities. It was a nice mix of planned activities and days to ourselves just to explore. She was very responsive to in communication as we were planning the trip, and worked with us on glitches without any problem. I will definitely have Kim Kim put together other trips for us. Read more

Beatriz put together a wonderful trip for us, including the hotels and the activities. It was a nice mix of planned activities and days to ourselves just to explore. She was very responsive to in communication as we were planning the trip, and worked with us on glitches without any problem. I will definitely have Kim Kim put together other trips for us.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Do Colégio
Ponta Delgada

I enjoyed my stay at the Hotel Do Colégio in São Miguel Island. The location was excellent, situated right in the center of Ponta Delgada, making it easy to walk around town and visit the local Botanical Garden. The hotel was comfortable and met my expectations.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel
Furnas

The Terra Nostra Garden Hotel was a highlight of my trip. I insisted on making a reservation here due to my daughter's recommendation, and I'm glad I did. The gardens were fantastic, and the ambiance was truly unique. I felt this was worth the extra cost.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Terceira Mar Hotel
Angra do Heroismo

The Terceira Mar Hotel was a bit more of a resort-style accommodation, but it provided the relaxing vacation I was seeking. I loved being right by the water, being able to walk into town, and enjoying the feeling of having the beach all to ourselves.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Beatriz De Pablo Rocha
Beatriz
Beatriz De Pablo Rocha
Local specialist in Madrid | Replied on Sep 28, 2023

Hi Kim! Thank you so much for your kind words! It was super easy and truly a pleasure to work with you to create this itinerary. I hope you enjoyed the dreamy location that the Azores islands are, and hope you created lovely memories discovering them :) Sending you my best regards, Bea.