Discover the best islands of the Azores

The Azores archipelago is made up of 9 islands, located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. It is about 1,450 km away from Lisbon. To get there, almost all flights are from mainland Portugal to the archipelago with a few exceptions.

The best islands of the Azores

Generally, the flights head to the capital Ponta Delgada, in the island of São Miguel. However, there are also options from mainland Portugal to Vila das Lajes, on Terceira island. Flights between the islands are operated by Azores Airlines.

Once in the archipelago, it is important to know the names of the islands of the Azores. Let’s go to the list:

• Santa Maria Island
• São Miguel Island
• Terceira Islands
• Faial Island
• São Jorge Island
• Flores Island
• Corvo Island

What to do in the Azores Islands?

Among all the islands in the Atlantic, the islands of the Azores have a very special appeal. It is possible to do everything there, from gastronomy to culture, from lazy to adventure activities. Each place has its charm so, if possible, visit them all!

Santa Maria Island

In Santa Maria island, there are beaches and slopes covered with vineyards. They form amazing amphitheaters that resemble staircases for giants, some would say.

São Miguel Island

São Miguel is the largest of the Azores islands. The place is truly charming with its Lagoas das Sete Cidades (Seven cities lakes). It has the so-called Fire of Geysers, in the hot springs and volcanic lakes. You must try the traditional Cozido das Furnas, which is prepared underground with the thermal heat.

Terceira Islands

Terceira, São Jorge, Pico, Faial and Graciosa Islands are where whales and dolphins usually delight tourists. Terceira Island has a lot of history in the Angra do Heroísmo region, which is classified as a World Heritage Site. The place is also delightful for its parties!

Faial Island

Faial is taken over by hydrangeas. It is the greatest representation of the colors of the Azores Islands. In its marina, you see colorful sailboats and yachts like paintings from all over the world. The Capelinhos volcano, now extinct, resembles a lunar landscape. Right in front is Pico Island. It is a mountain that rises from the sea, currently with its vineyards planted in the black fields formed by lava.

São Jorge Island

In São Jorge, the highlight goes to the Fajãs and to the cheese. São Jorge Island cheese is a unique specialty with an unmistakable flavor. Graciosa (Graceful) in name and appearance, this green island has fields covered with vineyards, which contrast with its peculiar windmills.

Flores Island

Flores (Flowers) Island is the perfect place to explore nature. It is formed by natural waterfalls and lagoons excavated by volcanoes.

Corvo Island

Finally, Corvo Island, home to several birds from both Europe and the Americas. The Caldeirão do Corvo is located in a protected area. It is a collapse caldera, located on top of the central volcano. There is a trail that allows access to this, which is one of the main geosites on the island.

Trip to the Azores Islands

The Azores Islands are destinations that offer many viewpoints and trails, and provide activities such as biking, fishing, canoeing, golf, horseback riding, paragliding, diving, surfing and a world of options.

For a trip to the Azores Islands, it is recommended to bring light clothes, such as sportswear, protection such as a cap or hat, a raincoat, and of course a comfortable pair of sneakers.

The cost of accommodation in Azores varies between €35 and €85 in a 3-star hotel. Public transport in the Azores costs around €1.5 for a one-way ticket. The price for renting a car is in the range of €25 per day. For moderate tourists, daily food costs are in the range of €15 per meal.

History of the Azores Islands

The history of the Azores began with the Portuguese Diogo de Sagres, who discovered the archipelago in the 15th century, around the year 1427. One of the theories for the name Azores (Açores in Portuguese) comes from the kite, a bird of prey that lived on the islands and was mistaken for another bird, the Açor (Northern goshawk).

At the time of its discovery, the Azores islands were not inhabited. From the arrival of the first ships, the islands then began to be populated with the first expeditions made by Portuguese sailors.

The Battle of Terceira in the Azores Islands

Diogo de Sagres was responsible for the opening of this archipelago, which began to be explored by other sailors from the Algarve and Alentejo. It was mainland Portugal that colonized the whole region.

With the appearance of the French, Dutch and Spanish, and their subsequent attempts to exploit the region, one of the most important battles ever fought on the high seas, the Battle of Terceira, was unleashed. Interestingly, it was a battle between the Spanish and the French.

In the 19th century, with the Portuguese civil war, the region experienced great instability. In Vila da Praia, in Terceira island again, there was a great battle in which the liberals won the absolutists. Thereby, Terceira island became a headquarters for the new Portuguese regime.

Finally, in the 20th century, in 1976, the Azores constitute an autonomous community, formed by the following islands:

• São Miguel and its 130,000 inhabitants;
• Terceira with its 60,000 inhabitants;
• Faial and its 15,000 inhabitants;
• Pico Island with 15,000 inhabitants;
• São Jorge with around 10,000 inhabitants;
• Santa Maria Island with just over 600 inhabitants;
• The islands of Graciosa and Flores with 5,000 inhabitants in total;
• Corvo Island with just under 1000.

In São Miguel, the most populated island, is Ponta Delgada, the capital of the Azores.

Discover also the history of Madeira Island.

Discover the Azores Islands

Azores is an incredible destination for its natural beauty, with several beaches, waterfalls, and volcanic lakes and for its variety of activities related to ecotourism as well as visits to vineyards and festivities.

It is a destination that attracts different types of public and provides a fantastic experience to those who visit.