Things To Do
in Azores
The Azores are a remote Portuguese archipelago in the North Atlantic, comprised of volcanic islands renowned for lush green landscapes and dramatic coastlines. Expect crater lakes, geothermal springs, and rugged cliffs that rise from deep blue seas. The climate is mild and humid, with sea breezes that keep temperatures pleasant most of the year.
Each island has its own character, from São Miguel’s emerald lakes and Furnas valleys to Pico’s winelands and Faial’s marina towns.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down at João Paulo II Airport and settle into a charming pousada in Ponta Delgada. Enjoy a traditional Azorean breakfast of fresh cheese, honey, and pineapple juice at a seaside café. Wander the cobblestone streets and admire pastel-colored façades while popping into artisan shops.
Join a guided walking tour through the historic centre, visiting the City Gates and Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião. Sample sweet queijadas at Mercado da Graça and browse stalls brimming with local produce. Relax in the lush Jardim António Borges, wandering hidden paths among exotic plants.
Dine at a waterfront restaurant, savoring grilled limpets and freshly caught sea bass. Watch the sun dip below the Atlantic horizon from the marina promenade. End the night with a glass of volcanic Verdelho wine in a cozy bar near the harbor.
Drive to Furnas through emerald hills dotted with tea plantations and volcanic fumaroles. Dig your toes in the steaming ground at Caldeiras das Furnas and sample the hot mineral waters. Savor a simple picnic of fresh bread, cheese, and local chouriço by a bubbling hot spring.
Wander the enchanting Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens, surrounded by centuries-old trees and vibrant flowerbeds. Take a warming dip in its iron-rich thermal pool under the canopy of lush greenery. Learn about endemic plants and the gardens’ unique microclimate from a guide.
Have dinner at a traditional restaurant serving cozido das Furnas, a stew slow-cooked in volcanic earth. Sip on a glass of local sweet vinho de lava as you listen to soft fado music. Cap off the night with star-gazing by the lake’s misty shore.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🥐Coffee and pastry | $3-5 |
| 🥗Lunch (mid-range restaurant) | $12-20 |
| 🏨Hotel per night (mid-range) | $80-150 |
| 🚕Taxi or short ride | $6-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural landscapes and year-round mild climate
- Good inter-island connectivity and short travel times
- Rich seafood cuisine and welcoming locals
- Wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking to whale-watching
- Nightlife can be quieter than mainland Europe
- Some islands require flights or ferries to reach
- Weather can be highly variable and change rapidly
- Prices can be higher in tourist hotspots during peak season
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Desculpe" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Azores
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic viewpoint over the twin lakes and green-and-blue caldera—best at sunrise or sunset.
Panoramic crater-lake scenery with rugged lava formations and sweeping ocean backdrop.
Forest-framed waterfall and steaming fumaroles; a dramatic composite of water and steam for moody shots.
Coastal viewpoints with dramatic cliffs, sea stacks, and vibrant sunsets.
Historic architecture, marina activity, and seafront streets—great for street and dusk photography.
Food in Azores
Azores Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow-cooked stew in volcanic heat featuring meat, sausage, potatoes, and vegetables from Furnas.
Must-Try!
A traditional fish stew with potatoes, onions, peppers, and herbs.
Grilled limpets with garlic butter, a coastal specialty.
Fluffy, bread-like breakfast rolls often enjoyed with regional cheese or jam.
Slow-cooked beef stew with wine, garlic and spices; widely available island-wide.
Delicate custard tarts popular on São Miguel for a light dessert.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market with fresh fish, produce, cheeses, breads, and regional snacks.
Small markets offering local cheeses, butter, figs, and handmade pastries.
Look for grilled lapas (limpets), seafood skewers, and simple pastries near the waterfront.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A simple hello (Olá) or good morning (Bom dia) is appreciated. A handshake is common in formal settings.
Portuguese is the primary language; learning a few phrases is helpful and shows respect.
Dress modestly and speak softly in churches and sanctuaries; photography may be restricted in some places.
Take care in rural areas, stick to marked trails, and avoid disturbing wildlife and flora.
Safety
Tipping in Azores
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary but not mandatory; 5-10% is appropriate if service charge isn’t included.
Credit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments common; small towns may prefer cash at markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, pleasant days with sea breeze; occasional afternoon showers. Peak ferry and flight activity between islands; great for hiking and boat trips.
Milder days with increased rainfall and lush foliage; ideal for photography and fewer crowds. Keep waterproofs handy for coastal hikes.
Cooler and wetter, with occasional strong Atlantic storms. Sea conditions can be dramatic; many trails stay open but be cautious of wind and rain.
Vibrant landscapes as wildflowers bloom; comfortable temperatures and improving weather for island hopping and hiking.
Azores at Night
Hiking in Azores
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Moderate hike around the crater rim with sweeping crater-lake views.
Coastal and crater rim routes offering dramatic lake vistas.
Waterfalls, lush forest, and historical mills with scenic overlooks.
Airports
How to reach Azores by plane.
Major hub on São Miguel; frequent inter-island flights and some international flights.
Terceira Island airport serving inter-island and some international routes; important transit point.
Santa Maria Island gateway with seasonal connections and regional flights.
Pico Island airport for island transfers, especially to the western group.
Faial Island airport serving inter-island connections and regional traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Longstanding residents with strong family ties and regional pride.
Long-term residents who migrate seasonally or settle for the lifestyle.
Tourists drawn to natural beauty, whale watching, and island culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
One of the Azores' signature activities, available year-round with seasonal peaks.
Popular at Santa Bárbara Beach (São Miguel) with suitable offshore conditions and rental shops.
Extensive volcanic landscapes, crater lakes, and coastal routes across multiple islands.
Clear Atlantic water with lava formations, reef flora, and abundant marine life.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Azores.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Rely on market-fresh vegetables, dairy, legumes, and baked goods; ask for vegetable-based stews and sides; many places can adapt seafood-free dishes.
Plant-based options exist in larger towns; emphasize fresh vegetables, beans, grains, and olive oil; confirm dressings and broths are not meat-based.
Some bakeries offer gluten-free bread and pastries; request cross-contamination guidance when dining out.