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Nine incredibly diverse and unique islands make up the Azores; how are you supposed to pick the best Azores island to visit? I would say to ask a local, but Azoreans tend to be a tad biased about which island is the best. Instead, it’s best to choose islands based on your interests. I’ve visited the Azores quite a bit, and it’s difficult for me to pick a favorite. While I could easily give a biased opinion based on the islands my family is from, I find that each one has its special charm.
Let’s dive into what makes each island special and some of the top things to do there. With this intention, it will help you determine which island is best to visit based on your interests.
São Miguel
São Miguel is known for being the largest and most populous island in the Azores, along with its beautiful landscapes and thermal activity. This is one of the most popular islands for tourists and is one of the most accessible and advanced out of all the islands. Also, it’s recognized as the green island for its lush landscapes and azure lakes. São Miguel is the best island to visit if you want a one-stop shop to experience a wide breadth of what the Azores has to offer, with an emphasis on nature, while having access to a multitude of dining, accommodation, and activity options.
My top 3 things to do in São Miguel:
- Enjoy the views at Sete Cidades
- Soak in hot springs and eat a meal cooked underground in Furnas
- Explore the architecture, markets, and cuisine in Ponta Delgada
Terceira
Terceira is known for its bullfights, rich history, and being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the third largest island, Terceira is also popular with tourists especially since it has one of the few international airports in the Azores (like São Miguel). Terceira is the perfect island to visit for history lovers and those who want to connect with the culture through local festivals.
My top 3 things to do in Terceira:
- Visit the churches in the Azores’ oldest city, Angra do Heroísmo
- Experience one of the festas with its parades, music, and bullfights
- Explore the caves and lava tubes like Algar do Carvão and Gruta do Natal
Pico
Pico is known for its towering volcano, wine, and UNESCO Heritage vineyards. Being Portugal’s highest peak, Mount Pico is popular for hikers looking to reach the top and get panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and islands. That is to say, Pico is the best island to visit for mountain hikers and wine enthusiasts.
My top 3 things to do in Pico:
- Climb Mount Pico
- Explore the vineyards and taste some local wine
- Learn about the traditional whaling heritage at one of the whaling museums
São Jorge
São Jorge is known for its fajas (coastal plateaus), dramatic cliffs, great hiking, and cheese. The island seems to move at a bit of a slower pace but still has plenty to offer for outdoor adventures. São Jorge is also another island option if you want to experience the traditional Azorean-style bullfights. São Jorge is the best island to visit for cheese lovers and hikers looking for a wide range of hiking trails that are significantly less crowded than those found on the larger islands.
My top 3 things to do in São Jorge:
- Hike the Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo and Fajã dos Cubres
- Visit the Cheese Factories in Beira and Topo
- Visit one of the few coffee plantations in Europe at Cafe Nunes in Faja dos Vimes
Faial
Faial is known for its beautiful marina and rich maritime history. Called the Blue Island, Faial is recognized for its azure waters and vibrant marina with murals painted by visiting sailors. The island’s main town, Horta, boasts a charming waterfront that is also home to the emblematic café, Peter Café Sport. Travelers should visit Faial if they enjoy sailing culture, oceanic exploration, and hiking.
My top 3 things to do in Faial:
- Stroll along the marina in Horta
- Swim in the natural pools in Varadouro or the Almoxarife area
- Experience the Capelinhos Volcano and learn about it at the interpretation center
Flores
Flores is known for its abundant flora, waterfalls, lakes, and lush landscape. Along with Corvo, Flores island is one of the furthest islands from mainland Portugal. Given that, the remoteness comes with pristine and untouched natural beauty. Undeniably, the island is especially vibrant when the national Azores flowers, the hydrangea, are in full bloom on the island. Flores is the best island to visit if you’re an outdoor enthusiast seeking unspoiled landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and scenic hiking.
My top 3 things to do in Flores:
- Visit all seven lakes on the island
- Marvel at the basalt rock formations of Rocha dos Bordões
- Chase waterfalls like Ribeira Grande, Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro, and Poço do Bacalhau
Santa Maria
Santa Maria is known for its sandy beaches, warm weather, and unique geological formations. It is one of the smaller and more isolated islands in the Azores, which means it tends to be much quieter than many of the other islands. If you are looking to enjoy the beach with good weather and without crowds, Santa Maria may be the best island to visit.
My top 3 things to do in Santa Maria:
- Enjoy one of the few white sand beaches in the Azores, Praia Formosa
- See the stark contrast of the red desert landscape of the Barreiro da Faneca
- Discover one of the tallest waterfalls in Portugal, Cascata do Aveiro
Graciosa
Graciosa is known for its peaceful ambiance, rural charm, and unique underground volcanic caves. Additionally, the island is exceptional for fishing and scuba diving and is classified as a World Biosphere Reserve. Graciosa, translating to “graceful” in Portuguese, lives up to its name with a tranquil setting dotted by charming windmills. If you are looking for peace and quiet to soak in the stunning natural scenery, Graciosa is a great pick.
My top 3 things to do in Graciosa:
- Satisfy your sweet tooth at the queijadas da Graciosa factory
- Venture into the Furna do Enxofre, a volcanic cave filled with a stunning lagoon and unique rock formations.
- Soak in the views of Caldeira da Graciosa, classified as a regional natural monument
Corvo
Corvo is known for its tranquility as the smallest and most remote island and for its birdwatching. Being so quiet, there is not too much to do on Corvo island to spend multiple days there, but it is a good option to visit from Flores island by boat. Corvo is a great pick for off-the-beaten-path travelers seeking remote tranquility, birdwatching, and authentic island life.
My top 3 things to do in Corvo:
- Explore/hike the Caldeirão
- See the old windmills
- Stroll the streets of the only settlement on the island, Vila do Corvo
My Recommendations
The question of which Azores island is the best to visit can only elicit a subjective answer. Hopefully, this breakdown by island helps you identify the best island to visit based on your preferences.
In my personal opinion, I think everyone should visit São Miguel island during their first visit to the Azores. This is, of course, made easy with it being the most accessible with its international airport and flight options. From there, if visitors have the opportunity to island hop a bit, I’d recommend choosing islands based on your interests. However, if nothing is pulling you to particular islands, I recommend visiting the central cluster of five islands. More specifically, the “triangle islands” of Pico, Faial, and São Jorge are extremely easy to island-hop between by using the Atlanticoline ferry.
Other aspects to take into consideration are how you are getting to the Azores, the season you’re visiting in, and your budget. No matter which islands you choose, I feel confident you will have a unique and unforgettable adventure making you fall in love with the Azores.