Azores, Portugal
"Bathe in volcanic hot springs in the Atlantic"
Azores at a glance
- Best time to go
- The Azores are mild all year, but June and September are often named the best all-round months. May and early June are commonly suggested for hydrangeas, green landscapes and whale watching. The weather changes quickly, so pack layers, and expect winter to be wetter with rougher seas.
- How long to stay
- We'd suggest about a week for São Miguel and one or two more islands (Lonely Planet's one-week route combines São Miguel, Terceira and Pico). Island-hopping across more islands takes longer, mostly because of flights and ferries.
- Who it's for
- Travellers who love hikes, crater lakes, hot springs and ocean views, and who don't mind changeable weather.
- Might not be for you if
- You want guaranteed sunshine or a classic beach holiday, or you'd rather not plan inter-island flights and ferries.
The Azores are a Portuguese archipelago of volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic. With crater lakes, hot springs, lush green landscapes, and excellent whale watching, these islands offer a unique European escape.
Best Time to Visit
May to September
May to September
The recommended period for the most pleasant weather and best overall experience.
Shoulder Season
Fewer crowds and better prices, with generally acceptable weather conditions.
Off-Peak
Lowest prices and emptiest attractions, though weather may be less predictable.
Getting Around
Each Azorean island is small enough to circle in a day — rental cars and inter-island flights are the norm.
🚗 Rental Car
Essential on São Miguel, Terceira, Pico, and Faial for reaching viewpoints and craters.
✈️ SATA Air Açores
Short hops between the nine islands, often 20–40 minutes.
⛴️ Atlânticoline Ferries
Ferries link the Triangle islands (Faial, Pico, São Jorge) daily in summer.
🚌 Local Bus
Cheap but infrequent — fine for São Miguel's main towns if you're not in a rush.
💡 Base yourself on São Miguel and add one flight to Pico or Flores — trying to island-hop all nine is exhausting.
Suggested Itineraries
Ponta Delgada
Arrival, old town.
Sete Cidades
Twin lakes, viewpoints.
Lagoa do Fogo
Crater lake swim.
Furnas
Hot springs, cozido lunch.
Fly to Pico
Vineyards (UNESCO) and volcano views.
Whale Watching
Boat trip from Pico.
Depart
Fly back via São Miguel.
🗺️ Overwhelmed? Pick your three most-wants and let the rest be delightful maybes. Sparks over stress, always.
Highlights
Must See
- Sete Cidades
- Furnas hot springs
- Lagoa do Fogo
- Whale watching tours
Local Cuisine
Insider Tip
Try Cozido das Furnas - a traditional stew slow-cooked underground using volcanic heat.
Azores travel questions, answered
When is the best time to visit the Azores?
June and September are often described as the best all-round months, with May and early June good for hydrangeas and green scenery. July and August are warm and the sea is calmer for boat trips, but busier. Winter is milder than you might expect but wetter, with rougher seas that can affect boat excursions.
When is whale watching season in the Azores?
Sources describe the main season as roughly April to September, with April and May often named as peak months, and some species can be seen at other times of year. Sea conditions are usually calmer in summer.
How do you travel between the Azores islands?
By inter-island flight or ferry. Flights are operated by Azores Airlines (SATA) and are often fully booked in peak season. Ferries connect Faial, Pico and São Jorge through the year, and Terceira and Graciosa by ferry from roughly June to September. You can see the routes and book on Ferryhopper's Atlânticoline page. Book early in summer.
Do you need a car in the Azores?
Many visitors rent one. Lonely Planet describes driving as the best way to get between the airports and the main towns on São Miguel-style itineraries. A car gives you the most flexibility for viewpoints, crater lakes and trailheads.
Details last checked 20 September 2026.