Discover the Azores: Portugal's Nine Volcanic Islands, a Traveler's Dream
Three years ago, the Azores Islands were a hidden gem few at Travelzoo had explored. Today, they're one of our top destinations, captivating visitors with unspoiled landscapes, warm locals, and breathtaking beauty. Named a must-visit in 2017 by Travel + Leisure, Huffington Post, Fodor’s, and Condé Nast Traveler, these islands embody the essence of authentic travel.
This Portuguese archipelago in the mid-Atlantic comprises nine volcanic islands—think Hawaii with fewer beaches and crowds. Each offers distinct culture, cuisine, traditions, and scenery, making them ideal standalone escapes.
São Miguel: The Green Island
Known as the Green Island for its verdant hills and lush terrain, São Miguel is the largest and most popular Azores island. Iconic sights include the crater lakes of Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo. Ponta Delgada, the archipelago's capital, charms with cobblestone streets, café-lined promenades, and a vibrant food scene. Geothermal wonders provide year-round hot springs for swimming along rocky coasts or inland spas.
Pico: The Grey Island
Pico's black volcanic soils nurture UNESCO-protected lava rock vineyards producing exceptional reds and whites beneath Mount Pico, Portugal's highest peak at over 7,700 feet. Explore one of the world's longest lava tubes, featuring pristine stalactites untouched by artificial light.
Terceira: The Purple Island
Terceira's patchwork fields and cow-dotted meadows evoke Ireland. UNESCO-listed Angra do Heroísmo boasts Renaissance architecture with purple-hued facades on winding cobblestone streets. Inside, Algar do Carvão volcano reveals massive stalactites in a walkable chimney.
Faial: The Blue Island
Summer brings a blue hydrangea explosion across Faial, a historic Atlantic port. Horta's harbor buzzes with global sailors sharing tales amid cosmopolitan eateries, with Mount Pico views across the bay.
São Jorge: The Brown Island
São Jorge's dramatic mountains plunge into ravines, cliffs, lakes, and lava-formed fajãs. Fertile brown soils attract adventurers for hiking, canyoning, mountain biking, canoeing, and caving.
Flores: The Pink Island
Flores ("Flowers") enchants with goldenrods, pink and blue hydrangeas—a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. High rainfall feeds lagoons, crater lakes, and waterfalls, drawing nature lovers.
Santa Maria: The Yellow Island
The archipelago's oldest "mother island" features yellow sands, warm waters, and flatter terrain. Limewashed villages and green forests mirror Portugal's Algarve.
Graciosa: The White Island
Graciosa ("Enchanting") offers serene white cliffs, red-towered windmills, and rare Azorean dwarf donkeys. Prime whale- and dolphin-watching from deep surrounding waters.
Corvo: The Black Island
Europe's tiniest community (468 residents) on Corvo features black basalt walls and a medieval Portuguese dialect. Birders spot rare migrants; divers explore skylit lava caves.
