Asking Travel to the Azores to tell you which is the most beautiful island in the archipelago is like asking a parent which of their children they prefer!
Nevertheless, we’re here to guide you as best we can in your search, and we’ll try to share with you the 3 things that stand out most, island by island (even if each one has so much more to offer), so that you can make an informed choice:
Santa Maria
It’s the easternmost island, the one with the most beautiful white-sand beaches in the archipelago.
Choose Santa Maria if:
- you want to escape other tourists, as it’s an island rarely included in itineraries
- you want to combine maximum relaxation with easy to moderate hikes
- you love the variety of colours between the green of the meadows, the yellow of the fields and the blue of the sea
São Miguel
It’s the main island, the one with the greatest variety of nature because it’s the largest.
Choose São Miguel if:
- you want an ideal first taste of the Azores if you’re staying a week or less in the archipelago (the island gives you plenty and more to do)
- you want to visit the tea plantations or bathe in thermal baths reaching around 40 degrees (there are none on the other islands)
- you want to feast your eyes on its great volcanic lakes and breathtaking hikes
Terceira
It’s the island that kept the archipelago’s original name, the one with the most beautiful town in the Azores.
Choose Terceira if:
- you want to discover the wonders of Angra do Heroísmo, a town of culture and architectural beauty
- you want to visit the most beautiful lava tube in the archipelago and other geological marvels
- you want to combine superb hikes, natural pools and breathtaking viewpoints
Graciosa
It’s the lowest-lying island in the archipelago, the one that promises a complete change of scenery.
Choose Graciosa if:
- you want to go scuba diving, as it has some of the most beautiful spots in the Azores
- you want to taste the finest fish-based culinary preparations there
- you want to escape the crowds and discover a sublime volcanic cavity
São Jorge
It’s the island with the most spectacular natural architecture, the one that is a hikers’ paradise.
Choose São Jorge if:
- you want to feel at the end of the world and never get over the natural landscapes you’ll see
- you want to swim in the most beautiful natural pool in the Azores
- you want to taste the best cheese in the archipelago and have a coffee from a local production (there is none on the other islands)
Pico
It’s the island whose main volcano gave it its name, the one where cetaceans are most easily spotted.
Choose Pico if:
- you want to climb the highest volcano in the Azores (the highest point in all of Portugal, the mainland included)
- you want to combine superb lakes and volcanic discoveries
- you want to learn about vine cultivation
Faial
It’s the island best known to sailors, the one that boasts the youngest volcano in the Azores.
Choose Faial if:
- you want to visit one of the most beautiful port towns in the archipelago
- you want to do a superb hike taking you past 10 volcanoes, notably the sublime Caldeira and Capelinhos (the youngest volcano in the archipelago)
- you want to combine sensational marine and terrestrial beauty
Flores
It’s the westernmost island, the one that is the firm favourite of Travel to the Azores.
Choose Flores if:
- you want to feel at the other end of the planet
- you want to end your stay on a paradise island
- you’re in love with waterfalls
Corvo
It’s the smallest island in the archipelago, the one with the most beautiful Caldeira.
Choose Corvo if:
- you want to devote 1 day of your trip to exploring it while based on Flores
- you want to do one of the most beautiful hikes in the Azores, in the heart of the Caldeira
- you want to discover an island of fewer than 500 inhabitants, where the cows thrive!
As you’ll have gathered, each island is absolutely extraordinary and the choice of your itinerary will depend, in addition to the elements mentioned above, on the number of travel days, on your traveller profile (the choice will be different if you’re a couple in good physical shape, a family with children, a group of retired friends…), on your budget…
These criteria are essential to the smooth flow of your stay and Travel to the Azores is at your disposal to help you create the ideal discovery itinerary: we take care of negotiating and booking the essential services on site (car rental, accommodation, activities, dining), excluding flights and inter-island transfers, and create the perfect tailor-made discovery itinerary for you. To receive our free quote, don’t hesitate to contact us at the following address: contact@voyage-aux-acores.com, or to fill out the contact form.
See you very soon in the Azores!
