São Miguel Island is the largest and most populated island in Azores, known as the "Green Island." Explore the beauty of Sete Cidades and its two amazing lakes by hiking or rent a kayak to paddle in one of the lakes. Relax in the thermal waters of Termas das Caldeiras and don't leave without visiting the charming town of Ribeira Grande.
Furnas is a small town located in São Miguel Island, known for its hot springs, fumaroles, and geysers, providing stunning landscapes. Spend your day at Terra Nostra Garden, a beautiful botanical garden or visit Furnas Lake and enjoy the view while having a picnic or a boat ride. Don't miss the Cozido das Furnas, a traditional meal cooked in the hot springs.
Pico Island is a must-visit for wine lovers, as it's known for its vineyards that produce one of the most famous wines in the world. Take a tour at the UNESCO world heritage site of the Landscape of Pico Island Vineyard Culture, meet the local producers, and have a wine tasting. End your day at Lagoa do Capitão, a picturesque lake with an extraordinary view of the mountain.
Faial Island is a natural paradise with a large caldera that offers magnificent views. Take the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Center tour, which explains the geological formation of the main island and take a boat tour to swim with the friendly dolphins. Don't forget to visit the charming town of Horta and its colorful marina.
Terceira Island is known for its stunning architectures, rich history, and traditions. Take a walking tour in the old town of Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO world heritage site, or visit the unique Algar do Carvão, one of the most incredible volcanic cavities in the world. For a relaxing moment, visit the natural pools of Biscoitos.
Flores Island is the most western point of Europe and the perfect destination for nature lovers. Start with a visit to the famous Rocha dos Bordões, huge basalt columns over 30 meters tall. If you're lucky enough, you can see whales and dolphins at their natural habitat along the coast. End your day at Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro, a stunning waterfall located in the middle of the forest.
Santa Maria Island is the southernmost island and the hottest in Azores, known for its long stretches of sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a relaxing day at Praia Formosa or rent a jeep to explore the stunning natural landscapes of the interior of the island. Don't leave without tasting the famous Barbeque Azores Beef during sunset at Praia de Lobos.
Throughout the trip, it's recommended to rent a car to visit each island in Azores. Alternatively, you can take domestic flights and use ferries to explore multiple islands during your stay. The travel cost per person can range from $100-500 depending on the mode of transportation and the location.
If you have more time, you can consider visiting other islands, such as São Jorge Island, Graciosa Island, and Corvo Island. If you have less, you can skip one or two islands or shorten the amount of time spent on each island.
The largest airport in Azores is João Paulo II Airport (PDL), located in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island. Other airports serving the region include Horta Airport (HOR), Lajes Airport (TER), and Flores Airport (FLW). The distance from João Paulo II Airport (PDL) to Ponta Delgada city center is 3 km.