Voyage sur-mesure aux Açores

Tailor-Made Trip to the Azores

This destination is part of our Tailor-Made Trip to Portugal pillar page. We shape each itinerary around your profile: couples, families, groups of friends, works councils or corporate retreats. For budget planning, see our 2026 budget guide.

The Azores are an archipelago of nine volcanic islands lost in the middle of the Atlantic, 1,500 km from Lisbon. A still-confidential destination where nature dominates everything: emerald calderas, hot springs, cliffs plunging into the ocean, whales visible from shore, and cattle grazing across landscapes that look like tropical Ireland.

Why visit the Azores

The Azores offer a unique European experience: hikes across volcanic landscapes, swimming in geothermal pools, whale and dolphin watching (24 species), and a preserved island culture. They are also one of Portugal’s most eco-responsible destinations.

Which islands to choose

São Miguel, the largest, is the most accessible island: Lagoa do Fogo, Sete Cidades, the Furnas thermal springs, tea plantations.

Pico, dominated by Portugal’s highest volcano (2,351 m), known for its UNESCO-listed vineyards and whale watching.

Faial and its lunar Capelinhos crater.

Terceira, more authentic, with the UNESCO-listed historic centre of Angra do Heroísmo.

Experiences we recommend

  • Responsible whale watching from Pico (season: April to October).
  • Nighttime thermal bath at Poça da Dona Beija in Furnas.
  • Sete Cidades hike (the twin-coloured caldera with green and blue lakes).
  • Pico wine tasting in a UNESCO-listed estate.
  • Pico volcano summit climb (with certified guide, sporty level).

Azores FAQ

Which season? May to October. July-August are the driest months. How many days? 7 to 10 days for 2 islands, 12-14 days for 3 islands. Frequent inter-island flights.

Plan your trip

Discover our tailor-made trips or get in touch.

The Azores: a volcanic archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic

Nine volcanic islands set 1500 km west of Lisbon, halfway between Europe and America. The Azores are often compared to Iceland, Hawaii or Ireland — in reality they fit no single category. Crater lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, rolling green pastures and fishing villages: each island has its own personality.

Which island to choose for a first trip?

  • São Miguel: the largest and most accessible, ideal for a first stay. Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo lakes, Furnas hot springs, tea plantations.
  • Pico: the second largest, dominated by its namesake volcano (2351m, Portugal’s highest point). UNESCO-listed chessboard vineyards, sperm whale watching.
  • Faial: the “little blue”, famous for its Horta marina and the central volcanic caldera.
  • Terceira: strong historical heritage, UNESCO-listed Angra do Heroísmo, traditional festivals.
  • Flores: the most remote and wild island, a hiker’s paradise.

Our signature Azores experiences

Sperm whale and dolphin watching with marine biologists, sunrise hike up Pico, bathing in Furnas hot springs, tasting the cozido das Furnas cooked in volcanic soil, helicopter flight over São Miguel’s craters. We work with English-speaking local guides who live there year-round.

How many days to plan?

For one island, count 4 to 6 days (São Miguel or Pico alone). For two islands, 8 to 10 days. For an in-depth three-island trip, 12 to 14 days. Inter-island hops are operated by SATA Air Açores with short 20 to 40-minute flights.

Read also — destinations, guides & partners

Keep planning your trip with our local English-speaking agency in Lisbon: explore our other destinations, blog guides, client reviews and our Lisbon partners.

English-speaking Lisbon partner: to prepare your stay, also check the guides and tips from Visit My Lisbon, a trusted Lisbon travel blog.

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