The Magical
Azores Islands

The Azores
The Perfect Holiday Destination

Deep green islands. A mild sub-tropical climate. Rich coastal waters filled with hundreds of whales and dolphins. The Azores Islands are a paradise of scenic landscapes and outdoor adventures, tucked away in the mid-Atlantic – waiting for your discovery.

A mixture of picturesque villages and protected lakes, hills, and forests, this 9-island archipelago is actually part of Portugal but with its own history, identity, and laid-back lifestyle. 

Among its island groupings, you’ll find dramatic volcanic lakes, vineyards, caves, gardens and the highest peak in Portugal.

Here are the islands by group:

Oriental Group: Santa Maria and São Miguel Islands.
Central Group: Terceira, São Jorge, Pico, Faial and Graciosa Islands.
Occidental Group: Flores and Corvo Islands

Our Weather
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Our whales and dolphin friends love it – they follow the warm waters of the Gulf Stream on their migratory routes, leading them right to us! These same warm waters and mild temperatures give us a temperate climate year-round. 

Our winters are a comfortable 13°C (55°F) and summers only raise the temperature to a balmy 24°C (75°F). 

Even the waters of our coast are temperate, ranging from 20°C (68°F) in the wintertime to 25°C (77°C) in the summer. 

Dressing for the Azores is not so complicated – shorts, t-shirts and light dresses for the summer. But always bring a jacket or raincoat in case of a shower. You’ll need a jacket for the winter months. 

But the weather can change quickly – from rain to a hopeful rainbow, to a beautiful sunny day. If you don’t care for the weather at the moment, just wait a few minutes and you’ll enjoy something else!

Azores Living
A BETTER WAY

Here in the Azores, we like to say, “pertinho” – it means “very close”. And that sums up our lifestyle. We’re always close to the land, the sea, the hills, and the adventures they bring. 

Life here is on island time – perhaps a bit slower than you’re used to… but we like it. No traffic jams or stress – just the hills, forests and an endless ocean. 

Perhaps that’s why Azoreans are so friendly and welcoming. We want to share our natural wonders, our culture and our cuisine with our visiting friends. And, most of us speak English to make things easier for you. 

It’s no wonder the Azores are honored to be one of the Top 100 Most Sustainable Destinations in the world. 

COME SEE OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Our villages are what you might expect – charming, full of character and filled with locals steeped in a traditional way of life. They’re happy to welcome you into their homes, proud of their families and all that they’ve built. 

Many of their houses are constructed from the volcanic rocks taken from the island itself, the very foundation of life on the Azores. 

IT ALL BEGAN WITH VOLCANOES

The Azores archipelago are actually the tops of a series of underwater mountains. These islands still bear traces of their geothermal beginnings on the island of São Miguel in the Furnas Valley. Here you’ll see bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and thermal springs in an otherwise green landscape. 

The lush vegetation of the islands shows off a rich canvas of infinite plant and colorful flower species native to our islands, crowned by cascading waterfalls and blue-green crater lakes. 

UNESCO HONORS THE AZORES

Of course, we feel the Azores are one of the most diverse and authentic spots on the planet and so has UNESCO, recognizing two of our unique treasures as World Heritage Sites.

Don’t miss the historic center of Angra do Heroísmo on the island of Terceira. At the center of transatlantic trade routes during the 16^th and 17^th centuries, the town is a treasure of forts, baroque cathedrals, churches and dozens of beautifully preserved buildings. 

The volcanic vineyards of Pico Island are unlike any other – a maze of plantings in volcanic soil, protected with rocky walls of black basalt – they are the most unique landscape and adaption of the winemaker’s art. 

Natural beauty, a rich traditional culture, hiking, diving, and the world’s finest whale watching, the Azores is an undiscovered destination for travelers looking for the perfect holiday. 

A World-Class
TRAVEL DESTINATION

We’re in excellent company. We’ve been recognized as one of the 10 most sustainable destinations in the world. And Green Destinations has described us as the best destination in the Atlantic. Not to be outdone, UNESCO has singled out the Azores Islands for their authenticity.