The Azores are nine volcanic islands in the middle of the North Atlantic, spread over more than 600 km in three groups: São Miguel and Santa Maria in the east; Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial in the centre; and Flores and Corvo in the west. They are an autonomous region of Portugal, green, wet and mild all year, with crater lakes, hot springs, whales offshore and hiking on every island.
Most first trips start on São Miguel, the largest island, which has its own page below. This hub adds two reasons to cross to the central group: the climb up Mount Pico, the highest point in Portugal, and the old capital of Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira.
Climb a near-perfect volcanic cone 2,351 m out of the sea to the highest point in Portugal.
What it is
Every climb of Mount Pico starts at the Casa da Montanha, at about 1,200 m, which registers everyone setting out and coming back. From there the path climbs over loose lava and scree, marked by about 47 numbered posts, to the crater rim and then the Piquinho, the small summit cone; reaching it takes three to four hours.
How to do it
To protect the mountain, numbers are capped at 320 people a day, with up to 30 at a time on the Piquinho for 20 minutes each. Many climb at night to sleep in the crater and see sunrise: overnight stays are limited to 32 people and must be booked ahead on the official mountain website.
Good to know
Bring warm layers, a headlamp, water and good boots, or go with a guide.
Walk the old streets of a town that grew rich as a stop for the galleons of Portugal's ocean trade.
What it is
Angra do Heroísmo is on the south coast of Terceira, and its old centre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. In the Liberal Wars it was the base of the liberal side, and it earned the title do Heroísmo, of heroism, after the islanders beat off an absolutist assault in 1829.
How to do it
Walk its grid of streets, with painted houses, churches and palaces, restored after the earthquake of 1 January 1980. Then climb Monte Brasil, the extinct volcano that closes the bay, for views over the roofs; on its slopes stands the Fortress of São João Baptista, begun in 1593 under Spanish rule.
Good to know
In must30's view the town is at its best in late June, during the Sanjoaninas, the city festival, which ran from 19 to 28 June in 2026.
Ponta Delgada on São Miguel has the most flights, from Lisbon, Porto and several European and North American cities. Terceira, Faial and Pico also have flights from mainland Portugal, so you can fly into one island and out of another.
Island hopping
Inter-island flights link all nine islands, and ferries connect the central group, where Pico, Faial and São Jorge are close enough for day trips. Weather can cancel flights and boats, so leave slack before your flight home.
How long to stay
In must30's view, a week covers São Miguel well, and ten days to two weeks let you add Pico and Faial or Terceira. Trying to see more than three islands in a week means more time in airports than on trails.
When to go
June to September is warmest and driest, with the most boats running and the summit of Pico easiest to reach. Spring is green and good for blue whales. Rain and fog come in any season, so plan outdoor days with spare time around them.
Questions travellers ask
Which Azores island should you visit first?
São Miguel, for most people: it has the most flights, the widest choice of places to stay and much of the archipelago's best known scenery. Pico and Faial suit a second trip or a longer first one.
Can you climb Mount Pico without a guide?
Yes. Every climber must register at the Casa da Montanha, the mountain house at about 1,200 m, before starting and on returning. Numbers are capped per day, and climbs are booked on the official mountain website. A guide is worth it if you have little mountain experience or the weather is uncertain.
How do you get between the Azores islands?
By inter-island flights, which connect all nine islands, or by ferry in the central group, where crossings between Pico, Faial and São Jorge are short. Check schedules early in summer and allow for weather delays.
