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Introducing the Azores

Dormant volcanoes, lush vegetation, great hikes, and dramatic views attract a fast-growing number of travelers to this archipelago of nine volcanic islands in the North Atlantic.

When is the best time to visit?
While the Azores can be visited year-round, the climate is best from March to October, with the peak summer months (July and August) attracting the biggest crowds. March to June are best for watching dolphins and whales. 

Things to do
Adventure seekers and families alike visit the Azores for world-class whale watching, hiking, and mountain biking on trails with sweeping views, canoeing in volcanic lakes, and canyoning through beautiful waterfalls. To recharge after these adventures, enjoy food cooked in the ground using the energy of volcanoes, stroll through romantic gardens, and enjoy a nice glass of Azorean wine by the ocean. 

How to get to the Azores
With many direct flights from Europe (2-5 hours, depending on where you fly from) and an increasing number of direct flights from the US (only 4 hours from Boston), the Azores are easy to reach.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 7 days · 10 days

The Azores Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Hike around the caldera at Sete Cidades
Map of Azores Adventure: Best of São Miguel - 7 Days
Azores Adventure: Best of São Miguel - 7 Days

São Miguel is the biggest of the nine islands that compose the Azores archipelago, and you'll spend a week getting to know its lakes, towns, and geothermal calderas on this guided tour. From your base in beautiful Ponta Delgada, discover the island's highlights and hidden gems through hiking, cycling, and off-roading expeditions—with plenty of time to relax in natural hot pools and beaches along the way.

Start your adventure on Terceira, where volcanic rock walls frame the lush farmland
Map of Self-Drive Azores Adventure: Terceira & São Miguel - 8 Days
Self-Drive Azores Adventure: Terceira & São Miguel - 8 Days

The Azores are a nature lover's paradise, and this eight-day road trip is the perfect introduction to two of the Portuguese archipelago's largest islands. Begin on Terceira to stroll through its UNESCO-listed capital and hop between volcanic sea pools, natural hot springs, and black-sand beaches. Then it's off to São Miguel, where you'll start with a tasting tour of Ponta Delgada before hitting the road toward turquoise lagoons, geothermal calderas, towering waterfalls, and ancient laurel forests.

Sete Cidades in São Miguel Island
Map of Island Hopping in the Azores: São Miguel, Faial, Pico & Terceira - 15 Days
Island Hopping in the Azores: São Miguel, Faial, Pico & Terceira - 15 Days

Explore the volcanic landscapes of the Azores on this 15-day self-driving tour that highlights four of the Portuguese archipelago's islands. Start in São Miguel, where you'll kayak across crater lakes and try stew made with geothermal heat. Then, hop between Faial, Pico, and Terceira to hike dormant volcanoes, explore deep magma chambers, and swim in natural pools made of solidified lava.

Get behind the wheel and explore the incredible landscapes of São Miguel
Map of Azores Self-Drive Adventure: São Miguel Island - 5 Days
Azores Self-Drive Adventure: São Miguel Island - 5 Days

Choose your own adventure on this five-day road trip around the Azores' largest island. You'll have all of São Miguel at your fingertips as you get behind the wheel to seek out pineapple plantations, explore ancient lava tubes, and soak in the many hot springs that are scattered around the island. But it won't be all about driving. You'll also have the opportunity to go on a whale watching excursion, kayak within a volcanic caldera, or join an exhilarating canyoning tour.

Immerse yourself in the volcanic landscapes of Pico Island
Map of Azores Two-Island Adventure: São Miguel & Pico - 10 Days
Azores Two-Island Adventure: São Miguel & Pico - 10 Days

Escape to one of Europe's most remote and remarkable corners on this active 10-day tour of the Azores. Start on the Atlantic archipelago's largest island of São Miguel, where you'll discover its dramatic volcanic landscapes with 4WD and hiking tours, then hit the water for whale watching and diving experiences. Get off the beaten path next as you hop over to Pico, exploring this sparsely-populated island with a trek up Portugal's highest peak and a tasting tour of its UNESCO-listed vineyards.

Drive at your own pace along the stunning  São Miguel coastline
Map of Natural Wonders of the Azores: São Miguel & Terceira – 7 Days
Natural Wonders of the Azores: São Miguel & Terceira – 7 Days

Discover the stunning beauty of two islands in the Azores during this weeklong tour. First, touch down on the largest island in the archipelago, São Miguel. With a rental car, you'll hike and kayak among shimmering crater lakes, soak in hot springs, and explore the Furnas Valley's geothermal landscapes. Finish on Terceira Island, where you'll stay in the UNESCO-listed city of Angra do Heroísmo, check out colorful temples, and bathe in pristine rock pools.

Make the Most of Your Time in the Azores

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Viewpoint at Ponta do Sossego, São Miguel Island
How Many Days to Spend in the Azores

Seven or eight days is an ideal amount of time to spend in the Azores. Travelers with only a week to explore the Portuguese archipelago can focus their time on the island of São...

The Azores Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Our Latest the Azores Content

Discover the beauty of the Azores on this family trip to São Miguel
Map of Family-Friendly Azores Adventure: Volcanoes, Wildlife & Beach Time - 7 Days
Family-Friendly Azores Adventure: Volcanoes, Wildlife & Beach Time - 7 Days

Perfect for outdoorsy families, this weeklong adventure focuses on São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores. Spot whales and dolphins on a cruise through the archipelago's protected waters, refuel with a tasty food tour in the island capital, and go off-road to discover the crater lakes of Sete Cidades by Jeep. In between all the action, you'll have plenty of opportunities to fit in beach time for younger ages or canyoning and sea kayaking activities for teens.

Marvel at Pico Island's natural beauty, including the summit of Piquinho
Map of 5 Days in the Azores - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in the Azores - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With five days, you can visit 1-2 Azorean islands or include a stop in Lisbon. Culinary travelers will enjoy wine tasting on Pico Island and a geothermal cooking class on São Miguel. Outdoor enthusiasts can kayak the Sete Cidades lagoons, soak in hot springs, and hike through one of Europe's last subtropical rainforests. Travelers keen on history and culture can visit Lisbon's historical sites, experience soulful fado music, and join a walking tour of Ponta Delgada's ornate churches and Micaelense architecture.

Savor fresh shellfish, local wines, and artisan cheeses on this food-focused tour of the Azores
Map of Cuisine & Culture in the Azores - 5 Days
Cuisine & Culture in the Azores - 5 Days

Explore the Azorean island of São Miguel through your taste buds on this five-day culinary adventure. Visit one of Europe's only tea plantations, get hands-on as you learn to whip up local dishes cooked with volcanic heat, and try the archipelago's tastiest offerings—from local wines to artisan cheeses and fresh seafood. In between memorable meals, hike along the rim of a crater, swim in hot springs by night, and witness smoking fumaroles and calderas in the geothermal Furnas Valley.

the Azores Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 1 Week in the Azores - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in the Azores - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 10 Days in the Azores - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in the Azores - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 5 Days in the Azores - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in the Azores - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for the Azores
Travel specialist Beatriz De Pablo Rocha
active 1 day ago

Beatriz De Pablo Rocha

The combination of the two places where I grew up (Madrid and a small village in Badajoz, Extremadura) has made me a passionate traveler almost from birth. Unknown destinations visited by travelers...

read more...
Travel specialist Pedro Luis
active 17 hours ago

Pedro Luis

Hello everyone :) Every single time I have the opportunity to travel, my goal is to fully experience the destination. I truly believe that the essence, the context & the materialization are the...

read more...
Travel specialist Marina Courtaut
active 1 day ago

Marina Courtaut

Can you think of a better way to live adventures than traveling? When we travel we open our minds to new experiences and learn new cultures by making the destination we visited our home for a...

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Travel specialist Tiago Filipe
active 2 hours ago

Tiago Filipe

I've always traveled extensively with my family and from a very early age developed a strong taste for it. Portuguese were once sailors and discoverers and I like to think of myself as one too: a...

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Trip Reviews for the Azores

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Fantastic vacation
the Azores | Aug 19 - Aug 26, 2026

Robyn
Robyn B.
Canada | Reviewed on Aug 27, 2026
The trip was wonderful. Planning was as I requested. Joao was available to help me when I couldn’t locate a guide at a meeting point or had to change an arrangement. Outings were fantastic. Warren, was our guide for the Lagoa Fogo hike and he was a kind, knowledgeable, generous human being and guide. IPA, for the bike tour was fantastic. We visited a local cheese shop/restaurant in Furnas and ate cheese chocolates that were delicious. Patrick took us off roading in Sete Cidades in an open... Read more

The trip was wonderful. Planning was as I requested. Joao was available to help me when I couldn’t locate a guide at a meeting point or had to change an arrangement. Outings were fantastic. Warren, was our guide for the Lagoa Fogo hike and he was a kind, knowledgeable, generous human being and guide. IPA, for the bike tour was fantastic. We visited a local cheese shop/restaurant in Furnas and ate cheese chocolates that were delicious. Patrick took us off roading in Sete Cidades in an open vehicle (highly recommended) and he was an excellent driver and source of local info. We saw dolphins and whales on the whale watching tour and the boat ride was fun. Unfortunately, we contracted a stomach bug that the locals are also getting and that they think arose from a bacteria in the usually very drinkable water (unsure where) although some think it was a virus. Who knows? We had to miss our canyoning experience which was unfortunate. Next time. Furnas is one of my favourite places. It’s so lush. We walked on a lava sand beach at Praia de Fogo. Gorgeous. And the geothermal ocean pool at Ponta de Feraria was possibly one of the most incredible places in the world. Kimkim helped me plan a wonderful vacation and supported us throughout the vacation. Thank you to Joao. Much appreciated.

Activity Reviews
Furnas Valley Bike Tour
Furnas Valley Bike Tour
the Azores

E bikes were fun and made the sites easier to access. Roads are dirt and can be steep. Stops to places were explained well by IPA, our guide. Cheese restaurant and tasting of local cheeses was a wonderful.

Quality of Experience
My
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Whale-Watching in São Miguel
Whale-Watching in São Miguel
the Azores
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Good commentary during excursion.
Transport
Guided Hike in São Miguel
Guided Hike in São Miguel
the Azores
Quality of Experience
Warren is very easy going and loves his work.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Sete Cidades by Jeep - A Half-Day Off-Road Tour
Sete Cidades by Jeep - A Half-Day Off-Road Tour
the Azores
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: João Daniel
João
João Daniel
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Aug 27, 2026

Thank you for your kind words Robyn :)
I'll pass along your reviews to the guides you met in São Miguel.
Hope everyone's stomachs are fully functional by now.

An dream trip – thank you, Kim Kim!!!
the Azores | Jun 14 - Jun 18, 2026

A
Amanda L.
Boston, MA | Reviewed on Jun 26, 2026
I can’t even begin to express what an incredible experience it wad working with Kim Kim and all of the associated vendors who facilitated our trip to the Azores. During the trip planning process, Marina was incredibly knowledgeable, supportive, and flexible with all customizations to the itinerary that we required, including cost adjustments based on our financial priorities. She had great communication with us throughout the planning process. The travel app utilized by Kim Kim is also... Read more

I can’t even begin to express what an incredible experience it wad working with Kim Kim and all of the associated vendors who facilitated our trip to the Azores. During the trip planning process, Marina was incredibly knowledgeable, supportive, and flexible with all customizations to the itinerary that we required, including cost adjustments based on our financial priorities. She had great communication with us throughout the planning process. The travel app utilized by Kim Kim is also extremely convenient and easy to use both prior to during your trip. For too busy full-time workers with two little children at home, it was so great not having to worry about planning the nitty-gritty of everything required for international travel.

Our tour guide, Vasco, knew everything about everything related to the Azores and did an amazing job touring us around. He was able to pivot beautifully when weather prohibited us from following one of our original day itineraries and created an amazing new plan.

Also, the Azores is literally the most beautiful place I’ve ever been. Please go!

Hotel Review
Hotel Do Colégio
Ponta Delgada

We arrived early and they were unable to accommodate our room until the standard afternoon time. Otherwise, they were wonderful! Location, hard to beat, views from the terrace gorgeous.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Furnas Valley Excursion: Crater Lake, Hot Springs & Tea Plantation
Furnas Valley Excursion: Crater Lake, Hot Springs & Tea Plantation
São Miguel Island

The weather unfortunately prohibited us from hiking Furnas safely, however our guide Vasco pivoted to starting the day at Che Gorreana to hike the tea fields and going to furnas later in the day. This worked out beautifully, the tea fields are stunning and a quite vigorous height to the peak. Gorreana was much more interesting than I anticipated- definitely a must see. Furnas is such an amazingly unique experience- definitely can’t be missed!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Whale & Dolphin Watching in the Azore with Marine Biologists
Whale & Dolphin Watching in the Azore with Marine Biologists
the Azores

Tour itself was great, but sadly we didn’t see any whales.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sete Cidades Full Day Experience: Ferraria Springs & Volcano Rims
Sete Cidades Full Day Experience: Ferraria Springs & Volcano Rims
São Miguel Island

This day was incredible. Sete Cidades is the most beautiful place I have ever seen- takes your breath away! And the hot springs under the ocean are so unique, an amazing way to start your morning!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Vasco is amazing- best tour guide I’ve ever had. So knowledgeable and makes you feel so comfortable immediately.
Transport
Local specialist: Marina Courtaut
Marina
Marina Courtaut
Local specialist in Madrid | Replied on Jul 16, 2026

Hi Amanda! Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It truly means a lot to hear that you had such an amazing experience in the Azores.🤩

It was a pleasure helping you plan this trip, . I'll be sure to share your kind words with the team. Thank you again for trusting us with your journey. It was a pleasure working with you, and we'd love to help you plan your next adventure whenever you're ready. Until then, we hope the memories of the Azores stay with you for a long time! Warmest regards, Marina🤗

Exceeded our Expectations!
the Azores | Apr 2 - Apr 12, 2026

Jo
Jo R.
Athol, MA, USA | Reviewed on May 30, 2026
Exceeded our Expectations! Our initial interactions with Joao were easy -- his responsiveness to our wishes was prompt and thorough. Each guide on the various islands Pico, São Jorge, Terceira, and Faial knew their territory and shared so much expertise with us. They flexed when asked and went out of their way to accommodate us, adding side trips as time allowed. Even our driver Jorge surprised us with hand-wrapped souvenirs! Would use Kim-kim again in a heartbeat. Thank you so much. Read more

Exceeded our Expectations!

Our initial interactions with Joao were easy -- his responsiveness to our wishes was prompt and thorough. Each guide on the various islands Pico, São Jorge, Terceira, and Faial knew their territory and shared so much expertise with us. They flexed when asked and went out of their way to accommodate us, adding side trips as time allowed. Even our driver Jorge surprised us with hand-wrapped souvenirs! Would use Kim-kim again in a heartbeat. Thank you so much.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Do Colégio
Ponta Delgada

Nice to see a different side of the island. Like all our stays, this was clean and comfortable.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Great locale. Fun place to walk around and great restaurants.
Staff
Informative, respectful, and, of course, kind.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfortable.
Azores Book Hotel
Angra do Heroísmo

This was the winner hotel of our trip! It was very interesting and just an enjoyable place to stay!

Authenticity & Character
Great character with the book theme.
Location
Ok, down the hill from the town -- in walking distance though.
Staff
Staff was very accommodating. A young waitress in the kitchen, having been asked for non-dairy options for coffee, proactively brought out some when we got to breakfast! Lots of people, but she remembered. Impressive. The breakfast buffet was great!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and very comfy.
Pico Studios
Madalena

Well-located, relatively quiet, and clean.

Authenticity & Character
It was fine. There is a problem with the name of one of the rooms, which could be offensive to some people.
Location
Liked the proximity to the ferry, the square, restaurants, and coffee shop.
Staff
Not much interaction with staff.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfortable overall. We had lots of extra space. The fan in the bathroom was very annoying, and it was attached to the light switch.
As Casas da Riberia Grande
Ribeira Grande

Definitely liked this locale. It was a bit challenging to get responses since the main hotel was in another spot and the corner apartment was noisy. It was clean and spacious enough for a couple.

Authenticity & Character
The nearby square was charming, and it was near places where we could eat and walk.
Location
Noisy corner
Staff
Didn't really have much interaction since the main hotel was in another place.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Comfortable and clean. Some of the kitchen amenities were not there, although there were instructions that they were. Notheing major.
Activity Reviews
Half-Day Hiking Activity in Terceira
Half-Day Hiking Activity in Terceira
Portugal

This was by far the most physical day of the trip. Our guide was so responsive and good overall that we gladly hired him on for the rest of the day.

Quality of Experience
What a treat, he really knew what he was doing, appreciated the varied flora and paid good attention to our comfort/safety while hiking.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great guide!!
Transport
Safe and took us to varied terrain.
Between the Lava and the Sea - A Half-Day Guided Wine Experience on Pico
Between the Lava and the Sea - A Half-Day Guided Wine Experience on Pico
Pico Island

Weather-wise, Pico was a bit more welcoming on this half-day tour. We had the same guide as on our first half-day and we had a good sense of his style. The tour was not private, however, and it seemed a bit awkward for the man who did not know us or the guide. Our guide handled things really well in any case.

Quality of Experience
Some of this was repetitive, but we enjoyed the wine tasting.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
He was very adept at creating cohesion in the group.
Transport
Good driving.
São Jorge Flexible Explorer - Full-Day Guided Tour
São Jorge Flexible Explorer - Full-Day Guided Tour
Portugal

Once again, as with the previous tours, we had a guide who was passionate and knowledgeable about the environment and the history. He kept us engaged the entire trip.

Quality of Experience
It was a diverse tour, we again were invited into our guide's home to sample liqueurs made by his wife. A sense of being truly welcomed.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Knowledgeable, with a great sense of humor and clear pride in his work.
Transport
Safe and easy.
Faial from Coast to Crater: A Full-Day Guided Discovery
Faial from Coast to Crater: A Full-Day Guided Discovery
Portugal

Our guide Pedro was exceptional! He was a great fit for our group since we shared many perspectives on ecology and the environment. He gave us a bonus experience to meet his mother and see her garden and the project he was working on. It totally enriched our trip!

Quality of Experience
Pedro's passion for the environment and for his work.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Safe driver and seeing his home project and meeting his mother was such a bonus.
Transport
We saw a lot and it definitely felt like a perspective that was real. . .not a canned tour.
In the Shadow of the Giant: A Half-Day Guided Tour of Pico
In the Shadow of the Giant: A Half-Day Guided Tour of Pico
the Azores

This one was difficult. In hindsight, going from the airport to a tour was not the best call. It was windy and cold, and I personally wasn't dressed warmly enough, so I spent more time in the van than outside looking at things. Our guide was very good and tried to be as accommodating as possible.

Guides, Drivers and Staff
He was kind, respectful and very knowledgable.
Transport
Roomy van and our guide was a safe driver.
Local specialist: João Daniel
João
João Daniel
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on May 31, 2026

Hi Jo. Thank you so much :)

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