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 Miguel, adding on a trip to Terceira for whale watching if they have an extra day or two. Those with two weeks to spare can opt for a more comprehensive trip around the Azores, exploring four of its islands, or integrating an Azores excursion into a larger Portugal trip, including Lisbon and the Duoro Valley.

Planning Your Trip to the Azores

A week is an ideal amount of time to spend in the Azores, as you can explore each island in as little as two to four days. A week affords travelers enough time to visit the Portuguese archipelago's largest island of São Miguel while tacking on additional trips to other nearby islands or hitting destinations on the Portuguese mainland. Even two to four days is enough time to experience São Miguel by whale watching, sightseeing, and trekking through caves. Those with time for a two-week trip can plan on going to the islands of Faial, Pico, and Terceira in addition to São Miguel, visiting magma chambers and touring Europe's only tea plantation. 

The Azores in 2-4 Days 

Portas da Cidade (Gates to the City), Ponta Delgada, Sao Migue
See the iconic Portas da Cidade (City Gates) in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel

Two to four days is enough time to experience one or two of the Portuguese archipelago's islands, solely focus on São Miguel, or incorporate your time in the Azores into an extended Portugal itinerary.

You'll arrive in Lisbon and immediately connect to your short flight to the Azores' Ponta Delgada on São Miguel for four nights on this 11-day itinerary. You'll take to the ocean for some of the world's best whale watching off the coast. You'll visit the volcanic islet of the Vila Franca do Campo, and the caves of the Gruta do Carvão, wandering through otherworldly tunnels filled with stalactites and stalagmites. On your last day, you'll get to know the history and culture of Ponta Delgada, including visiting the 18th-century City Gates landmark and Forte de São Bras fortress before returning to Lisbon.

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The Azores in 7-8 Days 

Natural Pools of Biscoitos
Swim in Biscoitos' natural pools on Terceira

In seven or eight days, you can explore São Miguel in-depth, savoring the island's food, history, nature, and wildlife, and with an added day, you can hop over to explore a second island. 

Learn about the history of Ponta Delgada, hike to the pristine Lagoa do Fogo, and off-road around a volcano on this active weeklong itinerary of São Miguel. You'll also have the opportunity to visit the island's interior jungle on a canyoning adventure before taking a bike tour around Furnas Mountain and indulging in the breathtaking views. You'll even have time at the end to whale watch along the island's southern coast before heading out on a cruise to Vila Franca do Campo, a nature reserve that doubles as an exclusive beach.

On this self-drive eight-day tour, you'll have five days to explore São Miguel in depth during the first portion of your journey, starting with a tour of the colonial-era capital of Ponta Delgada before heading out to discover the island's lagoon region, including the famous volcanic crater of Sete Cidades. You'll whale watch, plunge into Furnas Valley's hot waters, and see the waterfalls of Ribeira dos Caldeirões Park. From there, board a short flight to Terceira, where you'll stay at the UNESCO-protected Angra do Heroismo. On Terceira, you'll swim in the natural pools of Biscoitos and visit the volcanic chamber of Algar do Carvão. 

The Azores in 2 Weeks or More 

Marvel at the striking beauty of Lagoa das Sete Cidades on São Miguel

If you have two weeks or more to spend in the Azores, you can thoroughly explore several islands or travel beyond the archipelago to other parts of Portugal. For example, you can visit São Miguel and hike Mount Pico or fly on to Lisbon and the Duoro Valley to see even more of the country. 

With two weeks, it's also possible to combine your time in the Azores with some of Portugal's most famous cities and regions, including the capital city of Lisbon and the golden plains of the Alentejo region. This two-week Portugal highlights tour begins on São Miguel for three nights and ends with a trek through the wild landscape of Peneda-Gerês National Park to beautiful lagoons and stunning waterfalls. In between, you'll visit the palaces of Sintra, tour Portugal's medieval capital of Coímbra, and taste wine in the world-renowned Douro Valley.

In 15 days, you can fully experience the Azores, visiting many of its islands and taking in their wildlife, nature, culture, and history. Starting on the Azores' largest island of São Miguel, you'll visit tea plantations, dip in geothermal pools, and kayak in the iconic Sete Cidades Lagoon, set inside a volcanic crater. Then you'll fly to the small island of Horta before journeying on to Pico Island. In Pico, you'll visit UNESCO-designated vineyards, whale watching, and a hike up Portugal's highest peak Mount Pico, before ending in Terceira, taking coastal drives and visiting volcanic parks.

More Great Destination Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Portugal? Check out these other Portugal itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.