Make the Most of Your Time in the Azores

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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 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.

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.

Hike for panoramic views of Lagoa do Fogo lake in São Miguel Island
Map of 1 Week in the Azores - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in the Azores - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas

One week in the Azores is enough time to cover one to three destinations. The islands are small, but your itinerary can be full of adventurous excursions or relaxing beach time, depending on your preferred pace. Focus on being in nature with snorkeling, whale watching, and hiking on São Miguel; discover the natural wonders and landscapes of the Furnas Valley and Terceira Island's rock pools; or experience São Miguel's culture through culinary-focused activities like eatery-hopping in downtown Ponta Delgada.

Discover Parque Terra Nostra in the Furnas Valley on São Miguel
Map of 10 Days in the Azores - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in the Azores - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in the Azores, you can visit São Miguel and Pico islands or pair Porto or Lisbon with one of the Azorean islands without feeling rushed. Adventure seekers and nature lovers can take to the Azores for hiking, off-road excursions, and diving, while Porto offers gentler activities such as wine tasting and a riverboat cruise in the Douro Valley. Travelers wanting to hit the highlights of Portugal should explore Lisbon's food scene and take a day trip through the rural Alentejo region.