Azores
Overview
Score
9.0/10
Budget
$70/day
Best season
May–Sep
Ratings
89
Reviews
3
Budget breakdown
Budget traveler · per day
accommodation
$30/day
food
$16/day
transport
$10/day
activities
$8/day
extras
$6/day
Scores
Best areas to stay
- • Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island is the best base for most travelers because it offers restaurants, cafés, hotels, rental cars, and easy access to major island attractions while still maintaining a relaxed local atmosphere.
- • Furnas is ideal for travelers wanting hot springs, nature, and a quieter mountain setting. The area is famous for geothermal activity, lush greenery, and slow peaceful surroundings.
- • Ribeira Grande combines surf culture, dramatic coastal scenery, and a more laid-back local atmosphere away from the busier capital area.
- • Horta on Faial Island attracts sailors, nature lovers, and travelers exploring multiple islands thanks to its marina culture and volcanic landscapes.
- • Praia da Vitória on Terceira Island works well for travelers wanting beaches, local festivals, and a more traditional small-town Azorean experience.
Top things to do
- • Visit Sete Cidades and see one of the most famous volcanic crater lake landscapes in Europe.
- • Relax in thermal hot springs around Furnas and surrounding geothermal areas.
- • Go whale watching and dolphin spotting in the Atlantic Ocean.
- • Drive scenic coastal roads through waterfalls, cliffs, and volcanic mountains.
- • Hike around volcanic lakes, forests, and dramatic viewpoints across the islands.
- • Try fresh seafood, local cheeses, and traditional Azorean stews cooked underground using geothermal heat.
- • Visit black sand beaches and natural swimming pools formed by lava rock.
- • Explore multiple islands to experience the diversity of landscapes across the Azores.
Why visit?
The Azores feel completely different from mainland Europe. Sitting in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the islands offer a slower and more nature-focused experience built around volcanic scenery, hiking trails, ocean views, and small local towns. Travelers come here for the feeling of disconnection from busy modern life. One day might involve driving through green mountain roads and crater lakes while the next revolves around whale watching, thermal hot springs, and fresh seafood beside the ocean. Despite their growing popularity, the Azores still feel peaceful compared to many island destinations. The atmosphere is calm, authentic, and heavily connected to nature rather than nightlife or luxury tourism. Travelers who enjoy road trips, outdoor adventures, photography, and quiet scenery often fall in love with the islands very quickly.
Best time to visit
Common complaints
- ! Weather changes constantly throughout the day
- ! Public transport is limited outside towns
- ! Nightlife is very quiet
- ! Island hopping can become expensive
- ! Some travelers may find the pace too slow
Quick rate this city
Your anonymous score contributes to the overall rating (at a lighter weight than member reviews).
Overall score
Best for (optional)
Member reviews(3)
3 traveler reviews inside
Sign in to read real experiences from travelers who've been there.
Free · No credit card required