The Nine Islands
🧭 Eastern Group
The main gateway to the Azores, featuring the largest island São Miguel and charming Santa Maria
🧭 Central Group
Five diverse islands perfect for island hopping, rich in history and natural wonders
🧭 Western Group
Remote and pristine, offering the most authentic and untouched Azorean experience
São Miguel
"The Green Island"
Capital: Ponta Delgada
The largest and most populated island, your gateway to the Azores. Home to dramatic crater lakes, thermal springs, and diverse adventures from canyoning to whale watching.
Must See:
- Sete Cidades crater lakes - Iconic blue and green lagoons in a volcanic crater
- Furnas volcanic village - Geothermal wonders and traditional cozido cooking
- Lagoa do Fogo - Pristine volcanic lake surrounded by mountains
- Canyoning adventures - Waterfall rappelling and natural pool swimming
- Gorreana Tea Plantation - Europe's only tea plantation since 1883
- Whale watching - Sperm whales, dolphins, and seasonal migrations
Santa Maria
"The Sun Island"
Capital: Vila do Porto
The oldest island in the archipelago, known for its golden beaches, warm climate, and unique red desert landscape.
Must See:
- Praia Formosa - Rare white sand beach
- Barreiro da Faneca - Unique red desert landscape
- Pico Alto - Highest point with panoramic views
- Anjos village - Where Columbus stopped returning from America
Terceira
"The Lilac Island"
Capital: Angra do Heroísmo (UNESCO World Heritage)
Rich in history and culture, featuring a UNESCO World Heritage city and unique volcanic caves you can explore.
Must See:
- Angra do Heroísmo - UNESCO colonial architecture
- Algar do Carvão - Walkable volcanic cave
- Monte Brasil - Extinct volcano with city views
- Traditional Bull Running - Famous "touradas à corda"
Graciosa
"The Sweet Island"
Capital: Santa Cruz da Graciosa
The gentlest island with rolling hills, traditional windmills, and underground volcanic wonders.
Must See:
- Furna do Enxofre - Underground volcanic cave and lake
- Termas do Carapacho - Relaxing hot springs
- Traditional windmills - Gentle, unique landscapes
São Jorge
"The Dragon Island"
Capital: Velas
A linear island with dramatic cliffs and unique flat coastal areas called "fajãs", famous for its artisanal cheese.
Must See:
- Fajãs - Dramatic coastal flats (Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo)
- São Jorge Cheese - Famous semi-hard cheese
- Serra do Topo - Hiking trails with stunning views
Pico
"The Mountain Island"
Capital: Madalena
Home to Portugal's highest peak and UNESCO World Heritage vineyards, perfect for hiking and whale watching.
Must See:
- Pico Mountain - Portugal's highest peak (2,351m)
- UNESCO Vineyards - Lava stone wine walls
- Whale Watching - Premier location for whale spotting
Faial
"The Blue Island"
Capital: Horta
The sailors' island with its famous marina, recent volcanic activity, and stunning crater views.
Must See:
- Horta Marina - Famous sailors' meeting point
- Capelinhos Volcano - Dramatic 1957 eruption landscape
- Caldeira do Faial - Large extinct volcanic crater
Flores
"The Flower Island"
Capital: Santa Cruz das Flores
The westernmost point of Europe, featuring spectacular waterfalls, pristine crater lakes, and some of the most dramatic volcanic landscapes in the archipelago.
Must See:
- Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro - Stunning multi-tiered waterfall complex
- Sete Lagoas - Seven pristine crater lakes in volcanic calderas
- Rocha dos Bordões - Dramatic vertical basalt rock formations
- Hiking trails - Remote paths through untouched volcanic landscapes
Corvo
"The Crow Island"
Capital: Vila do Corvo (Portugal