Things to do in the Azores: 12 unforgettable experiences

Volcanic landscape of the Azores: green crater, Atlantic Ocean and preserved coastline

In brief

Nature: the Sete Cidades and Fogo crater lakes, Pico volcano, the waterfalls of Flores.
Water: whale and dolphin watching, diving, swimming in lava pools.
Wellness: the geothermal baths of Furnas and Terra Nostra.
Flavours: cozido cooked underground, Pico wine, São Jorge cheese.
Best base: São Miguel for variety, the central group (Pico/Faial) for nature and sea.

Nine volcanic islands lost in the middle of the Atlantic, the Azores pack an extraordinary density of experiences into a small space: in a single day you can hike a crater rim in the morning, soak in a thermal pool at noon and sail out to meet sperm whales in the afternoon. As a local agency based in the archipelago, here are the twelve things we recommend most often to make the most of your trip, whatever the island you choose.

1. Watch whales and dolphins

The Azores are one of the world’s top spots for cetaceans: up to a third of all known species pass through these waters. Sperm whales are present year-round, blue and fin whales migrate in spring, and resident dolphins delight every outing. Pico and Faial are the best bases, but trips also leave from São Miguel.

2. Hike the Sete Cidades crater

On São Miguel, the twin lakes of Sete Cidades, one blue, one green, sit inside a vast crater laced with walking trails. The loop along the rim offers the most iconic panorama of the archipelago. Do it early to beat the clouds.

3. Soak in the Furnas hot springs

Still on São Miguel, the geothermal village of Furnas bubbles with fumaroles and warm pools. Bathe in the iron-rich waters of the Terra Nostra park, then taste the cozido das Furnas, a stew slow-cooked underground by volcanic heat.

4. Climb Mount Pico

At 2,351 m, Pico is the highest point in Portugal. The ascent (8 to 10 hours round trip, with a certified guide) rewards you with a sea of clouds and, on clear days, a view across the central islands.

5. Chase the waterfalls of Flores

The westernmost island is a green amphitheatre of cliffs and cascades. Poço do Bacalhau and the Fajãzinha falls are among Europe’s most spectacular, at their fullest from May to June.

6. Taste the volcanic wine of Pico

Planted in tiny lava-walled plots listed by UNESCO, Pico’s Verdelho vines produce a singular mineral white. A tasting in a Madalena cellar is a journey in itself.

7. Swim in natural lava pools

Across the islands, the ocean fills volcanic rock to form sheltered swimming spots: Biscoitos on Terceira, Mosteiros on São Miguel, the harbour pools of Faial. The only golden-sand beaches are on Santa Maria.

8. Walk the fajãs of São Jorge

These coastal plateaus, born of lava flows and landslides, are reached on foot by steep trails. Each is a tiny preserved world of fishermen, vineyards and brackish lagoons, and the home of São Jorge’s famous PDO cheese.

9. Dive into the blue

Clear Atlantic water, volcanic arches and the Princess Alice seamount make the Azores a world-class diving destination, with manta rays and mobula schools in summer.

10. Discover UNESCO Angra do Heroísmo

On Terceira, the historic capital is a living open-air museum of colourful houses and paved squares, the place where the history of Atlantic Portugal reads most clearly.

11. Stargaze far from the lights

With little light pollution, the islands offer remarkable night skies. Santa Maria and Corvo are especially dark and peaceful.

12. Slow down

Perhaps the most important: give yourself time. Mist that lifts without warning, a fishing village at the end of a road, a thermal bath at dusk, the Azores reward those who don’t rush.

How many of these can you fit in one trip?

It depends on your time and the islands you pick. Five days suit one island in depth; a week lets you add a second. See our guide on how many days you need in the Azores and on which island to choose to build the right itinerary.

Frequently asked questions

What is the number one thing to do in the Azores?

Whale watching is the signature Azorean experience, possible nearly year-round and from several islands. For landscapes, the Sete Cidades crater on São Miguel is the most iconic.

Can you do the Azores without hiking?

Yes. Many highlights, whale watching, hot springs, crater viewpoints reachable by car, wine tasting, lava-pool swimming, require little or no walking.

Which island has the most to do?

São Miguel concentrates the widest variety: craters, hot springs, tea plantations, gastronomy and sea trips. It is the natural choice for a first trip.