I remember being a child and never noticing tourism because, in fact, tourism had very little existence. However, this has changed over the past 20 years. It is not just because I am from the islands of the Azores, which makes me believe it is a magical place, and despite the fact that the region is small, composed of only nine islands, there are plenty of experiences and things to do in the Azores that are guaranteed to stay with you forever. The quality of what the Azores has to offer in terms of nature, sightseeing, water and outdoor activities, gastronomy and culture is something not seen in many destinations, and this is something the Azores strives to preserve and offer to each visitor.
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What are best things to do in the Azores?
There are multiple things to plan and do in the Azores, but this will depend on your preferences, budget, islands you visit and time of the year you travel, all of which have an impact on the different things you decide to do. If you are interested in more information about the best times to travel to the Azores, read my article on Best Time to Visit the Azores. Independently of your travel style, there are must-dos when planning your trip to the islands, such as exploring nature and different viewpoints, which are usually distributed across hundreds of spots around the islands, trying local gastronomy in the many restaurants available, experiencing the local culture by participating in a local activity or even a local party or celebration, and enjoying indoor, outdoor or water activities, which are part of the essence of Azorean life. At the end of the day, the best things to do in the Azores will differ from person to person.
Must-see places in the Azores: Top Recommendations by Region
There are many must-see places in the Azores, depending on the island you are visiting. Here are some of my personal recommendations, organised by region.
Eastern Azores
Starting with the Eastern Azores (São Miguel and Santa Maria), I always strongly advise visiting the famous Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo, and the Gorreana Tea Plantation in São Miguel, and Baía de São Lourenço or Praia Formosa in Santa Maria. With the exception of the Gorreana Tea Plantation, all of these are nature attractions that will definitely leave a mark on your trip to the Azores.
Central Azores
Moving to the Central Azores, in Terceira you should visit Algar do Carvão or the historic and beautiful city of Angra do Heroísmo. In Graciosa, the highlights are Furna do Enxofre and Serra Branca. When visiting São Jorge, explore the Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo and the island’s fajãs in general. In Pico, visit the heritage vineyards in the Madalena district and, if possible, climb the highest mountain in Portugal. Finally, in Faial, make sure to visit Vulcão dos Capelinhos and explore the city of Horta and its marina.
Western Azores
Lastly, in the Western Azores, Flores is home to the iconic Poça da Alagoinha and multiple beautiful waterfalls along the west coast of the island. In Corvo, don’t miss the charming and only village on the island and the Caldeirão, about a 20-minute drive away.
What are best things to do in the Azores?
Besides visiting the must-see places described in the previous section, here are the best outdoor activities I recommend when travelling to the Azores.
Trails
There are several trails on each island, with different difficulty levels, lengths, and sceneries, all of which can be found on the official DMO website of the Azores at trails.visitazores.com. Trails are a great way to connect with nature and appreciate every detail of your trip to the Azores. They can be done solo, as a couple, with family, or in groups, depending on the difficulty level.
Whale Watching & Boat Tours
Whale watching is best experienced between April and June, when sightings of sperm whales and dolphins are most common. It can be booked on several islands including Pico, Faial, Terceira, and São Miguel.
As for boat tours, these are available on all islands. A round-the-island tour offers a completely different perspective of each island seen from the sea, including hidden caves and coastal areas you would never discover from shore. There is also the option to travel between islands by ferry or speedboat, which is always an extraordinary experience in itself.
Canyoning
Canyoning has grown significantly in the Azores in recent years and is highly recommended if you enjoy a bit of adrenaline combined with scenery you can only access while doing this sport. There are different difficulty levels, and an instructor will always carry out an initial evaluation with you before starting.
Sightseeing & Viewpoints
Sightseeing across the different islands of the Azores includes exploring the many viewpoints on offer. These are generally easy to reach by car, however the real challenge is making sure you have enough time to visit as many as possible, as the options are truly extensive.
Experience Azorean Gastronomy
The food in the Azores is unlike anything you’ll find on mainland Portugal. Surrounded by the Atlantic on all sides, these islands have built a cuisine that’s deeply tied to the ocean, the volcanic land, and centuries of isolation that forced people to make the most of what they had. Here are the things I always tell people to try:
Limpets (Lapas) — If you eat seafood, this is non-negotiable. Limpets are grilled directly on their shell with butter, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon. Simple, smoky, and honestly one of the best things you’ll eat in your life. You’ll find them on almost every menu across the islands.
Octopus (Polvo) — Usually slow-cooked and incredibly tender, Azorean octopus is a world away from the rubbery versions you might have tried elsewhere. Often served with potatoes and olive oil, it’s comfort food with serious depth.
Bife Regional — Don’t let the name fool you into thinking it’s just a steak. The beef here comes from cows that graze on some of the greenest pastures in Europe, and you can taste the difference. Rich, flavourful, and usually served with fried potatoes and local butter. A proper meal.
Cozido das Furnas — This one is unique to São Miguel and genuinely unlike anything else. A hearty stew of meat, sausages, and vegetables, slow-cooked underground using the heat from volcanic geothermal vents near Furnas. The cooking process takes hours and gives the food a distinct, earthy flavour. It’s a must if you’re visiting the island.
Alcatra — The signature dish of Terceira Island. A slow-braised beef stew made with wine, spices, and sometimes bacon, traditionally cooked in clay pots. The meat falls apart and the sauce is deep and rich. Go on a Sunday if you can — that’s when locals make it at its best.
Boca Negra and Chicharros Fritos — Two local fish you won’t find just anywhere. Boca Negra is a deepwater fish with firm, flavourful flesh, while Chicharros (horse mackerel) are usually fried whole and served with corn bread and a salad. Unpretentious, fresh, and absolutely worth trying.
Ananas dos Açores (Pineapple) — Yes, the Azores grows pineapples — small, incredibly sweet ones cultivated in greenhouses on São Miguel. Nothing like the imported supermarket kind. If you see them at a market, buy one immediately.
Queijadas da Graciosa — A traditional pastry from Graciosa Island made with fresh cheese, eggs, and sugar. Soft, slightly sweet, and best eaten the day they’re made. Each island has its own version of local sweets, but these are special.
Queijo de São Jorge — A semi-hard, slightly spicy cheese aged for months on São Jorge Island. A staple across the archipelago and one of Portugal’s most respected cheeses. Try it with a bit of local honey if you get the chance.
Verdelho do Pico — Wine grown on volcanic soil on Pico Island, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. The Verdelho grape produces a dry, mineral white with a slight salinity from the ocean air. Very distinctive. Pico also produces reds worth exploring if you’re a wine lover.
Kima and Laranjada — Two fizzy drinks produced locally on São Miguel. Kima is a grape-flavoured soda and Laranjada is orange — both have been made on the island for decades and have a loyal following. Not fancy, but they taste like childhood to anyone who grew up here.
Gorreana Tea — The only tea still grown in Europe, produced on a family-run estate in São Miguel since 1883. You can visit the plantation, walk through the tea fields, and taste the green and black varieties for free. It’s a quiet, beautiful place and the tea is genuinely good.
FAQ
Do I need a car to visit the viewpoints and natural attractions you mention?
Yes, in general it is easier and highly recommended to rent a car. It gives you the freedom to move around at your own pace without relying on public transportation, which can vary quite a bit depending on the island, some are reasonably well connected, others much less so.
Are the hiking trails suitable for all fitness levels?
Trails vary in difficulty, but a good number of them are short and very manageable regardless of fitness level. My advice is to check with a local point of contact beforehand, or feel free to reach out to me directly ([email protected]) so you can find the ones that best match what you’re looking for.
Where's the best place to try Cozido das Furnas?
The best places to try it are the restaurants in and around the Furnas area on São Miguel Island. Most of them serve it at lunch, so plan your visit around midday and don’t rush, this is the kind of meal that deserves a proper sit-down.