Azores holidays are your one-way ticket to dramatic volcanic landscapes, emerald-green crater lakes and Atlantic ocean views that look straight out of a postcard, without the crowds you’ll find in mainland Europe.
Destination Highlights
Unique islands in Portugal
Perfect for a relaxing holiday
Great for those who love the outdoors
Plenty of beaches to explore
Best beaches in the Azores
The islands of the Azores offer unique and wonderful beaches, from relaxing, soft sandy shores to rocky coastal spots surrounded by beautiful greenery.
Formosa Beach – located on Santa Maria island, this beach features fine white sand and calm, clear waters, making it a dream for those who simply want to relax the day away.
Vila Franca Beach – over on Sao Miguel, the Vila Franca Beach is not only a lovely spot to relax, but also features a crater from an extinct volcano and is a brilliant place for snorkeling as it is home to a variety of tropical fish.
Santa Barbara Beach – a beautiful and spacious beach located on Sao Miguel, Santa Barbara Beach is a must-visit for watersport lovers and is great for those who want to relax on a busy shore without feeling crowded.
Porto Pim Beach – on the island of Faial, Porto Pim Beach is set in an old fishing village but is a stunning soft sandy beach that sits by the beautiful blue sea.
Caldeira do Santo Cristo Beach – one for the adventure seekers on Sao Jorge, this rocky beach is reachable through the beautiful neighbouring nature reserve and has multiple surf houses for those who want to brave the waves!
The best islands to visit in the Azores
The Azores are made for island-hopping, but most holidays stick to São Miguel, the biggest and easiest island to explore. Each island has its own personality, from steaming valleys to rugged coastlines and quiet fishing towns.
São Miguel – the “Green Island” and the most popular choice. Think volcanic lakes, hot springs in Furnas, tea plantations and scenic drives around Sete Cidades crater.
Terceira – a mix of history and nature, with colourful UNESCO-listed Angra do Heroísmo, volcanic caves and dramatic coastal viewpoints.
Pico – dominated by Portugal’s highest mountain and famous for whale watching, vineyards grown in lava rock and serious adventure vibes.
Faial – known for its blue hydrangeas, marina culture and epic views across to Pico volcano.
Flores – one of the most remote islands, packed with waterfalls, cliffs and wild Atlantic scenery that feels untouched.
What are the top hotels in the Azores?
If you’re seeking a getaway with endless stunning views, then you can’t go wrong with Azores holidays. Not only are the islands covered in incredible, lush nature, but the hotels are definitely something to shout about too! Here are some of our favourite stays on the islands:
Pedras do Mar Resort & Spa - located by the sea and featuring a tranquil spa and stunning infinity pool, this five-star hotel is a perfect pick for a relaxing stay in Calhetas.
Ponta Delgada - a three-star stay with stylish interiors, this hotel may be more of a budget pick but still offers outstanding service, spa facilities and a wonderful on-site restaurant.
Santa Barbara Eco Beach Resort - situated on Santa Barbra Beach on Sao Miguel, this unique four-star hotel offers rooms with pool access, beautiful interiors and a range of outdoor activities that are perfect for exploring the surroundings.
Furnas Boutique Hotel Thermal & Spa - a hidden gem in San Miguel’s countryside, this four-star hotel offers the ultimate relaxing stay with sleek interiors and an exceptional spa.
Pestana Bahia Praia - with direct access to Baia de Água d'Alto Beach, a spacious outdoor pool and a games room, this four-star hotel is a fantastic choice for a beach break to the Azores.
Azoris Royal Garden Hotel - a luxury hotel located centrally in Ponta Delgada, guests can enjoy the spa facilities, outdoor pool and on-site restaurant whilst in easy reach of all that the capital has to offer.
Where is the best area to stay on your Azores holiday?
Most travellers stay on São Miguel, particularly around Ponta Delgada, which is the main hub for restaurants, hotels and tours. It’s the easiest base for day trips across the island.
Couples – boutique hotels and spa stays around Furnas are perfect for hot springs, forest walks and quiet scenery
Families – Ponta Delgada works best for easy access, restaurants and organised excursions
Adventure seekers – Ribeira Grande and the north coast are great for surfing and outdoor activities
Luxury stays – coastal eco-resorts offer ocean views, spa facilities and total relaxation
Good to know
🤯 Fun fact: The Azores sit right where three tectonic plates meet, which is why the landscapes look so dramatic
🌋 Best experience: Soaking in Furnas hot springs after a day of exploring volcanic lakes
🚗 Getting around: Hiring a car is the easiest way to explore, public transport is limited
🌦️ Weather: Expect “four seasons in a day”, sunshine, mist and rain can all happen in hours
📅 Best time to visit: May to October for the most reliable weather
Local lingo
Hello – Olá
Hi – Oi
Bye – Adeus
How are you? – Como estás?
Thank you – Obrigado / Obrigada
Yes – Sim
No – Não
Where is…? – Onde fica…?
More destinations
Madeira – known as the “Island of Eternal Spring” with cliffside walks, botanical gardens and year-round mild weather
Canary Islands – year-round sunshine, volcanic landscapes and classic beach resorts across Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria
Mainland Portugal – Algarve beaches, Lisbon city breaks and Porto’s riverside charm all in one country
Popular Azores hotels
More Azores hotelsStunning Azores resorts
Weather in Azores
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
The Azores offer warm summers and mild winters, with average temperatures ranging between 20°c and 22°c between July and September. If you love to spend your days on the beach, the average sea temperatures reach 24°c in August and September.
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FAQs
How long does it take to fly to the Azores?
How long does it take to fly to the Azores?
Direct flights from the UK to the Azores usually take around 4 to 4.5 hours, depending on which island you’re flying to and your departure airport.
Average flight times to the Azores
Departure Airport | Average Flight Time |
London | 4 hours |
Manchester | 4–5 hours |
Dublin | Around 4 hours |
Which airport do most flights use?
Most international flights arrive into:
Ponta Delgada Airport (São Miguel) - the main gateway to the Azores
Some seasonal routes also fly to Terceira Island
Good to know
Many Azores holidays include a short stop in Lisbon or Porto
Direct flights are usually seasonal from the UK
São Miguel is the easiest island for first-time visitors
The Azores are one of the closest “far-away feeling” island escapes from the UK.
What’s the time difference between the UK and the Azores?
What’s the time difference between the UK and the Azores?
The Azores are usually 1 hour behind the UK.
Time difference example
UK Time | Azores Time |
12:00pm | 11:00am |
Why?
The Azores sit in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and operate on:
Azores Standard Time (AZOT) during winter
Azores Summer Time (AZOST) during daylight saving months
Good to know
There’s minimal jet lag from the UK
The small time difference makes travelling easier for families and shorter holidays
Sunrise and sunset times can feel slightly later compared to mainland Europe
It’s one of the easiest long-haul-feeling destinations to adjust to.
What currency do they use in the Azores?
What currency do they use in the Azores?
The official currency used in the Azores is the Euro (€), as the islands are part of Portugal.
Currency in the Azores
Currency | Symbol |
Euro | € |
Can you use cards?
Yes, card payments are widely accepted across:
Hotels
Restaurants
Shops
Supermarkets
Petrol stations
Still worth carrying cash?
A little, yes, especially for:
Rural cafés
Local markets
Small bakeries
Taxis in quieter areas
ATMs
Cash machines are easy to find in:
Ponta Delgada
Ribeira Grande
Main towns across São Miguel and Terceira
The Azores are generally easy and hassle-free for UK travellers when it comes to spending money.
What language do they speak in the Azores?
What language do they speak in the Azores?
The official language spoken in the Azores is Portuguese.
Main language spoken
Language | Spoken In |
Portuguese | Across all Azores islands |
Is English widely spoken?
In most tourist areas, yes, especially in:
Hotels
Restaurants
Tour companies
Airports
English is most commonly spoken on São Miguel and in larger towns.
Useful Portuguese phrases
English | Portuguese |
Hello | Olá |
Thank you | Obrigado / Obrigada |
Please | Por favor |
Yes | Sim |
No | Não |
Local culture
The Azores have a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and locals are usually welcoming towards tourists, especially if you try a few Portuguese phrases.
You’ll have no major language barriers in most tourist areas, but a little Portuguese always goes down well.
What is the best month to visit the Azores?
What is the best month to visit the Azores?
The best time to visit the Azores is usually between May and October, when temperatures are warmer and outdoor conditions are best for exploring.
Best months by activity
Activity | Best Time |
Hiking | May – September |
Whale watching | April – October |
Swimming | June – September |
Sightseeing | May – October |
Typical temperatures
Spring: 17–21°C
Summer: 23–26°C
Autumn: 20–24°C
Winter: 14–18°C
Weather in the Azores
The Azores have mild Atlantic weather year-round, but conditions can change quickly. It’s common to experience sunshine, mist and rain all in the same day.
Best overall time to go
June to September offers the warmest weather and best outdoor conditions
May and October are quieter and greener with fewer tourists
The Azores are more about scenery and exploration than guaranteed heatwaves, which is part of their charm.
Is it worth hiring a car in the Azores?
Is it worth hiring a car in the Azores?
Absolutely, hiring a car is one of the best ways to experience the Azores properly.
Why a car makes a big difference
Many of the islands’ best attractions are spread out, including:
Crater lake viewpoints
Hot springs
Hiking trails
Coastal villages
Natural swimming pools
Benefits of driving in the Azores
Freedom to explore at your own pace
Easier access to remote viewpoints
Scenic mountain and coastal drives
More flexibility than organised tours
Driving tips
Roads are generally quiet and well maintained
Weather can change quickly in the mountains
Parking is usually easy outside major towns
Is the Azores good for a beach holiday?
Is the Azores good for a beach holiday?
Yes, but Azores beaches are very different from the classic golden-sand resorts you’ll find in mainland Spain or the Algarve. Holidays here are more about dramatic scenery, volcanic coastlines and natural swimming spots than full days on sunloungers.
What are Azores beaches like?
The islands are known for:
Black volcanic sand beaches
Lava-rock swimming pools
Quiet Atlantic coves
Natural ocean bathing areas
Best beach spots in the Azores
Praia de Santa Bárbara (São Miguel) – popular for surfing and dramatic scenery
Praia Formosa (Santa Maria) – one of the rare golden-sand beaches in the Azores
Biscoitos natural pools (Terceira) – volcanic pools carved into lava rock
