The nine islands that make up the Azores are in fact the peaks of some of the world's tallest mountains, reaching from deep beneath the Atlantic. The once-uninhabited, volcanic archipelago now hosts thousands of tourists every year who flock to the islands for sun, sand and verdant mountain scenery.
The Azores is an archipelago composed of nine volcanic islands in the Macaronesia region of the North Atlantic Ocean. There are nine major Azorean islands and an islet cluster, in three main groups.
From whale watching to volcano hikes and thermal springs, here are the best things to do in the Azores—Portugal’s wild and underrated island paradise.
Our Azores travel guide is here to help you plan your trip – we’ve visited these enchanting Portuguese islands more than once, so we know what to expect. Hike through dense forests and picturesque meadows, spend a lazy afternoon on the beach, try food cooked by geothermal heat, and drive the famous hydrangea road – discover all the unforgettable things to do in the Azores.
Azores Travel Guide (2026): How to Plan Your Trip to the Islands
Azores, archipelago and região autónoma (autonomous region) of Portugal. The chain lies in the North Atlantic Ocean roughly 1,000 miles (1,600 km) west of mainland Portugal. It includes nine major islands.
Get insider tips for a perfect trip to the Azores, Portugal's hidden gem, with stunning landscapes and activities like hiking, whale watching, and hot springs.
Volcanic crater lakes, geothermal stew, Portugal’s highest peak, and a pace of life that genuinely forces you to stop. Here’s how to plan your first Azores trip properly.