Açores · Portugal

Açores

Volcanic archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic, with crater lakes, hot springs, tea plantations and whale watching, based in Ponta Delgada on the island of São Miguel.

Açores e Madeira

In the photo: Lagoa das Sete Cidades

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Get to know the place

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

The Açores are nine volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic, about 1,500 km from Lisbon. São Miguel is the largest, and Ponta Delgada, the main city of the archipelago, is the gateway for most visitors.

São Miguel’s landscape is made up of crater lakes, green pastures divided by hydrangeas, fumaroles and hot springs. The Sete Cidades lakes, blue and green, and the Lagoa do Fogo are less than an hour from Ponta Delgada. In the Furnas valley, the cozido is cooked using the earth's heat.

The island also has the only tea plantations in Europe in continuous production, such as Gorreana, and is one of the best places in the world for whale and dolphin watching, which is common year-round.

The climate is mild and humid, and the weather changes quickly, with sun and rain on the same day.

This destination brings together 1 city: Ponta Delgada.

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One destination, many paths

The cities on this trip

Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.

Where Açores is

Contornos: Direção-Geral do Território, CAOP 2025, CC BY 4.0. Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.

How to get there: Açores

✈ Aeroporto João Paulo II (PDL) · 3 km to Ponta Delgada

Aeroporto de Ponta Delgada (PDL) is about 3 km from the center. Confirm before booking. From Lisbon, the flight takes about 2h15. Between the islands there are regional flights and, in summer, ferries.

Açores · Açores Capital

Ponta Delgada

Largest city of the Açores, on the south coast of the island of São Miguel, with white houses and churches of dark volcanic stone. In the center are the Portas da Cidade and the Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião. The island has the Sete Cidades and Fogo lakes, the Furnas valley with Parque Terra Nostra, and the Gorreana tea plantation. Boats for whale watching depart from the port.

The local experience

Things to do in Açores

Ponta Delgada · Açores · Monument

Portas da Cidade

Three arches of dark basalt and white limestone dating from 1783, a symbol of Ponta Delgada, which marked the city’s entrance from the sea. They stand in a square next to the Igreja Matriz.

Ponta Delgada · Açores · Church

Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião

Igreja matriz de Ponta Delgada, from the 16th century, with a Manueline portal of white limestone contrasting with the dark volcanic rock, and an interior with gilded woodcarving.

Ponta Delgada · Açores · Lagoon

Sete Cidades

Large volcanic crater about 25 km from Ponta Delgada with two connected lakes, one blue and one green, and a small settlement at the bottom. The Miradouro da Vista do Rei provides the best-known view.

Ponta Delgada · Açores · Lagoon

Lagoa do Fogo

Lake in a volcanic crater in central São Miguel, at about 575 metres altitude, with blue water and a white-sand beach, in a nature reserve with no buildings.

See 2 more places in Açores

Ponta Delgada · Açores · Park

Furnas e Parque Terra Nostra

Volcanic valley about 45 km from Ponta Delgada, with fumaroles, hot springs, the lake where the cozido is cooked in the ground, and the Parque Terra Nostra, which has a thermal pool of iron-rich water.

Ponta Delgada · Açores · Plantation

Chá Gorreana

Tea plantation and factory on the north coast of São Miguel, operating since 1883, considered the oldest continuously producing tea plantation in Europe. The visit shows the old machines and ends with a tea tasting.

Before you go

Practical information

A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.

When to go

From May to September are usually the driest and warmest months, with hydrangeas in bloom between June and August. Whale watching takes place year-round, with blue whales more common in spring. In winter it rains more and is windier.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

How many days to stay

Four to five days on São Miguel allow you to see Ponta Delgada, Sete Cidades, the Lagoa do Fogo, Furnas, Gorreana and take a boat trip to see whales.

Which city to stay in

Ponta Delgada concentrates hotels, restaurants and the departure point for whale-watching boats, and serves as a base for the whole island. Furnas has hotels with thermal waters. Those seeking quiet can stay in rural homes in the north of the island.

Respect the place

Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.

Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Açores

Do you need a car in São Miguel?

Yes, practically: the lakes, Furnas and the viewpoints are spread around the island and public transport is limited. There are also organized tours.

Can you see whales in the Açores?

Yes, boats depart from Ponta Delgada year-round. Sperm whales and dolphins commonly appear at any time; blue whales more often in spring. Sightings are not guaranteed.

What's the best time to go?

From May to September there is usually more sun. The weather changes quickly at any time of year: bring a jacket and a raincoat.

How many days to stay on São Miguel?

Four to five days to explore the island without rushing.

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