Azores which island

There is always some popular festivity going on in the streets of Terceira Island year-round, and with the locals being so welcoming and friendly, you can always feel free to join in the fun and revelry! You can also look forward to visiting local artisans shops which will give you a more intimate and personal glimpse into the amazing Azores culture of this particular island. And if the thought of strolling around city streets that remind you of the colorful and cute thoroughfares in Cuba appeals to you, then Terceira Island and its UNESCO World Heritage city are the perfect fit for you!

Are you a fan of great food and wine? Terceira Island has that, too, by the platefuls. You could say Terceira has it all! Find the best Azores travel deals to Terceira Island , and start planning your Azores getaway now!

Graciosa Island is home to over 4, inhabitants, all of whom are proud to live in such a peaceful and idyllic retreat. This Azores island also has two spectacular ancient lava tubes to explore: Furna da Maria Encantada and the major landmark of Furna do Enxofre. Graciosa is also home to the famed Azorean dwarf donkeys — a species that is rare and actually on the verge of extinction.

Graciosa Island is home to a small therapeutic thermal spa known as the Termas do Carapacho. Nine amazing Azores islands emerge from the deep blue of the Atlantic, but Pico Island stands taller than the rest!

Pico Island is the Island of the Mountain in the Azores, home to a mystic beauty that attracts visitors from not only those coming from Boston to Azores or Toronto to Azores, but across the entire globe! Nearly 15, people call Pico Island home, and they have the gift and unmatched privilege of waking up each morning to some of the best views in all of the Azores: Pico Mountain and glistening ocean vistas as far as the eye can see.

If the ultimate trekking adventure appeals to you, Pico Island is the perfect place to start your Azores trip. Plus, if local spirits and unique island traditions speak to you, the rare island heritage is yet another reason to visit Pico. You can look forward to visiting several wineries to sample the many varieties and discover which is your favorite Pico wine type.

Are you ready to start planning your Azores getaway to Pico Island? Find the best Azores travel deals to Pico Island, and start planning your Azores getaway now! Faial Island is also the site of the most recent volcanic eruption in the Azores, which took place along the coast of Capelinhos village in and almost completely buried the nearby lighthouse.

Many people lost their homes and livelihoods as a result of the eruption, a dire situation which prompted the Azorean Refugee Act to be signed in by JFK, authorizing the emigration of those affected.

Simply put: The Capelinhos volcano left behind one of the most emblematic landscapes in the whole world! Most famous as a port, Faial historically has been and remains to this day a popular stopping point for sailors crossing the Atlantic. Make sure you try the signature gin as you sit back and enjoy the authentic and rustic vibe of the city surrounding you.

The best part? If jaw-dropping volcanic landscapes and natural wonders appeal to you, make sure you include a visit to Faial Island in your Azores trip! Embrace the opportunity to fully appreciate nature. The example itineraries blow are tailored for first-time visitors and are designed to give the best overview possible of Azores in each amount of time. With a week to spend in Azores, there are 2 options.

If you are keen on including more stops on your journey, be strategic: a week is not a lot of time. Santa Maria makes more sense logistically as is just a 3-hour ferry away. For the latter option though, if you plan to climb Mount Pico , this might be too tight and rushed.

Faial is the obvious choice as there are frequent ferries between Horta Faial and Madalena Pico. The first is that Flores is much more remote and may need an additional return flight to Lisbon, complicating the logistics. The other is that these 2 islands, despite breathtaking, are quite similar in terms of landscape. Faial and Pico add more contrast to your experience and gives you a more well-rounded overview of the islands.

Efficiency FTW. For the couple of days that are still left, including Terceira will give your trip a different side of Azorean food and if you got your time right, a bit of partying around too. The island is known as the party island of the archipelago! Alternatively, you can replace Flores with Santa Maria for more chances of sunny weather and some beach bum time. As a rule of thumb, flights to Azores are considerably cheaper from Porto, Lisbon or London.

Ponta Delgada airport has the highest number of flight connections. From there you may be entitled to a FREE connecting flight to other islands — check this page for more info.

For hotels, you can start off with this pre-filtered list of hotels, guesthouses and villas in Azores. Or explore on your own:. Taxis and tours can be costly and public transportation is not reliable. Anyone remotely interested in geology will be in their element. The Capelinhos Volcano that surged up from the seabed off Faial in is one of the best documented sites in the world.

Azoreans use the thermal heat to slow-cook their traditional cozido , a stew of meat and vegetables, under the ground. At ft m , Mt. Fans of adventure sports might find themselves paralyzed by indecision, such is the choice on offer. The many waterfalls cascading into ravines make for world-class canyoning. The Azores have also hosted a paragliding festival for the past 20 years. Budget carriers Ryanair and easyJet shook up the local industry by introducing flights to the Azores in Azores Airlines runs daily flights between the islands.

Alternatively, you can explore them all in leisurely fashion by ship with Atlanticoline. James Kay traveled to the Azores with support from Visit Azores. Lonely Planet contributors do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.

Accommodation is very limited. Pico Dominated by its 2,metre Fuji-like volcano which gives the island its name. Faial Legendary destination for sailors coming east on the Atlantic winds.

Graciosa All-but-abandoned natural beauty. Come for the daily summer Holy Ghost processions and the peace. Western group Corvo Other-worldy, covering less than seven square miles and home to only souls. Flores A forgotten hydrangea-filled paradise. Local handicrafts include flower arrangements made from fish scales. Santa Maria The warmest, southernmost island, for simple rural pleasures and fab music festivals. The trip was provided by Sunvil Discovery