The Azores, nine main islands and the smaller isles and atolls around them, are a mid-Atlantic treasure-trove of natural beauty just ripe for anyone with an adventurous spirit and a love of the great outdoors.The volcanic landscape is dramatic and there are three distinct biospheres. Plus the Azores have two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the old town of Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira and the vineyards of Pico.The varied beauty of the islands does make choosing the best places to stay on the Azores a challenge. Beautiful Angra do Heroísmo is the historic capital, a charming 18th century city on the island of Terceira, full of colourful cafes and bars and boutiques. Terceira is also one of the best places if you like a festival - between May and October a number of towns and cities on the island have a Spanish style tourada, when bulls are set free into the streets to join the party.

The Azores are also known for wildlife - especially whales, who grace the sea around the islands with their presence several times a year on their migrations. Almost every town or village with a marina will offer whale watching tours. Pico Island is a good choice if this is one of the things you’re most looking forward to about visiting the Azores. Pico is also where you’ll find Portugal’s highest mountain, 2351metres above sea level and a hike you can do in two or three hours if you’re fairly fit. From the very top you can see the islands of Faial and São Jorge.

Sailing, surfing, biking, hiking, paragliding and horseback riding are other popular ways to experience the landscape of the Azores. You can expect to come across incredible crater lakes, steaming vents, bubbling mud pools and incredible caverns, volcanic underwater landscapes and pristine and white sandy beaches. Much of this beauty is protected in national parks and marine reserves.

There are numerous highlights, but there are a few unmissable sights: the amazing blue and green caldera lakes of Setes Cidades - one of the lakes is blue, one green; the display centre of the Capelinhos Volcano, a spectacular underwater volcano which erupted in 1957; the springs at Terra Nostra Gardens on the island of São Miguel; the Heritage Listed vineyards of Pico, which date from the 15th century are laid between protective walls made of basalt.

What not to miss:

• Embark on a whale watching boat trip.

• Sample the local cuisine, slow cooked in volcanic soil, at São Miguel’s village of Furnas.

• Soak in the hot geothermal pools at Terra Nostra Park or Poça da Dona Beija.

• Hike to the top of Portugal's highest mountain, Pico.

• Unwind on the picturesque beaches.

With so much on offer many of the best places to stay in the Azores are snapped up early so do make your plans and make a booking.

The Best Places to Stay in the Azores

For rural escapes

• The Terra Nostra Garden Hotel is a luxury art-deco hotel featuring spacious rooms with floor to ceiling windows, feather-soft beds and crisp white linen.

For a spa break

• Pedras do Mar Resort and Spa is a stunning coastal property offering incredible sea views. Rooms are contemporary in style with chic minimalist design, luxurious bathrooms and large balconies. A superb spa and striking infinity pool are utterly spoiling.

• Furnas Boutique Hotel is a secluded and serene resort hotel on the island of São Miguel. There are 54 sharp, minimalist rooms and an extensive spa. The hotel’s restaurant serves local specialities.

For an eco stay

• The Aldeia de Fonte is a 40 room eco resort on Pico Island offering accommodation in a collection of houses made of volcanic stone. There’s a popular bar and restaurant in the resort complex and there’s a relaxed vibe perfect for families and nature lovers. What with the whale watching and Tai Chi gardens.

For an apartment or villa

• If you're travelling with family or a group of friends it may be a better option to book a villa or apartment. For a wide range of properties for all tastes and budgets we recommend you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

• Fly to the main hub, Ponta Delgada Airport. There are also SATA served airports on every single island although usually only one flight is chartered a day. Most towns across the islands have ports making travelling between the island by ferry easy.
• Weather-wise the best time to visit is the summer months from June to September when temperatures sit in the mid twenties (celcius).
• If you plan to hire a car, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Browse though our list of all the best places to stay in the Azores.
• Widen your search to include all our recommendations in Portugal.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Azores