With nine stunning islands scattered across the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores offer travellers an unforgettable blend of dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush greenery, charming towns, and exceptional outdoor experiences. But while this Portuguese archipelago is often spoken of as a single destination, each island has its own distinct character, attractions, and atmosphere. From the volcanic wonders and vibrant culture of São Miguel to the peaceful trails of Flores and the world-class whale watching around Pico, choosing the right Azores accommodation can have a huge impact on your trip. The good news is that there is no wrong choice, only the choice that best matches your travel style, and this guide will help you discover which Azores island is right for you.
Choosing the best island to stay in the Azores
One of the biggest challenges when planning an Azores trip is deciding where to stay. Although the islands share spectacular scenery, warm hospitality, and a laid-back atmosphere, each has its own personality. Whether you're looking for luxury hotels Azores, charming guesthouses, or nature-focused retreats, there is an island to suit every type of traveller.
São Miguel: Best for first-time visitors
Known as the "Green Island," São Miguel is the largest and most developed island in the archipelago. It offers a little bit of everything: volcanic lakes, hot springs, hiking trails, whale watching, surfing, and excellent restaurants. An ideal destination for first-time visitors, families, and travellers who want diverse outdoor activities.
Terceira: Best for culture and local life
Terceira combines beautiful landscapes with a rich cultural heritage. Its UNESCO-listed capital, Angra do Heroísmo, is one of the most charming towns in the Azores, while traditional festivals and lively local culture make it a particularly engaging destination. History enthusiasts, culture seekers & food lovers will feel at home on Terceira.
Pico: Best for adventure lovers
Dominated by Portugal's highest mountain, Pico is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Climbing Mount Pico is a bucket-list experience, while the island's unique volcanic vineyards and excellent whale-watching opportunities add to its appeal. This island is best for hikers and wine lovers.
Faial: Best for sailors and Island hoppers
Often called the "Blue Island" thanks to its hydrangea-lined roads, Faial is famous for its marina in Horta, a legendary stop for transatlantic sailors. Its compact size and excellent ferry connections to Pico make it ideal for combining multiple islands in one trip. Island hoppers, this is one for you!
São Jorge: Best for adventure tourism
With dramatic cliffs, rugged landscapes, and its famous coastal fajãs (flatlands formed by lava flows and landslides), São Jorge offers some of the most rewarding hiking in the Azores. Experienced hikers, nature enthusiasts, and travellers looking to venture off the beaten path will appreciate São Jorge.
Flores: Best for remote natural beauty
Frequently considered one of Europe's most beautiful islands, Flores is renowned for its waterfalls, crater lakes, and lush green scenery. Its remote location means fewer visitors and an even stronger sense of wilderness, ideal for photographers, birdwatchers and travellers seeking peace and solitude.
Corvo: Best for true escape seekers
The smallest and least populated island in the Azores, Corvo offers a unique opportunity to disconnect completely. Life moves at a slow pace, and the island's spectacular volcanic caldera is its crowning attraction. Best for off-the-grid travellers, slow travellers, and those looking for tranquillity.
Graciosa: Best for relaxation
Graciosa is known for its gentle landscapes, traditional villages, and relaxed atmosphere. It lacks the dramatic scenery of some of the larger islands but makes up for it with charm and serenity.
Santa Maria: Best for beaches and sunshine
The southernmost island enjoys the driest climate in the archipelago and boasts some of the Azores' best sandy beaches. Its warmer weather and calmer seas give it a distinctly different feel from the greener northern islands. This is the island for beach lovers & families.
Best areas to stay on São Miguel Island
As the largest and most visited island in the Azores, São Miguel is the ideal introduction to the archipelago, boasting stunning viewpoints, and charming towns. If you're researching where to stay Sao Miguel, you'll find a wide range of accommodation options, from boutique guesthouses and rural retreats to elegant hotels and seaside resorts.
Ponta Delgada
With its picturesque marina, historic architecture, lively atmosphere, and excellent tourist infrastructure, Ponta Delgada provides an ideal base for exploring the region. The city combines centuries of history with a relaxed island lifestyle. Strolling through the cobbled streets, visitors will find elegant churches, black basalt buildings, bustling cafés, and leafy squares where locals gather throughout the day. Ponta Delgada is also the most convenient location in the Azores for transport and accessibility. The city is just a short drive from João Paulo II Airport, which offers both international and inter-island flights. It is also home to some of the best resorts in Azores, as well as stylish guesthouses and boutique properties.
Where to stay ?
We recommend the Residencial Alcides in the historic centre, offering 19 comfortable rooms featuring warm, inviting décor, elegant parquet flooring, and large windows that fill the spaces with natural light. Each room is equipped with air conditioning to ensure a pleasant stay.
We also like the Casa das Palmeiras, a welcoming bed and breakfast with 10 cosy rooms, all equipped with air conditioning, heating, and private bathrooms, and feature large windows with views of the garden.
Furnas
Nestled within a lush volcanic valley on São Miguel, Furnas is one of the Azores' most famous destinations for wellness and relaxation. Renowned for its geothermal activity, the area is dotted with hot springs, bubbling fumaroles, and mineral-rich waters. Soak in the iron-rich waters of Poça da Dona Beija, a collection of outdoor thermal pools set within a tropical garden, or unwind at the historic Terra Nostra Park, where a large geothermal pool is surrounded by one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the Azores. The naturally warm waters are believed to promote relaxation and well-being, making Furnas a favourite destination for travellers looking to recharge both body and mind.
Where to stay?
We recommend staying at the Hotel Vista do Vale, on the hillside above Furnas, offering comfortable accommodation with beautiful views over the valley. All rooms feature a private balcony, while décor and furnishings vary from room to room. Guests can also enjoy the hotel's restaurant, swimming pool, terrace, and bar.Or treat yourself to a stay at the Quinta da Mo, offering charming wooden bungalows surrounded by exotic plants & streams, combining privacy, comfort, and nature.
Ribeira Grande
Located on São Miguel's north coast, Ribeira Grande offers a quieter and more authentic atmosphere than Ponta Delgada. Known for its excellent surfing beaches, picturesque historic centre, and family-friendly vibe, it's a great base for travellers looking to experience local life while staying close to some of the island's best natural attractions.
Sete Cidades
Nestled within a vast volcanic crater on the western side of São Miguel, this small rural parish is famous for its iconic twin lakes, Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde, whose striking blue and green waters are among the archipelago's most photographed sights. Stay at the Solar do Conde in Capelas, set within and around a beautifully restored historic manor house. Surrounded by 2.5 hectares of botanical gardens filled with centuries-old trees, the property offers 27 villas thoughtfully distributed throughout the grounds, creating a peaceful and spacious retreat just 600 metres from the sea
Where to stay on Terceira Island
Terceira stands apart from the other Azorean islands thanks to its rich cultural heritage, vibrant traditions, and fascinating history. Visitors searching for Terceira island hotels will find everything from historic properties in Angra do Heroísmo to modern seaside accommodation in Praia da Vitória.
Angra do Heroísmo
A UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its beautifully preserved Renaissance architecture, colourful streets, historic churches, and impressive fortifications. As one of the first settlements in the Azores and an important stopover for ships crossing the Atlantic during the Age of Exploration, Angra played a significant role in Portuguese maritime history.
Praia da Vitória
Located on the eastern coast of Terceira, Praia da Vitória offers a more laid-back alternative to the island's historic capital. Known for its beautiful bay and one of the archipelago's largest natural sandy beaches, it is an excellent choice for visitors looking to combine culture, outdoor activities, and seaside relaxation. The broad promenade overlooking the bay creates a pleasant setting for leisurely walks, waterfront dining, and taking in the views of the marina and surrounding hills.
Where to stay?
Complete your visit to Terceira with a stay at the 4* Fanal Bay hotel boasting a stunning saltwater infinity pool and expansive tropical gardens dotted with palm trees. Enjoy spacious rooms featuring private balconies and breathtaking panoramic views across the Atlantic Ocean.
Best places to stay on Pico Island
Pico is famous for its UNESCO-listed volcanic vineyards, where vines grow in black lava-stone enclosures that protect them from the Atlantic winds. Dominating the landscape is Mount Pico, Portugal's highest peak at 2,351 metres, which attracts hikers from around the world with its challenging ascent and spectacular views. Pico is a hiker’s paradise, with scenic trails that wind through volcanic landscapes, coastal paths, and vineyards.
Madalena
For Pico island stays, Madalena is the island's main town and the most convenient base. It offers the widest selection of accommodation, restaurants, cafés, and services, as well as regular ferry connections to neighbouring Faial. The town is also at the heart of Pico's UNESCO-listed wine region, making it an excellent choice for wine lovers and offers easy access to Mount Pico, hiking trails, whale-watching tours, and volcanic landscapes.
Where to stay?
We recommend staying at the Hotel Caravelas with a prime waterfront setting with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and neighbouring Faial Island. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and 24-hour reception, while its comfortable rooms include private balconies overlooking either the ocean or Mount Pico.
Where to stay on São Jorge Island
São Jorge is the perfect choice for travellers seeking peace, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable outdoor experiences. Known for its dramatic cliffs and unique coastal fajãs, this long, narrow island offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the Azores where hiking is the main attraction. Far less visited than São Miguel, São Jorge appeals to nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking to disconnect from the crowds and immerse themselves in the island's tranquil beauty. Those looking for São Jorge accommodations will find a selection of welcoming hotels, rural lodges, and guesthouses surrounded by the island's spectacular scenery.
Velas
As the main town on São Jorge, Velas is the island's cultural and administrative centre, offering visitors a perfect blend of authentic Azorean charm, dramatic coastal scenery, and easy access to the island's renowned natural attractions. Velas has a peaceful and traditional atmosphere. Its historic streets are lined with whitewashed buildings, colourful gardens, and several notable churches, reflecting the island's rich maritime heritage. The attractive waterfront and marina provide a focal point for local life, while small cafés and restaurants offer a welcoming taste of genuine Azorean hospitality.
Where to stay?
At the Hotel os Moinhos, where the view and the tranquility are the major assets of this hotel located just outside of the town.
Or choose to stay at the Sao Jorge Garden Hotel, with its terrace overlooking the garden, the outdoor swimming pool and the Atlantic Ocean.
Charming boutique hotels in the Azores
If you are looking for a unique stay in the Azores, somewhere out of the ordinary, then we have what you’re looking for! The islands are home to some of the finest boutique hotels Azores has to offer, combining local character, exceptional hospitality, and stunning natural surroundings.
Pico Island: Lava Homes, with 14 little villas spread out on coastal hillside on the northeast of the Island. Built, as the name suggests, from lava stone, each accommodation offers breathtaking views from the large bay windows and balcony. A little village, on a small island, in the great Atlantic Ocean.
Faial Island: Internacional Azores Boutique Hotel, offering bright, spacious rooms with eclectic art-deco features. The décor gives a nod to the aviation history of the 20th century when seaplanes crossing the Atlantic helped place Faial and the town of Horta on the map.
Sao Jorge : Hotel Os Quartos is an excellent rural retreat with breathtaking landscapes. Built using basalt stone, the typical architecture of the Azores, it offers 10 uniquely designed rooms with all the comforts of home.
Sao Miguel, Ponta Delgada : 3 charming hotels located in the city that portray the history of the archipelago through architecture, tradition and the art of hospitality, where every detail counts and elegance is key.
Practical tips for booking accommodation in the Azores
Here are some Azores local travel tips from you local expert! For the best choice of flights, Azores accommodation, and guided walks, it's advisable to book your Azores walking holiday 4 to 6 months in advance, especially if you're travelling during the high season (May to September). Popular islands such as São Miguel, Pico, and São Jorge can fill up quickly during the summer months. In the low season (October to April), availability is generally better and prices may be lower. As the Azores' weather can be unpredictable year-round, with rain and fog occasionally affecting hiking conditions and travel between islands, it's worth allowing some flexibility in your itinerary and avoiding leaving bookings until the last minute.
Finding Your Perfect Azores Island
Whether you're hiking to the summit of Mount Pico, wandering through São Jorge's dramatic fajãs, soaking in São Miguel's hot springs, or simply enjoying a glass of local wine overlooking the Atlantic, the Azores offer a truly unique island experience. Each island has its own personality, from lively hubs with luxury hotels Azores visitors love, to peaceful rural retreats and charming boutique hotels Azores travellers return to year after year.
The best place to stay ultimately depends on the kind of holiday you're looking for, but wherever you choose, you'll be rewarded with spectacular scenery, warm Azorean hospitality, and a slower pace of life that invites you to savour every moment. From Pico island stays and São Jorge accommodations to elegant city hotels and some of the best resorts in Azores, pick the island that matches your travel style, lace up your walking boots, and discover why the archipelago offers some of the best places to stay in Azores.
