Azores Holidays

From colourful cities to musical-filled festivals, holidays in the Azores are a feast for the senses.

• You’re sure to fall in love with charming Ponta Delgada in São Miguel. The chilled-out city boasts ornate churches, a 16th-century fortress and some striking 18th-century city gates. Seaside Avenida Infante Dom Henrique is a joy to stroll too.
• The dreamy archipelago is surrounded by diving hotspots. From coral reefs and turtles to a haunting World War Two ship wreck off the coast of São Miguel, there’s a whole underwater world to be discovered.
• Angra do Heroísmo is a captivating city on Terceira Island. It packs a punch when it comes to historic landmarks, from its 16th-century cathedral to its brooding forts. The whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Head to Faial Island and its convivial capital, Horta. Life moves at a wonderfully slow pace here and highlights include pretty Horta marina with its mural-covered breakwater.
• The Azores’ calendar is chock-a-block with festivals. The most famous is the spring Holy Ghost Festival, a religious event involving vibrant processions and feasts. Arts and music festivals like Tremor on São Miguel also attract cool indie artists.

The Azores’ star attraction is the great outdoors. You’ll discover soaring mountains, volcanoes and lakes on active adventures.

• The volcanic landscape of Sete Cidades in São Miguel could be straight from a fantasy film. Most striking of all is Lagoa das Sete Cidades, a pair of stunning crater lakes with popping turquoise waters. The Miradouro da Boca do Inferno viewpoint offers fabulous panoramas.
• Up for a challenge? Mount Pico, on the island of Pico, is the highest mountain in the whole of Portugal. Hardy hikers tackle the steep ascent to its 2,351m summit.
• There’s something magical about Terceira’s Algar do Carvão, a craggy lava cave formed more than 2,000 years ago. Descend into its depths and spot fascinating stalactites on a self-guided tour.
• More volcanic treasures await in São Miguel’s Vale das Furnas. This land of geysers, mud pools and hot springs is a dream for hikers. The highlight is Lagoa das Furnas, a crater lake with rolling forest-hugged banks.
• You’ll feel like you’re on another planet on otherworldly Capelinhos, Faial. Hiking trails criss-cross this mammoth volcano, which erupted in the 1950s.

The Azores archipelago has a jewel of a coastline. Azores breaks offer everything from black-sand beaches to blinding white strands.

• Praia Formosa is a model stretch of white sand on Santa Maria Island. In summer, it plays host to Festival Maré de Agosto, an annual music event attracting eclectic artists. The rest of the time it’s a dreamy spot to throw down a towel and bask in the sun.
• Dreaming of adventure? Buzzy Praia Grande, the biggest sand beach on Terceira, is a popular spot for windsurfing. If you’d prefer to stay dry, there’s plenty of space for sunbathing on this spacious strand.
• Travelling with kids? Praia de Água D'Alto on São Miguel is a sure bet for families. Expect pristine sand and calm waters perfect for paddling.
• Location is the drawcard of Praia de Porto Pim, a pretty beach on Faial. It’s sheltered by the brooding volcanic cone of Monte da Guia and offers sweeping views of colourful Horta.
• Inky black sand, verdant countryside and views of Pico Island await at beautiful Praia do Almoxarife, Faial. There’s even a campsite so you can pitch up under the stars.

Want to catch some waves? You’ll find stellar surf on holidays in the Azores.

• São Miguel Island is a top destination for surfers and the surf beach of Praia de Santa Bárbara is a real gem. The dark sand is backed by rugged cliffs and there’s a major surf competition held here every year
• Pro surfers flock to Praia dos Mosteiros on São Miguel. As well as consistent swell, there are showers, epic volcanic rock formations and a vast wash of black sand
• Head to the island of São Jorge for epic waves at the Fajã da Caldeira do Santo Cristo. Surfers will have incredible views of soaring volcanic crags carpeted in green as they ride the ocean.
• Another breathtaking strand on São Miguel, Praia do Monte Verde draws surfers with its reliable waves and black-sand beach break. There’s a surf shop in Ribeira Grande town too
• Praia de São Roque is one for beginners. The dark-sand beach is tucked away in a sheltered bay and the gentler waves are ideal for first timers

There’s always something cooking on holidays in the Azores. Sip local wines and enjoy the archipelago’s bounty of fresh produce.

• Feasting on a cozido is the ultimate Azorean food experience. In Furnas, São Miguel, this meat and vegetable stew is buried underground in volcanic soil and cooked with geothermal heat
• Sweet and juicy pineapple is the Azores’ signature fruit. Visit São Miguel’s Arruda Açores Pineapple Plantation where you’ll see the spiny fruit grown in traditional greenhouses. Stop by the kiosk for a slice of pineapple cake too
• Are you a wine lover? Pico Island is the perfect place for oenophiles. The volcanic landscape is studded with lush vineyards and wineries open for tours and tastings
• Foodies flock to São Jorge, an island with a rich agricultural heritage. It’s best known for delicious São Jorge cheese, made from raw cow’s milk
• You’ll find Europe’s only tea plantation on the island of São Miguel. You can take guided tours of Plantações de Chá Gorreana, in operation since the 19th century

Go on a taste adventure on holidays in the Azores. You’ll dig into fresh seafood, succulent meat dishes and sweet treats.

• Fishing is central to the Azores’ heritage and the archipelago serves up fabulous seafood. Grilled limpets dripping in garlic butter are a speciality here, as are cracas (barnacles)
• Meat-lovers will be utterly satisfied on Azores breaks. Laid-back restaurants across the archipelago serve fine cuts of local steak served with fried potatoes
• Petiscos or ‘Portuguese tapas’ is a real treat. You can graze on mouthwatering bites from octopus and clams to smoked sausage
• Alcatra is another winning dish in the Azores. Warming and moreish, it’s a Portuguese pot roast, slow cooked with rump beef, red wine and herbs
• You can’t leave the Azores without trying bolos lêvedos. These sweet muffins are perfect as a breakfast treat or a satisfying snack

Family holidays in the Azores are all about outdoor adventure. Discover incredible wildlife and make a splash with activities on the ocean.

• Whisk your family out to sea on a dolphin or whale watching adventure. You’ll take to the waters with expert guides, looking out for cresting humpbacks or dancing pods of dolphins
• You’ll think you’ve been swept away to the Australian Outback when you reach Barreiro da Faneca or the ‘Red Desert’. This curious orange landscape in Santa Maria will wow kids and adults alike
• Adventurous little ones will love a stand-up paddleboarding session. Take to the crater lakes of Sete Cidades or push off from the coast
• Want a chilled-out afternoon? The Azores’ backyard is perfect for a picnic. Pick up supplies and lay down a blanket by a waterfall or in a forest glade
• Older kids will appreciate the Faial Botanical Garden in Horta. See rare, colourful plants endemic to the islands, plus a display of graceful orchids

Destinations don’t come much more romantic than the Azores. From cocktail nights to tranquil boat rides, you’ll find plenty to do with that special someone.

• Want to couple romance with luxury? Charter a yacht from beautiful islands including Terceira and Graciosa and sail the sea with your other half
• If you’re after some peace and quiet, make a beeline for dreamy Graciosa. It’s among the most tranquil islands in the archipelago, known for its unspoilt volcanic landscapes. Together with the islands of Corvo and Flores, it’s a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve too
• The love continues after sunset on São Miguel. Swill wine in snug watering holes or sip cocktails at the marina in Ponta Delgada
• You’ll find scenic hot springs all over the Azores. Head to São Miguel’s Poça da Dona Beija, an idyllic thermal baths complex set within lush, jungle-like surrounds. The pools at serene Parque Terra Nostra are heavenly too
• Love an adventure? Ride through the Azores’ epic terrain on horseback. Bridleways wiggle through incredible scenery from forests to calderas