Azores walking guide
Walking offers an ever-changing landscape of emerald meadows, jewel-coloured lakes, wildflower blooms and volcanic peaks.
Flights from UK to the Azores
As of 2024, Azores Airlines is operating two weekly direct flights from London Gatwick to Ponta Delgada on Sao Miguel between early June and late September.
British Airways operates two direct routes from London Heathrow to Sao Miguel in the summer months between July and September, and to Terceira between mid-July and late August. The flight time for both is around four hours.
There are also indirect routes from London Stansted and Manchester to Sao Miguel, which you can read more about in our guide on how to get to the Azores.
Both Terceira and São Miguel are well-connected with the rest of the archipelago by small planes and ferries, so our responsible travel partners in the Azores can easily help you get to the start of your trip wherever you land.
July and August are the peak summer months when the weather is reliably warm and sunny. It’s also the best time for whale watching in the Azores, with the ocean at its calmest.
British Airways operates two direct routes from London Heathrow to Sao Miguel in the summer months between July and September, and to Terceira between mid-July and late August. The flight time for both is around four hours.
There are also indirect routes from London Stansted and Manchester to Sao Miguel, which you can read more about in our guide on how to get to the Azores.
Both Terceira and São Miguel are well-connected with the rest of the archipelago by small planes and ferries, so our responsible travel partners in the Azores can easily help you get to the start of your trip wherever you land.
July and August are the peak summer months when the weather is reliably warm and sunny. It’s also the best time for whale watching in the Azores, with the ocean at its calmest.
Terceira
Terceira is less-visited than other Azorean islands, but the ‘Lilac Isle’ has much to recommend it, especially for self guided cycling holidays around its verdant, volcano-carved scenery. One of the best natural attractions in Terceira is the Algar do Carvão, a vast lava tube formed by a volcanic eruption that you can walk inside.Other highlights of Terceira include the chance to bathe in the black lava pools off Biscoitos, the handsome capital Angra do Heroismo, and tucking into a fresh plate of cracas, briny barnacles, accompanied by an excellent Azorean white wine perhaps.
São Miguel
São Miguel is the largest island in the Azores. The historic capital city of Ponta Delgada is a highlight – with the cobbled mosaics of its pavements and whitewashed houses, it has a recognisably Portuguese character.You can also visit Europe’s only tea plantation on São Miguel, as well as kayak on volcanic crater lakes, bathe in hot springs and feast on meaty stews slow-cooked underground by geothermal energy.
Whale watching in the Azores
Three chances to search for whales & dolphins in the Azores
From
£995 to £1195
8 days
ex flights
Island hopping in the Azores, small group
Easy walking on Sao Miguel and Pico islands
From
£2695 to £3095
14 days
ex flights
Azores multi activity holiday
Week of fun activities exploring Sao Miguel Island
From
£825 to £1180
8 days
ex flights
Blue whale watching in the Azores, Pico Island
Best time to see Blue Whales on Pico, Azores
From
£1695
9 days
ex flights
Azores family adventure holiday, whales and dolphins
Learn about dolphins, whales & fiery volcanic islands
From
£1195 to £1395
8 days
ex flights
Adventure holiday week in the Azores
Sao Miguel Island The playground for your next adventure
From
£869 to £1305
8 days
ex flights
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Responsible Travel would like to thank Azores Tourism for their sponsorship of this article.
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