Azores walking guide
Walking offers an ever-changing landscape of emerald meadows, jewel-coloured lakes, wildflower blooms and volcanic peaks.
Top 10 alternative Azores holidays
We’ve gone through our holidays with a fine-tooth comb, analysed our booking stats and read our travellers’ reviews – and the verdict is in for our best tours in the Azores. They’re not just amazing adventures, either. They provide the best experience for you and the people and wildlife of the Azores, taking you out to see whales in the company of marine biologists and matching you up with local guides who’ll show you how to career through canyons while keeping the fragile endemic flora in mind.
Keep reading to discover our best holidays in the Azores.
Keep reading to discover our best holidays in the Azores.
1. Whale watching
With an almost 100 percent viewing success rate, the Azores is one of the best places in the world to watch for whales. Partly, that’s because of the sheer number of cetaceans in this part of the Mid-Atlantic, with fin, sperm, sei and blue whales feeding on the plankton and crustaceans here. The other part is down to your guides. Marine conservationists team up with captains and land-based spotters – many of whom originally honed their spotting skills while working in the whaling industry.
When to go: late March to October (March to May for blue whales)
Our top trip: Whale watching in the Azores
See all our trips: Azores wildlife tours
Read more: Azores whale watching guide
When to go: late March to October (March to May for blue whales)
Our top trip: Whale watching in the Azores
See all our trips: Azores wildlife tours
Read more: Azores whale watching guide
2. Adventuring
Take full advantage of the amazing island topography of Sao Miguel by throwing yourself down its slopes and off its cliffs. Slither down a river gorge on a canyoning expedition and then go coasteering – climb cliffs straight out of the sea, then fling yourself back down into the waves. After all that excitement, a day of relaxation around the natural thermal pools beckons. Save some energy for whale watching and e-biking too.When to go: Year round
Our top trip: Adventure holiday week in the Azores
See all our trips: Azores adventure holidays
Read more: Azores canyoning guide
3. Island hopping
Spend two weeks island hopping around the Azores for a rounded understanding of this Atlantic archipelago. On this trip, you’ll use a mix of propellor planes and ferries to get around five of the nine islands: São Miguel, Terceira, São Jorge, Flores and Faial. This trip highlights the volcanic mountain paths and crater lake hiking trails, while also giving you the chance to explore the pretty port cities of Ponta Delgada and Angra do Heroísmo.When to go: May to October
Our top trip: Island hopping in the Azores small group holiday
See all our trips: Azores small group holidays
Read more: Azores island hopping guide
4. Take the family
The Azores are a great set of islands for racking up the family adventures – especially if your children are eight and over. The formula is simple: join a small group trip and making friends with a bunch of like-minded families. You’ll bond over paddleboarding, coasteering and canyoning, and then spotting whales in the waves off the islands. Go off seeking an adventure; here, you’ll find so much more.
When to go: April to October
Our top trip: Family activity holiday in the Azores
See all our trips: Azores holidays
Read more: Family holidays in the Azores guide
When to go: April to October
Our top trip: Family activity holiday in the Azores
See all our trips: Azores holidays
Read more: Family holidays in the Azores guide
5. Small group hiking
Hiking is the best way to get up close and personal with the unique volcanic landscapes of the Azores. On this tour, your guide uncovers the bluest displays of hydrangeas on Faial, explains how weather-beaten vineyards eke out a living on Pico, and introduces you to generations-old cheese producers on São Jorge. Exploring as a small group means that you’ll be with up to 16 like-minded travellers and stay in locally run accommodation that’s all arranged for you.When to go: May to September
Our top trip: Azores walking holiday, Portugal
See all our trips: Azores walking holidays
Read more: Azores walking guide
6. Volunteering with marine biologists
Stay for one week… or stay for eight. The conservationists on this whale conservation holiday are glad to have you for however much time you can spare, ready to share their knowledge and enthusiasm about the whales that frequent the Atlantic around the Azores. You’ll mostly help biologists collect photo IDs and ecological data on blue and sperm whales, becoming both a valued and valuable part of the team.When to go: April to July (March to May for blue whales)
Our top trip: Whale conservation holiday in the Azores
See all our trips: Azores wildlife tours
Read more: Azores whale conservation guide
7. Self guided cycling on Terceira
With its green forests, gull-white fishing villages and coastal paths, Terceira is a great island for confident cyclists who are happy going their own way. This is a self guided trip, but you’ll be accompanied by route notes filled with tips and tricks, plus accommodation, transport and bike hire that’s booked ahead of arrival. Expect 4-6 days of 20-45km daily rides that can be tailored to your likes and abilities.
When to go: Year-round
Our top trip: Terceira self guided cycling holiday in the Azores
See all our trips: Azores holidays
Read more: Cycling in the Azores guide
When to go: Year-round
Our top trip: Terceira self guided cycling holiday in the Azores
See all our trips: Azores holidays
Read more: Cycling in the Azores guide
8. Multi activity holiday on São Miguel
São Miguel is a playground for energetic adventurers. This is the biggest and main island of the Azores, packing in landscapes that range from open ocean where you can go whale and dolphin watching to volcano craters ringed with high-rise hiking trails. This trip is steered by reassuringly expert local guides who’ll reveal the hidden trails and viewpoints, while keeping both beginners and more daring guests happy.When to go: All year round
Our top trip: Azores multi activity holiday
See all our trips: Azores adventure holidays
Read more: Azores activity holidays guide
9. Volcano appreciation
Celebrate everything volcanic about the Azores – which is most of it. First, of course, is that steep, dramatic landscape – great for hiking. Then there’s kayaking across beautiful crater lakes, and enjoying the glut of geothermal activity, enough not only for a soak in the hot springs but to cook your dinner, too – a traditional Azorean stew, prepared with the help of heat from the earth.When to go: April to October
Our top trip: Azores small group tour: volcanic wonderland
See all our trips: Azores adventure holidays
Read more: Azores activity holidays guide
10. Blue whale watching tour
The mighty blue whale – the biggest animal to have lived on our planet – uses the Azores as a feasting ground. Observing is key. This week of whale watching doesn’t disturb the whales, but catches them diving, breaching and peering up at you with one huge, curious eye, all from a respectful distance. Marine biologists, researchers and local boat captains lead this trip, so you’ll get unparalleled and passionate insights into the lives of blue whales and the people who live alongside them (and, in some cases, who once hunted them).
When to go: April and May
Our top trip: Blue whale tour in the Azores
See all our trips: Azores wildlife tours
Read more: Azores blue whale watching guide
When to go: April and May
Our top trip: Blue whale tour in the Azores
See all our trips: Azores wildlife tours
Read more: Azores blue whale watching guide
Responsible Travel would like to thank Azores Tourism for their sponsorship of this article.
More Azores articles
The best time to visit the Azores is April to September for fair weather and calmer seas.
Our Azores travel guide gives you the lowdown on the highlights of Azores holidays, from the rated to the overrated.
Our handy map and highlights of the Azores shows you where to visit, helping you make the most of your time away.
Can you island hop in the Azores? Certainly – and we reveal how, highlighting the best routes.
Whale watching in the Azores is essentially a seaborne safari. Find out more in our guide.
Dolphin watching holidays in the Azores are not an experience to be quickly forgotten.
The Azores is one of the best places in the world for watching blue whales.
There's an array of things to do if you’re travelling in the Azores with kids.
Azorean cuisine is influenced by Atlantic isolation, Catholic faith and volcanic activity.
Faial is a landscape hewn by volcanic activity, blanketed with hydrangeas in summer.
Pico is wild, pristine and has a sterling reputation for its UNESCO-listed vineyards.
Read our guide to the best things to see and do on Terceira in the Azores.
Whale watching, hiking and cycling are among the best things to do in the Azores.
We reveal the sheer variety of whale species you can see in the Azores in our guide.
Find out about whale conservation in the Azores and how you can get involved.
We explore how to travel to the Azores from the UK, the USA, Canada and mainland Portugal with details on specific routes.
British Airways launched two new direct flights from the UK to the Azores in 2022.
Activity holidays in the Azores are informed by the dramatic, volcanic island landscapes.
The Azores are developing a reputation as an exciting destination for cycling.
With volcanic terrain and sky-high waterfalls, the Azores is one of the best places in the world for canyoning.
Azores travel tips from the islanders and expert tour partners who we know and trust to give the best advice.
Responsible tourism in the Azores always starts with the natural world.
More relevant guides
