Portugal

AI may have contributed to this destination’s text and activity data. Confirm opening days, transport, prices and entry conditions with the relevant operator or authority; automatic live-data updates do not verify these descriptions.

Azores

Nine volcanic islands in the mid-Atlantic

Visa & entry checker Plan a trip to Azores Plan a trip around Portugal

Best time to visit: Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Currency: EUR
Time zone: UTC-1
Country: Portugal

Photo: Eduardo Manchon, CC BY-SA 3.0

The Azores is a Portuguese archipelago of nine volcanic islands about 1,400 km west of mainland Portugal, known for crater lakes, hot springs, whale watching and green farmland. People come for hiking, dramatic coastlines and a mild oceanic climate rather than beach holidays.

Largest cities

Lisbon
Porto
Vila Nova de Gaia
Braga
Coimbra

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: Portugal
Capital: Lisbon
Region population: 236,440
Population of Portugal: 10.3M
Country area: 92,225 km²
Official language: Portuguese
Currency: Euro (EUR) · 1 USD ≈ 0.8944 EUR
Time zone: UTC-1
Calling code: +351
Drives on the: Right
Elevation: 578 m
Plugs: C / F · 230V
Emergency numbers: 112
Best time to visit: Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	13°	13°	13°	13°	15°	17°	20°	21°	20°	18°	16°	14°
Low	11°	10°	9°	10°	12°	14°	16°	18°	17°	15°	13°	11°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$63
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$135
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$300

Plan a trip to Azores

Top things to do

Free
Sete Cidades crater lakes
Walk or drive around the twin blue and green lakes inside a volcanic caldera; go early as clouds often roll in by midday.
- Half day
- Sete Cidades
- Good for kids
≈ $10
Furnas hot springs and Terra Nostra Park
Soak in iron-rich thermal pools and stroll the botanical garden; bring dark swimwear as the water stains light fabric.
- Half day
- Furnas
- Good for kids
Free
Ponta Delgada old town and waterfront
Wander the black-and-white cobbled streets, see the city gates and churches, then walk the marina promenade at sunset.
- Half day
- Ponta Delgada
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
≈ $65
Whale and dolphin watching
Boat trips from Ponta Delgada or Horta look for sperm whales, dolphins and other species; seas can be choppy so take motion-sickness precautions.
- Half day
- Ponta Delgada
- Good for kids
Free
Angra do Heroísmo historic centre
Explore the UNESCO-listed streets, cathedral and fortifications of the old capital; the seafront is pleasant for an evening stroll.
- Half day
- Angra do Heroísmo
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
Horta marina and Peter Café Sport
See the painted murals left by transatlantic sailors and visit the famous sailors' bar; a good base for trips to Pico.
- Half day
- Horta
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
≈ $40
Mount Pico climb
Climb Portugal's highest peak at 2,351 m with a guide; it is a long, steep day and weather can change quickly, so check conditions and book ahead.
- Full day
- Horta
≈ $10
Capelinhos volcano and Faial island tour
Visit the 1957–58 eruption site and lighthouse, then circle the island's viewpoints and caldeira; a full day with a car or tour.
- Full day
- Horta
- Good for kids

Before you go

Entry and visas

Portugal is in the Schengen area, so many visitors from the Gulf, India and Latin America can enter visa-free for short tourist stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, while some nationalities need a Schengen visa applied for in advance; check your own nationality before booking. British citizens can travel visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 days and may be asked for a return ticket and proof of funds. The EU Entry/Exit System now registers fingerprints and a photo at the border for short stays, at no cost, and can add time at immigration.

Official website

From the airport

The main gateway is Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL) on São Miguel, with smaller international airports on Terceira, Faial, Flores, Santa Maria and Pico. From Ponta Delgada airport it is about 10–15 minutes by taxi or shuttle to the city centre.

Getting around

Renting a car is by far the easiest way to get around each island, while inter-island travel is by SATA Air Açores flights or Atlanticoline ferries.

Local tips

Weather changes fast: pack a light rain jacket and layers, and expect wind and rain even in summer.
The ocean is chilly and pools are often unheated, so this is not a classic beach-and-sun destination.
Reserve rental cars and inter-island flights or ferries well ahead, especially in July and August.
Use coins for pay-and-display parking machines in main towns; card slots often do not work.