Where to Stay in the Azores: Island by Island

The Azores are nine islands spread across the Atlantic, so the first question is which island to stay on, and then which town. Here’s where to stay in the Azores, island by island, whether it’s your first visit or you’re island hopping.

Quick answer: on a first visit, stay on São Miguel. Base yourself in Ponta Delgada for restaurants and easy day trips, and add a night in Furnas for the hot springs. If you’re island hopping, add Pico (stay in Madalena), Faial (Horta), Terceira (Angra do Heroísmo) or São Jorge (Velas). Browse all Azores stays.

São Miguel

Ponta Delgada

The largest town in the Azores, with the most hotels, restaurants and tour departures. It’s the best base for a short stay and for whale watching. See places to stay in Ponta Delgada.

Furnas

A spa village in a volcanic valley. Stay overnight to soak in the hot pools in the evening when the day-trippers have gone. See places to stay in Furnas.

Sete Cidades and the north coast

Rural stays near the crater lakes and the tea plantations, for peace and nature. A car is essential.

For specific hotels, see the best hotels on São Miguel.

Pico

Stay in Madalena, the ferry port for Faial, with wine country and the lava-stone vineyards nearby. It’s the best base for climbing the mountain. See places to stay on Pico. See Pico.

Faial

Stay in Horta, the famous sailors’ harbour with Peter Café Sport and painted marina walls. See places to stay in Horta. See Faial.

Terceira

Stay in Angra do Heroísmo, the UNESCO-listed colourful old capital. See places to stay in Angra. See Terceira.

São Jorge

Stay in Velas for walks down to the coastal fájãs. See places to stay in Velas. See São Jorge.

Flores

Small guesthouses around Santa Cruz and Lajes. Book early, as rooms are limited. See Flores.

Tips

• Book early for summer: rooms are limited, especially on the smaller islands.
• Rent a car: essential outside the main towns.
• Weather: plan flexible days, as fog and rain can change plans.

More: Azores island hopping, the São Miguel itinerary and the best tours in the Azores.

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