How to Get to the Azores and Explore the Islands Like a Local

Tucked away in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores archipelago emerges like a hidden Eden, nine volcanic islands bursting with emerald forests, unique black sand beaches, stunning volcanic crater lakes, and steam-kissed valleys. These remote Portuguese islands feel like a world unto themselves, where the pulse of nature beats strong and wild. Yet despite their seeming isolation, reaching the Azores and travelling between their wonders is more accessible than you might imagine. And every mile you travel will immerse you deeper in the raw beauty and adventure that define these islands.

This ultimate guide will take you step-by-step through how to get to the Azores, how to island-hop by air and sea, and how to travel within each island to embrace the full rhythm of Azorean life. Whether you lean toward slow travel, crave outdoor discovery, or seek adrenaline-fuelled adventures, here’s how to navigate your journey like a local and make every moment count.

Flights to the Azores: Your Gateway to the Atlantic

Pexels

Begin your adventure high above the Atlantic waves. Most travellers arrive at João Paulo II Airport in Ponta Delgada, located on São Miguel, the largest and most connected of the Azores islands. Daily flights connect the Azores with Lisbon and Porto, Portugal’s main hubs, where easy international connections from cities such as London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Madrid await you.
From spring through early autumn, nonstop flights arrive directly from North American gateways including Boston, New York, and Toronto. This seasonal bridge makes it simpler than ever for travellers across the Atlantic to touch down in this volcanic paradise.

Airlines such as Azores Airlines (SATA), TAP Air Portugal, Ryanair, and easyJet link the Azores with Europe and North America. When booking, keep an eye out for SATA’s “inter-island connecting fare” which often includes free connecting flights between islands, making it easy to plan multi-island explorations in one seamless journey.
Your window seat on these flights is more than just a way to travel, it offers a first glimpse of the Azores’ dramatic volcanic peaks rising from the ocean, a welcome that stirs excitement even before landing.

Inter-Island Flights: Scenic Hops Above Volcanoes

Pexels

The most efficient way to leap between islands in the Azores is by air. SATA Air Açores operates frequent domestic flights connecting São Miguel, Terceira, Pico, Faial, Flores, and other islands. Flights without scales rarely exceed an hour, and from your seat, you will witness vast crater lakes, jagged cliffs, and emerald valleys unfold below like a living painting.

Weather can influence schedules, especially in the winter months from November to February when Atlantic storms sweep through, so remain flexible and check flight status regularly. On clear days, these flights become a breathtaking introduction to the Azores’ rugged and varied terrain.

Flying between islands lets you appreciate the archipelago’s diversity, from the steep green slopes of São Jorge to the volcanic scars of Pico and the serene isolation of Flores, each island shaped by fire and ocean in its own unique way.

Ferry Connections: Island-Hopping by Sea

Pexels

For a more immersive experience, board a ferry and let the Atlantic guide you. Atlanticoline operates regular ferry routes, especially between the “Triangle Islands” of Pico, Faial, and São Jorge. These short hops are perfect for day trips and multi-island itineraries.

In the summer months from June to September, ferries extend to Santa Maria, Graciosa, and Flores, making it possible to explore further without flying. The pace is slower, the journey saltier, and dolphins sometimes ride the waves alongside you. It’s more than just transportation, it could an incredible journey that immerses you in the sea’s rhythm and the islands’ wild beauty.
Ferry schedules shift with the seasons, so be sure to check timetables ahead to plan your journey without surprises. And here’s a helpful tip for anyone prone to seasickness: opt for the gentler morning crossings and bring along some motion-sickness remedies to keep your trip smooth and comfortable as you glide across the shimmering Atlantic.

Exploring Each Island by Car: Freedom on the Road

Azores Islands Experience

Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore the Azores at your own rhythm, turning each road into an invitation to discover something new, from dramatic coastlines to remote mountain trails. It might sound surprising, but rental cars can be in high demand, especially during the summer months, so it is wise to book yours well in advance.

The best way to plan is to start with your flight, then reserve your rental car, and finally choose accommodation that aligns with the places you want to explore. This approach gives you maximum flexibility and helps you avoid logistical complications later on. For a complete list of local rental agencies across every island, check the official Visit Azores website, where you will find updated information and direct booking options.

Car rental companies can be found at the airports and in all major towns. Most vehicles come with manual transmission, while automatics are less common and usually more expensive. The roads are generally in good condition, although you should be prepared for winding mountain road, narrow village lanes, and the occasional cow calmly crossing your path.

Driving here is more than just transportation. It becomes part of the experience. The landscape is constantly changing. One moment you are passing fields of hydrangeas, the next you are curving around a cliffside road with the Atlantic shimmering far below. Take your time and stop whenever the scenery moves you. Some of the best moments in the Azores happen when you least expect them.

Still, if you would rather sit back and absorb the journey without navigating unfamiliar roads, there are guided options that offer just as much wonder. On Terceira, a relaxed van tour weaves through rolling farmland and volcanic craters, while on Pico, a full-day off-road adventure plunges deep into the island’s untouched interior, where lagoons hide between peaks and old lava caves open into the forest. These guided journeys offer not only comfort but access to stories and places that are often missed on your own.

Explore on Foot or Bike: Connect with the Land

Fun Activities Azores Adventures

There is no better way to connect with the Azores than by walking its ancient trails or gliding along volcanic ridges on a bike. The islands are stitched together by paths that wind through forests, skirt crater lakes, and follow dramatic coastlines shaped by lava and sea. On São Miguel you can join a guided hike to Salto do Prego and Sanguinho where lush valleys, waterfalls, and the stream of Furnas Valley unfold around you. If your heart pulls toward the center of the island, a guided tour to the Lagoa do Fogo volcanic crater leads you through native woods to a shimmering blue lagoon, past thermal springs and falls along the way. These hikes on the Azores reveal the islands’ geological story one step at a time.

Cycling provides an equally immersive experience when landscapes open up under your wheels. Manawa features an e‑bike tour that follows the rim of Sete Cidades crater on São Miguel, offering sweeping panoramas over the twin lakes.

On Pico you can pedal through UNESCO‑listed vineyards set against the backdrop of the island’s volcanic profile, where lava‑rock walls meet the Atlantic horizon. In every turn and summit, the land speaks, revealing layers of time, growth, and genuine connection with nature.

Travel Smart: Local Tips for a Smooth Trip

Planning a trip to the Azores means preparing for unique island conditions and making the most of your time there. In the following tips, you will find advice on handling the ever-changing weather, booking key transportation in advance, staying connected or unplugged, and staying flexible with schedules to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.

In the Azores, the weather often shifts without warning. One moment brings brilliant sunshine, the next a misty drizzle rolls in from the sea. This ever-changing atmosphere is part of what makes the islands so captivating, but it also means packing wisely. Bring quick-drying layers, a reliable rain jacket, and sun protection so you are ready for whatever the day brings.

Summer is the busiest season, and the islands see a noticeable increase in visitors during July and August. To make the most of your time, it is best to book flights, ferries, and car rentals well in advance. Planning ahead gives you better options and helps avoid the stress of last-minute changes. If you are looking for fewer crowds and equally stunning scenery, consider coming in spring or autumn, when the pace slows and the landscapes remain just as inviting.

Once you leave the towns and head into the more remote parts of the islands, internet access can become limited. Rather than a drawback, this is a chance to unplug and tune in to your surroundings. Let the sound of ocean waves, birdsong, and wind in the trees replace notifications and emails for a while.

As with all travel in the Azores, staying flexible is key. Ferry and flight schedules sometimes shift with the weather, especially from November through March. Confirm your departure details the day before to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

For more information on useful services and practical resources during your trip, click to Visit Azores website. With a little preparation and flexibility, your Azores adventure will flow effortlessly from start to finish.

Answer the Call of the Islands

Fun Activities Azores Adventures

Now that you know how to reach the Azores and navigate them with confidence, it’s time to turn that knowledge into experience. Each island moves to its own rhythm, shaped by the sea, the wind, and the memory of volcanoes. The best way to uncover their essence is to explore with curiosity and a sense of wonder. Whether you're drawn to volcanic peaks, hidden forest trails, or the vibrant life beneath the waves, Manawa helps you dive into the heart of the islands through unforgettable outdoor activities.

Ready to explore the wild spirit of the Azores even further? Imagine each island unveiling a fresh side of nature’s untamed power waiting just for you. Read Wild Azores: Outdoor Activities Shaped by the Nature and discover thrilling ways to immerse yourself in the archipelago’s raw and breathtaking beauty.