14 Best Sights in The Azores, Portugal

Climb deep inside an extinct volcano at this 1,804-foot volcanic cave located toward the middle of Terceira. You’ll be guided 148 feet down a set of stairs to the floor of the cavern before descending another 115 feet to a crystal clear lake fed by rainwater (which completely disappears during dry summers). Though the stairs are on the steep side, they have handrails and are not challenging to descend or ascend—just be sure to dress warmly, as the cave becomes colder and wetter the farther down you go. Along the way you’ll see unique stalactites and stalagmites. Be sure to check the website for opening hours, as the site has been closed since 2024 for the construction of a new visitor's center.

Pico’s wine-growing landscape can be challenging with its volcanic soil and proximity to the sea, but a new generation of winemakers is recovering neglected vineyards and putting Pico wine back on the map. The young Azores Wine Company was founded in 2014 with the goal of making minimal-intervention wines using traditional Azorean grapes, particularly the white varieties Terrantez do Pico, Arinto dos Açores, and Verdelho. Besides single varietal wines, they also produce white, red, and rosé blends. Visitors can stop by to hear their story and taste their wines, as well as to buy bottles to take home. There are also five apartments set among the volcanic rock where wine lovers can spend the night, plus a restaurant that serves highly regarded tasting menus with wine pairings.

Located toward the center of the island (and therefore best accessed by car), this stunning ancient volcanic crater with a diameter of 2 km (more than 1 mile) and a depth of 1,312 feet started forming at least 400,000 years ago, with the last volcanic event taking place 1,000 years ago. There’s a scenic viewpoint to snap a few pictures, or opt for the fairly easy hike around the 7-km (4-mile) circular trail that winds around the rim’s perimeter; there are some narrow sections, so bring your hiking shoes. The perimeter walk takes two to three hours to complete and offers lovely views of the lush laurel forest and, if you’re lucky and the day is clear, to Mt. Pico in the distance.

Along Lake Furnas you’ll see pockets of steam rising from the vents in the volcanic soil, which is used to cook the famous cozido (stew usually made from a variety of meats). If you arrive around noon, you can see the cozido pots being lifted out of the earth after hours of cooking. At other times, the caldeiras are an atmospheric place for a short stroll on the paths constructed around the bubbling mud, or a longer but still relatively easy hike around the lake itself, which takes about 90 minutes.

This cooperative was formed in 1949 by a group of local winemakers; by 1961, they had started producing wine using the traditional Verdelho, Arinto, and Terrantez grape varieties. Output remained small until the early 1990s, when the production processes were modernized and more varieties were introduced, including, in 1997, the first fortified wine with a distilled spirit added (Lajido), and in 2001, the first sweet fortified wine (Angelica). Today, the cooperative is the largest wine producer in the Azores, with about 240 members growing grapes. Book well in advance or try your luck stopping by for a tour of the wine production facility.

About a 15-minute drive east of Madalena is the postcard-perfect town of Lajido, filled with charming all-black and black-and-white volcanic houses with striking red and green doors and shutters.

Visible from many locations around Pico—unless it’s shrouded in fog and clouds, as is often the case—and even more visible from across the water in Faial, 7,713-foot Mt. Pico is the highest mountain in Portugal. Past eruptions have occurred on its flanks rather than from the summit, the most recent back in 1720. If you want to hike up Mt. Pico, you can start at the Casa da Montanha at 4,035 feet. Though it’s not a difficult climb, it can still be quite challenging as the path is steep with uneven rocks; depending on your experience level, consider hiring a guide to accompany you. Come early or book online to be guaranteed a hiking spot, as hikers are limited to 120 per day. Bring photo ID to register.

This extinct volcano on the far west side of Angra, which can be seen from all over town, is now a deer-filled nature reserve with many trails winding throughout the area. Whether you drive or walk from town, you’ll first come across the Fortaleza de São João Baptista, a late-16th-century fort that’s still in use by the Portuguese army. You can only enter the fort itself by taking a free tour, which runs nearly every hour and is led by a soldier stationed there. Farther up the mountain, the best lookouts to stop at are Pico das Cruzinhas, Pico do Zimbreiro, and Pico do Facho, the highest point on Monte Brasil. There are picnic tables where you can rest, as well as a children’s play area.

These sprawling gardens date back to 1775, when Boston merchant Thomas Hickling built a summer house called Yankee Hall, planted trees brought in from North America, and constructed the thermal water pool, still a highlight of the park today. The gardens were enlarged in the mid-19th century, adding Australian King and Canary Islands palm trees and other imported species still thriving today. The garden is particularly well known for its collections of camellias, cycadales, and ferns, as well as for its thermal pool, which is an orange-brown color due to its high iron content. There are changing rooms and outdoor showers to rinse off after, but be sure to bring a towel and wear a swimsuit that you don’t mind getting stained.

This natural hot springs differs from the others on São Miguel because it’s actually in the ocean. Surrounded by basalt cliffs, the cold ocean water mixes with the hot thermal water to create a unique bathing experience—just keep an eye on the tides, as at high tide, the waters can feel chilly, while at low tide they can be steamy. But time it right (there’s a Ferraria Hot Springs app that can help), and you’ll never want to leave. A footpath leads down to the volcanic rock pool and from there, a ladder will take you into the thermal waters. Though it’s fairly shallow, wearing waterproof shoes is a good idea, as the rocks can be sharp and slippery underneath. There are ropes to hold on to if needed, and lifeguards on duty.

These rustic mineral hot springs surrounded by greenery make for a relaxing stop when in Furnas—though they’re extremely popular with locals and tourists alike, so it’s best to come in the morning to avoid the evening rush and to more easily snag one of the limited parking spots. There are four stone pools with water at 39ºC (102ºF), some with waterfall features, and one cooler pool with 28ºC (82ºF) water; all are orange-colored because of the high iron content, so leave light-colored swimsuits and any jewelry back at your hotel to avoid discoloration. Towels are available for an extra fee, as are lockers, for which you’ll need to leave a deposit. You’ll definitely want to rinse off after bathing in the pools, and while cold showers are free, you’ll need to purchase a token to have a hot shower.

Set in a sheltered bay—with very few waves, making it a great choice for families—Porto Pim Beach is a long, narrow strip of gray sand backed by Monte Queimado and next to Monte da Guia. It's very walkable from the center of Horta and with a number of attractions off its western end, including houses belonging to the once-prominent Dabney family that have been turned into low-key museums. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (free); showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; sunset; swimming; walking.

Stretching for about 1 km (a little over half a mile), this black-sand beach on the Atlantic Ocean is best known as a prime surfing spot—in fact, World Surf League Qualifying Series events are held here every year. You can take a surfing lesson from the school on the beach or rent a paddleboard here, or just grab a drink in the adjacent beach bar. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (no fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: surfing; walking.

Perhaps the most beautiful sandy beach in the Azores, with black volcanic sand, clear water, and views out to Pico Island. Though the Atlantic water can be a bit cold, with the possibility of waves, Praia do Almoxarife makes a delightful stop for lunch at one of the beachside restaurants before or after a stroll, swim, or snorkel. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (free); showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.