The Azores are a destination for lovers of ecotourism and unspoilt natural landscapes. Situated to the west of Portugal, this destination is actually a heavenly archipelago, still little known to many. The Azores comprise nine islands in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, waiting to be explored. These islands, each represented by a color, are divided into three groups: Western, Central and Eastern.
From whale watching to historic monuments, vineyards and hot springs, you’ll never get bored here. Determining where to stay in the Azores is therefore an essential part of your holiday plan.
If you want to discover this little corner of paradise, it’s essential to plan your itinerary in advance. While each of these destinations is well worth a visit, the accommodation where you will stay during your stay in the Azores will clearly depend on the type of trip you wish to make. So it’s important to know in advance how long you’ll be here, what your budget will be, what you want to see and do, and above all, where to stay in the Azores.
Things you need to know
Before going into detail on each area to help you decide where to stay in Azores, here are some key things you need to know about the city. This’ll give you a better idea of the city.
Our favorite places to stay
If you’re in a hurry, here are our top places to stay in Azores:
- $ this hotel, located on the outskirts of the historic town of Horta, offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- $$ this accomodation offers single rooms and apartments with kitchenettes. The beach is just a few minutes’ walk away.
- $$$ this 4-star hotel, located in Angra’s main square, is renowned for its restaurant serving the archipelago’s best specialties.
Map of our accommodation recommendations
On the map below, we’ve grouped together all our accommodation recommendations. You can also use it to locate the various places in the Azores that we have detailed in this guide. These hotels or rentals are color-coded by budget (green for budget accommodation, blue for mid-range and red for luxury).
The essentials for accommodation in the Azores
Before going into the description of the places to target when selecting accommodation in the Azores, here are the essentials to know about the archipelago, from a tourist point of view.
Places to stay in the Azores
Let’s get to the heart of the matter with a review of the main areas where we recommend staying in the Azores.
Located in the south of the archipelago, Sao Miguel is considered a must-see and one of the most beautiful islands in the Azores. Anchored in the heart of the lively island, the “green islet”, as it's known, offers breathtaking green landscapes. Whether you're a hiker or a tourist, Sao Miguel offers a wide range of activities, whether on your own or in a group. The best-known tourist town is Ponta Delgada. It is close to the international airport. Most travellers stay here and use public transport or hire a car to get to the main sights. Many head here for the whale-watching, hiking trails and historical secrets. The Caldeira de Sete Cidades, to the north-west of Sao Miguel, is a 40-minute drive from the capital. It's easy to get around by bus, cab or rental car from Ponta Delgada. You can reach one end of the island from another in less than two hours by car. To reach Santa Maria or Terceira, you can take the ferry or book an internal flight, which will take you no more than an hour. If you decide to stay in the city center, you're sure to come across many bars and restaurants, allowing you to enjoy Portuguese cuisine to the full after a long day visiting this little corner of paradise. Accommodation in Ponta Delgada varies in price. But most offer memorable service and an unrivalled location. €€ This accommodation features an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, spa and jacuzzi. It offers single rooms and apartments with kitchenettes. The beach is just a few minutes' walk away. €€€ This 5-star establishment is located near the marina. It boasts a heated indoor pool and a breakfast rated highly by all travelers who have stayed there. €€€ This place to stay dates back to the 19th century. A buffet breakfast is served every morning, and you can also enjoy the outdoor swimming pool. What's more, it's right on the seafront. Associated with the color lila, Terceira is the second most popular tourist destination in the Azores. It attracts travelers thanks to the warm welcome of the locals and its exceptional natural and historical heritage. Andra do Heroismo, in the south of the island, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Staying in Andra do Heroismo means you can reach the Furnas do Enxofre, a famous volcanic cave, in just 12 minutes by car. Also nearby is the Caldeira Guilherme Moniz, a huge crater that can be reached in less than ten minutes. Terceira is full of magical tourist attractions. Renting a car is an easy way to discover the whole island. As for Sao Miguel, if you want to reach the central islets, all you have to do is take the ferry. To get to Santa Maria in the south of the archipelago, or Flores and Corvo further north, it's best to book a flight. Terceira is renowned for its lively nightlife and party-loving locals. There are numerous bars and restaurants where you can sample local specialties such asbacalhau or cozido a portuguesa. As for places to stay, you'll find all types of accommodation, but if you opt for a stay between luxury and comfort, then hotel prices where to stay can easily rise. € The airport is about a 20-minute drive from this place to stay. You'll also be close to the Recreio do Monte Brasil forest reserve, a must-see tourist attraction. €€ This 4-star accommodation offers shuttles that can pick you up directly from the airport or drop you off at the end of your stay in the Açores. It features a spa and heated swimming pool. €€€ Staying here means you can enjoy the restaurant and savor the best specialties of the Açores. Not far from the airport, all you need to do is take a cab or hire a car to get there in around 30 minutes. Faial is the third destination with an international airport. It is located to the southeast, in the town of Horta, the archipelago's third largest city. Known for its turquoise waters and hydrangeas everywhere, Faial is nicknamed the Blue Island. If you're traveling to Faial, we recommend staying in Horta. Here you'll find the most colorful marina in the Azores, and a magnificent view of the islands of Pico and Sao Jorge. Only 20 minutes away by car is the Caldeira, and on the other side of Faial, to the north-west, you can reach the Capelinhos volcano in less than 40 minutes. To reach the other parts of the archipelago, as for the previous islands, you'll need to opt for either ferry or plane. Staying in Horta means opting for a wide choice of affordable hotels. You'll enjoy a festive atmosphere, with culinary discoveries and typical music. The Peter Café Sport, a meeting place for sailors, is a must-try. € This accommodation offers rooms with breathtaking views of Pico. You'll be just a few meters from the beach and can enjoy an outdoor pool, all at an affordable price. € This 4-star accommodation features two swimming pools, a fitness center, gym and wellness center. Located 10 km from Horta airport, each room has a balcony. Nicknamed the Black Island, Pico' s landscapes are marked by the vast lava fields that cover the land. This is a popular destination for hikers and mountain climbers. It lies at the heart of the central group of the Azores. There are many vineyards to visit: an opportunity to discover the unmistakable flavors of wines produced solely from traditional Azores vines. Most travelers stay in Sao Roque do Pico, one of the largest towns north of Pico. Staying in this town means staying close to some incredible tourist activities. Gruta das Torres is just 30 minutes away by car. This is a 5 km-long cave. Climbing Pico, Portugal's highest peak, is also a must if you're staying on this island. The bottom of the mountain can be reached in less than thirty minutes. The best option for getting around Pico is to rent a car. You'll have the freedom to move around as you please. To reach Sao Jorge or Faial, simply take the ferry. For the others, like Sao Miguel and Terceira, it's best to fly, even for a short trip. Staying in Pico means opting for a journey between peace and nature. Staying in a large town like Sao Roque do Pico and renting a car means you'll be right in the heart of the action, yet free to move around and discover the hidden facets of this destination. Most of the places to stay in Pico are privately run. You'll find every kind of accommodation to stay in, from the most luxurious to the most budget-friendly. €€ This establishment offers villas with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Shuttles are also available to take you to and from the airport. €€€ This luxury home has two spacious bedrooms and a furnished terrace with barbecue. The beach is just a few meters away. Sao Jorge is renowned for its unique landscapes and colorful villages, most of which are found at the foot of cliffs. Velas, nicknamed the cheese capital, is the most popular with travellers. Staying in Velas means enjoying a breathtaking view of the summit of Pico. You'll be less than 40 minutes' drive from Faia da Caldeira do Santo Cristo and Faia dos Cubres, two zoological reserves that are a must-see during your stay. You can also enjoy Portuguese gastronomy by visiting the many cheese factories located around Sao Jorge. To get around, renting a car is the best option. You'll find a few cabs in some towns, but you risk wasting time if you're only going for a short time. The Velense restaurant, known for its gourmet specialties, is a must-try if you're just passing through Velas. Accommodation in Velas is scarce, as it is everywhere. Take the time to book your accommodation in advance. €€ Each room has a private bathroom and a balcony overlooking the garden. Breakfast is served every morning, and guests can enjoy typical local cuisine in the on-site restaurant.Stay in Sao Miguel, in the heart of the main island
Our recommended accommodations
Accommodation in Terceira, the party island of the Azores
Our recommended accommodations
Accommodation on Faial, the archipelago's third-largest island
Our recommended accommodations
Staying between volcanoes on the island of Pico
Our recommended accommodations
Sao Jorge : stay in the heart of nature
Our recommended accommodations
Summary
The Azores archipelago is a corner of paradise lost in the middle of the Atlantic. For travelers who love exploring nature and hiking, it’s the perfect destination. But if you’re short of time, it’s best to choose the island that best suits your needs in terms of where to stay in the Azores.
As explained in this guide, the central islands (including Faial, Terceira, Sao Jorge and Pico) are fairly crowded and easily accessible to each other. Flores, included in the western group, offers a much more exotic and less touristy holiday.
The islands we haven’t covered much: Corvo, Graciosa and Santa Maria, also offer an authentic stay in the heart of nature, but are simply less popular with travelers. And you can easily decide to spend a day or two there, either by ferry from Flores, or by plane from the other 7 Azorean islands.