The Azores are a group of nine volcanic and very wild islands in the North Atlantic Ocean. Following their location, they are usually divided into three groups: those in the east, in the center and in the west. Each island is different and offers unique experiences.
Come and discover the three groups of the Azorean archipelago:
- The eastern group comprises two islands. These are São Miguel and Santa Maria;
- The central group includes five islands. These are Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial;
- The western group consists of two islands. These are Flores and Corvo.
![](https://www.futurismo.pt/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2-1024x512.jpg)
It can be difficult to choose which island to go to because there are many, but here you can read what stands out about each one, and it will help you.
Related Articles 🛫
→ Airports
→ How to get here
→ Travel between islands: Ferry
→ Travel between islands: Flights
→ What airlines fly to the Azores
→ Which island to choose?
Eastern Group
![](https://www.futurismo.pt/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Alvaro_Sao-Miguel_Sete-Cidades_Viewpoint-Sete-cidades-Mirador-meninas-1024x683.jpg)
São Miguel: It is the main and the largest island, as well as the most complete in terms of places to visit. It has many lakes in the interior of the island like Sete Cidades, it is the only one with fumaroles, and it has a capital with some nightlife (especially in summer): Ponta Delgada.
- How to Visit: It has the best-connected airport, with direct flights from Europe and North America.
![Alvaro RP | Santa Maria's white beach weather in the azores in July](https://www.futurismo.pt/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Santa-Maria-in-a-day-1024x576.jpg)
Santa Maria: on this island, you can find the best sandy beaches of the Azores. The reason is that it is the oldest, 8 million years old.
- How to Visit: Typically visited via a short flight from São Miguel or ferry. You also have some direct flights from Lisbon.
Central Group
![](https://www.futurismo.pt/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Alvaro-RP_Terceira_Angra-do-Heroismo_Terceira-Angra-Big-1024x683.jpg)
Terceira: stands out for the historical and colorful city of Angra do Heroísmo, showcasing charming colonial architecture. Terceira is also renowned for its lively festivals and nightlife.
- How to Visit: Accessible by direct flights from mainland Portugal and interisland flights.
![David Rodrigues | One more amazing shot of Fajã dos Cubres](https://www.futurismo.pt/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/David-Rodrigues_Sao-Jorge_Faja-dos-Cubres-6-1024x683.jpg)
São Jorge: Renowned for its dramatic cliffs, coastal plateaus (fajãs), and the famous São Jorge cheese.
- How to Visit: Accessible by flights from other islands in the Central Group and by ferry.
![](https://www.futurismo.pt/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Sperm-Whales-in-Pico-island-Azores-tail.jpg)
Pico: Features Portugal’s highest mountain, Mount Pico, and is famous for vineyards and whale watching.
![Alvaro RP | Horta on Faial island with great weather in the Azores in July](https://www.futurismo.pt/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Alvaro_Faial_Horta_Horta1-scaled.jpg)
Faial: It is known for the marina of its capital, Horta, which is very colorful and full of murals. They are also notable in the volcanic crater of Caldeira and the Capelinhos Volcano.
- How to Visit: Accessible by flights from mainland Portugal and other islands, as well as by ferry from Pico.
Western Group
![Bruno Azera | The famous waterfalls of Flores island](https://www.futurismo.pt/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Bruno-Azera-Flores-Azores-8-1.jpg)
Flores: It is usually the favorite island. Famous for its numerous and long waterfalls.
- How to Visit: Reached by flights from the Central Group islands, mainly from Faial and Terceira and from São Miguel.
![](https://www.futurismo.pt/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Alvaro_Corvo_Caldeirao_cows1.jpg)
We hope we have helped you to make your decision. As you can see, the Azores are incredibly diverse. Whichever island you choose, you will love the natural wealth and beauty of this archipelago. Enjoy your trip to the Azores!
FAQs
Which island is best for beaches in the Azores?
All Azores islands offer great beaches and natural pools, with Santa Maria standing out for having the only beach with white sand (all the others have black sand). Explore the many options across the archipelago in our full article to find your perfect spot.
Which is the best Azores island for hiking?
Pico Island is ideal for hiking, especially with Mount Pico, Portugal’s highest peak. São Jorge also offers dramatic coastal trails along its unique “fajãs” (coastal plateaus), providing a great challenge for avid hikers.
Which Azores island is best for whale watching?
Pico is the best island for whale watching, with regular boat tours offering close encounters with sperm whales, dolphins, and other marine life. Faial, nearby, also offers great opportunities for marine wildlife sightings.
Which Azores island has the best cultural attractions?
Terceira stands out for its rich cultural heritage, especially in Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colonial architecture. The island is also famous for lively festivals and traditional Azorean bullfights.