Sao Miguel

The largest of the islands, Sao Miguel is located on the eastern side of the archipelago.  Explore the delightful narrow cobbled streets bordered by very well preserved period houses in the main town of Ponta Delgada.  Discover the dramatic lake of fire “Lagoa do Fogo” and delightful beaches nestling under high cliffs.  Botanical gardens and extinct volcano craters make this a beautiful and varied island, ideal for long stays, two centre and fly-drive holidays. 

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Santa Maria
Santa Maria is the oldest island of the archipelago.  It was here that Christopher Columbus sought refuge in 1493 on his return from his voyage to America.  Santa Maria is different from the other islands in that it is flatter and so dryer, warmer and with a lower humidity.  More about Santa Maria >
 
Flores
This is a most beautiful island.  The spectacular scenery covers craggy cliffs, a multitude of lakes and craters, high waterfalls, small pastures bordered by mile after mile of hydrangea hedges, stunning views and shades of green as you’ve never seen before.  More about Flores >

Faial
This five-sided island has become the resting place of transatlantic sailors.  Horta, the main port, has a cosmopolitan and exciting feel and, at bars and restaurants, one hears snippets of sailing stories from around the world.  From Horta there are wonderful and ever changing views of the volcano on Pico, 8km across the water.  More about Faial >
 
Pico
Pico is dominated by its volcano (snow capped in winter) at 2351m the highest point in Portugal.  The views to and from the volcano are spectacular.  One cannot mistake that this island is volcanic - the houses and churches are black, their features outlined in white.  Visit the lakes and marvel at the magnificent views and changing facets of the mountain and its relationship with the sea.  Visit the fascinating whaling museum at Lajes.  Walks are plentiful and, for the experienced walker (you must take a guide), the ascent to the summit of the volcano is a must.  More about Pico >
 
Sao Jorge
Sao Jorge is a long and narrow island, which was formed by a series of successive volcanic eruptions.  The craggy coastline plunges almost vertically into the ocean with unique, frequent, small fertile flat areas (fajas) at the base of the cliffs.  This is an island for walking, for exploring the little settlements on the fajas along the coast by car, for admiring the stunning scenery and visiting the two small port towns of Velas and Calheta.  More about Sao Jorge >
 
Graciosa
This is a tranquil island, harder to reach and therefore untouched by time.  The island has fresh fish and shellfish in abundance and is famous for its cakes – in particular the queijadas da Graciosa – and sweets.  Windmills and vineyards abound.  There is a huge volcanic crater with lush vegetation and a spectacular lake beneath vaulted rocks in the very heart of the volcano.  More about Graciosa >
 
Terceira
The town of Angra do Heroismo, with its origins in the late 15th century, has been declared a Unesco World Heritage Site.  It is a picture book town of imposing townhouses and cobbled streets seemingly untouched by time.  Terceira caters for all interests from golf, to exploring volcanoes, to walking, to swimming in natural rock pools and to visiting the sixty-eight 19th century ‘Imperias’, (small chapels to the Holy Spirit), which are scattered throughout the island.  Then there are the colourful festivals and street bullfights (they pad the bulls’ horns and bulls are never killed).  More  about Terceira >