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Portugal · Azores

The Azores travel guide

Crater lakes, whale watching and hot springs

3h 30mflight from London
PDLnearest main airport
23° in Augwarmest month
15° in Febcoolest month

The Azores are nine volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic, about four hours from the UK. São Miguel, the biggest, has crater lakes, tea plantations and natural hot springs.

It's a destination for nature lovers, with whale watching, hiking and green landscapes. The weather is mild but changeable.

Good forNatureHikingWildlifeHot springs

What The Azores is known for

  • Crater lakes

    Sete Cidades' twin blue and green lakes.

  • Whale watching

    More than 20 species of whales and dolphins.

  • Hot springs

    Warm iron-rich pools in Furnas.

  • Cozido

    Stew cooked underground by volcanic heat.

Top things to do in The Azores

  1. 1

    Sete Cidades

    Twin crater lakes with a famous viewpoint.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    Furnas

    Hot springs, steaming fumaroles and Terra Nostra park.

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  3. 3

    Whale watching

    Boat trips from Ponta Delgada.

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  4. 4

    Lagoa do Fogo

    A beautiful crater lake on São Miguel.

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See all tours and tickets in The Azores

Where to stay in The Azores

Find a hotel in The Azores

Best time to visit The Azores

Best value: Apr–May, Sep–Oct. May to September: the warmest and driest months, and the best for whale watching.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
16.1 C16°J15.4 C15°F15.4 C15°M15.8 C16°A17.3 C17°M19.4 C19°J21.6 C22°J22.9 C23°A22.2 C22°S20.3 C20°O18.1 C18°N16.8 C17°D
Bar height is the average temperature in The Azores, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 3h 30m from London to PDL, and flights from most UK airports.

Hire a car on São Miguel. Inter-island flights and summer ferries link the islands.

Find flights to The Azores (PDL)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • Weather changes quickly: check webcams before heading to viewpoints.
  • Bring a swimsuit you don't mind staining in the iron-rich pools.
  • Book whale watching early in your trip in case of cancellations.
Portugal guidesVisasPlugs & adaptersWhen to go

The Azores FAQ

Which island should I visit?

São Miguel for a first trip, with direct flights.

Is the Azores warm?

Mild: around 25°C in summer and 16°C in winter.

More places in Portugal

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