Faial Island
Uncover the hidden gems of the Azores
8 days
from US$4,280 per person
Azores tours & tailor-made trips
Plan your dream trip to the Azores with a local expert
See a different side to the Azores on a trip built just for you, by someone who lives there.
Custom itinerary planningHandpicked local experts
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A journey to the Azores is an adventure among volcanic craters, hot springs, and maritime wildlife.
This remote Atlantic archipelago is one of Europe’s most extraordinary natural wonders, offering a wild beauty found nowhere else. From the vivid crater lakes of São Miguel and the vineyard-clad lava fields of Pico to the rugged sea cliffs of Flores and the hydrangea-lined lanes of Faial, the Azores pack spectacular landscapes into nine volcanic islands. Whitewashed churches and colorful fishing villages sit beneath green, misty peaks, while the easy-going warmth of the Azores’ people makes every visit feel like coming home.
Island-hopping the Azores is best done at your own pace. We connect you with handpicked local experts who design tailor-made itineraries around your interests, opening doors to the hidden corners and true character of the archipelago.
Your Azores adventure awaits
Best time to visit
For mild weather and calmer seas: May to August
Best for whale and dolphin watching: April to May
Destination highlights
The Azores combine volcanic drama, lush green pastures, and the deep blue Atlantic for an unforgettable island escape. Gaze over the twin lakes of Sete Cidades, soak in the thermal pools of Furnas, and spot sperm whales and dolphins off the coast of Pico. From climbing Portugal’s highest peak to swimming in natural lava rock pools, the Azores are an adventure waiting to be discovered.
Price overview
US $2,500 - $3,000
All of our tailor-made trips can be 100% customized to your style—from budget stays to higher-end escapes.
Best time to visit
How it works
How would you like to plan your trip?
Build a trip from scratch with a local Azores expert, or pick a curated itinerary as your starting point and customize it until it's yours.
Share your preferencesTravel dates, budget, experiences and more
Connect with your local expertReceive your first itinerary within 48 hours
Refine your trip togetherFull flexibility and a hassle-free, personal service
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Meet your local experts
Your trip, planned by someone who actually lives there
Our local experts aren’t travel agents working from a brochure. They’re people who live locally and know the destination like the back of their hand. Alongside them, you’ll craft an authentic and immersive trip, filled with intimate knowledge and passion for the place they call home.
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PatriciaI’ll help you plan a trip that’s perfect for you, filled with unforgettable experiences that reveal the essence of my home country…
- Patricia
I've included an extra day on Faial Island for a hiking journey guided by a local biologist. Learn about the island's rich plant life and enjoy incredible views!
CesarWorking with TravelLocal has helped us grow our business and support our local community.
Traveler stories
What our travelers are saying
This trip had a lot of moving parts, and the team did a great job cobbling them all together. TravelLocal was immediately responsive when we had a concern or issue while we were in the Azores.
Joana and crew helped organize a 23-day trip to the Azores. Glad they were there, because we needed help a few times. This is what makes a great trip.
The tours that you select are consistently amazing. Detailed itinerary in advance, having good communications and points of contact throughout trip.
+78k78,000+ travelers have had a more authentic, tailor-made vacation
Places & highlights
Learn more about the Azores
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From tasting wine to spotting marine wildlife, discover top things to do in the Azores, an area known as the Hawaii of Europe for good reason.
Capturing the Azores on camera
Discover some expert Azores photography tips from a film crew and two members of the TravelLocal team during the making of our advert.
A practical guide to the Azores
If you want to immerse yourself in nature and experience the rawness of gorgeous landscapes, then read our guide to the Azores!
Our island-by-island guide to the Azores
The lush volcanic islands of the Azores are a wonderland of forested mountains, deep blue lakes and bubbling hot springs. To help you choose your slice of paradise and plan a tailor-made trip, read our detailed island-by-island guide.
The world’s best destinations for wildlife photography
Cameras at the ready, we explore the best wildlife photography destinations around the world, from Botswana to Antarctica.
Eight of the world’s most magical distant islands
The world is full of magical islands; from the wildlife-rich Galapagos to the Azores in Portugal. Discover your next island getaway!
Good to know
Frequently asked questions about the Azores
The main season runs from May to October. June through September brings the warmest, most settled weather with highs in the mid-70s degrees Fahrenheit. Hydrangeas bloom from June to July, and spring is excellent for whale watching. Winters are mild but wetter and windier, and the weather can change quickly year-round, so pack layers.
The Azores are an autonomous region of Portugal in the middle of the Atlantic. Most visitors fly into Ponta Delgada on São Miguel. There are direct flights from the US East Coast, which take about five hours from Boston, and frequent connections from Lisbon and Porto. Schedules vary by season, so book early for summer travel.
There are nine islands in the Azores, divided up into three groups. São Miguel, the largest, has crater lakes, hot springs, and tea plantations. Pico is home to Portugal’s highest mountain and UNESCO-listed vineyards. Faial is a classic sailing stop, and Terceira has the historic town of Angra do Heroísmo. Flores is famous for its waterfalls. First-time visitors often pair São Miguel with one or two other islands.
Plan five to seven days to explore São Miguel properly, including Sete Cidades, Furnas, and the island’s coastal viewpoints. If you want to add Pico, Faial, or Terceira, 10 to 14 days is ideal. Build in some flexibility because fog, wind, or rough seas can occasionally delay inter-island flights and ferries.
Short domestic flights connect all nine islands. Ferries link the central islands, especially Pico, Faial, and São Jorge, with more routes running in summer. On each island, renting a car is the easiest way to explore because public transportation is limited. Roads are often narrow and winding, so allow extra time to reach viewpoints and trailheads.
The Azores are one of the world’s top destinations for whale and dolphin watching. Visitors also hike around volcanic crater lakes and soak in natural thermal pools. Other popular activities include canyoning, kayaking, and diving. In Furnas, try cozido, a stew slow-cooked underground using volcanic heat, and then visit Europe’s oldest tea plantation or taste wine grown in Pico’s lava-stone vineyards.
Next steps
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