Are the Azores worth it?

The Azores islands are a group of Portuguese islands located in the Atlantic Ocean between the U.S. and mainland Europe. They're a true hidden gem, but are quickly piquing North American travelers' interests—São Miguel even made our list of stunning islands in Portugal that you need to visit.



The Azores are absolutely worth it for travelers who prioritize nature, hiking, and tranquility over nightlife or sandy beaches. Often described as the "Hawaii of the Atlantic," this Portuguese archipelago offers dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush green calderas, and world-class whale watching. In 2026, they remain one of the few destinations in Europe that doesn't feel overwhelmed by "over-tourism," especially on islands like Flores or Pico. The islands are perfect for those who enjoy "slow travel"—soaking in natural thermal pools in Furnas, hiking the rim of Sete Cidades, or enjoying locally produced cheese and wine. However, they may not be "worth it" for everyone: the weather is notoriously unpredictable (you can experience four seasons in one hour), and there are very few traditional white-sand beaches, as most of the coastline is rugged black volcanic rock. If you are looking for a high-energy "clubbing" scene or a guarantee of 24/7 sunshine, you might be disappointed, but for the adventurous soul, the Azores are a stunningly beautiful and relatively affordable hidden gem.

People Also Ask

Every island in the archipelago is different, but generally, it is more affordable than living in most places in mainland Portugal, especially Lisbon and Porto. Consumer prices, including rent, are around 17% lower in Ponta Delgada, the capital of Sao Miguel, than in Lisbon.

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Azoreans faced many hardships that led to emigration from their homeland, including high birthrates, lack of available land for farming, and economic adversity stemming from a decline in prices for exported goods.

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The Azores are serene, eco-friendly and have less modern development, and less tourism than the sister islands of Madeira. With secluded locations and a more relaxed, slower pace, the Azores are more of a destination for nature lovers and adventurous tourists.

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But tourism in the Azores, while growing rapidly, is still a blip when compared to other destinations popular with the outdoor adventure set. The total number of tourists who visited the Azores, population 245,000, in 2017 is around 645,000.

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Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Azores. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine.

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Background Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) is an autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia of adult onset with a high prevalence in the islands of Azores (Portugal).

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As well as the cetacean and majestic mobulas, the Azores are also a hotspot for sharks. Between July and October, mako and blue sharks can be seen with surprising regularity at remote seamounts around the island of Pico.

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Of the islands that make up the Azores archipelago, São Miguel is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful. Its heavenly beaches and lush vegetation have earned it the nickname “the Hawaii of Europe.” Measuring almost 750 km2, it is the largest island in the Azores.

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Consider the Azores as Europe's other-worldly alternative to Hawaii. Hawaii 2.0, if you will, as the Azores—a stunning island archipelago off the coast of Portugal—not only have the same charms that have made the Aloha State so adored among travelers, but even surpasses the Pacific frontrunner in myriad ways.

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