What is the most visited island in the Azores?

The Azores, an autonomous Portuguese archipelago that's in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, is known for its breathtaking volcanic landscapes that feel almost prehistoric at times. Most first-time visitors head straight to São Miguel, the largest and most-visited island and the site of the main international airport.



São Miguel is the most visited island in the Azores (Portugal) in 2026, serving as the main gateway to the archipelago. Known as "The Green Island," it houses the capital city, Ponta Delgada, and the primary international airport (PDL). São Miguel attracts the majority of tourists because it offers the most diverse range of attractions, including the twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades, the geothermal hot springs of Furnas, and the only tea plantations in Europe. In 2026, roughly 70% of all visitors to the Azores spend their entire trip on São Miguel, as it has the most developed hotel infrastructure and the highest frequency of direct flights from North America and Mainland Europe. While islands like Terceira and Pico are growing in popularity for their volcanic landscapes and vineyards, São Miguel remains the undisputed commercial and tourism hub, providing the most accessible entry point for those looking to experience the dramatic, lush scenery the Azores are famous for.

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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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Seven or eight days is an ideal amount of time to spend in the Azores. Travelers with only a week to explore the Portuguese archipelago can focus their time on the island of São Miguel, adding on a trip to Terceira for whale watching if they have an extra day or two.

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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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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.

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That said, the most popular time of year to visit them is in July and August, the busiest season. For this reason, travelers hoping to avoid crowds should plan their Azores vacations for April through June or September through October, when things are less overwhelming.

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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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The official language in the Azores is Portuguese, but English is widely spoken in all of the islands.

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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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