ISLAND HOPPING in the AZORES

Two handfuls of volcanic rocks in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, far from basically everywhere: Although the Azores belong politically to Portugal, it takes more time and money to get there. This is one of the reasons why the Azores, despite their mesmerizing beauty, are still a rather hidden gem when it comes to tourism. However, for me, that was a perfect reason to check out for myself if you can rightly call the Azores the Hawaii of Europe.
In this post, I’m telling you all about my formidable island hopping and if I found the famous Azores High.

The Azores

Although the existence of the archipelago may have been known as early as the 12th century, the Azores were officially first visited at the beginning of the 15th century. They owe their discovery to Heinrich the Navigator, who was commissioned by Diego de Silves to search for the end of the world. But already 1,000 miles from the motherland, de Silves came across the island that would later be called Santa Maria.

At first, the islands didn’t seem very attractive. No mineral resources were suspected and the weather was unstable. Interestingly, the Flemish people first settled on the islands. Then in the 15th century, Portuguese farmers arrived. They cleared the forests and created pastures and arable land.

During the Age of Exploitation Exploration in the 16th and 17th centuries, Portugal was a leading player in the Atlantic slave trade. The Azores, as part of the Portuguese colonial empire, were part of this network. From the African coasts, Portuguese traders brought enslaved people who were transported to Brazil or Europe via the Azores or other Portuguese territories.

But there was also a slave population in the Azores themselves for a while. African slaves were brought to the islands to work in agriculture, particularly on the sugar cane plantations.

The islands benefited from their strategic location in the Atlantic also in the 17th and 18th centuries as they were an important stopover for merchant ships. Products such as wheat, oranges, wine, and later tea as well as dairy products were important export goods. In the 19th century, whaling emerged as an important industry.

Tables Turn

At the end of the 19th century, several crises weakened the local economy.
The destruction of orange crops by citrus canker resulted in a significant loss of income.
Whaling also became less important.
Later, frequent droughts occurred and small-scale farming structures could not compete with more modern systems.

Difficult economic conditions forced many Azoreans to emigrate to the United States, Canada, and Brazil. There were also natural disasters, such as the volcanic eruption on Faial in the middle of the 20th century.

Welcome to the Azores

Volcanoes crowned with mirror-like crater lakes, historic villages lined with endless rows of hydrangeas, the untamed roar of the Atlantic, and hiking trails straight out of a dream: Welcome to the Azores!

This archipelago is a patchwork of wonders, as diverse as a miniature continent. Far from the clutches of mass tourism, these nine islands remain a time capsule, preserving their old-world charm for centuries. For those seeking tranquility and unspoiled nature, the Azores offer a slice of paradise adrift in the heart of the Atlantic.

Here, vibrant shades of clear turquoise waters, blue skies, and lush green meadows paint a picture of natural splendor. Towering cliffs give way to serene volcanic lakes, while rare blossoms and steaming geysers dot the landscape. In July, the islands burst into life as deep blue hydrangeas stretch endlessly along winding roads and fields. Scenic viewpoints invite you to take in sweeping, majestic vistas. For those craving solitude, the Azores’ enchanting trails provide hours of peaceful hiking, where the only sounds are the whispers of the wind and the songs of birds.

Yet, these islands also stand as a beacon for adventurers. For bold sailors charting their course across the Atlantic, the Azores are the final outpost before the vast journey to the Americas.

In the Middle of the Atlantic

However, at least on their first visit, many travellers just visit the Azore’s main island São Miguel. And that’s actually a perfect start as this island has it all: Volcanic landscapes, hot springs and geysers, endless hiking trails, rugged coastlines, pineapple fields, and even two of Europe’s only tea plantations!

This being said, you’ve literally come a long way, baby: The Azores are about 2,500 kilometers from the American east coast and only around 1,500 kilometers from the European west coast. So while you’re there, why not pay São Miguel’s little sisters a visit? Whether for a day trip or for a couple of nights: You’ll be amazed at how varied the islands are. And comprehensive connections by ferries and planes make travelling between São Miguel, Terceira, Graciosa, Faial, São Jorge, and Pico easy and so much fun!

You Get What You Pay For

Already in São Miguel, which is supposedly the most touristy of all the islands, I noticed that tourism felt different. Industrialization is missing. No, not every visitor is personally greeted with a small parade. But due to the lower number of visitors, all services feel much more personal than in the Canary Islands, for example. The locals are not annoyed by the streams of visitors and on tours you are not simply escorted through and processed. Everything feels more individual and personal.

A huge difference from other parts of the world where I have taken organized tours is the quality of the food included. On every tour, the lunch was excellent, freshly prepared, and attractively presented. And drinks were even included!

Also, visits and presentations at farms or businesses never felt like a sales pitch. The products were presented with pride and conviction. However, at no point did I feel the expectation of having to buy anything in return or even feel compelled to purchase.
I’ve experienced this very differently during similar visits and tastings in other countries.

This being said, I have to add that organized tours, for example, are also a little more expensive. But I’m happy to pay a few euros more for an unforgettable, pleasant experience.

São Miguel

São Miguel, the archipelago’s main island, belongs to the so-called eastern group and is practically the entrance gate to the Azores. Hence, it’s not surprising that it is the most developed destination for tourism. This being said, São Miguel is still a great destination for those who want to enjoy nature responsibly as the Azores are committed to sustainable tourism in order to preserve their pristine environments.

The island of São Miguel is best known for its mesmerizing sceneries and hot springs and lakes in former volcanic craters. This and many other unique features make the island an ideal hideout for people who enjoy nature and are into hiking between blue and white hydrangeas, swaying palm trees, pristine lakes in lava craters, pineapple plantations, and the only tea plantations in all of Europe.

In addition to tourism, dairy farming and the cultivation of fruit, especially pineapples, play a major economic role for São Miguel today. Furthermore, Chá Gorreana and Chá Porto Formoso are the only two tea plantations in the European Union.

Don’t You Miss It

São Miguel is famous for its volcanic landscapes, particularly Sete Cidades, an iconic twin lake in a huge crater that offers spectacular views from various viewpoints. The quiet Lagoa do Fogo in the middle of a so-called caldera is also known for its untouched beauty. There is an extensive network of hiking trails through lush forests, along cliffs, and around volcanic craters. And since São Miguel enjoys a mild, temperate climate all year round, including the winter months, it is a perfect destination for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

The island has several geothermal areas such as Furnas, where you can relax in natural hot springs. Here you can also witness the traditional method of cooking food in volcanic steam vents. Try the famous Cozido das Furnas, a slow-cooked stew prepared underground using geothermal energy.

Because the waters surrounding the Azores are a prime habitat for whales and dolphins, you can spot several species here, including sperm whales and bottlenose dolphins.

Once in São Miguel, you need to

• awe at the crater lakes in Sete Cidades
• take a hike around Lagoa do Fogo
• dare a dip into the sulfate waters at Parque Terra Nostra in Furnas
• enjoy Cozido das Furnas, cooked in a geyser
• visit Europe’s only tea plantations 

But there is much more to explore – as you can read in my post.

Graciosa

Graciosa Island is the second-smallest of the Azores Archipelago and is often overlooked and underrated. It is the northernmost of the five islands of the central archipelago and covers only about 60 square kilometers of rather low-lying terrain.

The island’s volcanic origins are most evident in the Caldeira da Graciosa, a large volcanic crater that contains a lava cave called Furna do Enxofre. This cave features a sulfur lake and a stunning dome-shaped ceiling.

Clearly, Graciosa’s culture is deeply rooted in its maritime and agricultural heritage. The island’s settlements have charming streets lined with whitewashed houses, traditional windmills, and historic churches. Graciosa is called the White Island for a reason!

Compared to other Azores islands, far fewer tourists venture to this hidden gem. This of course makes Graciosa ideal for travelers looking for peace and quiet. Activities include hiking, exploring volcanic formations, swimming in natural pools, and enjoying the island’s rural charm.

In 2007, Graciosa was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to its rich biodiversity and the importance of its natural ecosystems. The island is home to unique plant species and the surrounding waters are home to diverse marine life. Due to its mild climate, the island is brimming with lush agriculture including vineyards, pastures, and corn and potato fields.

Once in Graciosa, you need to

• explore the capital Santa Cruz de Graciosa
• relax on the beach of Praia de São Mateus
• visit an old windmill
• go wine tasting at Pedras Brancas
• hike uphill to the Furna Do Enxofre Caldeira

But there is much more to explore – as you can read in my post.

São Jorge

The extremely elongated island of São Jorge is one of the lesser touristy isles of the Azores, but offers, among other things, amazing viewpoints of the surrounding islands.

São Jorge is part of the central group of the Azores and nestled between Graciosa and Terceira in the north, Faial in the west, and Pico in the south. Due to this privileged location, you can enjoy wonderful views of the neighboring islands from basically every spot.

Interestingly, although São Jorge, like the other islands of the Azores, is of volcanic origin, there is no caldera. Instead, the island prides itself on having around 75 so-called fajãs. Landslides or lava flows created these coastal plains at the foot of high cliffs. In the past, many of these fajãs were inhabited and used for agriculture. After an earthquake in 1980, many have been abandoned.

Nevertheless, today, Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo and Fajã dos Cubres are two remaining gorgeous examples, featuring lush greenery, tidal pools, and traditional farming areas. Most importantly, they offer excellent hiking trails and scenic views, making them popular among outdoor enthusiasts. Yet, although São Jorge is ideal for a hiking holiday, the island is less developed for tourism than most of the other Azores islands.

Many people in São Jorge still live from agriculture. Mainly wheat and wine are grown, but São Jorge also has a coffee plantation!
Also, the island is particularly famous for its outstanding cheese.

Once in São Jorge, you need to

• go hiking on the famous Fajãs
• soak in the views from the Miradouro da Ribeira do Almeida above the capital Velas
• visit a coffee plantation at Fajã dos Vimes
• try some local cheese on a dairy factory tour
• go swimming at the piscina natural Poça dos Frades

But there is much more to explore – as you can read in my post.

Faial

Faial is located in the central group of the Azores. To the east, it is separated from Pico Island only by a narrow strait of about 8 kilometers. This proximity makes the two islands a comfortable dual destination for locals and visitors alike. You can easily hop on a ferry for a day trip to Pico to explore vineyards and hike up Portugal’s highest mountain.

Faial’s culture reflects a blend of Portuguese traditions with a strong influence from its historical connections to the U.S. and Europe.

Halfway There

From the 17th to the mid-19th century, Faial was an important transatlantic waypoint. This is also reflected in the density of churches in Horta. Mind you, also missionaries of the Jesuit, the Carmelites, and the Franciscan Order stopped here on their way to Brazil. In the 18th century, none less than Mr. James Cook called on the island before beginning his voyages of discovery in the Pacific!

To this day, the island has played a momentous role, be it as a stopover on early transatlantic flights, eventually as a center for telecommunications between Europe and America, and today because of its substantial marina.

Faial offers a beautiful and serene escape with a mix of lush greenery, volcanic landscapes, vibrant marine life, and a rich nautical heritage. It is characterized by beautiful coastlines with a few nice sandy beaches, lush green hills, and the obligatory volcanic crater.

Born of Fire

As a matter of fact, the Capelinhos Volcano on the westernmost tip of Faial is one of the island’s most striking features. As it erupted for an incredible 13 months from September 1957 until October 1958, it actually added new land to the island and created a lunar-like landscape. Nevertheless, the eruption affected homes and agriculture and was therefore impactful enough to prompt many locals to migrate, particularly to the United States.

At the heart of Faial lies the Caldeira do Faial, a massive volcanic crater that is one of the Azores’ most impressive natural wonders. It’s about two kilometers wide and more than 400 meters deep, with lush vegetation covering its walls. The caldera is part of a protected natural reserve, and visitors can hike around the rim to take in the panoramic views of the island and nearby Pico Island.

The waters around Faial and its neighboring islands are teeming with marine life, and the area is known for exceptional whale-watching opportunities. Many species, including sperm whales, blue whales, and various dolphins, can be spotted here, especially between April and October. The waters are also popular among scuba divers, who can explore underwater volcanic formations, rich biodiversity, and even a few shipwrecks.

Once in Faial, you need to

• explore the historic center of the capital city Horta
• admire the paintings at the world’s most colorful marina
• plunge into the international maritime culture at Peter Café Sport
• hike up Faial’s famous Caldeira 
• relax on the beach of Porto Pim

But there is much more to explore – as you can read in my post.

Pico

Although the Azores had been inhabited since 1439, the settlement of Pico only began at the end of the 15th century. Pico is believed to be the last of the Central Group islands to be occupied. The population grew slowly, mainly due to the difficulties in growing agricultural goods. The soils are mostly volcanic and consist of weathered, recent basalt. In addition, the island has few rivers compared to other parts of the archipelago. All of this made it difficult to extract income from the land, and by the end of the 16th century, fewer than 3,000 people were living on Pico. 

The last magma eruption was in 1720 and created the volcanic cinder cone called Silveira.

Around 200 years ago, the famous Verdelho wine began to be produced on Pico. It was quickly exported to many countries and even delivered to the palace of the Russian Tsar. Sadly, viticulture declined with the spread of mildew and phylloxera in the mid-19th century. This led to an economic crisis that lasted into the 20th century. In 2004, UNESCO recognized the fact that the family businesses still stuck to tradition and produced great wines against all odds by placing them on the list of World Heritage Sites.

The Times They Are A-Changin’

Another, in my opinion, less than praiseworthy economic activity was whaling. American and British whalers introduced it into the waters of the Azores at the end of the 18th century. Sperm whale hunting became the island’s main industry until it was abolished when in 1982, Portugal officially stopped whaling. However, the last whale was killed by a whaler from Pico Island in 1987.

Today, the former whale factory is a museum. Strictly speaking, whales still provide income today, but fortunately now in the form of bloodless whale watching.

Pico is located almost 18 kilometers south of São Jorge and just eight kilometers east of Faial in the so-called central group of the Azores. The area is also colloquially called O Triângulo, hence, the triangle. It is the second largest of the Azores islands.

Like the rest of the islands in the archipelago, Pico enjoys a mild maritime climate almost all year round, with constant winds and high rainfall in winter. Due to the topography, temperature and precipitation vary significantly depending on altitude and location, forming rapidly changing microclimates.

Unlike its little sister Faial, Pico does not have any sandy beaches, but there are some beautiful and very safe swimming spots at the natural swimming pools formed from lava.

Once in Pico, you need to

• explore traditional wine-growing practices at the Vinha de Criação Velha
• go wine tasting at the Adega A Buraca
• hike up Portugal’s highest mountain Pico
• go whale watching off the shores of Lajes
• swim in one of the beautiful lava pools

But there is much more to explore – as you can read in my post.

Terceira

Nomen est Omen: Terceira translates to third in Portuguese, and in fact, the second-largest island of the Azores was the third to be discovered in the early 15th century. Terceira belongs to the central group of the Azores and impresses with its breathtaking landscape, beautiful sandy beaches, and the mesmerizing town of Angra do Heroismo which UNESCO crowned as one of the World Heritage Sites.

Terceira Island has a rich history that begins in the early 15th century when the island was officially discovered under the guidance of Prince Henry the Navigator. The first settlers from mainland Portugal followed Henry in 1450. The island’s fertile soil and mild climate made it ideal for agriculture, especially for wheat, vineyards, and livestock.

For King and Country

Terceira often played a significant role in Portugal’s political and military history, so too during the Portuguese succession crisis at the end of the 16th century. The island supported António, Prior of Crato, against King Philip II of Spain and thus became a center of resistance against Spanish rule. In 1583, Spanish forces under Álvaro de Bazán launched a massive invasion in which Portuguese and local forces eventually surrendered.

In the 19th century, Terceira became a bastion of the liberal movement during the Liberal Wars. The island served as a fortress for Queen Maria II’s supporters against the absolutist forces of her uncle, Dom Miguel. Terceira’s then capital, Angra do Heroísmo, was instrumental in the Liberals’ eventual victory.

Today, Terceira is known for its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Like all other islands in the archipelago, Terceira offers amazing natural phenomena. However, since these can be found in one form or another on all the islands, I’ve focused on what sets Terceira apart: its incredibly picturesque towns. And I am very happy that even UNESCO agrees with me and has declared the first capital of the Azores, Angra do Heroismo, a World Heritage Site in 1983.

Whether you’re an enthusiastic hiker, a lazy beach bum, or a history buff – Terceira unites all of the best things you don’t want to miss when visiting the Azore Islands.

Once in Terceira, you need to

• explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site Angra do Heroismo
• educate yourself along the Passeio dos Poetas, the amazing Poets’ Walk
• admire the unique Impérios of the Culto do Divino Espírito Santo
• take a look around at the Serra do Cume Viewpoint
• relax on the beaches of Praia da Vitória

But there is much more to explore – as you can read in my post.

Practical Information

How to Get There And Around

By Plane

All of the nine inhabited islands have at least one small airport that is served by regional flights.

The situation is different with international air traffic as only three islands have direct international air traffic and regular connections to the Portuguese mainland: the main island São Miguel, with the largest and most important airport in the Azores, and the island of Terceira, has flights to various destinations in Europe and North America.
Faial has limited international air traffic and mainly seasonal flights.

From the other islands, you first have to go to either São Miguel or Terceira, from where you can then use connections to the mainland or abroad.

The most frequent connections are to the Portuguese cities of Lisbon and Porto.

By Ferry

Ferry services between the islands are an essential part of transport. Services are seasonal, with most ferries operating in the summer months. There are very frequent ferry connections, especially between the islands of the so-called central group. These islands are relatively close to each other, making crossings short and convenient.
This also makes day trips between these islands stress-free.

In the summer months, there are also ferry connections between islands that are further apart, for example from São Miguel to Graciosa or Terceira. These crossings last several hours and do not take place every day.

When preparing your island hopping, you need to plan carefully and check whether there is a ferry running on the day you want. If you cannot or do not want to adjust your route and length of stay accordingly, you may have to take a flight.

The Azores are very isolated in the Atlantic and there are no ferry connections outside the archipelago. The only regular connection to mainland Portugal and other countries is by plane.

Unfortunately, some of the Azores are served by cruise ships, so day visitors descend on the small, quiet towns like swarms of locusts. But after a few hours, they set off again and life in the Azores returns to its leisurely pace.

Land Transport

Bus connections on the islands are scarce and not always suitable, at least for visitors. A bus usually goes to the larger towns early in the morning and back to the countryside in the evening. The densest network of lines can be found in São Miguel and Terceira. Getting around by public transport is difficult on all islands. On the plus side, bus tickets are very cheap.

The Azores can easily be explored by walking. There are well-developed hiking trails on all islands. The most beautiful paths, regions, and valleys can almost only be accessed on foot.
Before hiking in remote regions, you should definitely find out about the condition of the path.

Of course, you can also rent bicycles. With the low traffic, the roads are relatively quiet. There are also some side streets and farm roads. However, the topographic profile of the islands requires good fitness. In addition, there is often a strong wind blowing.

Organized Trips

“The situation with public transport is really very bad. You can’t explore the island by exclusively using public transport!”
How many times have I heard this warning and it has never put me off. Whether Martinique or Curaçao – through good planning, I always managed to visit the places I wanted to see by public bus. Only very rarely have I had to give up my plans.
The Azores are, unfortunately, one such case.

If you don’t rent your own vehicle and don’t want to spend hours figuring out complicated bus connections, it’s best to join an organized day trip.

Also, while in the past, I mainly joined organized day trips from time to time when there was no convenient public transport option, I now do it for safety reasons. Believe me, you do not want to sit by yourself in the wilderness with no opportunity to call for assistance as I did during a hiking accident in Gran Canaria. Therefore, take at least a hiking buddy with you, especially when exploring impassable and rough terrain.
Or, even better, go with a knowledgeable local guide.

No matter your reason for wanting to join an organized excursion, here are some great options for exploring the Azores on guided tours. Even though they might be on the pricier side – I explained the reason above – I can wholeheartedly recommend them as they are extremely well organized, very informative, and fun*:

Where to Stay

Since the Azores are still rather destinations for true connoisseurs, you’ll find a much smaller choice of lodging options than on other European islands such as the Canaries. While there are even some of those charmless big hotels in São Miguel, on the smaller islands, accommodation is somewhat limited. Therefore, I recommend early booking, especially if you’re traveling during the high season or your budget has a certain limit.

Also, prices for accommodation between the individual islands can vary a big deal. For instance, hotels on the island of Pico are far more expensive than on the neighboring islands of Faial and São Jorge. Hence, if you want to save on lodging and the schedule of your planned activities allows, you might want to consider staying on those isles and paying Pico just a visit on a day trip.

However, this map will help you search for alternatives according to your personal needs, preferences, and budget, obviously*:

Booking.com

What to Eat

You can eat wonderfully in the Azores. Each island has its own specialties. Especially in small towns, restaurants are often small and only have a few tables. The menu is often just a selection of a few, but always delicious and freshly prepared dishes. It’s best to take the so-called prato do dia, an inexpensive dish of the day. In addition, the chef’s recommendation is always right. The portions are also sufficient for hungry people.

Cheese is an appetizer. You can find it on every island, but São Jorge‘s is the best, believe me.

Highly recommended are the many soups, without which a meal simply doesn’t seem complete. However, some vegetable and fish soups can even replace a main course.

If you like eating fish, the Azores are always the right place for you. Whether grilled or fried, the fruits of the sea are a delicacy. Whole fish are often grilled. Like everywhere in Portugal, in the Azores you can always get bacalhau, hence, cod, for which there are countless recipes.

You shouldn’t miss the lapas. These barnacles are grilled and seasoned with butter, garlic, and herbs. Squid is available both grilled and stewed.

A special specialty is the Arroz de Marisco, a colorful mix of different seafood that is cooked together with rice.

Where’s the Meat?

In addition to fish and seafood, there are a number of simple meat dishes and stews. Beef is the main ingredient in the famous Alcatra stew, which can be found on every menu, especially in Terceira. On São Miguel, you get the Cozido das Furnas, a mixture of beef, pork, and chicken that goes into a pot with potatoes, vegetables, and sausage and cooks for several hours in the Caldeiras of Furnas under geothermal heat. A hot blood sausage with pineapple is typical for the island of São Miguel.

The desserts are plentiful, and also plenty sweet. The yummiest treat, however, is fresh local pineapple.

Excellent quality vegetables and fresh fruit are available all year round at farmers’ markets and corner stores. The particularly aromatic pineapple and the dwarf banana grown in the Azores are found everywhere.

What to Pack

If you want to experience at least three seasons in one day, the archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic is the right place for you. Lisbon is not much further than St. John’s in Newfoundland.

The summers are sunny and warm and on some days the Azores seem almost tropical. But it can also suddenly rain and even storm.

You should be prepared for any weather, especially on hikes, and pack a light rain jacket, even in summer. Breathable sports clothing is recommended for hikes. A microfiber cloth doesn’t just help with drying. You can also use it as a base on a lawn or as a beach towel.

Of course, very good, sturdy shoes are essential. You should wear suitable hiking shoes, especially on longer and more demanding hikes.

Since you can sometimes hike for several hours, you should always wear good sunscreen and have a cap or sun hat with you.

Also, pack a sufficiently large drinking bottle and healthy snacks. I also recommend having swimwear with you because you never know when to take a dip in a waterfall or beach.

Cash and Cards

Until now, 20 European countries have replaced their former local currency with the €uro starting in 2002. Obviously, Portugal is one of them. The exchange rate is 1 US$ = 0.92 EUR as of February 2025. However, you can check today’s conversion rate on this page.

Paying contactless or by credit card is very common everywhere.

Language

Language and communication in the Azores are deeply rooted in the region’s history, geography, and culture. The official language is Portuguese, obviously. Many of the settlers who colonized the islands in the 15th century were from regions of Portugal where older forms of Portuguese were spoken, so remnants can still be found in Azorean speech. However, the Azorean Portuguese dialect has its own distinct characteristics. As a matter of fact, each of the nine islands has variations in accent, vocabulary, and pronunciation, making Azorean Portuguese quite diverse. Despite these differences, islanders can generally understand each other, and the dialects are still considered part of the broader Portuguese language family.

The Azores has a significant history of emigration, particularly to the US, Canada, and Brazil. Therefore, in communities with strong ties to emigrant families, many Azoreans speak both Portuguese and English. In fact, English has become a secondary language in some areas due to the large Azorean diaspora in English-speaking countries. Also, due to international tourism, basically everyone working in that field speaks English more or less fluently.

Nevertheless, if you want to learn some basic Portuguese or just brush up on your knowledge, there are various apps and online tools. I personally like to practice with babbel.

Connection and Communication

Since June 2017, no roaming charges have applied within the EU with a European mobile phone contract. This applies to all 27 countries of the European Union as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. It pertains to all contracts.

When roaming is not available, you can connect to the internet at basically every museum, eatery, and, of course, hotel.

If you insist on being online 24/7, you can get a SIM card. For the best network coverage and balance of data options, MEO is considered the top choice for tourists visiting the Azores, especially for travelers heading to more remote islands. They offer prepaid SIM cards for tourists, MEO Go being the best option for tourists. You can get 15GB of data for 15 €uros, valid for 15 days. After that, you can top up, obviously.

MEO SIM cards can be purchased at Lisbon or Porto airports, in case you’re arriving in mainland Portugal first. Otherwise, you can get them at MEO stores across the Azores.

Other popular companies are Vodafone, NOS, and Lycamobile.

In Portugal, they use plug types C and F. Their voltage is 230 V and the frequency 50 Hz. Whereby, as nowadays all these chargers have integrated adapters, in general, the voltage and frequency don’t really matter.

By the way, you’ll find comprehensive travel info in my post World’s Most Complete Travel Information – an indispensable globetrotter-classic.

This Is the Route I Travelled

These Are the Places I Visited

Pinnable Pictures

So, you’re planning on hopping from island to island in the Azores? Then make sure to pin one of these pix for future reference:

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