The Azores archipelago has 9 islands, 3 island groups, and more geological diversity than almost anywhere on earth. Here's the complete guide to understanding — and exploring — all of them.
The Azores: Europe's Atlantic Secret
The Azores archipelago consists of 9 volcanic islands scattered across 600km of the mid-Atlantic Ocean, roughly 1,500km west of Lisbon and 3,900km east of New York. The islands sit at the junction of three tectonic plates — the African, Eurasian, and North American — making them one of the most geologically active inhabited landscapes on earth. They were first settled by Portuguese colonists in the 15th century and have been Portuguese territory ever since, now forming an autonomous region of Portugal with their own regional government.
The Three Island Groups
The 9 islands are divided into three geographic groups based on their location in the Atlantic:
- Eastern Group: São Miguel (the largest island) and Santa Maria (the oldest and sunniest)
- Central Group: Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Faial, and Pico — five islands within 100km of each other
- Western Group: Flores and Corvo — the most remote, 250km west of the central group
The island groups are not just geographic — they have distinct characters. The eastern islands are the most accessible and developed. The central group offers the most variety. The western islands are the most remote and wild.
Island Hopping in the Azores
Island hopping in the Azores is possible but requires planning. SATA Air Açores operates inter-island flights, and Atlânticoline runs summer ferry services between some islands. Here's what to know:
- Inter-island flights: €80–€200 one-way, operated by SATA Air Açores
- Ferries: Summer only (June–September), operated by Atlânticoline
- Central group islands are close together — Faial, Pico, and São Jorge are within 30–60 minutes by ferry
- Western islands (Flores, Corvo) are isolated — plan carefully
- São Miguel is the main hub — most inter-island routes connect through PDL
Which Islands to Visit: A Practical Guide
With 9 islands and limited time, here's how to prioritise:
- 1 week: São Miguel only — you won't run out of things to do
- 2 weeks: São Miguel + Terceira or Faial/Pico combination
- 3 weeks: São Miguel + central group island hopping (Faial, Pico, São Jorge)
- 1 month+: Add Flores and Corvo for the complete western experience
- Remote work base: São Miguel is the only practical choice for long-term stays
Start with São Miguel. It has everything you need. Once you've settled in, use it as a base for exploring the other islands on weekends and holidays.
The Geology: Why the Azores Look Like Nowhere Else
The Azores' extraordinary landscapes are a direct result of their geological position. The islands sit at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge — the boundary between the North American and Eurasian plates — and at the Azores Triple Junction, where the African plate also meets. This means the islands are constantly being pushed upward by volcanic activity, creating new land while older volcanic features erode. Each island represents a different stage of volcanic evolution: Corvo and Santa Maria are the oldest (4+ million years), while the Picos cinder cone field on São Miguel is still actively erupting.
The Azores for Remote Workers: The Honest Summary
For digital nomads and remote workers, the Azores offer an extraordinary quality of life at a fraction of the cost of Western European cities. But not all islands are equal:
- São Miguel: The only island with full remote work infrastructure — fast internet, housing, community
- Terceira: A viable alternative with lower costs and a UNESCO Heritage city
- Faial: Adequate for remote work in Horta — best combined with Pico
- Other islands: Best for short visits and retreats, not long-term remote work bases
Start with São Miguel. It has everything you need. Once you've settled in, use it as a base for exploring the other islands on weekends and holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many islands are in the Azores?
There are 9 islands in the Azores archipelago, divided into three groups: Eastern (São Miguel, Santa Maria), Central (Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Faial, Pico), and Western (Flores, Corvo).
Which Azores island is best for a first visit?
São Miguel is the best first island — it has the most to see, the best infrastructure, and the easiest access. You could spend a month on São Miguel without running out of things to do.
Can I visit multiple Azores islands in one trip?
Yes. Inter-island flights (SATA Air Açores) and summer ferries (Atlânticoline) connect the islands. The central group islands (Faial, Pico, São Jorge) are particularly easy to combine.
What is the best time of year to visit the Azores?
The Azores are a year-round destination. Summer (June–September) is warmest and driest. Spring and autumn offer fewer tourists. Winter is mild (14–17°C) but wetter.
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About the Author
Platform & Local Experts
The Azores Remote Stay team is made up of remote workers, long-term residents, and local experts who have collectively spent over 15 years living and working on São Miguel. We test every property ourselves, know every neighbourhood, and have helped hundreds of digital nomads find their perfect base in the Azores.
