The Azores, Portugal, is an archipelago of nine volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic, and the most common question from people researching the destination isn’t whether it’s worth it—it’s where to start and how many days to set aside. The Azores are about a 2h25 flight from Lisbon to Ponta Delgada, the best time to go is from May to August, and the ideal is to set aside 4 to 7 days on São Miguel so you’re not just rushing past Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Furnas, and the volcanic coastline that make the destination worth the trip.
São Miguel, the largest island and the best served by flights, is the natural gateway for anyone with just one trip to see the archipelago. It’s home to the most sought-after spots: Sete Cidades, Furnas, and the volcanic coastline of Ponta Delgada.
Before diving into the details of each section, check out the photo that sums up why so many people put São Miguel at the top of their Portugal list.
| Lisbon–Ponta Delgada flight | direct, about 2h25 (Azores Airlines and TAP), from ~€130 round trip (Jul/2026) — check current prices |
|---|---|
| Best time to go | May to August (68-77°F, less rain); Nov-Feb has more cloud cover but mild weather |
| Recommended days | minimum 3 days, ideal 4-7 on São Miguel |
| Visa for Brazilians | Portugal is Schengen; Brazilian tourists don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days — confirm on the official consulate website before traveling |
| Getting around the island | rental car is the most practical; there are also guided van tours |
| Currency | euro (€) |
How to get to the Azores
The most common route leaves from Lisbon direct to Ponta Delgada, on São Miguel, with a flight of about 2h25 on Azores Airlines or TAP Portugal. There are also direct flights from Porto and, depending on the season, direct connections from Brazil and other European cities—but going through Lisbon is the most reliable route year-round.
If you’re already in mainland Portugal, you’ll find round-trip flights from ~€116 on Azores Airlines, with fares varying quite a bit depending on how far in advance you book. It’s worth booking 2-3 months in advance during high season (May to August), when prices go up and seats get more competitive.
| Origin | Flight duration | Approximate price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lisbon → Ponta Delgada | 2h25 | from €116 (Jul/2026) | most frequent route, year-round |
| Porto → Ponta Delgada | ~2h40 | varies by season | those already in northern Portugal |
| Direct flight from Brazil (seasonal) | ~5-6h | varies quite a bit | those who want to skip the Lisbon layover |
Best time to go and how long to stay in the Azores, Portugal
High season runs from May to August, with temperatures between 68°F and 77°F, less rain, and more sun—it’s also when whale and dolphin watching is easiest. From November to February, it rains more and the sky is cloudier, but the weather stays mild for those who don’t mind overcast days and prefer lower prices.
As for how many days to set aside: 3 days is enough to see the most famous spots on São Miguel at a fast pace; 4 to 7 days lets you explore the island at a relaxed pace, including Sete Cidades, Furnas, Ponta Delgada, and at least one natural volcanic water pool. If your plan includes a second island (Terceira or Faial are the most sought-after after São Miguel), add at least 3 more days—inter-island flights aren’t always daily.
What to do on São Miguel, Azores
São Miguel is home to the archipelago’s main attractions: Lagoa das Sete Cidades, a volcanic crater with two lakes of different colors (the Vista do Rei viewpoint is the most famous angle); the Furnas Valley, with fumaroles, hot springs, and the traditional cozido cooked in the earth’s heat; and the Ponta da Ferraria, a natural pool where seawater mixes with warm volcanic springs.
In downtown Ponta Delgada, it’s worth strolling by Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião and the Portuguese cobblestone streets of the historic center—the same paving technique you’ll see in Porto and Sintra. If you have more time, Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões and Ilhéu de Vila Franca round out the itinerary without straying too far from the main route.
A boat trip for whale and dolphin watching, leaving from Ponta Delgada’s port, is considered almost a must-do—spring and summer are the best times, with trips lasting about 3 hours.
What to combine with your Azores trip
Those with time combine São Miguel with a second island (Terceira, with Angra do Heroísmo, or Faial, a base for sailboats crossing the Atlantic) or extend the trip through mainland Portugal, since Lisbon is the natural connection. To book a guided tour in Portuguese from home, the Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo excursion is one of the most complete for those who won’t rent a car.
Another very popular option is the boat tour for whale and dolphin watching, and for those who prefer to explore Ponta Delgada on foot, it’s worth booking a free guided tour of the historic center.
Where to eat on São Miguel
Azorean cuisine revolves around fresh fish, São Jorge cheese, pineapple grown in local greenhouses, and the famous Furnas cozido, slow-cooked in the earth’s volcanic heat for about 6 hours. In Ponta Delgada, restaurants around the historic center and marina tend to have the fairest prices; a fish dish with sides runs between €12 and €20 (Jul/2026) at most tourist spots.
Where to stay on São Miguel
Ponta Delgada is the most practical base: it’s home to the airport, restaurants, nightlife, and easy car access to all of the island’s sights. If you’re after more peace and scenery, you can stay in Furnas, closer to the thermal valley but with fewer dinner options at night.
Practical tips and what nobody tells you about the Azores
Real total cost of 5 days on São Miguel, for 1 person: Lisbon-Ponta Delgada round-trip flight (~€130) + simple accommodation (~€250-350 for 5 nights) + rental car (~€150-200 for 5 days) + food and activities (~€200-300) — a range of €730 to €980 (Jul/2026), not counting the international flight to Lisbon.
- The weather changes several times a day — bring a windbreaker even in summer, especially for the higher viewpoints.
- Book your rental car in advance during high season: the island’s fleet is small and sells out fast in July and August.
- Ponta da Ferraria is only swimmable at favorable low tide — check the tide schedule before you go, or the trip turns into just a photo op.
- Many restaurants close earlier outside Ponta Delgada’s center; don’t leave dinner past 9 PM in smaller villages.
- Cell signal is weak or nonexistent at many viewpoints and trails — download the offline map before leaving the city.
Frequently asked questions
Do Brazilians need a visa for the Azores?
No. The Azores are part of Portugal and the Schengen Area, and Brazilian tourists can enter without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Always check the updated rules on the official Portuguese government visa website before traveling.
How long is the flight from Lisbon to the Azores?
The direct flight from Lisbon to Ponta Delgada, on São Miguel, takes about 2h25 and is operated by Azores Airlines and TAP Portugal, with prices starting at around €116 round-trip (Jul/2026).
Is it worth visiting more than one Azores island?
It is, but it requires more time and planning: flights between the Azores islands aren’t always daily. For a first trip of up to 5-7 days, focusing on São Miguel gives you a more complete itinerary than splitting your time between two islands.
Can you see whales and dolphins in the Azores?
Yes, whale and dolphin watching tours leave from Ponta Delgada’s harbor, last about 3 hours, and spring and summer are the best times, when several species pass through the archipelago’s waters.
Are the Azores expensive to visit?
A 5-day trip to São Miguel for 1 person, including the inter-island flight, simple accommodation, rental car, and food, comes to between €730 and €980 (Jul/2026) — a mid-range cost by European standards, cheaper than destinations like Paris or London.
Conclusion
The Azores reward travelers who plan a little ahead: book your inter-island flight early, pick May through August if you want sunshine and calmer seas, and give São Miguel at least 4 days so you’re not rushing through Sete Cidades and Furnas. For more Portugal itineraries, Voyage Voyage has complete guides to Madeira Island and the Algarve if you want to extend your trip.