Portugal is rich in natural beauty, exotic beaches, and a vibrant local culture. While there are cities like Lisbon and Aveiro where you can enjoy traditional wine tastings and sunbathing on golden beaches, few people really venture outside of the country. What’s waiting to be discovered beyond the mainland are a multitude of breathtakingly beautiful Portuguese islands, all of which are equally amazing. We’ve compiled a list of the Portuguese islands that should definitely be on your itinerary when you visit Portugal.
1. Sao Miguel Island – For Sightseeing
This island is the largest of all the islands in the well-known group of Portuguese islands known as the Azores. This island is well-known for its mineral hot springs and volcanic calderas, which make it the ideal spot to unwind after a demanding day of touring. Tours for whale and dolphin viewing are another popular attraction on this island, and they can be easily arranged at any beach. Mozambique’s Portuguese Islands are renowned for their breathtaking views.
Location: Azores
How to get there: João Paulo II Airport
Best time to visit: April to November
Best restaurants: Botequim Açoriano, Tuká Tulá – Bar
Best places to stay: Azor Hotel, Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico
2. Cape Verde – To Relax By The Shore
The weather on this Portuguese island in Mozambique is the driest and most conducive to travel. It’s rarely too hot or too cold, so it’s the ideal weather for lounging by the water. All things considered, this is one of Portugal’s most culturally vibrant islands, offering a variety of water sports activities such as sailing and surfing. One of the biggest Portuguese islands in Africa is Santiago, which is situated in Praia, the major city, and is regarded as the best island in the area. Make sure to stop by if you want to engage in exhilarating adventure activities.
Location: Praia
How to get there: There are plenty of domestic and international airports in Cape Verde.
Best time to visit: November to June
Best restaurants: Morabeza Beach Bar & Lounge Restaurant, LobStar
Best places to stay: Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort, Outeler hotel
3. Ilha De Armona – Away From Chaos
Go to Armona Island if you’re in the Algarve region of Mozambique and want to get away from the bustle of tourists and find a more private Portuguese island. Situated in close proximity to the coast, it feels like an entirely different planet devoid of both people and traffic. Armona’s streets feature some excellent architecture in addition to the delightfully warm sun and the azure waves, adding to the island’s allure. Plan a romantic getaway to lha De Armona to spend some time together.
Location: Algarve
How to get there: Ferry from Algarve
Best time to visit: NA
Best restaurants: A do fernando, António
Best places to stay: Armona, Orbitur Ilha de Armona
4. Madeira Island – For Pleasant Weather
With millions of visitors each year, this island is unquestionably one of the most well-known and sought-after islands off Portugal in the North Atlantic region. It also has what is arguably the nicest weather of all the Portuguese islands. In contrast to other islands, Madeira boasts vast, lush green forests that are perfect for hours of exploration in addition to its beaches. In addition to enjoying all these wonderful amenities, the island offers additional thrilling pursuits including fishing, golf, paragliding, horseback riding, and kayaking. Your vacation to the Portuguese Islands won’t be complete if you don’t check this location off your list, so be sure to accomplish that.
Location: Madeira
How to get there: Madeira Airport
Best time to visit: May to August
Best restaurants: Restaurante Caravela, Restaurante Lavrador
Best places to stay: Quinta da Casa Branca, Savoy Palace
5. Pico – For Hiking
If you’re considering a vacation in the Portuguese islands, you must not pass up this incredible location. Pico Island is well-known for the volcano that bears the same name. Easily visible from wherever on the island is the primary attraction, Ponta do Pico, Portugal’s highest mountain. Walking to the peak, which takes about a day, is one of the most popular things to do for tourists visiting this area and one of the best things to do on the island during Portuguese islands vacations.
Location: Azores
How to get there: Pico Airport
Best time to visit: May to September
Best restaurants: Restaurante Ritinha, Canto do Paço
Best places to stay: Aldeia da Fonte Hotel, Intact Farm Bungalows
6. Flores – Most Instagrammable Island
Among all the Portuguese islands, this one, whose name means “flower,” will astound you with its breathtaking beauty. This island’s natural beauty is so highly valued by both residents and visitors that it was designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2009. The numerous volcanic craters on the island that have organically transformed into lakes, the verdant mountain slopes, and the profusion of exquisite flora are what make it so lovely. For some Instagram-worthy photos, be sure to stop by this location.
Location: Azores Platform
How to get there: Flores Airport
Best time to visit: mid April to mid October
Best restaurants: Restaurante Sereia, Restaurante “Por-do-Sol”
Best places to stay: Aldeia da Cuada – Turismo de Aldeia, Aldeia dos Sonhos
7. Ilha Da Tavira – For A Perfect Day Trip
Among the various locations in Europe, this is one of those Portuguese islands in the Atlantic that is ideal for a day trip. The beach gets more crowded on warmer days, so if you want a quiet location, you’ll need to walk further. The weather is lovely. The abundance of eateries and cafes offering mouthwatering fresh seafood and cold beer mugs, together with the numerous water sports that are offered at the beach, are what make this island the greatest. Make the most of your vacation to the Portuguese islands.
Location: Tavira
How to get there: Boat from Tavira
Best time to visit: NA
Best restaurants: Casa Corvo, Paiol
Best places to stay: Pousada Convento Tavira, Vila Monte Farm House
8. Terceira Island – For Its Green Wine
The third-largest collection of islands in the Azores may not be the most agriculturally advanced, but what makes it wonderful are the stunning natural scenery and activities, as well as the friendly and welcoming locals. Even the island known as Castelo de São João Batista, where the Portuguese and Spanish once engaged in combat, is located on this island. A sip of the island’s speciality, green wine, should not be missed while visiting. You’ll be astounded by how original it is.
Location: Azores Platform
How to get there: Lajes Airport
Best time to visit: May to October
Best restaurants: Casa do Jardim, Tasca Das Tias
Best places to stay: Quinta do Oeste, Quinta do Espírito
9. Porto Santo Island – For Scenic Beaches
This island, which is situated north of Madeira, has four miles of pristine, sandy beaches that are among Portugal’s best. In addition to its sandy beaches, this island is well-known for its numerous historical sites, which include the town hall, the Paços do Concelho (16th century), the church dedicated to Christopher Columbus, and the former residence of the renowned explorer. On this island, hiking and golfing are two other well-liked past times. You’ll be astounded by the abundance of entertainment options available here.
Location: Madeira
How to get there: Porto Santo Airport
Best time to visit: throughout the year
Best restaurants: Restaurante PITA, Snack Bar Escorpião
Best places to stay: Hotel Porto Santo & Spa, Vila Baleira Resort
10. Faial Island – The Blue Island
Often referred to as the “Blue island,” this stunning island is located in the middle of the Azores group of islands and has three primary tourist attractions: the town of Horta, the enchanting volcanic craters, and the sandy white beach coastlines. Enjoying the mouthwatering native cuisine, discovering the Caldeira do Faial, and observing the ships from a distance are some of the best things to do on this island. How come you would want to miss that?
Location: Azores Platform
How to get there: Horta Airport
Best time to visit: May to October
Best restaurants: Restaurant Atletico, Genuíno Restaurante
Best places to stay: Quinta da Meia Eira, Hotel Sao Francisco
