Portuguese Islands To Keep An Eye For This Summer

As the summer sun begins to cast its warm glow, Portugal's enchanting islands invite travelers to explore their captivating landscapes and vibrant cultures. Situated in the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal boasts a treasure trove of islands, each with its unique charm and attraction. From the lush vegetation of the Azores to the sun-drenched beaches of Madeira, these paradisiacal destinations promise an unforgettable summer getaway. Join us on a journey through the main Portuguese islands that should be on your radar this season, offering a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural richness.

Azores

This enchanting archipelago, located in the middle of the Atlantic, is a haven for nature lovers. With its lush landscapes, volcanic craters, and hot springs, the Azores offer a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. The Azores stand as a nature-certified destination, an unspoiled garden sheltered by the formidable currents of the Atlantic Ocean. Comprising nine islands, this archipelago is Portugal's hidden gem, showcasing unparalleled natural beauty. Brace yourself for transformative adventures and awe-inspiring landscapes. Consider making the Azores your upcoming vacation spot and affirm that, indeed, paradise is within easy reach!

To say that nature has taken care of any island in the Azores is to be modest - the views are so unbelievable that they seem straight out of a movie. And the Azoreans, a people who have become accustomed to living on volcanoes, live there in complete tranquillity and are very proud to live in the first archipelago in the world to be awarded the distinction of "Sustainable Tourist Destination". This demonstrates the importance that the local population and regional government bodies attach to preserving nature as it is, rather than turning it into a destination of man-made attractions. So, if you're looking for a mostly natural and adventure destination, the Azores are the perfect place to visit at your next opportunity.

These are a few islands to keep an eye for:

Pico Island 

Pico, the second-largest island in the Azores, is renowned for its colossal volcano, which dominates the majority of the island's landscape. Referred to as the "gray island" due to its volcanic characteristics, such as the dark basalt walls interspersed among distinctive vineyards, Pico is a unique destination. This mountainous island provides a plethora of activities throughout the year, thanks to its favorable temperatures. Whether you prefer taking a dip in the numerous swimming pools or embarking on picturesque hikes along well-maintained trails, Pico has something for everyone. Additionally, witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of whales leaping and displaying their massive tails. Explore UNESCO-protected vineyards and conquer the highest peak in Portugal during your time on Pico.

Bucketlist Experiences to Have in Pico Island 

• Watching whales and dolphins in their midst on Pico Island 
• Climb the highest mountain of Portugal
• Swim with wild dolphins in the Atlantic
• Taste volcanic wines
• Discover the biggest lava cave in Portugal
•  Enjoy the sun at several Natural Pools
• Hike with unique views
• Have a drink at a special bar by the ocean ( Cella Bar on Pico Island)
• Enjoy the quietness at Lagoa do Capitão
• Drive on the longest straight road in the Azores (the regional road Nº 3-2ª and it is 23km long, with the longest straight line in the Azores of 9km)
• Walk surrounded by typical volcanic vineyards
• Have a picnic at the park Mistério da Prainha 

Terceira Island

Much like the Oscars extend the red carpet for its beloved superstars, Terceira Island in the Azores unfurls a vibrant green carpet to warmly welcome its cherished visitors. However, it's crucial to recognize that this Azorean gem encompasses more than its iconic lush green landscapes and picturesque pastoral scenes, complemented by ubiquitous local cows grazing. 

Bucketlist Experiences to Have on Terceira Island 

• Whale and Dolphin Watching 
• Terceira, Azores is an excellent place for hiking
• Furnas do Enxofre - Explore this enchanting fumarole field by strolling through its fairytale-like surroundings, inhaling the sulfurous vapors, and capturing images of the vibrant vegetation.
• Discover a lava cave on the island 
• Gruta do Natal - You’ll be able to see impressive lava tubes that have formed underground
• Go bathing in a natural pool
• Visit the Vaquinha Cheese factory

Santa Maria Island 

Credits: Visit Azores 

Santa Maria, nestled in the Azores archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, is a picturesque island that unfolds with stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, and a wealth of cultural heritage. While Santa Maria may not boast the dramatic terrain found on some other Azores islands, its beauty is undeniable, making it an excellent destination for a leisurely stay of a few days. With two full days, you can likely explore the main attractions, yet allowing for extra time is advisable, whether for a more relaxed pace or to account for unpredictable weather conditions.

Bucketlist Experiences to Have in Santa Maria Island

• Swim alongside giant animals
• Go to Mars, or the “red desert”, the Barreiro da Faneca
• Take a dip on a white-sand beach
• Take a picture of one of the biggest waterfalls in the country
• Climb Pico Alto and admire the 360 ​​° C view of Santa Maria
• Explore the South East of the island
• Take a walk in Sao Lourenço and its surroundings (Santa Barbara)
• Enjoy the beaches and Surf on Santa Maria Island
• Go swimming with mobula rays

Faial Island 

Faial Island ranked as the fourth largest in the Azorean archipelago, spans 21km in length and 14km in width (173.42km²), encompassing 7% of the Azorean territory. It hosts the third-largest population, approximately 15,000 inhabitants as per the 2011 census. The island's topography is defined by a mountainous line running from east to west, adorned with numerous volcanic peaks, among which the prominent Caldeira stands out. This colossal crater, measuring 2000m in diameter and 400m deep, bears witness to intense eruptions that played a pivotal role in shaping the island's current form.

Credits: Observador 

Situated at the western extremity of Faial is the Capelinhos Volcano, whose eruption unfolded between 1957 and 1958, just over 60 years ago, leaving a lasting impact on the island. Apart from sculpting a unique landscape, the volcano's eruption, studied by NASA in various expeditions, contributed to the creation of erosion models for the surface of Mars. Furthermore, the eruption, occurring on the island's periphery, triggered a significant wave of emigration to the United States at the time, leading to a notable reduction in Faial's population by nearly half.

Bucketlist Experiences to Have on Faial Island

• Vulcão dos Capelinhos
• Observing the seabed from a glass-bottomed boat
• Enjoy the famous gin at Peter Café Sport
• Swimming with sharks
• Jeep, mountain bike, or kart cross-tour
• Walking Trails
• Seeing and hearing whales
• Going down to the boiler
• Taste and enjoy homemade infusion as well as a fish meal at Genuíno

Madeira 

Originating from volcanic activity, Madeira Island showcases breathtaking rock formations, expansive valleys, and majestic mountains, all surrounded by waters in captivating shades of blue and embraced by an intense green that blankets the entire landscape. The verdant scenery is so extraordinary that a portion of the native vegetation, recognized as the Laurissilva Forest, earned UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1999. Acquired by Portugal in the first half of the 15th century, Madeira Island has evolved into a small paradise, enchanting global travelers for decades with its profound connection to nature. Recognized as the "Best Island Tourist Destination" in Europe and worldwide multiple times by the WTA - World Travel Awards, Madeira Island holds all the allure needed to captivate you as well!

Known as the "Pearl of the Atlantic," Madeira is a captivating island featuring stunning cliffs, botanical gardens, and charming coastal towns. It's an ideal destination for those seeking a perfect balance of natural beauty and cultural exploration. It was officially discovered by the Portuguese between 1418 and 1419 and includes the islands of Madeira (736 Km²) and Porto Santo (43 Km²), as well as the Desertas (14 Km²) and Selvagens (4 Km²)*. 

Madeira Island

Originating from volcanic activity, Madeira Island showcases breathtaking rock formations, expansive valleys, and majestic mountains, all surrounded by waters in captivating shades of blue and embraced by an intense green that blankets the entire landscape. The verdant scenery is so extraordinary that a portion of the native vegetation, recognized as the Laurissilva Forest, earned UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1999. Acquired by Portugal in the first half of the 15th century, Madeira Island has evolved into a small paradise, enchanting global travelers for decades with its profound connection to nature. Recognized as the "Best Island Tourist Destination" in Europe and worldwide multiple times by the WTA - World Travel Awards, Madeira Island holds all the allure needed to captivate you as well!

Bucketlist Experiences to Have in Madeira Island

• Hike Pico do Arieiro, and Ponta de São Lourenço 
• Levada do Caldeirão Verde and Caldeirão do Inferno
• Swim at the Porto Moniz Natural Pools
• Go Canyoning
• Take the Teleférico (cable car) das Achadas da Cruz and the one at Fajã dos Padres 
• Take a dip at Seixal Natural Swimming Pools
• Watch sunrise at Miradouro do Juncal
• Explore the Fanal Forest (Lagoa do Fanal) 
• Visit the black beach of Seixal (Praia do Porto do Seixal)
• Enjoy the view at Miradouro Eira do Serrado
• Check out the impressive views at Cabo Girão

Porto Santo 

Porto Santo is the smallest inhabited island in the Madeira archipelago. It is located in the Atlantic Ocean, in the extreme southwest of Europe, and only 500 km from the African coast and 1000 km from Europe, an hour-and-a-half flight from Lisbon. Discovered in 1418 by Portuguese navigators, this archipelago is made up of the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo, as well as the uninhabited islands of Selvagens and Desertas. 

Porto Santo Island is bathed by turquoise waters and its main feature is the fine golden sandy beach which, stretching for 9 km, invites you to sunbathe and swim in the sea. With its laid-back atmosphere and a focus on relaxation, Porto Santo is a haven for those seeking a serene escape and the rejuvenating benefits of its idyllic natural surroundings.

Bucketlist Experiences to Have in Porto Santo

• Dive Experiences 
• Horseback riding
• Windsurf and Stand up paddle
• Discover the "Organ Pipes"
• Enjoy the Sunset Cave 
• Discover the Portela Viewpoint and the Flores Viewpoint
• Visit ''Quinta das palmeiras’’
• Relax in ''Zimbralinhos beach''
• You can’t miss ''Porto das Salemas'' 
• Find your way to the hidden gem of "Porto dos Frades"