The Azores Triangle (the islands of São Jorge, Pico, and Faial) consists of three islands that, due to their proximity, create the perfect setting. Although they are close to one another, the three islands are very different from each other, and each has several places to visit.
Traveling in the Azores Triangle
One factor that influences a visit to the Azores Triangle is the fact that, of the three islands, only one has an airport that receives direct flights from the mainland: Horta Airport, on Faial. At the same time, the most comfortable way to visit the islands is to never have to return to the same one.
So, here’s our suggestion: fly from Lisbon to Terceira, and from Terceira, take a SATA inter-island flight to São Jorge. When you search for a Lisbon–São Jorge flight, TAP itself creates the itinerary, including the inter-island segments, which makes the process easier.
After exploring São Jorge, take the Atlântico Line ferry to Pico Island, and then another ferry to Faial. From Faial, take a commercial flight directly back to Lisbon.
In our case, this pace worked out perfectly: we were able to take a short tour of Terceira Island, tried out the small inter-island planes, and, in the end, when we were already tired, traveled comfortably back to the mainland.
On trips between the islands of the Azores Triangle, ferries run daily and frequently, and the fare is very reasonable. We have to admit that the trip from São Jorge to Pico was a bit rough due to the high waves, but we managed just fine.
Car Rental on the Islands
To visit a destination like the Azores, you absolutely must have a car—otherwise, you won’t be able to enjoy your trip! Also keep in mind that rental cars are generally not allowed to travel between the islands.
But even when renting a car, you need to pay close attention to the details. This is because many car rental companies require a security deposit to be placed on hold on your credit card—so far, so normal. But when you plan to visit three different islands, it can take several days for the security deposits to be released from your credit cards. With security deposits ranging from €1,200 to €2,000 per car, and for three different islands, this was a problem.
In our case, the solution was to rent the car directly from Ilha Verde (both on Pico and São Jorge), which, since we purchased full coverage insurance, did not require a security deposit. Another company we looked at (which aggregates several car rental companies on the same island) required a security deposit even with full coverage insurance.
We’re highlighting this issue for one simple reason: few banks are willing to set a credit limit of more than €3,000 on credit cards, and for those visiting the Azores Triangle—São Jorge, Faial, and Pico—this can be a problem. So we strongly recommend that you always confirm whether a security deposit is required and opt for full coverage—the islands’ roads often have small loose stones that can fly up and damage your car—it’s not worth the risk.
Also pay attention to the minimum age that the driver has to be and the minimum length of license required. Take every precaution to avoid being barred when the time comes to pick up the car.
When to Visit the Azores Triangle
The big question about the Azores is when to visit. Since it’s an archipelago with unpredictable weather, you might visit in the summer and find it’s raining, or visit in the winter and have wonderful weather. Obviously, the closer it is to summer, the greater the likelihood of better weather.
That said, the recommendation also depends on what you hope to get out of your visit.
If you want to see the hydrangeas in bloom—such a typical symbol of the Azores—you should plan your trip for April through June; however, the swimming season will be over by then.
Consequently, if you're looking for a beach vacation or even hiking, you should visit the islands during the high season, from July through September.
To avoid the peak season, September and October are also good times to visit.
In our case, due to a number of factors and circumstances, we had to choose the month of January—which turned out to be an excellent experience. We only had one morning of bad weather and one rougher boat ride. At the same time, we avoided the biggest crowds.
How Much Time Is Recommended for the Azores Triangle?
Another major question, of course, concerns time. First of all, you need to keep in mind that visiting three different islands takes more time and involves a more hectic pace.
Based on our experience, we recommend spending 3–4 days on São Jorge, 3–4 days on Pico (plus one more day if you’re planning to climb the mountain), and 2–3 days on Faial. In between, keep in mind that the trips—though quick—always end up affecting the day they take place.
In our case, we tried to schedule all our trips for the early morning hours. That way, we’d have time to arrive at our destination, pick up our rental car, check into our accommodations (if it was already check-in time), have lunch, and set out to explore in the afternoon. If you have the chance, you might even want to add a few more days to make the most of each destination.
1st Destination: São Jorge
Of the three islands, São Jorge was the one we had the lowest expectations for. However, it quickly won our hearts and became our favorite of the three.
São Jorge is steeped in nature and instills a sense of calm in its visitors. To truly get to know it, we recommend setting aside three days.
During your visit, be sure to visit Velas, considered the island's main area. From there, explore every corner of the island:
- Head this way to visit the Ponta do Topo Lighthouse and Ilhéu do Topo. If you enjoy activities like scuba diving, you can go diving here.
- Visit the northern part of the island and Fajã das Cubres. This village is one of Portugal’s 7 “Wonder Villages,” and it won in the “Riverside Village” category.
- Continue westward to the incredible Rosais Lighthouse and the Vigia da Baleia Lookout. On the way back, visit the 7 Fontes Forest Park.
- Visit the heart of the island (and if you have time, hike the PR04 trail) and visit Pico da Esperança, the highest point on the island of São Jorge.
- Discover the island’s various 'fajãs' and natural pools scattered throughout the island, and stop by the São Jorge Union of Agricultural Dairy Cooperatives, where cheese is made by hand.
We have no doubt that by the end of your tour, São Jorge will hold a special place in your hearts.
2nd Destination: Pico
We continued our journey toward Pico, the famous “Mountain Island,” home to Portugal’s highest mountain. Pico is also the second-largest island in the archipelago, second only to São Miguel.
To visit this island, set aside 3 to 4 days, depending on whether or not you plan to hike up the mountain. If you’re interested in hiking Pico, we have a post entirely dedicated to the topic, but keep in mind that it’s an adventure that always takes a full day and will leave you sore for the next few days.
However, the island is more than just its mountain:
- Explore the village of Madalena, the largest on the island. This is where you'll find the Pico Wine Museum.
- In the north of the island, visit São Roque do Pico. Here you’ll find attractions such as the Whaling Industry Museum, the church of the former Convent of São Pedro de Alcântara (closed), and, right next to it, a Wishing Tree!
- Discover Lajes do Pico, where you’ll find the Whalers’ Museum, the island’s oldest church (the Church of the Holy Trinity), and the Natural Pools of Lajes do Pico. If you’d like to see deer, be sure to visit the São João Mystery Forest Park.
- Visit Gruta das Torres, Portugal's largest lava tube.
- Take a walk through the vineyards of Criação Velha, and if you're interested, book one of the wine tourism experiences.
- Be sure to look for Pico's iconic windmills as you explore the island.
- Discover the island's interior by exploring the Longitudinal Road all the way to Captain's Lagoon.
Pico is an island with a lot to offer, featuring the perfect blend of natural and historical heritage.
3rd Destination: Faial
We ended our trip to the Azores with a visit to the so-called “Blue Island”: Faial. This is one of the smallest islands in the archipelago, but don’t let that fool you—there’s plenty to see.
It is also on this island that you’ll find one of the most famous destinations in the Azores Triangle: the Capelinhos Volcano. The eruption of this volcano was extensively documented at the time it occurred and even resulted in the island’s expansion. In response to this natural event, the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Center was established near the volcano—a site dedicated to volcanic history, with a special focus on the volcano that gives it its name.
Other must-see attractions during your stay on Faial include:
- Almoxarife Beach, a beach with black sand.
- Porto Prim Beach, which also has black sand, is the island’s most famous beach. At the far end of the beach, you’ll find the Porto Prim Whale Factory.
- The ruins of St. Matthew's Church, destroyed in the 1998 earthquake, of which little more than the facade remains.
- The Ponta da Ribeirinha Lighthouse, which is also in ruins as a result of the earthquake. From this lighthouse, you’ll be able to see all the islands of the Azores Triangle.
- The north and east of the island, with places worth a quick stop. Examples include the ruins of Black Rock Castle, the Espírito Santo do Cascalho Estate, and the Faial Agricultural Dairy Cooperative.
- Monte da Guia, a protected area covering 74 hectares. Here you’ll find the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Guia and the ruins of the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Guia (officially known as Military Building No. 004/Horta). At the farthest point of the hill, you’ll find the so-called Miradouro do Neptuno.
- The Faial hot spring, approximately 2 km in diameter and 400 meters deep. Next to the hot spring is the Chapel of São João.
Finally, head to the city of Horta, the capital of Faial, and explore its attractions, such as the Santa Cruz Fort and its various churches. Then head to the famous Peter Café Sport and enjoy a well-deserved break. If you have time, you can also visit Peter’s Scrimshaw Museum, dedicated to the ancient art of scrimshaw—the art of engraving on teeth and bones from sperm whales.
On all the islands that make up the Azores Triangle, you’ll find several trails. If you’re interested, you can check out the marked trails here: São Jorge, Pico and Faial.
Total Cost of Visiting the Azores Triangle (2022)
In total, the trip cost us about 750€ per person in January 2022.
The biggest expenses were the flight (nearly 200€ per person), car rental—which we used on all three islands (about 160€ per person)—and lodging (about 125€ per person). Next were activities (about 80€ per person), with the hike up Pico being the main cost, and restaurants (about 60€ per person)—an expense where we usually choose to eat at home a few times to save money.
You can see a detailed breakdown of the expenses below:
For anyone who decides to visit these islands, completing the Azores Triangle is undoubtedly an experience we highly recommend. On the one hand, you’ll get to explore three absolutely beautiful islands. On the other hand, you’ll enjoy the adventure of traveling between the islands and discovering three worlds that are so close yet, at the same time, so different.
