Where to stay in the Azores: the best places to stay on each island

Don’t you know where to stay in the Azores? Here we have a list of some of the best places to stay in the Azores.

When just looking at a map, the Azores may appear to be just another group of islands in the middle of the Atlantic, but in actuality, they are an amazing display of nature on a unique archipelago.

The atmosphere of the islands is unique and stunning.

With everything from sandy beaches and whale sanctuaries to volcanoes, lagoons, and hot springs, it is clear that the Azores has a wide variety of nature to show.

When looking for accommodation in the Azores, we have narrowed down the list of the best places to stay in the Azores.

In a hurry? Our picks for the best places to stay in the Azores

• Where to stay in Ponta Delgada: Casa do Contador
• Where to stay in Furnas: Quinta da Mo
• Where to stay in Terceira: The Alluar lodge
• Where to stay in Faial: Quinta das Buganvílias
• Where to stay in Pico: Alma do Pico
• Where to stay in São Jorge: Make it happen farm
• Where to stay in Flores: Aldeia da Cuada
• Where to stay in Corvo: Joe & Vera’s Vintage Place
• Where to stay in Graciosa: Boina de Vento
• Where to stay in Santa Maria: Charming blue

Overview of the best places to stay in the Azores

Here’s a comparison table of all the Azores accommodations that we cover in this post. Read on for a short description of all the properties.

Best places to stay in the Azores

Where to stay in São Miguel

The Azores is an archipelago collection of islands.

São Miguel is the largest island in the Azores, it takes about 90 minutes to drive from side to side.

It also has the largest population of the Azores Islands.

Due to São Miguel being so large, it is ideal to split your time between Furnas and Ponta Delgada.

We stayed 7 days on São Miguel and found this to be sufficient to see the highlights. Depending on your preferences you can stay 3 days in Ponta Delgada and 4 in Furnas or vice versa.

Ponta Delgada is the largest city in the Azores islands.

It is known for its beautiful architecture and traditional Portuguese culture. There is a wide range of restaurants and shops and it is well-positioned for access to various parts of the island.

Furnas is a small town located on the eastern side of São Miguel.

The Furnas Valley is located in the crater of a dormant volcano, meaning there is now a range of thermal pools, hot spring baths, and steam holes. It is a great place to explore the rugged east coast of the island while also relaxing in the lovely hot spring baths.

Where to stay in Ponta Delgada

Premium comfortable hotel: Casa do Contador

Casa do Contador is conveniently located for those who want to explore the city.

At just 600m from the iconic ‘Portas da Cidade’ or city gates, it is an easy walk to a number of shops, restaurants, and more.

The accommodation has beautiful outdoor areas with a lovely garden for relaxing and a pool.

The different studios and suites are all well-equipped with flat-screen TVs and streaming services available.

A varied breakfast is provided daily and staff are always quick to help with any issues.

The accommodation has attempted to maintain aspects of traditional architecture while also incorporating necessary aspects of modern living, allowing for a comfortable fusion.

Rating: 9.4

Extra Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• Air conditioning
• Heating
• Outdoor fireplace
• Free parking
• Swimming pool

Comfortable hotel:  Casa Conforto

Casa Conforto is ideally located just a few minutes’ walk from the Portas da Cidade and close to a range of tourist locations.

With a shared lounge room featuring beautiful city views, the casa is a great ‘base’ for both exploring the city and relaxing afterward.

Each apartment has cable TV and a delicious continental breakfast is supplied daily.

Previous guests loved the convenient location and smooth automatic check-in and communication processes.

However, some did mention that the location could be noisy depending on which side of the building your apartment is located on. This may be a consideration for light sleepers or people traveling with young children.

Rating: 9.0

Extra Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• Air conditioning
• Heating
• Parking (for an extra charge)
• Continental breakfast delivered in a basket to the room

Vacation apartment: Cílio House 

This lovely apartment is located in the center of Ponta Delgada, at just a few minutes’ walk from the Portas da Cidade.

The location is ideal for eating out while the fully-equipped kitchenette and dining area is perfect for eating at home.

This flexibility allows guests to customize their holidays to suit their style.

There is a small balcony overlooking the city and cable channels are available on the flat-screen TV.

Previous guests enjoyed the convenient location and comfortable apartment.

The host was friendly and helpful with making recommendations and helping with reservations.

The apartment has one bedroom, but there is also a sofa bed in the lounge room.

Rating: 9.0

Extra Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• Air conditioning
• Heating
• Balcony
• Cable TV

Where to stay in Furnas

Premium comfortable hotel:Furnas Boutique Hotel

Furnas Boutique hotel is a great way to truly enjoy the thermal waters and hot springs that Furnas has to offer.

Surrounded by beautiful forests, the hotel has a relaxing, calming atmosphere.

The décor seamlessly blends aspects of traditional architecture with the modern living comforts we all love.

The hotel has a restaurant, bar, grocery store, and leisure area on site, allowing all necessities to be covered.

For those who wish to enjoy the hot springs, or just have some relaxation time, there are a range of options. These include indoor thermal pools as well as an outdoor pool, a sauna, hot tub, and various spa services.

These spa services include facial treatments, massage, and manicure/pedicure.

Previous guests loved the hot spring pools and the range of amenities.

Rating: 9.2

Extra Amenities:

• Free Wi-Fi
• Air conditioning
• Free parking
• Spa

Quintas: Quinta da Mo

This lovely villa is located within beautiful forest and waterfall surroundings.

The natural surroundings are a great way to enjoy the island before even leaving home.

There is also a free rowboat on the property which guests can enjoy. Each of the rooms has an attached kitchenette and both an indoor and outdoor dining area.

The casa is around a 5-minutes drive from nearby restaurants and a short walk from the beautiful Furnas Lagoon.

On-site, there is also a jacuzzi and sauna.

Many previous guests spoke highly of the “magical natural setting” like something “out of a fairytale movie”.

They also stated that the staff were friendly, helpful, and communicative.

Rating: 9.7

Extra Amenities:

• Free Wi-Fi
• Air conditioning
• Free parking
• Sauna, hammam & hot tub (for an extra charge)
• Pet-friendly

Vacation house: Casa do Poema

This beautiful holiday home is located near the dormant volcano crater with mountain views from the comfortable sun terrace.

The house is well-located close to a number of local activities and tourist locations, including hiking, canoeing, and windsurfing.

The rooms are spacious and the kitchen is well-equipped and perfect for home cooking.

There are two bathrooms and a luxurious, modern interior.

Entertainment is covered with a flatscreen TV with cable channels and a DVD player, along with free Wi-Fi.

The terrace has outdoor furniture and BBQ facilities to allow for al fresco dining.

Previous guests enjoyed the convenient location and the spaciousness of the house.

Rating: 9.3

Extra Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• Air conditioning
• Free parking
• BBQ facilities

Where to stay in Terceira?

Terceira is the third-largest island of the archipelago. It features many interesting sights and was probably our second-favorite island, after São Miguel. It is a close call with Faial though, which also features very dramatic and interesting scenery.

On Terceira you can explore volcanic caves, relax in natural swimming pools and see the fairytale landscape of Furnas do Enxofre. The island also features some great hikes.

Angra do Heroísmo is the island’s largest city and was once the capital of the Azores. It’s a lovely city traversed by narrow cobblestone streets. In addition to the city itself you can also visit the two forts and Monte Brasil, a former volcano turned into a communal park, from where you have great views of the city.

We spend 2 days in Terceira which looked like the right amount of time to us.

Premium comfortable hotel: The Alluar lodge

The Alluar Lodge is located in Porto Judeu and consists of bungalows overlooking the nearby ocean.

A daily breakfast basket is provided. We had lovely weather during our last stay and started each day having breakfast by the pool with the view of the ocean in the background. If you prefer you can also enjoy breakfast in the privacy of your own room.

The bungalows offer a cozy home-away-from-home atmosphere, they’re slightly small, but still comfortable enough for the time you will spend there.

Mountain bikes can be provided for free upon request. The lodge is also well-situated to go diving.

A car is needed to visit the different sights and comes in handy as the number of restaurants nearby is limited. We did have an excellent meal at Boca Negra which is just one kilometer away.

Other previous guests enjoyed the location and beautiful surroundings but agreed that renting a car is advisable.

Rating: 9.7

Extra Amenities:

• Air conditioning
• Wi-Fi
• Parking
• Swimming pool

Comfortable hotel: My Angra Boutique hostel

The My Angra hostel is located in Angro do Heroísmo and has a range of rooms available.

These vary from standard shared dormitory rooms to family rooms.

The hostel is very family-friendly with various kids essentials provided, including safety gates, board games, books and puzzles, and kids TV channels.

The hostel is also pet-friendly and offers pet bowls for use by guests bringing pets.

The common areas are shared, including the kitchen, lounge room, and garden. All these areas are quite spacious so the rooms never feel cramped or crowded.

A buffet breakfast is provided and dietary requests can be met.

The hostel has outdoor furniture on the terrace and in the garden to enjoy the outdoors while still relaxing at home and the large garden is perfect for children to play in.

Rating: 9.6

Extra Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• Parking
• Pet-friendly
• Garden

Vacation apartment: Casa Flor d’Sal

The Casa Flor d’Sal is located in the heart of Angra do Heroísmo and so is conveniently located for exploring the nearby areas.

The apartments are modern and spacious with fully-equipped kitchens. Each has its own private bathroom.

There is a large private dining area and living space along with a terrace perfect for just relaxing or al fresco dining.

The bedrooms are large and comfortable with crisp yet cozy décor.

Previous guests enjoyed the spaciousness of the apartments and the convenient location.

Some guests mentioned that it is very humid and the provided dehumidifier is not always sufficient.

This may be a consideration when booking in the summer months or for guests who are sensitive to humidity.

Rating: 9.3

Extra Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• Air conditioning
• Free public parking
• Terrace

Where to stay on Faial?

Faial is one of the islands in the Central Group of the Azores.

The tip of the island can be considered the most western point of Europe and it is home to some beautiful beaches and swimming areas.

When visiting Faial, it is best to book accommodation in or around Horta, the main city of the island.

As it is quite a small island, staying in the main city, Horta, for your entire stay will not provide any problems. It will also provide the greatest variety in choices of restaurants, cafes, and shops.

We recommend spending 3 nights on Faial.

Premium comfortable hotel: Hotel do Canal

This hotel is beautifully located just 100m from the beach with picturesque views of Pico Mountain.

It is just a 10-minute walk from Horta Marina, making it convenient for a range of water activities.

There is a fitness center located on-site, as well as a range of spa facilities. These include a sauna, Turkish bath, massage treatments, and jacuzzi.

The rooms are spacious and well-maintained. The hotel restaurant and bar provide high-quality food with scenic views over the bay.

Previous guests enjoyed both the great views and convenience provided by the location, as well as the spacious rooms.

The staff is said to be friendly, helpful, and efficient, which can help with any issues that may come up during a trip.

Rating: 8.7

Extra Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• Air conditioning
• Free parking
• Spa

Quinta: Quinta das Buganvílias

Quinta das Buganvilias is an old farm that has been restructured and renovated to make it an interesting and unique holiday accommodation.

It is surrounded by a large park with beautiful forests. This makes it ideal for anyone who not only wants to explore the island but also wants to slow down and relax in this beautiful natural environment.

It is located close to the island’s tiny airport, 10km from Horta, and 12km from the main ferry terminal connecting to the other islands.

There is a communal kitchen, bar, lounge area, and outside furniture and BBQ facilities.

The property also allows pets and provides pet bowls and baskets.

The rooms are spacious and incorporate some of the charming aspects of traditional décor.

Previous guests loved the location and the surrounding nature.

Rating: 9.6

Extra Amenities:

• Wi-fi
• Air conditioning
• Pet-friendly
• BBQ facilities
• Garden

Vacation apartment: Lofts Azul Pastel 

Lofts Azul Pastel is located just outside of Horta, near the islands’ shoreline, allowing for beautiful views in all directions.

We stayed here in 2019 and our room had ocean views on one side while we were able to see the Caldeira from the other side of the room.

There are also views of the garden and city available.

We had a spacious room with a well-equipped kitchenette and dining area.

There is also a shared lounge area which guests are welcome to enjoy.

The on-site restaurant is popular and has many affordable meal options.

Either a continental or buffet breakfast can be provided daily too. 

Rating: 9.4

Extra Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• Air conditioning
• Free parking
• On-site restaurant

Where to stay in Pico Azores?

While Pico is the second-largest island of the Azores, it generally takes no more than an hour to cross from Madalena in the west to Manhenha in the east by car.

This means choosing accommodation doesn’t rely too much on location, as everything on the island is always relatively easy to reach.

Most destinations and things to do are located in the western part of the island, but locals often say that the east has a better chance of good weather.

Weighing up these values can help you choose the ideal accommodation for you and your holiday.

3 days on Pico should be enough unless you want to climb Mt. Pico, in that case, you might want to add an extra day.

Comfortable hotel:  Alma do Pico

The Alma do Pico hotel is located close to Madalena with views over the famous Pico Mountain.

It consists of detached studio houses with well-equipped kitchenettes.

While the houses are not far from the main house, the overwhelming feeling is that of being in nature.

When we stayed here previously, we were able to enjoy beautiful views of Pico Mountain and the nearby ocean.

The swimming pool area has a wooden deck and sun loungers for those who just wish to soak up the sun.

The owners are Italian and they run an Italian restaurant on-site.

There is also a spa and wellness center on-site where guests can indulge in a massage and various other spa treatments.

The hotel is well-located for taking part in a range of activities like hiking, yoga, and diving.

Rating: 9.4

Extra Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• Free parking
• Pool
• Spa

Eco resort: Jeiroes Do Mar

These eco-friendly oceanfront apartments are located just a 5-minute walk from the center of Madalena.

With beautiful views of the ocean, the private terrace of the apartment is a prime spot for relaxing and enjoying the sun.

The apartments are modern and spacious with well-equipped kitchenettes and dining spaces.

The premium apartment also has a hot tub included.

The apartments are surrounded by the on-site vineyard which provides scenic garden views.

These apartments have all the requirements for disabled guests. They are wheelchair accessible with grab rails installed in the bathrooms.

Previous guests enjoyed the beachfront locations and the convenient access to Madalena with a choice of restaurants and bars.

Rating: 9.2

Extra Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• Air conditioning
• Free parking
• BBQ facilities

Apartment: Vinhas do Calhau

Vinhas do Calhau in Madalena features beautiful ocean views which can be enjoyed from the private terraces.

Some apartments also have mountain views overlooking Pico Mountain.

The apartments are spacious and cozy with well-equipped kitchenettes.

There are several apartments suitable for a family of four, meaning this has great potential as family accommodation.

They are also pet-friendly and provide pet bowls as needed. There are spa and wellness facilities on-site, including massage and yoga classes.

Previous guests enjoyed the location and ocean views. Some guests felt the provided breakfast was sub-par as it only consisted of basics.

The staff are friendly and very helpful in providing tips and recommendations to guests.

Rating: 9.3

Extra Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• Air conditioning
• Free parking
• Pet-friendly

Where to stay in São Jorge Azores?

São Jorge is one of the islands making up the ‘Triangle’ of the Azores.

It is a long thin island with two main municipalities.

These are Velas in the west and Calheta in the east. However, as the island is quite small, it is only around a thirty-minute drive between the areas.

Therefore, we recommend staying in either Velas or Calheta, depending on your personal itinerary. 2 nights should suffice to visit the main sights.

Premium comfortable hotel: Quinta da Magnólia

This beautiful quinta is located in Urzelina, a little outside of Calheta.

The hotel has a unique look with traditional architecture incorporated with modern designer décor.

There is a large outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers and a lush green garden to explore.

Each unit has a patio while all guests can enjoy the shared living area.

A continental or buffet breakfast is provided daily.

The hotel also is wheelchair accessible with lowered sinks, toilet grab rails, and bathroom emergency cords available.

Entertainment is covered with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs with cable channels.

Previous guests found the staff to be very friendly and helpful. They also enjoyed the beautiful location.

Rating: 9.4

Extra Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• Air conditioning
• Free parking
• Outdoor pool
• Wheelchair accessible

Comfortable hotel: Casa d’Avó Guesthouse and Apartment 

This guesthouse is located in Urzelina and has beautiful gardens and ocean views.

The apartments have small terraces which can be enjoyed while dining al fresco or just enjoying the sun.

The guesthouse is great for those who like to enjoy the outdoors, as there are picnic areas, BBQ facilities, garden areas and even an outdoor fireplace available to enjoy.

It is also close to a number of water activities, like diving and snorkeling.

Continental or buffet breakfast is offered daily and there is also a shared lounge area that guests can enjoy.

Previous guests found the staff to be friendly and hospitable and the apartments to be comfortable and relaxing.

Rating: 9.5

Extra Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• Free parking
• BBQ facilities
• Terrace

Make it happen farm

Make it Happen Farm is located in Urzelina and is an interesting fusion of farming and hospitality.

We stayed in one of the six detached bungalows during our previous stay. These all have a private terrace or patio. Since our stay the host has created additional studios that don’t seem to have patios.

There is a shared living space and well-equipped kitchen in the main house which guests can share.

Guests are free to pick anything from the farm to use in food preparation, including fresh eggs, fruits, vegetables, and herbs. BBQ facilities are also provided.

While there is no official provided breakfast, there is freshly-baked bread, fresh eggs, and various jams and preserves available daily.

There is a beach located nearby as well as easy access to the main town.

Other previous guests enjoyed the unique concept and novelty of the farm accommodation idea.

Rating: 9.8

Extra Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• Air conditioning
• Free parking

Where to stay on Flores island?

Flores Island is one of the islands in the ‘Western Group’ of the Azores and is one of the smaller islands of the archipelago.

There are many beautiful protected forests and natural areas on Flores and so it can be very beautiful to visit.

However, there are not many hotels on the island, and the few that are there book out fast.

It is important to book early when looking at accommodation for Flores. We recommend spending two nights.

Comfortable hotel: Aldeia da Cuada

Aldeia da Cuada is located in Faja Grande on Flores Island and is a beautiful collection of cottages.

The appearance is lovely and quaint with traditional architecture while the inside maintains a balance between traditional and modern.

Each unit has a private patio with garden and sea views. There is also a kitchenette and dining space in each unit.

There is a restaurant and bar on-site as well as a garden and BBQ facilities, providing a range of cooking and food options.

There is also a car rental service available at the accommodation along with hiking trails nearby.

The hotel is pet-friendly and has no additional charge for pets.

Rating: 9.0

Extra Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• Free parking
• BBQ facilities
• Pet-friendly

Where to stay on Corvo island?

Corvo Island is one of the smallest islands in the Azores with only around 400 residents.

There are only 48 beds designated for tourists, meaning it is important to book early when hoping to stay here.

There are very few hotels available.

Comfortable pension: Joe & Vera’s Vintage Place 

Joe & Vera’s Vintage Place offers a modern and convenient option when staying on Corvo Island.

As it is located in town, it is convenient for reaching the restaurant and shop options on the island while being close to transport too.

The rooms are spacious and comfortable.

Each room has a private patio and there is a large shared terrace that can be enjoyed by all guests.

A continental breakfast is offered daily.

Previous guests enjoyed the convenience of the location as it is just a short walk from the airport.

They also stated that the owners are very friendly and helpful and go above and beyond to make sure guests have a pleasant stay.

Rating: 9.5

Extra Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• Free parking
• Patio
• Cable channels

Where to stay on Graciosa island

Graciosa is one of the central Azores islands. The highlights of the island are the towering Caldeira together with Furna Do Enxorfre, a volcanic cave.

In high season it can be reached by ferry from Terceira and São Jorge.

2 days should be sufficient to see the highlights.

Premium comfortable hotel:  INATEL Graciosa

This beautiful hotel is located 5 minutes’ walk from the Porto Da Barra main beach and overlooks the bay.

There are lovely surrounding gardens and a large outdoor swimming pool available for all guests to use.

There are private balconies with outdoor furniture for enjoying the sun and spacious rooms for relaxing.

The hotel also has an on-site restaurant and bar which serves to the various shared terraces.

There is a well-equipped gym for those who wish to keep up their workout routine while on holiday and a sauna to relax in afterwards.

Previous guests enjoyed the location and surroundings but weren’t happy with the provided continental breakfast.

Rating: 8.3

Extra Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• Air conditioning
• Free Parking
• Swimming pool
• Sauna

Boina de Vento windmill

This is a truly unique accommodation option located inside a traditional windmill that has been renovated.

Located just off the coast, it is within easy access of the nearby beach and the main town with restaurants, cafes, and shops.

If you prefer cooking at home, there is also a fully-equipped kitchen in the windmill.

There is a large terrace with BBQ facilities, perfect for enjoying meals while overlooking the ocean.

There are two spacious bedrooms and a large living area. Previous guests enjoyed the location, the unique nature of the accommodation, and the views.

However, some mentioned that the Wi-Fi was patchy and difficult to use.

Rating: 8.9

Extra Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• Free parking
• BBQ facilities

Where to stay on Santa Maria

Santa Maria is the easternmost Island of the archipelago, it is the only island with white sandy beaches. Due to the volcanic activity most beaches have black sand.

The island has a slightly better climate than the others. It is warmer as well as dryer. It is therefor popular for water sports such as windsurfing and sailing.

Popular sights are the Ribeira de Maloás waterfall and the “red dessert”. 2 days are sufficient to see the sights but you can spend more days on the island is you’re there to partake in water sports or want to relax on the beach.

Premium comfortable hotel: Charming blue

Charming Blue is located in Vila do Porto on Santa Maria Island.

The building is striking with its mix of traditional and modern architecture. The interior is modern and luxurious.

There is a large outdoor pool with sun loungers for guests to use. There is an on-site restaurant and bar serving a variety of local cuisine.

The hotel is also within easy access to local restaurants and shops.

The airport is just a few kilometers away, making it convenient for travelers.

Most rooms have a balcony with ocean views.

Previous guests enjoyed the location and stated that the staff was very friendly and helpful.

Some mentioned that there are loud dogs nearby which may be a consideration for light sleepers.

Rating: 9.2

Extra Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• Air conditioning
• Free parking
• Swimming Pool

Conclusion

The Azores is a beautifully unique archipelago of islands off the coast of Portugal that has long been admired as one of the most environmentally diverse holiday destinations.

With everything from volcano craters with thermal pools to white sandy beaches with hidden coves, the Azores islands are a wonderful place to visit and enjoy a unique holiday.

To help in finding the best accommodation for you, we have put together this list of the best places to stay in the Azores.

If you are looking for more vacation homes and Airbnbs in the Azores, click here.