I’ve lost count of how many times Portugal has surprised me, but its islands? They’re on another level. Scattered across the Atlantic, from the volcanic peaks of the Azores to the golden-sand shores of Madeira, these islands feel like worlds within a country. I’ve stood on a cliff in São Miguel watching clouds roll over emerald crater lakes, swum in natural lava pools in Porto Moniz, and wandered through villages where life moves to the rhythm of the sea. Each island has its own personality – some are wild and untamed, others are sun-soaked and serene. But I’ll say this…all share that intoxicating mix of raw beauty, rich history, and amazing food. Whether you’re here to hike black-sand beaches, taste wine grown on volcanic soil, or just explore tiny fishing villages, Portugal’s islands prove that the best adventures don’t always happen on the mainland.
Top islands in Portugal at a glance
Here are some of the best Portuguese islands by category. For any that pique your interest, continue reading to discover why you should visit each island of Portugal!
- Madeira – for outdoor adventure
- Porto Santo Island – for beautiful beaches
- São Miguel Island – for sightseeing
- Ilha da Armona – for a hidden beach escape
- Pico – for hiking and epic volcano views
- Flores Island – for UNESCO wonders
- Ilha da Tavira – for beach vibes in the Algarve
- Terceira – for its signature green wine
- Faial Island – for its rich cultural traditions
- Berlengas Island – for its secluded beauty
- Sao Jorge – for its Azorean charm
- Graciosa – for its grace
São Miguel Island
The first time I set foot on São Miguel, I felt like I’d landed in a dream. Known as the “Green Island” of the Azores, it’s a mix of rolling hills, volcanic craters, and cobalt lakes.
I started at Sete Cidades, standing on the rim of a massive volcanic caldera with twin lakes—one green, one blue—stretching below. The island is full of surprises: steaming hot springs in Furnas, tea plantations at Gorreana, and coastal viewpoints like Miradouro de Santa Iria. Even the food has a local twist. Cozido, a stew cooked underground by volcanic heat, was one of the most unique meals I’ve ever had. Renting a car here is a must; every winding road seems to lead to another jaw-dropping view.
Location: Azores archipelago, North Atlantic Ocean (870 miles west of Lisbon)
Best time to visit: April to October
Madeira Island
Madeira feels like a place built for explorers. One morning, I was hiking along a levada trail through lush laurel forests, and by afternoon, I was swimming in the natural lava pools at Porto Moniz.
The capital, Funchal, is a mix of old-world charm and lively markets, where I stocked up on passionfruit, fresh bread, and the island’s famous fortified wine. If you’re into dramatic scenery, don’t miss the sunrise from Pico do Arieiro…watching the clouds swirl below the peaks is unforgettable. Madeira’s coastline is rugged and wild, but nearby Calheta Beach offers soft imported sand and calm waters. Every corner of the island feels different, and that variety is why I keep coming back.
Location: Madeira, Atlantic Ocean 434 miles west of Morocco
Best time to visit: Year-round
Porto Santo Island
If Madeira is the adventurer’s island, Porto Santo is its laid-back little sister. I came here for one thing…the beach. And boy, was I impressed.
It’s a nine-kilometer stretch of golden sand that seems to go on forever, and the water is so clear you can see fish darting between your toes. Locals say the sand has healing properties, and after a few hours sunbathing, I was inclined to believe them. Beyond the beach, Vila Baleira is a charming town with whitewashed houses and a museum dedicated to Christopher Columbus, who once lived here. The island is small enough to explore in a day, but I stayed longer just to slow down and enjoy the pace.
Location: 43 km (27 mi) north of Madeira
Best time to visit: May through July
Ilha da Armona
Reaching Ilha da Armona feels like stepping off the map. There are no cars, just sandy paths winding between colorful cottages. It’s one of my favorite places in the Algarve that I recommend for everyone.
I took the short ferry from Olhão and spent the day barefoot…walking along endless beaches, swimming in shallow turquoise water, and stopping at small cafés for grilled sardines. Armona is part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, so you’re likely to spot herons, flamingos, and other coastal birds. For me, it’s not a place for nightlife or luxury resorts…it’s where you go to switch off, nap in a hammock, and listen to the waves.
Location: The Algarve (Mediterranean side of Portugal)
Best time to visit: June to August
Pico
Looking to explore Europe’s best hidden gems? This Portuguese island has got you covered. Pico’s skyline is dominated by Mount Pico, Portugal’s highest peak, and seeing it in person is awe-inspiring. I tackled the hike to the summit at sunrise…it’s challenging, but standing above the clouds with the Atlantic stretching in all directions is worth every step.
Even if you’re not hiking, Pico has a rugged beauty: black lava fields meet green vineyards, many of which are UNESCO-listed for their centuries-old stone-walled design. Wine lovers should stop at a local adega to try Verdelho, a white wine unique to the island. Whale watching is also big here. I spotted sperm whales and dolphins within minutes of leaving the harbor. Pico feels untamed, raw, and absolutely epic.
Location: Azores archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean
Best time to visit: May through September
Cape Verde
Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) is a stunning archipelago that sits just off the coast of Senegal in Africa. This collection of 10 volcanic islands is a world unto itself, offering a unique blend of African and Portuguese influences.
Although geographically closer to Africa than Portugal, Cape Verde blends Portuguese heritage with African warmth. I spent days wandering cobblestone streets in Mindelo to the sound of live morna music, and afternoons on the soft sands of Santa Maria in Sal. The islands have a sunny, dry climate in January…perfect for beach lovers. And the water is a surreal shade of blue. You can hike volcanic landscapes on Fogo, explore colorful markets, or take boat trips to smaller islands. The mix of cultures, languages, and music here creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else I’ve been.
Location: Praia, Off the coast of Africa (600km west of Senegal)
Best time to visit: November and June
Flores Island
Flores lives up to its name (“flowers” in Portuguese) with lush green hills, waterfalls tumbling from cliffs, and wild hydrangeas lining the roads in summer. I visited in spring, when the island felt like a garden dropped in the middle of the ocean.
Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro—a valley with countless waterfalls—is the kind of place you can’t quite believe exists until you see it. Hiking trails crisscross the island, connecting crater lakes like Lagoa Funda and Lagoa Rasa. Flores is small and remote, so life moves slowly here, and that’s part of its charm.
Location: Azores in the North Atlantic Ocean
Best time to visit: Between April and October
Ilha Da Tavira
From Tavira on the Algarve coast, a quick ferry ride brings you to Ilha da Tavira, a long barrier island with one of the region’s best beaches. I spent my day lounging on soft white sand, swimming in warm, shallow water, and grabbing lunch at one of the beachside restaurants serving fresh octopus salad.
The island is part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, so birdwatching is excellent, especially in winter. It’s ideal for a day trip from the Algarve…pack sunscreen, a hat, and a good book, and you’re set.
Location: The Algarve (southern coast of Portugal)
Best time to visit: Between April and June
Terceira Island
Terceira is full of character, from the colorful facades of Angra do Heroísmo (a UNESCO World Heritage city) to the patchwork fields bordered by volcanic stone walls. It’s the third largest island in the Azores, and it’s certainly one of the most magical.
I toured Algar do Carvão, a volcanic cave with a moss-covered crater you can walk into…it’s like entering another planet. The island is also known for Verdelho green wine, which I sampled at a small countryside vineyard while overlooking the Atlantic. Terceira blends natural wonders with a lively local culture, and I felt welcomed everywhere I went.
Location: The Azores archipelago (North Atlantic Ocean)
Best time to visit: Between April and mid-October
Faial Island: The blue island of the Azores
Nicknamed the “Blue Island” for its fields of hydrangeas, Faial is a place of striking contrasts. The marina at Horta is famous among transatlantic sailors, and every wall is painted with murals from boats that have passed through.
I rented a scooter and rode to the Caldeira, a massive volcanic crater you can hike around, and then to Capelinhos, where a volcanic eruption in 1957 created an otherworldly ash landscape. In the evening, I joined locals at Peter Café Sport, a legendary sailors’ bar that’s been serving gin and tonics for over a century.
Location: The Azores archipelago (North Atlantic Ocean)
Best time to visit: Between May and September
Exploring the lesser-known islands: Berlengas, Sao Jorge, and more
Berlengas Islands
A short boat ride from Peniche lands you in the rugged Berlengas archipelago, and it feels like stepping into another era. The centerpiece is Fort of São João Baptista, a 17th-century fortress perched on a rocky outcrop, connected to the island by a narrow stone bridge over turquoise water. I spent the day kayaking along sea caves, snorkeling with schools of silver fish, and watching gulls circle the cliffs. There are no big hotels here. Just a handful of eco-friendly accommodations…it feels so it feels wild and untouched.
São Jorge Island
Of all the Azores islands, São Jorge might be the most dramatic. Long and narrow, it’s famous for its “fajãs,” fertile plains at the base of steep volcanic cliffs. Hiking here is unforgettable; one trail took me from lush highlands down to Fajã dos Vimes, where I sipped locally grown coffee with a view of the sea. The island also produces a rich, tangy cheese that pairs perfectly with fresh island bread. São Jorge has a raw, vertical beauty that makes every viewpoint a showstopper.
Graciosa Island
Known as the “White Island” for its light-colored volcanic rock, Graciosa moves at a slower pace. I wandered through whitewashed villages with red-tiled roofs, explored the otherworldly Furna do Enxofre volcanic cave, and soaked in natural thermal baths. The roads here are quiet, winding past vineyards, windmills, and fields dotted with cows. It’s the kind of place where you greet everyone you pass, and sunsets seem to last twice as long.
FAQs about prettiest islands in Portugal
Looking to learn more about these beautiful Portuguese islands? Here are some popular questions and answers I get asked about all the time!
How many islands does Portugal have?
Portugal has more than 20 inhabited islands, mainly in the Azores and Madeira archipelagos. I’ve visited several, and each one has its own vibe…some are lush and green with volcanic lakes, while others are sunny, rocky, and perfect for swimming.
What is the best time of year to visit the islands of Portugal?
For me, late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) are ideal. You get warm weather, calmer seas, and fewer crowds. Summer is beautiful but busier, and winter can be stormy in the Azores, though Madeira stays mild year-round.
Which Portuguese island is the most beautiful?
That’s a tough one. São Miguel in the Azores is jaw-dropping with its crater lakes and hot springs, but Madeira wins for dramatic cliffs and year-round flowers. I always say it depends on whether you want lush mountains, volcanic landscapes, or sunny beaches.
Can you visit multiple islands in Portugal on one trip?
Absolutely. I’ve done island-hopping in both the Azores and Madeira. In the Azores, you can fly or take ferries between islands like Pico, Faial, and São Jorge. Madeira has Porto Santo nearby, known for its golden sand beach, which is an easy ferry ride away.
Do you need a car to explore the islands?
On most islands, yes. I’ve rented cars on São Miguel, Terceira, and Madeira, and it’s the easiest way to reach viewpoints, hiking trails, and hidden coves. Some smaller islands are walkable or bike-friendly, but public transport is limited.
Are the islands of Portugal expensive to visit?
They can be surprisingly affordable. Flights from mainland Portugal are often under €100 roundtrip, and you can find guesthouses, local restaurants, and free hikes that keep costs low. Madeira tends to be a bit more tourist-oriented, while the Azores feel more rustic and budget-friendly.
How do you get to the islands of Portugal?
You can fly from Lisbon or Porto to the Azores or Madeira in under 2.5 hours. For the Azores, Ponta Delgada (São Miguel) is the main gateway, with connections to other islands. Madeira’s main airport is in Funchal, and from there you can ferry to Porto Santo.
Which Portuguese island is best for hiking?
For me, it’s a tie between Madeira and São Miguel. Madeira has epic levada walks (irrigation channels turned hiking trails) that wind through cloud forests and along cliff edges. São Miguel’s hikes take you to volcanic craters, hot springs, and coastal viewpoints you’ll never forget.
Can you swim year-round on Portugal’s islands?
In Madeira and Porto Santo, yes—the water is mild even in winter, especially at natural swimming spots like Porto Moniz. In the Azores, summer and early autumn are best for comfortable swimming temperatures, though I’ve braved a dip in spring with a wetsuit.
