"Slower Paced" 2-Week in Azores. 2 or 3 Islands (Late August/Early September)

At the top of this Portugal forum is a post written by the webmaster. It will direct you to a link to my Azores guide book. The first 52 pages are free to read, and have all the information regarding logistics and much more. Granted, coming from London will not be included, but there are many flights that fly to Ponta Delgada from London or have an easy connection somewhere in Europe.

Certainly Sao Miguel needs at least a full week. You will still not have nearly enough time to see and do everything there.

The rest of the remaining eight islands are all special with their own personal charm.

Flores and Santa Maria do not need a full week. They do need three to four days. Terceira needs around a week. The “Triangle Islands” (Pico, Faial, Sao Jorge) need two weeks just for them as a group, not individually. Graciosa is worth three to four days. Tiny Corvo in my opinion is definitely worth an overnight.

There is nothing wrong with booking a package if the price is right and you can still have a car for each island, except Corvo.

It is impossible to steer you one way or another to what islands to visit on this trip because I say visit ALL NINE! Much depends on your interests, not mine.

However, in my guide I showcase just about everything there is to see, do, eat, visit, and experience on all nine Azores islands. It will be easy for you to choose from among over 60 days worth of self-guided driving and walking tours, all researched and uniquely designed by me.

Not much needs to be booked in advance, except you cars and hotels. The weather can change anytime and at any location, which is my reasoning not to prebook too far in advance of your visit.

Keep up the excitement! These magical islands will be like no other destination you can imagine.

I am always a private message away for more specific help.

Hi @Carl,

I truly appreciate your insight and guidance! I saw your newly published book (congrats!) and will most definitely be purchasing the book tomorrow. Thank you for all your effort!

Since the Triangle is deserving of 2 weeks, I'm considering now splitting the trip: 1 Week in São Miguel and 1 Week in Terceira for a relaxed-paced trip! What are your thoughts on that?

If we do end up wanting to stop by the islands, would you recommend São Jorge or Pico as the base? Which one generally has more things to do and is more "scenic"? Or I suppose what's the major difference? I don't think we intend on making the strenuous hike in Pico, for now ;)!

Thanks for the heads up RE the Hotel + Flight bookings as the priorities. I'll hold off on the excursions for now.

You're the best!

Thank you for your support! 😊

One week Sao Miguel/one week Terceira is workable. Just walking in the city of Angra do Heroismo will take three FULL days if you follow my route. For Ponta Delgada, it will take at least two FULL days.

If you visit any other island, it will by SATA airplane only. Year round ferries are only between Pico, Faial, and Sao Jorge. Flores to Corvo, and vice-versa also sails, but by open semi inflatable/rigid open air boats only and very weather dependent. Think probable sea sickness on that route.

If you like wine, use Madalena, Pico as your base. If you like cheese, use Velas, Sao Jorge as your base. If you like both wine and cheese, invite lots of like minded travelers to join you on your trip to both islands! The ferry takes a little more than an hour between the two islands. Pico has more indoor sites and museums, while Sao Jorge has more jaw-dropping, dramatic landscapes and seascapes.

A relaxed vacation to these islands could be considered a misnomer once you read all there is to see and do. Even though I offer over 60 days worth of self-guided day tours, it could reasonably take many more days and weeks to cover everything. None of these days include time spent at beaches or ocean lava pools, lingering at cafes, watching the animals (this happens to be one of my favorite pastimes there), or extending an intriguing visit at hundreds of worthwhile sites.

The hike to the top of Mt. Pico is an all day, strenuous affair. I have not done it because I never have enough time. Nor have I had time to go horseback riding on the island of Pico.

If you will visit in August, make your plans in this order…

1. Make free cancellation car reservations ASAP. It will be expensive on Sao Miguel, and a bit cheaper on the other islands like Terceira. Pico and Sao Jorge have a limited supply of cars, and will sell out probably by April or May for summer rentals.

2. Make free cancellation hotel or apartment reservation ASAP. Sao Miguel and Terceira have a huge supply, but August is high season. Your choices will diminish the longer you wait.

3. Only after you do step 1 and 2 will you book flights. Play around with days because prices can vary by hundreds of dollars, euros, or in your case, GBPs. If need be, go back to step 1 to save money then book flights accordingly.

4. Remember, if you visit any island beyond Sao Miguel or Terceira, you will need a flight there and then back to either Terceira, or more likely, Sao Miguel, for your flight back home. Inter-island flights are limited to sometimes twice a day to the smaller islands.

5. Do not assume you can island hop and expect to have a hotel or rental car available when you show up anywhere but Sao Miguel and maybe, just maybe, Terceira. It will not happen. Trust me.

Enjoy all of your upcoming reading. 👍

Hi Carl! Wow thank you so much on the Triangle Island comparisons. As well as the tips on which items to book first, free cancellations, etc!

I messaged you about purchasing regarding the book!

I suppose the last question I have for now is, I'm really leaning towards São Miguel. And having a hard time deciding between 1 week in Terceira or São Jorge. Since São Miguel seems pretty populated, I'm kind of liking the idea of staying in the Triangle for the other week for a more laid-back experience. Do you happen to general comparison between staying Terceira vs São Jorge?

We've already told some friends and family about the Azores and you, and can't thank you enough!

I just responded to your private message.

Sao Miguel is the most populated, and only will you encounter hustle and bustle is in Ponta Delgada. There are lots of places where the rural feel will be evident.

Terceira is the second most populated, and outside of Angra do Heroismo will things really slow down.

None of the remaining seven islands have any similarity to a city feel. The biggest villages will be downright slow to extremely slow in the movement of traffic and people. Cows always move at their own pace in the Azores, so that will not matter😁.

I feel as though one week in Sao Miguel and then splitting up a week for Sao Jorge and Pico will fit your bill. Nowhere on those other two islands will come close to the activity of Sao Miguel. They are both very different with what they have to offer versus Sao Miguel and Terceira. You will understand better after reading those chapters.

Just wait until you hopefully visit the smaller islands! Then you will really experience the calm and rustic Azorean way of life.

Last September we spent 7 nights in Terceira, staying in Angra do Heroismo and driving out of town to explore the island . We then spent 10 nights in Sao Miguel, 5 in Furnas and 5 in Ponta Delgada. We were 76 and 79 at the time and with me as the navigator my husband had no problems driving :). Outside the main towns of Angra do Heroismo and Ponta Delgada there was very little traffic. Terceira was more rural with beautiful scenery but Sao Miguel probably has more hiking and biking. We booked apartments in each town using booking.com. In Angra and Furnas our apartments had beautiful views which made it a pleasure to return to after a day of sightseeing.

We didn't go to any other islands because we didn't want to be rushed. I think the Azores are about slow travel and enjoying the scenery, architecture, and food. Whichever islands you choose I don't think you will be disappointed.