Portugal islands — 7 destinations to visit in 2023
Portugal is a beautiful country with many places to visit. But, if you want to explore the less crowded and more offbeat destinations, then you can consider our list of Portuguese islands that should be on your bucket list.
Portuguese islands — why are they worth the attention
Portugal is a small country, but it has a lot to offer. The country has hundreds of islands, which are scattered around the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
Portuguese are a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. That’s all because of their beautiful nature and culture, stunning beaches, amazing landscapes and excellent seafood!
However, there’s more to it than that. Here are some of the top reasons why Portugal is an island paradise:
- The weather is great year-round.
- It’s easy to travel around the country by train or car. You also can easily fly to the Azores islands by plane.
- The food is delicious and affordable — especially if you visit during one of their festivals!
So, let’s discover our list of some Portuguese islands to plan your incredible Islands off Portugal vacation.
Islands in Portugal for your next trip
Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape or want to explore the islands’ rich history and culture, you’ll find something for everyone.
Faial island
The stunning Faial Island, part of the breathtaking Azores islands, should be on your list of must-see places. Looking for a destination that offers stunning scenery, unique culture, and endless activities?
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or simply looking to relax, Faial has something for everyone. Hiking trails such as Caldeira do Faial and Capelinhos Volcano provide breathtaking views and thrilling adventures.
Prefer a more laid-back approach? Take a leisurely kayak trip or go whale watching. And if you’re a culture vulture, you’ll love exploring Faial’s unique attractions such as the Capelinhos Volcano and the charming villages of Praia do Norte and Santa Luzia.
Don’t forget to check out the Horta Marina, where you can see boats from all over the world, and the museums of Faial and Horta, which offer fascinating insights into the island’s history and culture.
Corvo island
This small, remote island may not have an airport, but it offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travellers. With its blue island, rugged, mountainous terrain and stunning coastline, Corvo Island is a paradise for nature lovers.
The island’s highest point, Monte Forte da Calheta, stands tall at 1,993 feet, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. The island also boasts many secluded beaches such as Janela do Mar (Windows of Sea), Praia da Forcada, and Praia da Lomba dos Frades, which are perfect for relaxing and unwinding.
Corvo’s main village, Vila do Porto, has two small supermarkets and a general store selling basic provisions and groceries. There are also two restaurants serving delicious traditional Portuguese food.
This peaceful island is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with many species of birds, fish, and mammals making the island their home. You can explore the island’s many churches and fortresses, or take a stroll through the idyllic village square.
If you’re looking for some adventure, Corvo Island has plenty to offer. Hiking, birdwatching, kayaking, surfing, and diving are just a few of the activities that you can enjoy here. And with regular ferry services from Pico Island and Santa Maria Island, getting to Corvo Island is easy.
Sao Jorge Island Azores, Portugal
Sao Jorge island is one of ten volcanic islands among the 9 islands that make up the Azores archipelago. It’s the island with a unique landscape, delicious cuisine, and vibrant cultural heritage! This stunning island, located in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Azores.
Sao Jorge’s volcanic craters, cones, and lava fields create a breathtakingly beautiful landscape that’s perfect for hiking and exploring nature. And if you’re a foodie, you’ll love the island’s delicious cuisine. Many restaurants offer traditional Portuguese dishes, so be sure to try the delicious local cuisine and specialities.
Sao Jorge is also rich in culture, with many festivals and events held throughout the year. Whether you’re interested in traditional Azorean music festivals or the Sao Jorge Cheese Festival, there’s always something exciting to experience.
If you’re looking for outdoor activities, Sao Jorge also has plenty to offer. With its stunning landscapes and picturesque villages, the island is a paradise for nature lovers. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful hike through the countryside or an adventure on the sea, Sao Jorge has something for everyone. From whale watching to mountain biking, there’s an activity to suit all tastes.
So come and explore this beautiful island and find out why it’s one of the most popular destinations in the Azores islands, Sao Jorge won’t disappoint you. You can hike through scenic trails, watch birds, or simply enjoy the whole island’s stunning vistas, including the Pico Alto, which rises 3,000 feet above sea level.
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Flores island Portugal
Flores Island, located 32 kilometres west of Santa Maria, is one of Europe’s most secluded spots. Named after Francisco de Almeida, its first governor, this gem of an island is a paradise for nature lovers.
The island’s main attraction is its stunning nature, with pristine beaches and lush forests. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Flores Island is the perfect getaway. Visiting Flores Island in 2023 is a must-do experience for anyone seeking tranquillity and adventure.
With its diverse landscapes, Flores Island has a lot to offer visitors. Explore the island’s many hiking and biking trails that wind through breathtaking forests and lush vegetation. Don’t miss the chance to visit some of the island’s most important sites, such as the Church of Santa Cruz, the Lagoa do Peixe Natural Reserve, the Pico da Vara, and the Lagoa de Água Doce.
Whether you’re looking to relax and unwind or explore the great outdoors, Flores Island is the ideal destination. Get ready to experience the beauty of this remote island and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Pico island Portugal
Pico Island, located in the heart of the Azores island, is a must-see destination for any nature lover. As the highest mountain in Portugal, standing over 2,500 meters above sea level, it offers breathtaking views and incredible hiking trails to explore.
Here’s why you won’t want to miss out on Pico Island:
- Discover its natural wonders: With a plethora of hiking trails, Pico Island is a true nature-lovers paradise. Explore the unique landscapes of the Laje de Fora trail (5km), or take on the challenge of the Chã da Caldeira trail (4km) that leads to the stunning Caldeira volcano.
- Capture the view: Whether you’re hiking or not, take a moment to snap a photo from one of the many viewpoints on Pico Island. The breathtaking views will leave you in awe.
- Relax on the beach: Pico Island also boasts pristine beaches and secluded coves, perfect for a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters.
Don’t miss out on the adventure and beauty that awaits you on Pico Island.
Santa Maria Island Portugal
Santa Maria island is the largest of the Azores islands and one of the oldest in the world. The island was discovered by Joao Vaz Corte-Real in 1469, but it wasn’t colonized until 1511 when settlers from the Madeira island arrived to establish a settlement in Santa Maria.
The island has a rugged landscape with steep cliffs, rocky beaches and green landscapes. The highest point on Santa Maria is Pico do Facho at 1,991 feet above sea level. Due to its proximity to North America, the climate on Santa Maria is milder than on other islands.
There are many reasons why you should visit this beautiful island in 2023:
It’s a great place for hiking — several hiking trails on the island can lead you to beautiful landscapes such as Caldeiras das Furnas (Furnas Hot Springs). They`re also home to some endemic species such as birds, plants and insects.
In addition, there is also a large population of butterflies that live here year-round. They can be seen flying around during the spring months when they leave their hibernation chambers to mate with their partners before returning to sleep until winter comes around again.
Porto Santo Island
The island is a very beautiful island, with a mild climate, very hospitable people and plenty of things to do. Porto Santo is the second-largest island in the Madeira archipelago. It’s made up of two parts: a high plateau, which takes up most of the island and has a volcanic origin; and an ancient caldera that’s now filled with seawater.
This island is a popular tourist destination due to its sandy beaches and turquoise waters. The island has over 30 kilometres of beaches that are perfect for swimming and relaxing.
The best ones include Algar Velho Beach, Ribeira da Janela Beach, Praia do Norte Beach and Praia dos Salgados Beach among others. Beaches have earned a blue flag certification. This indicates that the waters are clear, clean, and free from bacteria. Authorities monitor the water continuously to make sure swimmers are safe.
The best time to visit this island is during summer because temperatures are high and it’s still sunny during the early afternoon hours.
Portuguese Islands — Conclusion
The seven Portuguese islands are a vacationer’s dream, offering stunning landscapes, fascinating culture, and plenty of main attractions to explore in 2023.
From the Algarve with its stunning beaches to the Azores with its stunning natural beauty, each of these islands has something unique to offer. In the Madeira islands, visitors can explore the local cuisine and culture, while in the Azores, outdoor activities abound.
For a more relaxed vacation, the smaller islands of the Azores offer plenty of opportunities for relaxation. And for a secluded beach getaway, the islands of the Azores are perfect. With something for everyone, these seven Portuguese islands are a great choice for a vacation in 2023.
No matter what type of vacation you are looking for, the Portuguese islands have something to offer.
No matter which island you choose, you’ll be sure to find something that appeals to you. From the beautiful beaches of the Algarve to the impressive volcanic craters and breathtaking scenery of the Azores, there’s something for everyone. You can explore local culture and cuisine, take part in outdoor activities, and enjoy the seclusion of a beach getaway. With all that Portugal has to offer in 2023, it’s no surprise that these seven islands are a great choice for a vacation.
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