Volcanic wilderness
Luxury hotels in Azores
Nine volcanic islands in the mid-Atlantic, with crater lakes, hot springs and whales offshore. On São Miguel, a handful of hotels offer comfort at the edge of the wild.
- Thermal pools and botanical gardens in Furnas
- Whale and dolphin watching
- Crater lakes and hydrangea-lined roads
- Best time
- May to October
- Arrival
- Ponta Delgada Airport, 15 to 45 minutes
The story of Azores
Volcanic wilderness
Nine volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic, the Azores feel like a secret: green crater lakes, steaming hot springs, hydrangea-lined roads and cliffs where whales and dolphins pass offshore.
On São Miguel, the largest island, the Furnas valley is a natural spa, with thermal pools and stews cooked underground by volcanic heat. Tea plantations and pineapple greenhouses add to the island's unique character.
The best hotels are small and calm, offering comfort and design at the edge of the wild. With a driver-guide, you see the island's highlights without missing the hidden viewpoints.
The 7 hotels we recommend in Azores
Azores · Furnas
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel
An Art Deco hotel inside the historic Terra Nostra botanical park.
Azores · Ribeira Grande
Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort
Cedar-wood villas on a black-sand surf beach on São Miguel.
Azores · Lagoa
White Exclusive Suites & Villas
A minimalist all-white clifftop hideaway above the Atlantic.
Azores · Furnas
Octant Furnas
A modern thermal-spa hotel in the volcanic valley of Furnas.
Azores · Ponta Delgada
Azor Hotel
Floor-to-ceiling ocean views on the Ponta Delgada waterfront.
Azores · Ponta Delgada
Senhora da Rosa, Tradition & Nature Hotel
An 18th-century estate in gardens just above Ponta Delgada.
Azores · Fenais da Luz
Pedras do Mar Resort & Spa
A clifftop resort on São Miguel's wild north coast.
Signature experiences
What to do in Azores
Whale watching
Encounters with whales and dolphins with marine biologists.
Sete Cidades crater
The twin lakes from the Vista do Rei viewpoint.
Furnas thermal pools
Bathe in Terra Nostra and Poça da Dona Beija.
Tea plantations
Visit Europe's oldest tea plantations at Gorreana.
A perfect day
A day in Azores, with your driver
- Morning
Whale watching from Ponta Delgada.
- Midday
Cozido das Furnas, the volcanic stew, for lunch.
- Afternoon
Thermal pools in Terra Nostra Park.
- Evening
Sunset over the ocean and dinner in Ponta Delgada.
Private chauffeur drive times
| Ponta Delgada Airport | 15–45 min |
| Ponta Delgada–Furnas | 45 min |
| Sete Cidades | 30 min |
| Lagoa do Fogo | 30 min |
Approximate times by private Mercedes-Benz, outside rush hour.
Good to know
Planning a luxury stay in Azores
When is the best time to visit the Azores?+
May to October for the best weather and whale season.
How many days do I need?+
Four to five days on São Miguel is ideal.
How do I get there?+
Direct flights from Lisbon and Porto in about two hours.
Begin your journey
Plan your Azores journey
Tell us your dates and wishes. We reserve the hotels, a private Mercedes-Benz with your own driver, and every table and experience in between.