Terceira vs São Miguel: Which Azores Island Should You Visit?

By Andrea Godfrey

Have you found yourself wondering 'which Azores Island should I visit?' Well, when it comes to exploring the Azores, we know that the choice often comes down to Terceira vs São Miguel - two of the most captivating islands, each offering a completely different experience. São Miguel, the largest island, is shaped by volcanic forces, with emerald crater lakes, steaming hot springs, and lush valleys that draw in nature lovers. Meanwhile, Terceira pulses with history and culture, from the UNESCO World Heritage City of Angra do Heroísmo to lively festivals and underground lava tunnels waiting to be explored.

For first-time visitors to the Azores, this remote Portuguese archipelago comprised of nine islands sits in the middle of the Atlantic, blending old world heritage with rugged island landscapes. Whether you're drawn to São Miguel’s raw natural beauty or Terceira’s deep-rooted traditions, each island offers a distinct adventure. But which one is right for you? Read on for a full breakdown to help you decide.

São Miguel vs Terceira: Key Differences

Walking path to a view on the lakes of Sete Cidades, Azores, Portugal

The Azores Archipelago is bursting with unique natural beauty, deep culture and enriching activities that will leave you awe-inspired. São Miguel and Terceira are known for being two of the best islands to visit in the Azores, discover their biggest differences:

Landscapes and natural beauty
Culture and local life
Best things to do

Landscape & Natural Beauty

São Miguel and Terceira each boast their own unique natural beauty, offering distinct experiences for every traveller. Whether you're drawn to São Miguel's dramatic craters and geothermal wonders or the quiet charm and rugged coastlines of Terceira, both islands promise a journey that immerses you in the raw, unspoiled magic of the Azores.

São Miguel: a volcanic paradise of crater lakes and geothermal wonders

Dolphins, Azores

With its dramatic volcanic landscapes, this island is a paradise for those seeking impressive natural wonders. The island's stunning crater lakes, such as Lagoa do Fogo and Sete Cidades, provide breathtaking vistas where vivid colours meet misty mountain backdrops. Steaming geothermal formations, including bubbling lakes and hot springs in Furnas, make this island feel alive with natural energy.

If you love hiking, you'll love its diverse trails across volcanic calderas, with panoramic viewpoints at every turn. São Miguel also promises unforgettable marine encounters, with some of the best whale and dolphin watching in the world. Its abundant natural splendour has earned the island the nickname 'the Green Island'.

Terceira: a journey through history and untouched natural beauty

Algar do Carvao - Fern Covered Lave Tube Cave with Stairs on Terceira Island In the Azores

Terceira invites visitors to explore its rugged coastline, rolling pastures, and distinctive dry-stone walls. The island’s volcanic remnants, such as Monte Brasil, reveal ancient, otherworldly landscapes surrounded by UNESCO-listed fortifications.

Terceira’s allure lies in its mesmerising lava flow-formed caves, like the extraordinary Algar do Carvão, where mineral deposits glisten in volcanic chambers. The island’s diverse terrain blends volcanic features with lush green fields, creating a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere that tells the story of time through its landscapes.

Culture & Local Life

São Miguel and Terceira may both belong to the Azores, but their soul and rhythm couldn’t be more different. From wandering through the historic streets of Terceira to experiencing the modern vibe of São Miguel, each island offers a uniquely immersive experience in the Azorean way of life.

Travel solo to experience the culture and local life at a deeper level. Read why we think Azores is a great place to travel solo.

São Miguel: modern atmosphere and diverse culture

The Main Square of Ponta Delgada.

São Miguel hums with energy - its capital, Ponta Delgada, blends historic charm with modern vibrancy, while volcanic craters and steaming geothermal wonders invite thrill-seekers to explore. This island is not only the largest in the Azores but also a hub for diverse experiences. Visitors can wander through the charming, cobbled streets of Ponta Delgada, where historic architecture meets contemporary cafes and bustling markets. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a culture enthusiast, São Miguel promises an unforgettable journey through its vibrant and diverse offerings.

Terceira: Azorean heritage and traditional culture

Angra do Heroísmo

Terceira, by contrast, moves to a slower melody. Its UNESCO-listed city of Angra do Heroísmo whispers stories of seafarers and fortresses, with cobbled streets and historic architecture that bring the past to life. Beyond, patchwork fields enclosed by ancient lava walls stretch to the horizon, where time feels suspended.

The island offers unique cultural experiences, from traditional bullfighting events, deeply rooted in local traditions, to a taste of Azorean heritage at a farmstead, where wood-fired stews and time-honoured ways endure. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or a history buff, Terceira provides a captivating journey through time and nature.

Sao Miguel vs Terceira: Best Things to Do

São Miguel and Terceira, though both part of the Azores, offer contrasting yet equally captivating experiences. From exploring São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes and ocean adventures to soaking in Terceira’s historic charm and scenic hikes, each island invites you to discover the diverse spirit of the Azores.

São Miguel: lakes, volcanoes and ocean adventures

Furnas fumaroles, hot water spring in São Miguel

São Miguel is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Hike through ancient calderas, trek along the shores of the shimmering Lagoa do Fogo, or take in the breathtaking views of Sete Cidades, where sapphire and emerald lakes fill a vast volcanic crater. Explore the rugged landscapes in a 4x4 safari with Trilhos da Natureza, whose local guides know the best viewpoints for panoramic vistas.

The island’s geothermal wonders come to life in Furnas, where bubbling hot springs and steaming geysers create an otherworldly landscape. Trails wind through lush valleys and past hidden waterfalls like Salto do Prego, leading to charming coastal villages and dramatic black-sand beaches. For those drawn to the ocean, São Miguel offers incredible whale-watching tours, with over 25 species of whales and dolphins frequenting its waters.

Want to experience a seamless São Miguel escape? Enjoy walking inside volcanoes with Regent, or even visit São Miguel island in winter.

Terceira: UNESCO-listed wonders and unspoilt beauty

São Paulo travel destination, Sé Cathedral

Terceira offers a journey through time and nature unlike any other. While here, be sure to wander history-worn streets of Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where centuries-old Portuguese fortifications stand as a testament to the island’s rich maritime past. Hike the slopes of Monte Brasil, an extinct volcano that rewards explorers with sweeping coastal views and a deep sense of history. Marvel at the grandeur of Sé Cathedral, the largest temple in the Azores, its terracotta roof and storied walls whispering tales from the 16th century.

Beyond its historic treasures, Terceira’s lush landscapes captivate at every turn - rugged coastlines, emerald pastures framed by ancient volcanic stone walls, and caramel-hued cows grazing under the open sky. To truly immerse yourself in Azorean tradition, step into the working farm of Quinta do Martelo. Stay in a rustic farmhouse, savour hearty stews cooked over a wood-burning stove, and embrace a way of life untouched by modern distractions. For those who crave authenticity, natural beauty, and the thrill of discovery, Terceira is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

Go beyond the volcano with a fly-drive in Terceira with Regent, or see it all with an Azores encompassed fly-drive.

Your FAQ's about São Miguel & Terceira Answered

What are the other Portuguese islands in the Azores like?

Each beautiful island takes you away from the beaten path and hotspots of mainland Portugal and into a haven of natural wonders and rural beauty. Although São Miguel & Terceira top all other islands in the Azores, the other seven offer their own unique charm that definitely make them worth visiting. From Pico’s towering volcano to Santa Maria’s sun-kissed beaches, each promise unforgettable experiences.

Pico Island

Home to Portugal's highest peak, Mount Pico (standing at over 2,300 metres tall), this island is known for being the 'Black Island'. as well as being the second biggest island. It offers breathtaking views of its volcanic landscape, black-ash coastlines, and lush green hills. Explore its volcanic caves, learn about its whaling history at the local museum, and savour Pico's renowned wine made from the centuries-old Pico verdelho grape, all while keeping an eye out for whales during your ferry ride from Faial.

Its excellent wine production is one of the reasons Azores is on out list of best alternative winery destinations.

Santa Maria Island

Renowned for being the warmest island in the Azores Archipelago, Santa Maria is the most southerly of the islands. From hiking up Pico Alto for panoramic views to diving in its waters teeming with manta rays, this island offers both adventure and relaxation, with highlights including the Nossa Senhora dos Anjos Chapel, where Columbus stopped in 1492, and the charming Vila do Porto, the Azores' oldest town.

São Jorge Island

São Jorge, a slender and scenic island, is defined by its dramatic cliffs, volcanic origins, and unique fajãs - small, fertile plateaus at the base of steep coastlines. Known for its high pastures and famous São Jorge cheese, the island is perfect for hikers and explorers, offering breathtaking trails, charming coastal settlements, and stunning views of Pico’s towering volcano.

Faial Island

Known for being the 'Blue Island', Faial comes alive from mid-June to August when its hedges of blue hydrangeas burst into bloom. A short ferry from Pico, this island is a haven for sailors, with Horta’s legendary harbour murals telling the tales of seafarers who have crossed the Atlantic in search of new horizons.

Graciosa Island

Nicknamed the "white island," Graciosa is a haven of tranquillity, with its clay-hued landscapes, charming whitewashed houses, and picturesque town of Santa Cruz. From natural black sand beaches and volcanic swimming pools to birdwatching along the rugged coastline, the island offers a peaceful escape, while its famous Queijadas da Graciosa custard tarts provide a sweet taste of local tradition.

Corvo Island

This small island is the most remote of the Azores, a hidden gem where sheer cliffs, rugged coastlines, and a towering volcanic crater define the landscape. With just one village and a tight-knit community, the island offers an authentic glimpse into traditional Azorean life, while its dramatic caldera, scenic hiking trails, and abundant birdwatching opportunities make it an adventurer’s paradise.

Flores Island

Flores is a true paradise of dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, and cascading waterfalls. As the westernmost point of Europe, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve offers breathtaking viewpoints, basalt rock formations, and stunning crater lakes, making it the perfect escape for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers alike. Because of its colourful display of flora and fauna, this island is known as the 'Island of Flowers'.

Discover the best islands to visit in the Azores.

How to Get to São Miguel & Terceira

Air travel between Azores Islands

If you're wondering how to get to São Miguel island and Terceira island, both islands are well-connected with indirect flights from the UK via Lisbon. João Paulo II Airport (PDL) in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, and Lajes Airport (TER) in Terceira serve as major entry points to the Azores. Currently there are only direct flights from the UK to Ponta Delgada.

For those island-hopping within the Azores, short domestic flights make it easy to explore both São Miguel and Terceira on the same trip.

How to Get from São Miguel to Terceira

Ponta Delgada Habour located at Sao Miguel Island Azores Portugal

Are you wondering how to get from São Miguel to Terceira? Travelling between Azores islands is really easy and it involves taking one of several daily short flights from São Miguel to Terceira via Lajes Airport.

Best Time to Visit São Miguel & Terceira

Sao Miguel

Whether you choose to go to São Miguel or Terceira, it's important that you go at the right time. Thankfully, due to the Azores island's location, there really isn't a bad time to go. The optimal time would be May to September to ensure that you have all the transport options available, and the weather is more appropriate for hiking and sightseeing. But with that comes additional crowds of tourists.

So, if you don't mind less than balmy temperatures but would appreciate a less busy environment, then winter would still be good for you.

In our 'alternative holidays: destinations for every month of the year' blog to see why we suggest exploring the Azores in May.

Best hotels to stay at in São Miguel and Terceira

White Exclusive Suites & Villas Hotel, Azores

In São Miguel and Terceira, luxurious resorts blend stunning nature with exceptional comfort. From the high-end luxury and breathtaking views of the Atlantic at the White Exclusive Suites & Villas and eco-friendly beachfront experiences at Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort in São Miguel, to ultimate relaxation and lavish spa facilities at Hotel Pedras do Mar Resort & Spa in Terceira, each hotel promises a unique blend of tranquillity and elegance.

See below for our top hotels for the most luxurious experience in the Azores:

São Miguel:

Terceira

Plan Your Perfect Azores Holiday with Regent's Travel Experts

Have you decided between Terceira and São Miguel with our expert guide? Perhaps you can't decide between them and you want to visit both? Whichever island you want to visit, let our travel experts design the perfect trip for you. Get in touch today for a personalised Azores itinerary and start planning your unforgettable Azorean adventure.

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