Portugal's Islands

Plan your Madeira trip - levada walks, Pico Ruivo hikes, Funchal highlights, Madeira wine, and the famous New Year fireworks.

Porto Santo island - 9km beach, ferry from Funchal (2h 15m, €50-60 return), direct flights from Lisbon and UK, and a quiet Madeira alternative.

Faial island guide - Horta Marina's transatlantic sailor murals, Caldeira caldera hike, Capelinhos volcano, and the Triangle islands.

Flores island guide - dramatic waterfalls, twin crater lakes, minimal tourism, and how to reach the most remote Azores island.

Graciosa island guide - Furna do Enxofre volcanic cave, Caldeira da Graciosa, Carapacho thermal baths, and the least-visited Azores island.

Pico island guide - hiking Montanha do Pico (2,351m), whale watching, UNESCO vineyards, and the Whalers Museum in Lajes.

Santa Maria island guide - golden Praia Formosa beach, Maré de Agosto festival, Ambrósio bank diving, and the warmest island in the Azores.

São Jorge island guide - dramatic fajã coastal plains, PR1-3 hiking trails, PDO cheese, and the Triangle ferry to Faial and Pico.

Sao Miguel: Sete Cidades crater lakes, Furnas hot springs, whale watching, and kayaking. The Azores' largest island - 2-hour flights from Lisbon.

Terceira: Angra UNESCO (16th-cent), Algar do Carvão cave (€5–6), natural pools. 2h from Lisbon, 40min from São Miguel - quieter than São Miguel.