When planning a trip to Portugal, don’t forget to consider visiting some of the stunning islands that the country has to offer. From the golden beaches of Madeira to the rugged beauty of the Desertas, each island has its own unique charm. In addition to enjoying the breathtaking scenery and rich culture of the mainland, be sure to include some of these gorgeous islands on your itinerary for an even more memorable trip.
Top 10 Portuguese Islands
Move beyond the Portugal mainland. Make sure you also check out these heavenly islands nearby to fully explore this unmatched paradise in Europe. The weather at Portuguese islands is tropical throughout the year, so make the most of your time:
- Sao Miguel Island – For Sightseeing
- Cape Verde – To Relax By The Shore
- Ilha De Armona – Away From Chaos
- Madeira Island – For Pleasant Weather
- Pico – For Hiking
- Flores – Most Instagrammable Island
- Ilha Da Tavira – For A Perfect Day Trip
- Terceira Island – For Its Green Wine
- Porto Santo Island – For Scenic Beaches
- Faial Island – The Blue Island
1. Sao Miguel Island – For Sightseeing
The island is also home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, and is a great spot for snorkeling and diving. There are plenty of quaint fishing villages around the island that provide the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing holiday. In addition to all these, the Portuguese island in Mozambique is also known for its delicious cuisine. From seafood to traditional Portuguese dishes, the island has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a relaxing holiday or an action-packed adventure, this island has something for you.
Location: Azores
How to get there: João Paulo II Airport
Best time to visit: April to November
Best restaurants: Botequim Açoriano, Tuká Tulá – Bar
Best places to stay: Azor Hotel, Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico
2. Cape Verde – To Relax By The Shore
You can also explore the white sandy beaches, which are perfect for sunbathing and swimming. The picturesque landscapes of this beautiful island offer a great opportunity to take some gorgeous photos and capture the stunning views. There are plenty of seafood restaurants to choose from, offering dishes made from the freshest ingredients. You can also find several shopping centers, so you can take home souvenirs and gifts for your friends and family. With so many attractions, this Portuguese island is the perfect place to get away from it all and enjoy some quality time with nature.
Location: Praia
How to get there: There are plenty of domestic and international airports in Cape Verde.
Best time to visit: November to June
Best restaurants: Morabeza Beach Bar & Lounge Restaurant, LobStar
Best places to stay: Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort, Outeler hotel
3. Ilha De Armona – Away From Chaos
The Portuguese island is perfect for travelers looking to relax and take in the rustic beauty of the island. From the traditional fishermen’s boats to the small, quaint houses, the island is a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of the Algarve region. Apart from some delightful restaurants, the island also has an array of activities to keep visitors entertained. You can choose to go for a swim in the crystal clear waters, take a stroll along the sandy beach, explore the island on foot or even rent a bike and explore the winding roads of the island.
Location: Algarve
How to get there: Ferry from Algarve
Best time to visit: NA
Best restaurants: A do fernando, António
Best places to stay: Armona, Orbitur Ilha de Armona
4. Madeira Island – For Pleasant Weather
The Madeira Island also boasts some of the most spectacular and breathtaking landscapes and landscapes. You can find many interesting places and activities to do in the island like visiting the historical sites, visiting the various museums, taking a cable car, or simply taking a hike in the hills and mountains. There are also plenty of water sports that you can take part in like scuba diving and surfing. The best thing about the island is that there is something for everyone here. Whether you are looking for a relaxing vacation, an adventurous one, or something in between, Madeira Island has it all.
Location: Madeira
How to get there: Madeira Airport
Best time to visit: May to August
Best restaurants: Restaurante Caravela, Restaurante Lavrador
Best places to stay: Quinta da Casa Branca, Savoy Palace
5. Pico – For Hiking
The island is home to a variety of flora and fauna, and the lush green landscape makes it a paradise for nature lovers. You can also find some of the most beautiful beaches in the world here, and the waters are so clear that you can often spot the colorful marine life. If you prefer to stay active and explore, the island also has some of the best water sports and activities such as sailing, diving, snorkeling, and kayaking. The local cuisine is also something to look forward to, with a variety of traditional dishes and seafood delicacies to sample.
Location: Azores
How to get there: Pico Airport
Best time to visit: May to September
Best restaurants: Restaurante Ritinha, Canto do Paço
Best places to stay: Aldeia da Fonte Hotel, Intact Farm Bungalows
6. Flores – Most Instagrammable Island
The island also offers an array of activities for visitors. From hikes to boat trips, to visiting the lagoons, there is something for everyone to enjoy. On top of that, there are some great restaurants and bars for visitors to enjoy the local cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an adventurous experience, this island is perfect for you. So don’t hesitate any longer, pack your bags and head over to this little slice of paradise.
Location: Azores Platform
How to get there: Flores Airport
Best time to visit: mid April to mid October
Best restaurants: Restaurante Sereia, Restaurante “Por-do-Sol”
Best places to stay: Aldeia da Cuada – Turismo de Aldeia, Aldeia dos Sonhos
7. Ilha Da Tavira – For A Perfect Day Trip
You can also explore the many cultural and historical attractions, including the churches, museums, fortresses, and ancient ruins, as well as the many quaint villages and traditional fishing villages. For a unique experience, take a boat trip around the island, and witness the breathtaking views of the coastline and the small fishing boats. The island’s nightlife is also very vibrant, with many bars and clubs playing music and offering great drinks. Whatever you choose to do, your holidays in the Portuguese islands will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Location: Tavira
How to get there: Boat from Tavira
Best time to visit: NA
Best restaurants: Casa Corvo, Paiol
Best places to stay: Pousada Convento Tavira, Vila Monte Farm House
8. Terceira Island – For Its Green Wine
The island is also home to several unique sights, such as the Gruta do Carvão, a lava tube cave, and the Caldeira Velha, a thermal pool. There are also plenty of beaches and hiking trails to explore, making this a great destination for nature lovers. Make sure to check out the local cuisine as well, which includes a variety of fresh seafood and unique dishes. Don’t forget to take some time to explore the small villages, where you can find traditional Azorean culture and architecture.
Location: Azores Platform
How to get there: Lajes Airport
Best time to visit: May to October
Best restaurants: Casa do Jardim, Tasca Das Tias
Best places to stay: Quinta do Oeste, Quinta do Espírito Santo
9. Porto Santo Island – For Scenic Beaches
From beautiful sunsets to nighttime parties, this island has something to offer for every kind of traveler. Cruise ships dock at the small harbor of Porto Santo and visitors can take day trips to the small but lively towns located on the island. The island also offers a variety of water sports such as windsurfing, sailing, and scuba diving for the more adventurous types. There are also some small-scale museums and galleries that can be explored. Porto Santo is a place to relax, explore, and make lasting memories.
Location: Madeira
How to get there: Porto Santo Airport
Best time to visit: throughout the year
Best restaurants: Restaurante PITA, Snack Bar Escorpião
Best places to stay: Hotel Porto Santo & Spa, Vila Baleira Resort
10. Faial Island – The Blue Island
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of water sports, such as sailing, kayaking, and snorkeling, all while taking in the stunning views of the blue sea. There are also plenty of trails to explore, from easy hikes to more challenging ones. A visit to the lighthouse, one of the oldest in the Azores, is also a must for a truly unforgettable experience. All in all, Faial is an island that will leave you with everlasting memories. So why not plan a visit to this picturesque island and take in its beauty for yourself?
Location: Azores Platform
How to get there: Horta Airport
Best time to visit: May to October
Best restaurants: Restaurant Atletico, Genuíno Restaurante
Best places to stay: Quinta da Meia Eira, Hotel Sao Francisco
It’s time to start planning your dream vacation to the beautiful Portuguese islands! Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit and sunscreen and book your tickets as soon as possible to take advantage of the great weather. If you need help organizing your trip, reach out to Travel Triangle for assistance. They can help you plan the perfect vacation and ensure that you make the most of your time on these stunning islands.
