Deciding which island is the most beautiful in the Azores can be a subjective task, as each island boasts its unique blend of landscapes and attractions. From lush greenery and volcanic craters to pristine beaches and charming villages, each offers a distinct experience. This can make planning a trip or simply appreciating the natural wonder of these islands a challenge without a clear frame of reference.
By allowing visitors and locals alike to vote on their preferred island, we can gather a community-driven ranking that reflects a wide range of opinions and experiences. This not only helps future travelers to decide which island might appeal to them most, but also highlights the diverse beauty and characteristics of each island in a clear and organized manner.
São Miguel Island - known as the "Green Island" for its lush vegetation, São Miguel has stunning natural landscapes with volcanic craters, hot springs, and beautiful beaches. It's also home to the stunning Sete Cidades Lagoon.
São Miguel Island is the largest and most populous island in the Azores archipelago, located in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including volcanic crater lakes, hot springs, lush forests, and breathtaking coastal views. The island offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor activities.
Pico Island is the highest peak in Portugal, Pico Island has breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, vineyards, and a unique volcanic landscape. It's also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pico Island Vineyard Culture.
Pico Island is a stunning volcanic island located in the Azores archipelago, Portugal. It is known for its dramatic landscapes, including Portugal's highest mountain, Mount Pico, which rises 2,351 meters above sea level. The island's unique combination of volcanic peaks, sprawling vineyards, and picturesque coastal scenery make it a true paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Location: Azores, Portugal
Size: Approximately 447 square kilometers
Highest Point: Mount Pico (2,351 meters)
Volcanic Landscapes: Numerous volcanic cones and lava formations
Biodiversity: Home to diverse flora and fauna, including endemic species
Terceira Island is the third-largest island in the Azores, Terceira has a rich history and stunning architecture, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angra do Heroísmo. The island is also home to beautiful beaches and natural swimming pools.
Terceira Island is a stunning volcanic island located in the Azores archipelago, Portugal. It is known for its diverse landscapes, vibrant UNESCO World Heritage city, and rich historical and cultural heritage. The island offers a mix of lush greenery, striking coastlines, and volcanic formations, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere.
Location: Azores archipelago, Portugal
Size: 402.3 square kilometers
Population: 56,437
Highest Point: Pico Alto (1,021 meters)
Capital: Angra do Heroísmo
4
12
votes
José Luís Ávila Silveira/Pedro Noronha e Costa
·
Public domain
Faial Island is known as the "Blue Island" for its hydrangea-covered hills, Faial is also home to the stunning Capelinhos Volcano and the charming city of Horta. The island is a popular destination for whale watching.
Faial Island, also known as the Blue Island due to the abundance of blue hydrangeas that cover its landscapes, is a breathtaking destination in the Azores archipelago. It was formed through volcanic activities and is located in the central group of islands. The island boasts stunning natural scenery, including dramatic coastlines, volcanic craters, and lush green valleys.
Location: Central group of the Azores archipelago
Size: Approximately 173 square kilometers
Population: Around 15,000 inhabitants
Main town: Horta
Geography: Volcanic origin with diverse landscapes
Flores Island is a remote and wild island, Flores has stunning natural landscapes with waterfalls, valleys, and green pastures. Its rugged coastline is also home to beautiful beaches and natural swimming pools.
Graciosa Island is a small and peaceful island, Graciosa has a unique volcanic landscape with caves and lava tubes. It's also home to beautiful vineyards and a charming town center.
Graciosa Island, also known as the 'White Island,' is a mesmerizing destination located in the Azores archipelago of Portugal. It is a small volcanic island with stunning landscapes and unique natural features that make it a paradise for nature lovers and explorers. Graciosa Island is renowned for its pristine beaches, vibrant flora, and charming villages that exude an authentic Portuguese charm.
Location: Azores, Portugal
Nickname: White Island
Size: 60.66 square kilometers
Population: Approximately 4,300
Geography: Volcanic island with rolling hills and fertile plains
Corvo Island is the smallest island in the Azores, Corvo is a remote and unspoiled paradise with stunning natural landscapes, including a breathtaking crater lake. It's also home to a unique bird species, the Azores Bullfinch.
Corvo Island is a charming gem located in the Azores archipelago. It is the smallest and least populous island among the Azores, offering a unique and untouched natural beauty. With its dramatic landscapes, picturesque villages, and abundant biodiversity, Corvo Island is truly a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The island's volcanic origin is evident in its rugged cliffs, deep craters, and stunning fjords, making it a perfect destination for hiking and exploring. The local community is known for their warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage, creating an authentic and welcoming atmosphere for visitors. Corvo Island captivates with its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and enchanting marine life, making it a paradise for scuba diving and snorkeling. The island's untouched beauty has attracted the attention of nature photographers and artists who find inspiration in its mesmerizing landscapes. Overall, Corvo Island is a hidden treasure of the Azores, offering a serene and breathtaking escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Location: Azores archipelago
Size: 17.13 square kilometers (6.62 square miles)
Population: Approximately 400 inhabitants
Geography: Volcanic island with rugged cliffs, craters, and fjords
Natural Features: Pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life
Santa Maria Island is the oldest island in the Azores, Santa Maria has a unique landscape with red and yellow sandy beaches, volcanic caves, and beautiful vineyards. It's also a popular destination for water sports.
Santa Maria Island is a stunning volcanic island located in the Azores archipelago. It boasts breathtaking natural landscapes, including beautiful beaches, lush green hills, and dramatic cliffs. The island is known for its diverse flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Santa Maria Island also offers a rich cultural heritage, with charming traditional villages and historical sites to explore. With its tranquil atmosphere and stunning vistas, it is truly a hidden gem in the Azores.
Location: Azores archipelago
Geography: Volcanic island
Natural Landscapes: Beautiful beaches, lush green hills, dramatic cliffs
Flora and Fauna: Diverse and abundant
Cultural Heritage: Charming traditional villages, historical sites
São Jorge Island is a rugged and mountainous island, São Jorge has stunning natural landscapes with deep valleys and steep cliffs. It's also home to beautiful forests and a unique cheese, Queijo São Jorge.
São Jorge Island is a mesmerizing volcanic island located in the Azores archipelago, Portugal. It is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, rugged coastline, and lush vegetation. The island offers a unique mix of natural beauty and traditional Azorean culture, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Location: Azores archipelago, Portugal
Geography: Volcanic island
Landscapes: Dramatic and diverse
Coastline: Rugged and picturesque
Vegetation: Lush and green
10
7
votes
José Luís Ávila Silveira/Pedro Noronha e Costa
·
Public domain
Graciosa Islet is a small and uninhabited islet, Graciosa Islet is a beautiful and peaceful destination with crystal clear waters and a unique landscape. It's a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.
Graciosa Islet is a stunning and picturesque island located in the Azores archipelago. It is known for its natural beauty, serene atmosphere, and untouched landscapes. The islet offers visitors a unique experience with its pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, and vibrant vegetation. With its quaint villages, traditional architecture, and friendly locals, Graciosa Islet is a haven for those seeking tranquility and a connection with nature.
Location: Azores, Portugal
Area: 60.66 km²
Population: Approximately 4,000
Highest Point: Caldeirinha - 402 meters
Main Town: Santa Cruz da Graciosa
Missing your favorite island?
Graphs
Discussion
Ranking factors for beautiful island
Natural beauty
Consider the variety and uniqueness of landscapes, such as volcanic craters, lakes, cliffs, beaches, forests, and flora and fauna. The more diverse and stunning the scenery, the higher the ranking.
Climate and weather
Take into account the overall climate and seasonal changes, as well as the frequency of sunny days and comfortable temperatures, which can affect visitors' experience on the island.
Cultural and historical heritage
Evaluate the presence and preservation of historical sites, monuments, traditions, and local customs, which contribute to the island's overall charm and beauty.
Accessibility and transportation
Consider how easy it is to get to and around the island, including the availability of airports, ferries, and local transportation.
Beaches
Assess the quality, cleanliness, and beauty of the beaches on the island, including the variety of sand (white, black, volcanic) and the presence of unique coastal features like rock formations or hot springs.
Outdoor activities and experiences
Consider the variety and quality of activities available on the island, such as hiking, whale watching, scuba diving, and exploring natural and historical sites, to evaluate the overall appeal for visitors.
Safety
Assess the general safety of the island for tourists, including the prevalence of crime, natural hazards, and health risks.
Infrastructure and facilities
Analyze the quality and availability of facilities such as accommodations, restaurants, shopping, and visitor centers, which can influence the overall experience for visitors.
Environmental conservation efforts
Consider the local and regional efforts to preserve and protect the island's natural beauty, biodiversity, and local resources.
Local community and hospitality
Evaluate the friendliness, welcoming nature, and cultural richness of the local community, which can significantly impact the overall experience for visitors.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful island in the Azores. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Isle is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Isle once every 24 hours. The rank of each Isle is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most beautiful island in the azores
The Azores archipelago is a group of nine volcanic islands located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 1,000 miles off the coast of Portugal. Known for their breathtaking natural landscapes, the Azores are a popular destination for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation. With crystal-clear waters, lush green forests, and unique geological formations, each island in the Azores offers its own special charm and beauty. In this article, we'll explore the most beautiful island in the Azores as voted by our StrawPoll community.
Explore other rankings
Check out some of the other recommended rankings on StrawPoll and make your voice heard.