Portugal is a nation with breathtaking terrain, stunning beaches, and a rich cultural history. Portugal has some of the world's best surfing, a burgeoning wine economy, and vibrant towns like Lisbon and Aveiro. While visiting Portugal is a great idea, you may also wish to venture outside of the country.
The Azores and Madeira archipelagos in the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the Algarve coast, are home to some of Portugal's most beautiful islands. Examine some of these Portuguese islands in more detail. A lot of them have beautiful landscapes and top-notch beaches.
List of the Beautiful Islands in Portugal
Madeira
Madeira, often known as the Garden Island and the Pearl of the Atlantic, is undoubtedly a very attractive island. Situated in the Atlantic, the Portuguese settled Madeira in the fifteenth century, and its native wine, Madeira, gained widespread recognition. Madeira is a location that blends history and leisure these days.
If you go, you can view the magnificent 15th-century wooden church known as Sé Cathedral in the city of Funchal, as well as the Levadas aqueducts. The main draw of Madeira is its abundance of beautiful environments, which include pebble beaches lapped by blue ocean waves, tall mountains, vibrant gardens, enchanted forests, and natural reserves.
Flores Island
The island of Flores, also referred to as the Yellow Island or Ilha Amarelo Torrado is located in the Western Azores. The island's profusion of vibrant flowers gave rise to the name Flores. Flores has a striking topography with towering hills and narrow valleys.
The island's most famous landmark is the massive column basalt creation known as the Rocha dos Bordões, although the serene volcanic lakes' mirrored surfaces are equally picturesque. There are many waterfalls in Flores, such as Poco do Bacalhao Falls, near Faja Grande.
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Terceira Island
Terceira is the third largest of the Azores in the North Atlantic. Despite being a less developed island, the local economy still heavily depends on agriculture. While there is some colonial architecture in the city of Angra do Heroismo, Terceira's true allure lies in its natural surroundings and outdoor activities. You have two options: either take a trip of the amazing Algar do Carvão and Gruta do Natal, or just kick back on the dunes of the Praia de Vitoria beaches.
The island even has a magnificent castle named Castelo de São João Batista, the site of a historic battle between the Portuguese and the Spanish. Savor the regional food at São Mateus, the island's fishing village, and pair it with a bottle of Vinho Verde, the region's specialty green wine.
Pico Island
Return to Pico by way of the North Atlantic, where you may find the massive Pico Mountain. Not only is this the highest mountain in the Azores, but it's the highest mountain in all of Portugal. If you're willing to hike, Pico's top takes around two hours to reach, and it's the best place to see the sunset.
It is possible to see some of the neighboring islands, including Sao Jorge and Faial, from the summit of Pico Mountain. The largest artificial saltwater outdoor swimming pool on the island is surprisingly deep and ideal for lap swimming.
Related article: Tourist Attractions in Portugal
Ilha da Tavira
Ilha da Tavira, as it is also called, is located a few hundred meters off the southern coast of Portugal and the town of Tavira. The island, which is only reachable by boat, gets crowded on sunny, warm days when visitors come to swim and sunbathe.
The beach gets more isolated the farther you walk along it. Bars and restaurants are located directly on the beach, and tufted dunes add to the area's aesthetic charm. If you're looking for a gorgeous, uncrowded sandy beach, this is the place to go.
Sao Miguel Island
Sao Miguel, the largest island in the group, is another amazing Azores island. If you're traveling to the Azores by plane, you should arrive at Ponta Delgada's main airport. Volcanic calderas and hot springs can be found all over the island, and the hiking paths around the Sete Cidades Caldera are some of the best in the Azores.
Unwind in Ponta da Ferraria's well-known hot springs following a busy day of activities. Sao Miguel is renowned for its chances to see dolphins and whales in the wild, and there are plenty of guided boat trips available to accomplish just that.
Porto Santo Island
The island of Porto Santo is located in the North Atlantic Ocean, north of Madeira. With more than four miles of immaculate, sandy shoreline, the island's beaches are its greatest draw. In addition, Porto Santo has other historic sites, like as Christopher Columbus's former home.
You can also take a tour of the 15th-century Matriz Church and the 16th-century Paços do Concelho, a town hall and palace. Golfing and trekking to the mountain known as Pico da Facho, which is the highest point on the island of Porto Santo, are two more well-liked activities.
Sao Jorge Island
Sao Jorge is another Azores Island in the Atlantic. The island's stunning landscape is accentuated by its tall cliffs, which are long and slender. Although the island's interior was once uninhabitable due to mountains, ravines, and cliffs, it is now a great place to go hiking.
The caves in Montoso and Bocas do Fogo are worth exploring for those seeking an additional adventure. Sao Jorge is a culinary lover's paradise, with its distinctive local delicacies like clam stews and its own, tangy, raw cheese made from the milk of the island's grass-fed cows.
Faial Island
Portugal's group of self-governing islands, known as the Azores, are situated in the center of the North Atlantic Ocean. Faial, also called the Blue Island, is one of the Azores. The town of Horta, the beaches, and the volcanic craters are Faial's three primary draws.
Almost a mile across, the Caldeira do Faial is the ideal place to experience the volcanic origins of the region. In Horta, indulge in delicious, real Portuguese food while taking in the marina's vessels. Every sailor that passes through the fabled Marina of Horta adds to the murals that hang there.
Ilha de Armona
The Algarve region of Portugal is quite well-liked by travelers, but the knowledgeable travel a little bit further south to the island of Armona. Situated on the shore, Armona may be reached with ease by ferry; however, it lacks cars entirely and seems to be in a different universe from the Portuguese mainland.
For anyone seeking warmth, sun, sand, and the sea, Armona's four miles of immaculate, sandy beaches are an ideal getaway. With its Moorish architecture, cobblestone alleys, and lack of conventional tourist facilities, Armona manages to preserve its true feel. Armona is therefore off the usual path and perfect for leisure.
