Where to Stay in the Azores
Accommodation in the Azores mirrors the diversity of the islands themselves: from larger hotels in Ponta Delgada, Angra do Heroísmo and Horta, to rural tourism in traditional Azorean houses, to options closer to nature near forest parks and coastal areas. Where to stay largely depends on the kind of trip you’re planning.
In the main cities
Ponta Delgada, on São Miguel, Angra do Heroísmo, on Terceira, and Horta, on Faial, have the widest range of hotels and the best network of restaurants and services, making them the most practical base for exploring an island from a single fixed point.
Rural tourism and traditional houses
On the smaller islands — Graciosa, São Jorge, Flores and Corvo — rural tourism in traditional Azorean houses is often the most authentic option, and sometimes the only one available outside the main towns. It’s also a way to get closer to local life and the archipelago’s agricultural landscape.
Close to nature
For anyone planning a trip built around hiking, birdwatching or geotourism, it’s worth looking for accommodation closer to forest parks and protected areas, cutting down travel time to the most popular trails and viewpoints.