Islands, Portugal
Azores
Nine volcanic islands for hiking, hot springs, whales and lakes, with quiet remote-working bases in Ponta Delgada. Weather swings fast, flights add up and public transport is thin.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$2,140–3,150Comfortable, one person · €1,900–2,800Details
- Value for money46/100Better value than 45% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJun–SepWarmest: Aug, 24°CDetails
- Air quality7.4 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2024) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet252 MbpsFixed broadband, Portugal medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is generally safe and drunk by locals.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$51–90Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBoltWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards work in most places; some rural cafés, farm stalls and village shops want cash.Details
Where to stay in Azores
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Ponta Delgada (São Miguel) | Main town: flights, restaurants, coworking and tours |
| Furnas (São Miguel) | Hot springs and cozido cooked in the ground; quiet evenings |
| Angra do Heroísmo (Terceira) | UNESCO old town and lively festivals |
| Horta (Faial) | Sailing harbour, mountain hikes and ferries to Pico |
Apps that work in Azores
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- CP: Train tickets and timetables
- Rede Expressos: Intercity bus tickets
- Taxis: Taxis are metered in towns; for hikes or remote spots, book a driver or tour. Apps do not cover most islands.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Portugal.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards work in most places; some rural cafés, farm stalls and village shops want cash. Carry €30–50.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Multibanco bank ATMs don't add fees; Euronet machines in tourist areas charge and push conversion, so decline it.
- Tipping: Not expected. Leave 5–10% for good restaurant service and round up taxi fares; cafés and bars need nothing.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. MB WAY, which locals use, needs a Portuguese bank card.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 across all Schengen countries; passport issued within 10 years, valid 3 months past departure.
- The EU Entry/Exit System has replaced passport stamps since April 2026: fingerprints and photo at your first entry. Allow extra time.
- ETIAS, the planned €20 online authorisation, isn't required yet (October 2026); check travel-europe.europa.eu for its start date.
Emergency numbers
Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
MEO, NOS and Vodafone sell tourist SIMs at Lisbon and Porto airports and shops for about €15–30; DIGI is cheaper. Passport usually asked. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Portugal
Going to Azores solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Azores meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.