Discover the island charm: The most beautiful islands in Portugal. While the mainland of this European country is beautiful and should not be missed by any traveler, a trip to the islands is a must.
Whether you're looking for some sport, nature, or just some quiet time, the Portuguese islands are a treasure trove. There are many, so let's take a look at the prettiest ones.
Madeira Island
Among the most beautiful islands in Portugal is Madeira, the island of sunshine all year round. It has charming beachesYes, green everywhere and great beauty in its towns and cities.
This island in the Atlantic Ocean It has thousands of visitors every year, and is, without a doubt, the one with the best climate among the Portuguese islands. It is the perfect combination of dense forests and beautiful beaches. For example, the Laurissilva Forest is a World Heritage Site and its ecosystem is great.
For its part, the rugged coast, marked by Cliffs The impressive rock formations, such as Ponta de San Lorenzo, offer spectacular panoramic views. You can also visit the irrigation canals, which have become paths, which cross forests and also offer great views.
In Madeira you can sunbathe, swim, ride horses, kayak, play golf, go fishing or paragliding. On the other hand, Madeira Island also offers us culture: there is the flower festival, in spring, or the Funchal Carnival with dancing, music and parades. Or the Monte Festival, or the Madeira Wine Festival.
The best time to visit is between May and August.
Porto Santo
One of the stars of the Maderia archipelago is the island of Porto Santo, in the Atlantic Ocean, known as the «golden island», for its wonderful 9 kilometers of golden sands and turquoise waters. It is a neighbour of Madeira itself but fortunately it does not have the same amount of tourism.
Porto Santo is North of Madeira and contains some of the best beaches in the country, with white sands. But it also has many historical sites, such as Christopher Columbus's house, the 15th century Mother Church or the town hall building.
The water temperatures of Porto Santo range from 17 to 22 degrees, so they are great for swimming.
Tavira Island
This island acts as a natural barrier to the southern coast of Portugal, in the Algarve region. Join the Ria Formoso Natural Park, a protected coastal lagoon system known for its biodiversity and its beautiful landscapes. To get to know it you must take a boat or a ferry from the city of Tavira.
The island is about 11 kilometers long and has golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, a super relaxing atmosphere... The best and most popular beach is the Tavira Island Beach, with facilities, bars, restaurants and sun loungers.
Tavira has a nice population of exotic birds, among them flamingos, of great colors. Beautiful nature, few people, paradise.
Tavira is the best island to make a day trip
Terceira Island
It is considered one of the best Portuguese islands, and It is the third largest island in the Azores. Terceira is a paradise, the kind that only volcanic activity can create. It couldn't be more photogenic.
You can walk for hours through the protected coastal area, you can visit the villages with their museums and historic buildings, and you can climb Monte Brasil to take the best photos of all.
And it even has its own little island, known as Castle of Sao Joaquim Batista, once a stronghold against the Spanish. And also a green wineA refreshing local specialty that every traveler must try.
Faial Island
In the list of The most beautiful islands in Portugal It is followed by Faial Island, known as the «blue island». It is a beautiful island, located in the centre of the Azores.
Faial offers us White sand beaches, volcanic craters and the city of HortaHere visitors set out to explore the Faial caldera, or sample local wines and dishes while gazing at the boats in the distance. A paradise.
The best time of year to visit this island is between May and October. You can arrive by plane because It has its own airport.
Pico Island
It is also an island of the Azores, and It is the second largest island after San Miguel. It is an island carved by the volcanic activity and the richness of its soils has provided it with sumptuous vegetation.
The heart is the Pico Volcano, dramatic against the skies. Like other Portuguese islands, it offers an ideal nature to be and enjoy the outdoors, but to the usual on any Portuguese island is added here the opportunity to whale watching at sea or learn about them at the local museum.
Finally, Pico Island also has is a wine producer so you can go and taste the local flavours. When is the best time to go? Between May and September.
Flores Island
If you are one of those who take a thousand photos and are constantly on social networks, then Flores is the best destination. Since 2009 it is Biosphere Reserve for UNESCO, so the landscapes are beautiful.
The island has many volcanic craters, naturally transformed into lakes, with green mountains on either side and a sea, no, an ocean of flowers everywhere.
Flores Island has an airport and is best visited between April and mid-October.
San Miguel Island
San Miguel Island It is the largest island of the Azores. Madeira offers so much to its visitors, while always preserving its natural charm, that it is known as the “green island” for a reason.
It has valleys, peaks, beaches. A charm. Don't forget to visit them. Gardens of Terra Nostra, For example.
Corvo Island
This It is the smallest and northernmost island of the Azores. It doesn't have much tourism, it retains a sense of inhospitable destination and a quiet atmosphere.
You have only 17 square kilometers around a caldera with green slopes and small lakes. It may be small but it is the owner of a great biodiversity.
The main town is called village of crow and has a lovely church and lots of cultural life. You can only get there by small plane from Flores Island.
So here are some of the best islands in Portugal.