Portugal is home to 11 inhabited Atlantic islands across the Azores and Madeira archipelagos, plus a scatter of wild islets and a few coastal islands near the mainland. The country’s Atlantic outposts feel remote in the best way, yet are still easy to reach. Picture black‑lava shorelines, laurel‑green hills and long sweeps of sand, with mild weather even when the mainland cools.
Madeira
Madeira is the crowd‑pleaser that works in almost any season. In fact, Skyscanner has placed the island as one of the best-value destinations for 2026. You get dramatic coastal views, flower‑filled gardens, and walking paths that wind through laurel forests and waterfalls. The island feels adventurous without being remote, with excellent roads, plenty of places to stay, and an easy pace.
The best time to visit is March to June for flowers and clear trails, and September to November for warm seas and fewer crowds. Winter is mild, which makes Madeira a reliable short‑haul escape in winter.
Top things to do in Madeira: walk a levada such as Caldeirão Verde, ride the cable car, explore the tropical gardens, try the classic toboggan ride, then stand on the glass skywalk at Cabo Girão.
Madeira is also the most popular Portuguese island for luxury homes, with lots of international buyers boosting demand. In fact, the island is a top location for foreign buyers, with 42% of property listing visits coming from foreign countries.
São Miguel
São Miguel is the ideal first step into the Azores. The island blends easy sightseeing with a genuine sense of adventure. You can drive from crater lakes to tea plantations to hot springs within a single day. Plus, you'll still find quiet corners with black‑sand beaches and coastal trails.
The best time to visit is May to October for reliable weather and calm seas. Winter trips are possible if you are happy with changeable conditions, and the hot springs feel amazing on cooler days.
Top things to do: visit the twin blue and green lakes at Sete Cidades, soak in the thermal pools at Furnas or Terra Nostra Garden, and hike to Lagoa do Fogo.
Porto Santo
Porto Santo is the golden‑sand counterpart to Madeira’s cliffs. The island is small, relaxed, and built for beach time, with a nine‑kilometre ribbon of soft sand and calm, shallow water. Families love the easy setup, and walkers enjoy coastal viewpoints and quiet tracks.
Visit from May to September for warm seas and sunny days. Spring and autumn are lovely if you prefer cooler temperatures and emptier beaches.
Top things to do: spend the day on Porto Santo’s long sandy beach, hike to Pico do Castelo, and try thalassotherapy treatments that use the island’s mineral‑rich sand.
Pico
Pico is dramatic and elemental, crowned by Portugal’s highest mountain in the Azores. The island is known for whale and dolphin encounters, dry‑stone vineyard landscapes, and a rugged coastline. It suits travellers who enjoy nature, slower travel, and a sense of achievement after a big hike.
Plan a trip from June to September if you want to climb Mount Pico or focus on boat trips. Spring and early autumn are quieter, with changeable weather and fewer boats on the water.
Top things to do: summit Mount Pico with a licensed guide, taste wines from Pico’s UNESCO‑listed vineyards, explore the lava stone currais, and join a whale and dolphin tour during peak migration months.
Terceira
Also located in the Azores, Terceira pairs volcanic landscapes with a rich sense of culture. The island’s capital, Angra do Heroísmo, is a UNESCO World Heritage city with pastel facades and leafy squares. Outside town, you will find lava tubes, scenic viewpoints, and a calendar of lively summer festivals.
The best time to visit is May to September when the weather is most stable, and events fill the streets.
Top things to do: wander Angra’s historic centre, climb to Alto da Memória, descend into Algar do Carvão to see an ancient volcanic chimney and cave lake, and finally drive to Serra do Cume for a wide panorama.
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