How to travel to the Azores in 2026: routes, companies, inter-island connections, and practical tips.

The Azores are an archipelago of 9 islands, which completely changes how you plan flights, connections, and getting around. This guide to traveling to the Azores was designed to be practical, updated for 2026, and easy to consult: entry points, airlines, how inter-island flights work, and when it makes sense to use the ferry in the Central Group.

Editorial note: this article is updated whenever there are relevant operational or seasonality changes. Some links may be affiliate links (e.g. flight search), at no extra cost to you.

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Before booking: understanding the islands (and why that changes your route)

The Azores are 9 islands spread across 3 geographical groups. In practice, when planning flights and connections, it helps to think in “travel groups”:

1) São Miguel and Terceira (the main entry points)

These are the islands with the highest demand and, typically, the most flight options. Even when the final destination is another island, many trips begin here and then continue with inter-island flights.

2) The Triangle: Pico, Faial and São Jorge

These three islands are very close to each other and form one of the most popular itineraries. It is common to choose one of them as a base (often Pico) and make return visits to the others, combining ferry and/or inter-island flights.

3) The smaller and more remote islands

Santa Maria, Graciosa, Flores and Corvo tend to require more planning. Usually, you arrive via one of the main islands and then continue on an inter-island flight (and, in the case of Flores–Corvo, often also by sea connection).

Compare flight prices to the Azores.

Use the best flight comparison tool on the market and book flights simply, safely, and at the best prices.

Tip: if you are comparing prices, always test both Lisbon and Porto as your origin (and different islands as your destination), because the best combination varies a lot depending on dates and availability (sometimes it is worth entering through one island and then doing inter-island travel afterwards).

How to travel to the Azores: routes and entry points

Ryanair stopped operating in the Azores in March 2026

For Summer 2026, there is one major change: Ryanair announced the closure of all routes to the Azores from 29/03/2026, which may reduce low-cost options on some dates.

Domestic and inter-island operations reinforced (SATA / Azores Airlines)

Azores Airlines is reinforcing its operation between mainland Portugal and the Azores in summer 2026, with highlights including Lisbon–Ponta Delgada, Porto–Ponta Delgada, Lisbon–Terceira, Lisbon–Pico, and Lisbon–Faial.

Among the most recent announcements, extra frequencies were added on:

• Lisbon – Terceira: +1 weekly frequency, on Mondays, from 1 June 2026
• Lisbon – Pico: +1 weekly frequency, on Fridays, from 19 June 2026
• Lisbon – Faial: +1 weekly frequency, on Sundays, from 21 June 2026

The airline also indicated that it is evaluating adding one more Lisbon–Terceira frequency, subject to airport slot availability.

On inter-island routes, SATA Air Açores expects around 572 flights per week, with reinforcements on the most in-demand routes during the peak summer period (June to September).

TAP: new Porto – Terceira route already on the 2026 radar

On the TAP Air Portugal side, one very relevant 2026 development has already been confirmed: the new regular Porto–Terceira route, starting on 29 March 2026 and operating on four days per week.

For travellers departing from northern Portugal, this route is especially useful, as it makes Terceira an even stronger entry point for itineraries combining culture, nature, and even other islands in the Central Group.

Another useful 2026 update: Terceira – Funchal

Outside the mainland–Azores logic, there is another interesting 2026 update: Azores Airlines will launch a direct route between Terceira (Lajes) and Funchal (Madeira), starting on 7 May 2026. The operation begins with 1 weekly flight and increases to 2 weekly frequencies between June and September.

It is not a classic entry route for travellers coming from mainland Portugal, but it is relevant for anyone planning a combined Azores + Madeira trip or wanting to use Terceira as a strategic point in the itinerary.

What this means for planning a trip to the Azores in 2026

In short, for 2026, the Azores now have a clearer air access scenario: Ryanair leaves, SATA strengthens Terceira, Pico, and Faial from Lisbon, and TAP strengthens Terceira’s role with the Porto – Terceira route. For anyone deciding where to enter the archipelago, this makes São Miguel and Terceira even stronger entry points, while Pico and Faial gain some additional momentum in summer.

Airlines (and how to avoid confusion with codeshare)

Azores Airlines (SATA)

In summer 2026, Azores Airlines strengthens its focus on the domestic market while also maintaining several relevant international links. Among the most useful examples for travellers coming from abroad are routes such as Ponta Delgada–Paris, Ponta Delgada–Barcelona, and the seasonal return to Frankfurt.

TAP Air Portugal + codeshare

TAP sells flights to the Azores through its own booking engine and, on some itineraries, may combine links with SATA / Azores Airlines under codeshare arrangements.

Practical tip: whenever there is a stopover or connection, try to book everything under the same reservation (same ticket/PNR) to reduce the risk of delays, baggage issues, and rebooking problems.

Other airlines (international and seasonal market)

Besides SATA and TAP, some international airlines also operate relevant routes to the Azores, depending on origin and season. Transavia sells flights to Ponta Delgada from several destinations, and British Airways usually operates direct flights between London Heathrow and Ponta Delgada in summer.

As schedules and frequencies can vary significantly, the best approach is always to confirm using the search engine with your exact dates.

Which island should you choose to enter through?

Entry point	When it makes the most sense	Best for connecting to…	Practical tip
São Miguel (PDL)	When you want the widest range of flight options and date flexibility.	The remaining islands via inter-island flights (especially the Central Group and Flores).	A good option for anyone wanting “logistical security” in high season.
Terceira (TER)	When your itinerary starts in the Central Group or you want to split your trip between islands.	Pico/Faial/São Jorge/Graciosa (combining inter-island flights and ferry in summer).	If you are visiting several islands, avoid connections that are too tight.
Faial (HOR)	When you want a base in Horta or Pico (easy, cheap and fast to reach Pico from Horta by boat – 30 minutes) and short visits around the Triangle.	Pico and São Jorge (the ferry is very useful in the Central Group during summer).	Great for combining “land + sea” and day trips.
Pico (PIX)	When Pico is the priority (Mountain, vineyards, sea).	Faial/São Jorge (Triangle), depending on logistics.	In summer, book early (flights and experiences sell out).

How to get to each island (quick summary)

1) São Miguel (PDL)

• Main entry point and the widest choice of flights.
• A good choice if you want flexibility and more date options.
• Ideal as a first island if you want variety (city, crater lakes, hot springs, land tours, and sea tours).

👉 (future link) Detailed guide: /en/how-to-travel-to-sao-miguel/

2) Terceira (TER)

• Excellent entry point for itineraries combining culture (Angra) + nature.
• A good gateway to the Central Group and to internal connections.
• Excellent for itineraries involving several islands.

👉 (future link) Detailed guide: /en/how-to-travel-to-terceira/

3) Faial / Horta (HOR)

• A strong entry point for the “triangle” (Faial–Pico–São Jorge), depending on connections.
• Direct when available, or via hubs; ideal to combine with Pico by ferry.

👉 (future link) Detailed guide: /en/how-to-travel-to-faial/

4) Pico (PIX)

• The perfect entry point for Pico, Faial, and São Jorge (when well combined).
• Very popular in summer (mountain, vineyards, sea).
• If São Miguel is the postcard side of the Azores, Pico is the more genuine and rugged side, offering the tranquillity of an island that still moves at its own rhythm, far from the crowds.

👉 Detailed guide: https://myazoreshome.com/en/how-to-travel-to-pico/

And the other 5 islands (Santa Maria, Graciosa, São Jorge, Flores, Corvo)?

Simple rule: you normally arrive via one of the islands above (PDL/TER/HOR/PIX) and complete the trip with an inter-island flight; on some islands and in summer, it is also possible to travel by boat, as is the case, for example, between Pico, Faial, and São Jorge.

Example of a “smart” itinerary (to see more islands without complicating things)

A common strategy is to enter through an island with better flight options (e.g. São Miguel), spend 2–4 nights there, continue to Pico and from there explore the Triangle (Pico–Faial–São Jorge). At the end, you can return via Terceira to avoid backtracking and enjoy one last island before flying home.

This approach reduces unnecessary stopovers, improves prices on certain dates and makes the itinerary smoother.

Inter-island travel: plane and ferry (how to choose)

1) Plane — SATA Air Açores

In summer, SATA Air Açores expects around 572 inter-island flights per week, covering several routes, with reinforcement on the most in-demand links (especially between June and September).

Best practices to avoid stress:

• Avoid “tight” same-day connections (leave some margin)
• If the connection is critical, consider overnighting on the entry island
• Plan the trip in blocks (2–4 nights per island), instead of daily island-hopping

2) Boat — Atlânticoline (especially in the Central Group)

Atlânticoline states that throughout the year it ensures connections between Flores and Corvo, and between the islands of the Triangle (Pico–Faial–São Jorge). Between June and September, it connects all islands in the Central Group.

👉 Where to check official timetables (always updated): on the Atlânticoline timetable page.

When is the best time to travel to the Azores?

• High season (Jun–Sep): greater chance of calm seas and the widest range of activities; higher demand and higher prices.
• Shoulder season (Apr, May, Oct): excellent balance between cost and experience.
• Low season (Nov–Mar): more tranquillity and much lower prices; higher probability of wind and rain, although the climate remains mild and much more pleasant, especially when compared with northern European or North American countries that may be experiencing sub-zero temperatures at that time of year.

Required documents (quick summary)

• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: usually, a valid identity document is enough.
• Non-EU: valid passport and, when applicable, Schengen/ETIAS/visa rules according to nationality (confirm before travelling).

Tips for finding cheaper flights

1. Book in advance for July/August (especially if you plan to do inter-island travel).
2. Be flexible (changing by 1–2 days can significantly reduce the price).
3. Compare Lisbon and Porto and test different entry islands (PDL/TER/PIX/HOR).

The decisive tip: mobility (rent-a-car) changes the trip

Outside urban centres, the Azores depend heavily on your own mobility (limited bus timetables on some islands and taxis with variable availability in high season). If you want flexibility with your itinerary, renting a car is usually the most efficient option, especially since there are no ride-hailing platforms like Uber operating in the Azores.

👉 Guide: Renting a car in the Azores
👉 Partners/benefits: https://myazoreshome.com/en/partners/

How to travel to the Azores: conclusion

Travelling to the Azores in 2026 remains relatively straightforward, but choosing the right entry island, understanding when to use inter-island flights, and knowing where the ferry makes sense can completely change the quality of your itinerary.

For most trips, São Miguel and Terceira remain the strongest entry points, while Pico and Faial become even more interesting with the summer reinforcements. If you want to optimise your trip, always compare several entry options, avoid connections that are too tight, and plan the itinerary in blocks — not as daily jumps.

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