Portugal is home to some of the world’s most beautiful islands, and they come alive in the summer. The Algarve might get all the attention, but these are some of the country’s real gems.
We’ve tracked down some of the best traveler-approved spots for turquoise waters, white sand, and sunshine.
Best Islands in Portugal to Visit in Summer
São Miguel, Azores
São Miguel, The Green Island, has some stunning landscapes, which alone make a visit worthwhile. You’ll find lush green hills, volcanic craters, pristine lakes, and, of course, sensational coastlines. Forbes summed up how visitors should spend a week here, highlighting some of the most exciting experiences available on the island.
Here is our locals’ guide to the Azores.
What to do
The island isn’t short of organised excursions to join if you need a guide to make the most of your time exploring, like whale watching, or taking a stroll and sipping tea at Gorreana.
There are thermal springs dotted around the island that you’ve got to make the most of, including Poça da Dona Beija, and of course, the botanical garden Parque Terra Nostra, an iconic spot on the island, which costs $19 to enter.
Near Parque Terra Nostra is Lake Lagoa Das Furnas. You can walk the trail circling the lake while making a few detours along the way, like to the Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias. You might also want to drive to Miradouro do Pico do Ferro for a better lake view.
All that hiking sounds exhausting, so spend a bit of time at some of the beaches, like Santa Bárbara, which is also ideal for a spot of surfing.
Where to Stay
Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico is a five-star icon on Ponta Delgada’s marina, close to the historic center and overlooking the ocean. It’s earned TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for four years, and prices start at $291 a night. It’s part of the Bensaude Hotels collection, including Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, where you’ll enjoy some traditional Cozina at the restaurant.
Madeira
Madeira is the main island of the Madeira Archipelago; cruise ships often stop here, but you can get direct flights from Lisbon, Porto, and other European cities. It’s so beautiful that the World Travel Awards named it the World’s Leading Island Destination in 2024.
What to do
There’s much to see and explore in Madeira, and if you know where to look, you’ll find some of the most stunning spots in Portugal. Madeira has levadas, a unique irrigation system. These can double as fantastic hiking trails through forests, cliffs, and waterfalls. A popular route is Levada do Caldeirão Verde, Levada das 25 Fontes.
Cabo Girão is worth a visit. It’s one of Europe’s tallest cliffs so that you can imagine the views from up there. There is also a suspended glass platform that we’d only recommend to those who have never suffered from vertigo.
Madeira is famous for its wine. Many wineries are open for tours and tasting, including Blandy’s Wine Lodge, which offers a short tour for just $17.
And if you’re a sea lover, dolphin and whale watching tours are available, as well as diving, snorkeling, and surfing excursions.
Where to Stay
For classic luxury, you may want to try Reid’s Palace, a Belmond Hotel perched on a cliff overlooking Funchal Bay. Along with its multiple dining options and heated pools, this hotel has a spa that offers indulgent treatments like a deep tissue massage, which is ideal after all that hiking. Prices start at $1,002 a night.
Tavira Island
Just south of the town of Tavira is Tavira Island, which has 11km of arguably the best beaches in the Algarve, including where naturism can be practiced, if that’s your thing. To get here, you’ll fly into Faro Airport, then head to the port where you can catch a ferry or a water taxi to get to the island. What makes it truly special is that the whole island is car-free.
What to do
It’s much slower here than many other islands, so it suits those looking for an off-the-radar break. And what better way than swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying long walks along the beach? Praia da Ilha de Tavira is the place to go; it’s got golden sands, calm turquoise waters, and cafés with fresh seafood.
Birdwatchers will be pleased to hear that the island sits inside a protected lagoon system, a birdlife haven. Ria Formosa Nature Park is an ideal spot for bird watching, where you might spot black-winged stilts, sandpipers, herons, and even flamingos. Eco boat tours are also available.
Walking along the beach, you’ll spot some restaurants and cafés mainly serving seafood. This includes Xiri Beach Club, which has grilled seabass, octopus, and shrimp stew on the menu.
Where to Stay
Unless you’re a keen camper, you’ll likely want to stay in Tavira Town. Pousada Convento Tavira is a five-star boutique hotel in the town center, available for $442 a night. It’s a beautifully restored 16th-century convent that preserves history while blending modern comfort. Facilities include a pool, massage therapy rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.
Pico Island, Azores
We’ve circled back to the Azores with our last recommendation, Pico Island. It’s the second-largest island, just behind São Miguel. Pico Airport has flights from Lisbon and inter-island flights from São Miguel and Terceira, plus there are ferries that frequently run if you fancy island hopping. It’s also home to Mount Pico, the highest point in all of Portugal.
What to do
Let’s talk about Mount Pico. It’s 7,714 feet and offers sensational views of the Azores if you’re up for the tough hike. You won’t just need sensible shoes to take on this task; you’ll need to be fit and active.
If you’re a keen wine enthusiast, spend some time at the UNESCO vineyards around Criação Velha and Santo António. Ilha do Pico is popular among travelers and offers several wine tasting options, starting at $23 per person.
And if whale-watching is on your radar, there are plenty of excursions to choose from. But before you go, you might want to visit the Whaling Museum.
Natural spots you must visit before your time on the island is over are Gruta das Torres lava tube, and some natural pools like Lajes do Pico and Piscina Naturais São Roque.
Where to Stay
The island has a range of guest houses, like Alma do Pico in Madalena, which has glorious views, and Casas de Incensos on the island’s south coast. If you’re after something with more amenities, Pico Terramar & Spa is near Madalena. Prices here start at $253 per person.
The Islands of Portugal – Book Your Stay Today
If you’ve been dreaming of an island escape this summer, Portugal delivers it all: sun, beaches, sensational hiking trails, and not forgetting the wine. Each island is different, and you could spend your whole summer hopping between them, uncovering some of the best gems in the country.
