The Azores archipelago or Madeira? Which Portuguese Atlantic islands should you visit? It is a common question when planning a trip.
If you want to explore the Portuguese islands, bear in mind that they are very different from one another. If you are unsure which to choose, here is some information to help you decide.
The Azores
This exotic Portuguese archipelago consists of nine islands in the mid-Atlantic: Corvo, Faial, Flores, Graciosa, Pico, Santa Maria, São Jorge, São Miguel and Terceira. Each has its own highlights. São Miguel is the largest and most populated.
Madeira Island
The autonomous region of Madeira consists of two inhabited islands: Madeira and Porto Santo, located to the north of the Canary Islands and west of the coast of Morocco . Two groups of uninhabited islands also belong to the region: the Selvagens (also known as the Wild Islands) and Desertas.
Where's the best weather?
Both archipelagos enjoy pleasant average temperatures. You can travel all year round, but spring is particularly appealing, with forests bursting into colour and even more opportunities to enjoy the incredible nature of both destinations.
The islands Azores are more humid and have a more unpredictable climate than Madeira.
Both destinations have abundant vegetation, but Madeira has a slightly warmer climate and a densely populated southern coast.
Madeira usually has more predictable weather than the Azores
With the arrival of autumn in the Azores in mid-October, ferry services are usually suspended because of rough seas.
Where does it rain less?
The map clearly shows that São Miguel has higher, more evenly distributed rainfall, with wetter areas exceeding 1,500 mm per year, especially in the mountainous interior.
Madeira, on the other hand, has a sharper contrast between the wet north and the drier south, where Funchal lies.
The image shows that the Azores are rainier than Madeira due to their greater direct exposure to the Atlantic fronts.
Where are the busiest places?
Madeira has better tourism infrastructure, more tradition and more visitors than the Azores.
Madeira offers white-sand beaches, nightlife, fine dining and other attractions typical of mainland coastal cities. The island also has a wide choice of hotels in every category.
The Azores offer accommodation more closely connected with nature. Small hotels and charming inns provide a base for travellers exploring the archipelago’s islands. Beaches in the Azores usually have black sand, and large hotels are rare.
Do we travel to the Azores or Madeira Island?
We have to consider traveling to the Azores if we want natural landscapes, fewer tourists and do not mind the colour of the beach sand (almost all Azorean beaches have black sand). There is also virtually no nightlife in the Azores, so if you want to party and relax on the beach, these islands may not satisfy you.
In general, we have to consider travelling to Madeira if we are looking for sunshine, beaches, better hotel infrastructure and services. To explore Madeira more thoroughly, however, we offer a trek with 6 days of moderate to difficult walks through forests and along cliffs, revealing its most spectacular landscapes away from crowded beaches and large hotels.
Upcoming departures
| Month | Route | Departure | Duration |
| July | Trekking Madeira | 05/07 | 8 days |
| July | Trekking on São Miguel | 18/07 | 8 days |
| August | Trekking on São Miguel | 01/08 | 8 days |
| August | Trekking Madeira | 08/08 | 8 days |
| August | Trekking on São Miguel | 09/08 | 8 days |
| August | Trekking on São Miguel | 16/08 | 8 days |
| September | Trekking on São Miguel | 06/09 | 8 days |
| September | Trekking on São Miguel | 20/09 | 8 days |
| October | Trekking on São Miguel | 03/10 | 8 days |
| October | Trekking Madeira | 04/10 | 8 days |
Next trips to the Azores
Azores✔️ Departure 18 JUL | 1, 9, 16 Aug | 6, 20 Sep | 3 Oct 2026
✔️ Price from 1745€
Upcoming trips to Madeira
✔️ Departure 5 JUL | 8 Aug | 4 Oct 2026
✔️ Price from 1410€
