Madeira vs Azores: Which Should You Visit? (Here's our Verdict 🥊)

Madeira vs Azores, two luscious Portuguese islands with big differences in location, climate, and culture! We’ve been lucky enough to visit both, hiking incredible peaks in Madeira, and soaking in thermal springs in the Azores. Since then, we’ve been asked many times, ‘Is Madeira or the Azores better?’, so we’re breaking down the differences in this complete guide. We’ve included comparisons for beaches, wildlife, and transport, as well as our personal recommendations to help you make a decision.

The Difference Between Azores and Madeira

Is Madeira part of the Azores? The short answer is no. While both are Portuguese islands, they are actually located pretty far from each other. Madeira is situated off the northwest of Africa, closer to Morocco, whereas the Azores sit in the middle of the North Atlantic, approximately halfway between Portugal and the US. This means they both have different climates, travel times, cultures, and even food!

Aerial view of a lush, green valley with scattered houses and winding roads—reminiscent of the scenic landscapes found in the Madeira vs Azores debate—set against misty mountains under a bright sky.

We have been lucky enough to visit both, and while we slightly prefer one over the other, both are breathtakingly beautiful. We’ve had the question asked many times: “Which is better: Azores or Madeira?” and we’re going to give our honest opinion and comparisons, based on our experience traveling to the islands of Madeira and São Miguel (Azores).

A woman wearing sunglasses and a blue jumpsuit stands in front of a vibrant market in funchal Madeira stall, surrounded by an array of colorful fruits and vegetables.

Four people sit on stools at a wooden bar in a cozy beach restaurant, facing an ocean sunset. Warm light fills the space, evoking the relaxed charm found in the Azores vs Madeira coastal retreats.

Azores vs Madeira: Which is Best for Hiking and Nature?

Both the Azores and Madeira offer beautiful, super green and wild landscapes that are excellent for hiking and exploring nature.

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Madeira vs Azores: Which One Should You Visit?

Madeira: Rugged and Rewarding

Madeira is much more challenging as a hiking destination, but this pays off! You’ll find sheer drops, epic ridgelines, and mountain summit views. Plus, the island is home to the famous levada trails: ancient irrigation channels now turned into scenic walking paths.

A narrow levada Madeira water channel runs alongside a rocky path bordered by lush green vegetation and trees, with mountains visible in the background. — Levada das 25 fontes hike in Madeira

The hiking is pretty unrivaled here, and we have to say the famous peak-to-peak PR1 from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo was probably one of the most epic hikes we’ve ever done.

Are you a keen hiker? Check out our list of the best hikes in Madeira

A person in a red jacket walks along a narrow stone path on a mountain ridge surrounded by mist and sunlight, capturing the dramatic scenery of the Pico do Arieiro hike Madeira vs Azores adventures. — Pico do Arieiro hike in Madeira

Azores: Rolling Hills and Farmland

The only island we have visited in the Azores was São Miguel, characterized by rolling green hills and farmland at its center. There are also beautiful lakes dotted all over, with gentle waterside trails and forest paths. It’s gorgeous, green, and peaceful, but much less intense for hiking (ideal for me and my back injury at the time!). However, if you’re looking for jaw-dropping altitude hikes, Madeira wins.

Planning to stay in São Miguel? Here’s an overview of all the hotels.

A woman walks down a dirt path with wooden railings along a green mountain ridge in Sete Cidades, Azores vs Madeira, overlooking a lake and valley under a cloudy sky. — Miradouro da Grota do Inferno on Sao Miguel, Azores

Azores vs Madeira: Our Favorite for Hiking

We personally love high-view hikes, so Madeira wins for hiking. We did some of our favorite routes ever on the island! The hikes are generally long and challenging, but so worth it.

Follow our Madeira 10-day itinerary!

A person with a red backpack stands on a wooden bridge surrounded by dense, green tropical foliage and large ferns, ready to hike Azores.

A person with a red backpack walks down a stone path on a mountain, surrounded by mist and rocky peaks, enjoying the scenic PR1 hike in Madeira.

Madeira vs Azores: Volcanoes and Hot Springs

Aside from both being Portuguese islands, the similarities don’t stop there. Both these Atlantic archipelagos are volcanic, making for some wild geothermal spots and activities.

Madeira: Volcanic Rock Pools and Caves

Madeira is home to a dormant volcano, last believed to have erupted over 6,500 years ago. The remnants of its volcanic past remain; there are volcanic caves, black sand beaches, and stunning natural rock pools formed by lava. That being said, there’s not much active geothermal activity here; it’s more about waterfalls, lush landscapes, and refreshing sea pools.

Our Madeira tips in your Google Maps? We made it easier for you! All our tips: favourite to do's, restaurants, hikes, secret spots & more in Google Maps!

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The natural pool in Porto Moniz was our favorite! Find out how to visit here.

A man stands in shallow water near stone steps, while two people sit on a rock by the Doca do Cavacas natural pools, enjoying the clear blue water and rocky surroundings—a scene typical of Madeira vs Azores coastal beauty. — Doca do Cavacas Natural Pools in Funchal, Madeira

Azores: Hot Springs and Steam Vents

When it comes to volcanic activity, this is where São Miguel really shines. We couldn’t believe how much there was to see on the island; we bathed in bubbling hot springs, ate geothermal-cooked stew, and even enjoyed the volcanic benefits of mud pools. (See all the best things to do in São Miguel)

People are relaxing and swimming in a narrow natural hot spring pool surrounded by lush green ferns and tropical vegetation at Caldeira Velha thermal pool in Sao Miguel, Azores. — Caldeira Velha thermal pool in Sao Miguel, Azores

Madeira vs Azores: Our Top Choice for Volcanoes + Hot Springs

The Azores wins hands down! We spent our time exploring the many hot springs, which range from the more basic village ones to others that have been turned into completely serviced retreats and resorts.

Tip: Our favorite hot spring in the Azores was Poça da Dona Beija, which features several stone pools built along a hot river. We’d recommend pre-booking — .here’s the link we used, or join this unique nighttime tour.

People relax in illuminated outdoor thermal pools surrounded by lush greenery and trees in a natural, tropical setting at dusk—one of the must-try things to do in São Miguel.

Is Madeira or the Azores Better for Whale Watching?

Both Madeira and the Azores are a hotspot for whale watching, with the peak season being April to October for both. As volcanic islands, you’ll have a beautiful coastal backdrop from your boat tour, and you’ll have a consistent chance of seeing dolphins, too!

However, if you want the best chance of seeing whales, the Azores is the place to go. The island is a recognised whale sanctuary and has more than 20 species visible throughout the year.

Top Tip: If you’re looking to spot turtles, you’ll have a better chance in the Azores. While you can see turtles in Madeira, the Azores are well known for sightings of Juvenile Loggerhead Turtles.

Madeira vs Azores: Our Favorite for Whale Watching

We don’t have the fairest judgment on this one, as we only booked a whale watching tour in São Miguel. In the end, it was just Hannah who traveled, as I couldn’t go on the speedboat because of my back. While she wasn’t lucky enough to see whales that day, she saw a pod of dolphins (including a baby), a shark, flying fish, and a baby turtle!

Azores vs Madeira: Which is Better for Beaches?

When it comes to the Azores vs Madeira for beaches, it’s almost a tie! Both have a rugged volcanic coastline in the Atlantic Ocean, and with that (and high winds) come pretty wild waters. For that reason, many beaches aren’t safe for swimming because of riptides and currents. However, it’s great for surfing!

We didn’t get a chance to try surfing on either of our trips, but we really liked the look of this beginner surf lesson in Madeira!

A sandy pathway with wooden railings leads down to a beach at sunset, with cliffs on one side and a few people sitting on the shore—a perfect spot for those seeking unique things to do in São Miguel. — Santa Barbara beach on Sao Miguel, Azores

The wild waters are also counteracted by the fact that in the Azores and Madeira, the locals have created amazing natural swimming spots, like sheltered rock pools or saltwater swimming pools on the coastline. Most of these have lifeguards, and other services like bathrooms, sunbeds, and even showers.

Tip: In the Azores, you also have the addition of thermal pools as a swimming option for your trip.

Our Top Choice for Beaches

For the best beaches, Madeira might just ever so slightly win, particularly Porto Santo, which has incredible golden-sand beaches. It has calm, turquoise blue water; we felt as if we could be on a tropical island!

Planning to stay in Porto Santo? Here’s an overview of all the hotels.

A person walks alone on a sandy Porto Santo beach with rocky formations and clear blue water, with green plants in the foreground—one of the serene things to do in Porto Santo. — Ponta da Calheta Beach on Porto Santo island

Best Towns: Madeira vs Azores

We loved both Madeira and the Azores for their towns and atmosphere, although there is a noticeable difference in character.

Madeira: Pretty and Polished

Madeira is home to some charming little towns. We really loved Funchal and Santana, which are super pretty, with well-preserved historical buildings. Everywhere feels clean and polished, which is likely due to the higher number of tourists in the towns.

Planning to stay in Madeira? Here’s an overview of all the hotels.

Narrow cobblestone street in Funchal, Madeira, lined with colorful buildings, outdoor restaurant seating, people walking, and a black “ALMIRANTE RESTAURANTE GRILL” sign hanging above. — Rua de Santa Maria in Funchal, Madeira

Azores: Local and Authentic

As we mentioned, we only visited the towns on São Miguel, so we can’t speak for all the villages in the Azores, but we loved the local atmosphere here! The towns were a bit rougher around the edges, but it felt more original, which we liked.

Planning to stay in Azores? Here’s an overview of all the hotels.

Our Azores tips in your Google Maps? We made it easier for you! All our tips: favourite to do's, restaurants, hikes, secret spots & more in Google Maps!

Shop our maps

Our pick for the best towns: As photographers, Madeira stands out for its instagrammable buildings and streets. However, for local life, the Azores win. It really depends on what you’re looking for!

A narrow street in the small town Furnas curves past colorful houses, with a church steeple and green hills visible in the background—capturing the charm of everyday life and inspiring ideas for things to do in São Miguel. A person crosses the street. — Furnas village on Sao Miguel, Azores

Is Madeira or the Azores better for Food & Dining?

Food and dining are where Madeira stood out for us. The island has so much variety in terms of food; while you can try local dishes, there’s also a lot of great international options. Plus, there are lots of upscale and modern dining options, too. We even had a fantastic local chef cook for us in a private dining experience — so Madeira is really the best option for foodies. (See all our favorite restaurants in this Madeira itinerary)

A table with sliced bread, a plate of mushroom salad with herbs, and a dish of finely chopped fish tartare garnished with onion and greens—capturing the fresh flavors of Porto Santo, Madeira. White sunglasses and a green bottle are in the background.

Note: We also had some delicious meals on São Miguel, but in general, there were fewer options, particularly for vegetarians. That being said, there are some great local seafood plates, and meat eaters will enjoy trying the local cozido (a stew cooked underground using geothermal activity).

A cobblestone street with people walking, lined with colorful buildings, leads to a white church reminiscent of Ponta Delgada, Azores vs Madeira architecture, featuring dark stone accents and a large rose window.

Which is Easier to Get Around: Madeira or Azores?

Flights

As Portuguese islands, both have direct flights from mainland Portugal, among other European destinations. However, Madeira is more popular, meaning there are more international flight options year-round.

Browse all flight options to Madeira

Several airplanes are parked at the airport Madeira terminal, with ground service vehicles nearby and mountains visible in the background.

Note: The main island of the Azores (São Miguel) has good flight options via Ponta Delgada Airport. However, if you want to visit other smaller Azores islands, you’ll need to factor in extra time for flights or ferries. For example, we tried to visit Flores, but unfortunately, because of the weather, we couldn’t land.

See available flights for the Azores

Getting Around

While both islands have a public transport system, you definitely need to rent a car to reach the most remote and beautiful spots. Doing road trips on both these islands was a real highlight for us!

A car drives along a winding coastal road with steep cliffs and the ocean in the background under a cloudy sky, evoking the dramatic scenery one might find when comparing Madeira vs Azores.

If you plan to use the bus, Madeira is the winner, with more options available, particularly in the south, where there is a cheap hop-on, hop-off bus service (book your tickets here). Unfortunately, the buses in São Miguel (Azores) aren’t great; they’re infrequent and a little unreliable, so you should always check the schedule ahead of time.

A yellow city bus Madeira with 01 Ponte di Pietra on its display is parked on a cobblestone street, partially obscured by a palm tree, with pedestrians in the background.

Our Favorite for a Road Trip: Madeira! The roads are great in Madeira, and if you’re a bit of a thrill seeker, you’ll love the looping mountain roads with sheer drops. We saw some of the best views on these drives.

We recommend to rent a car in Madeira through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.

A white car drives on a narrow coastal road beside Madeira’s famous Waterfall of the Angels, with another car and the ocean visible in the background. — Waterfall of the Angels, Madeira

Azores vs Madeira: Island Hopping

For island hopping, the Azores is the clear winner! São Miguel is just one beautiful island out of nine (!) to explore, and each one has something different to offer. For example, you can head to Pico and climb Portugal’s highest peak, go sailing and see volcanic caldeiras on the island of Faial, or see luscious greenery and plunging waterfalls in Flores.

Tip: 2+ weeks is best for an Azores island hopping trip. You can use the SATA inter-island flights and seasonal ferries to travel between islands.

A white sailboat floats on clear, turquoise water with visible dark patches, viewed from above—perfect for island hopping Azores adventures.

While we love Madeira, it isn’t a place known for island hopping, although you can add the golden sands of Porto Santo to your trip, which is only a short ferry trip away. We recommend a week-long trip in Madeira, plus a few days on Porto Santo for the perfect combination.

Make sure to pre-book your ferry tickets to Porto Santo in advance.

A girl in a blue dress walks on a stone path near a large traditional windmill in a grassy field by the sea—one of the charming things to do in Porto Santo, madeira

Two people walk through a field of golden grass at sunset in Porto Santo, Madeira, with a mountain and scattered houses in the background.

A woman in a yellow striped shirt stands on a wooden stairway along the PSPR1 hike, overlooking Porto Santo Madeira’s rugged coastline with cliffs and blue ocean below. — Porto Santo Island, Madeira

Our Final Pick: Madeira vs Azores?

While we absolutely loved both of these stunning Portuguese islands, we personally prefer Madeira, ever so slightly. It’s all down to your preferences, but it suits our travel wants because we love:

Challenging hikes with panoramic views
Picturesque towns
Excellent variety of food and dining experiences
Reliable weather (the location means the weather is very consistent). It’s known as the ‘Island of Eternal Spring’!

A woman in a blue shirt walks on a stone path toward traditional thatched-roof cottages, surrounded by lush greenery and flowers—evoking the charm of both Madeira vs Azores landscapes.

A person in a white dress stands next to a large, uniquely shaped tree on a grassy hill under the bright sky of the enchanting Fanal Forest, Madeira.

Two people stand on the PR17 Madeira trail, overlooking a lush green valley surrounded by mountains under a partly cloudy sky. — PR17 hike, Madeira

However, there were so many elements of the Azores we loved, too:

More peaceful (less touristy)
Thermal pools and geothermal activity
Whale watching (even though we didn’t get lucky this time)

When considering Madeira vs Azores, it’s all down to your travel preferences. Consider the time of year, your budget, and whether you’re looking to stay in one place or island hop. Both are some of the most naturally beautiful destinations in Europe, so you’ll have a great time whichever you choose!

A woman in a striped shirt and pink shorts sits at a wooden counter overlooking the ocean and a green cliff, enjoying local food and drink—one of the relaxing things to do in São Miguel.

View of a turquoise lake surrounded by green hills and fields, with pink flowers in the foreground under a partly cloudy sky—a perfect spot to add to your list of things to do in São Miguel.

A person stands in the middle of green, terraced rice fields seen from above, evoking landscapes that spark comparisons like azores vs madeira. — Gorreana Tea Factory on Sao Miguel, Azores

Which is better, Azores or Madeira?

The choice is yours; it’s entirely dependent on your travel style. We prefer Madeira for its intense hikes and amazing food scene. It’s also more developed, with slightly better infrastructure, making it a great road trip spot. On the other hand, the Azores (especially São Miguel) are quieter, more remote, and better for thermal springs and wildlife watching.

Is Madeira or Azores better for nature?

We think Madeira wins for hiking and mountain views. However, in general, both islands have breathtaking verdant landscapes. The Azores have an exceptionally high level of biodiversity, meaning more unique species of animals, marine life, and flora and fauna.

What’s the difference between Azores and Madeira?

Madeira is one island (plus the calm beaches of Porto Santo island). It’s known for its high mountain peaks, epic hiking routes, jaw-dropping drives, and cute towns. The Azores are a group of nine islands, characterized by a rolling, gentle landscape that is home to hot springs, lakes, and farmland.

Is Madeira part of the Azores?

No. While Madeira and the Azores are both part of Portugal and both located in the Atlantic, they are two separate archipelagos. They’re also located far from each other. Madeira is closer to northwest Africa, while the Azores are located halfway between Portugal and the US.

Which is cheaper: Madeira or Azores?

From our trips, we found the Azores a little cheaper overall, especially on food and drinks. Dining out was more affordable, and some of the activities like hot springs only cost a few euros. On the other hand, Madeira has more variety in restaurants and hotels, but that can mean spending more if you’re tempted by the fancier spots (which we often were 🙈). Flights to Madeira are usually easier and sometimes cheaper because it’s more connected, while flights to the Azores can vary depending on the season. If you’re traveling on a tighter budget, the Azores might work out better — but Madeira can also be done as affordable as the Azores if you stick to local eats and self-guided hikes.

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