Explore Portugal’s Islands

MADEIRA

Madeira’s handsome historical capital, Funchal, is often called “Little Lisbon” because of its resemblance to the Portuguese capital. The rest of the island, however, has a completely different character to the Portuguese mainland. Much of its mountainous interior is covered in lauraceous forests so ancient that they have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. The network of irrigation canals called levadas attracts keen walkers to this compact island, while the surrounding seas draws watersports enthusiasts, and those hoping to spot whales and dolphins.

Best for Year-round warm weather and alluring scenery

Home to Funchal

Experience The infamous Monte Toboggan, a hair-raising 2-km (1-mile) descent in a wicker basket on runners

The Azores

With few beaches, a capricious climate and no large-scale resorts, the Azores has escaped mass tourism. Come here to explore green mountains decked with blue hydrangeas, swim in waters brimming with marine creatures and relax in quiet ports where the pace of life is refreshingly civil and unhurried. The largest settlements are São Miguel’s Ponta Delgada – the regional capital – and the charming, historic town of Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira. But to get firmly off-grid, where better than Pico, a towering 2,350-m (7,700-ft) volcanic peak.

Best for Getting away from it all

Home to São Miguel

Experience The majesty of some of the ocean’s largest creatures aboard a whale-watching trip from either Faial, Pico, Graciosa, Terceira or São Miguel