Island Hopping in the Azores: A Practical Guide
Logistics you should understand before traveling between islands — with a photographer’s perspective.
Traveling between the Azores islands is part of the adventure. However, it is also where many trips lose time, flexibility, or momentum if the logistics aren’t well understood.
Unlike mainland Europe, the Azores are an archipelago of nine volcanic islands scattered across the Atlantic. There are no trains, no bridges, and very limited ferry connections. Moving between them requires planning — especially if you’re traveling with camera gear or working around the region's notoriously fickle weather.
This guide focuses on the practical realities of island hopping in the Azores, helping you protect your equipment, avoid common mistakes, and keep your trip running smoothly.
1. The Golden Rule: Book Inter-Island Flights Directly with SATA
If you remember just one thing from this guide, make it this: Always book inter-island flights directly through SATA Air Açores.
Avoid third-party platforms like Expedia, Skyscanner, or other aggregators for domestic flights within the Azores.
Why this matters: The weather. The Azores are famous for fast-changing conditions. Fog, crosswinds, or low cloud ceilings can delay or cancel flights with little notice.
Direct Booking: SATA has your direct contact details and will notify you immediately via SMS or email if a flight is delayed, changed, or rebooked.
Third-Party Booking: Communication chains often break down. Travelers frequently arrive at the airport for flights that were cancelled hours earlier, only to find the airline can't rebook them easily because the ticket belongs to an agency.
As a local guide, this is the single most common logistical issue I see affecting visitors.
2. Ferries vs. Planes: When Each Makes Sense
A common misconception is that a convenient ferry network connects all nine islands. It doesn’t.
When to Fly For travel between different island groups — such as moving from São Miguel to Terceira, or Terceira to Pico — flying is your only realistic option. The distances are significant, and open Atlantic conditions are often too rough for regular passenger ferry service.
When Ferries Work Ferries are reliable, practical, and scenic only within the so-called Triangle Islands:
Faial
Pico
São Jorge
These crossings are short (Faial to Pico takes just 30 minutes), beautiful, and generally dependable, especially in summer. Treat these as an enjoyable part of the journey rather than just transport.
3. Managing Camera Gear on Small Aircraft
Inter-island flights are operated by SATA Air Açores using Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 and Q200 turboprop aircraft. These planes are safe and efficient, but they are significantly smaller than the jets you might fly in on.
The "Overhead Bin" Reality The most critical detail for photographers: the overhead bins on these turboprops are very narrow. Standard international carry-on rollers often will not fit and may need to be gate-checked.
Cabin Baggage
Limit: Typically one bag up to 8 kg (17 lbs).
Strategy: This bag should always contain your "Do Not Check" items:
Camera bodies
Lenses
Batteries (Lithium batteries must go in the cabin)
Drone and controller
Essential electronics/Hard drives
Pro Tip: Since weight limits are strict, a common workaround for photographers is to wear a photographer's vest or a jacket with large pockets during boarding to temporarily carry heavy, dense items like batteries or a telephoto lens on your person.
Checked Baggage
Limit: Usually one bag up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
Best use: Tripods, filters, chargers, clothes, and toiletries. Pack tripods centrally in your suitcase, "floating" between layers of clothing for maximum protection.
4. Planning a Logical Route
To maximize your time exploring — and minimize time in airports — avoid backtracking. A linear route is usually the most efficient strategy.
Many travelers (and photographers) choose a flow like this:
Start in São Miguel (The largest and most diverse island).
Continue to Terceira.
End in the Triangle (Pico/Faial/São Jorge), famous for the mountain and vineyard landscapes.
Note: If you plan to visit Corvo, be aware that you will fly on the smaller Dash 8 Q200, the only aircraft in the fleet capable of landing on its short runway.
Departure Tip: Most international flights depart from Ponta Delgada (PDL) on São Miguel. If your trip ends on another island (like Pico), always book your domestic return flight to São Miguel with a generous buffer (or even a day prior) before your international connection to account for weather delays.
Embracing the Logistics
Logistics are part of what keeps the Azores special. They prevent mass overcrowding and help preserve the raw landscapes that draw us here in the first place.
Plan carefully, pack thoughtfully, and allow space for the unexpected. The islands reward patience and adaptability.
Prefer to Focus on the Experience? If you’d rather focus on exploring, photographing, and experiencing the Azores — without worrying about flight bookings, baggage limits, or daily logistics — you may want to explore my Azores Photo Workshops.
Every itinerary is designed around real conditions on the ground, allowing you to concentrate on the images rather than the planning.
[Explore Workshops]
This article was created with the support of AI and refined with first-hand local knowledge and field experience by Azores-based photographer and guide Bruno Ázera.
