Island Hopping in the Azores with Sata Air Açores
Want to go to the Azores but not sure where to start? Would you like to visit several islands, instead of just the one main island of São Miguel? The great news is that inter-island flight options abound in the Azores.
Specifically, if you are interested in going from Pico to Terceira or Sao Miguel to Pico, here’s an article with every inter-island flight route in the Azores, as well as some expert local tips to know before embarking on your Azores adventure!
It is important to note that although the Azores Islands appear fairly close to one another when looking at them on a map, island hopping around the Portuguese archipelago requires a flight (or two) most of the time.
Inter-island flights in the Azores run between all nine islands on a daily basis via the small regional airline Sata Air Açores. Flight times vary, from as little as 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the specific Azores Islands you’re flying between, and whether there are any short stops that the flight route makes on other islands along the way to your final destination.
Here is a map that shows all of the inter-island flights currently available in the Azores, Portugal:
Inter-Island Flight Routes:
- São Miguel: Direct flights available from São Miguel to Santa Maria, Terceira, Pico, Faial, São Jorge and Flores;
- Santa Maria: Direct flights from Santa Maria to São Miguel Island;
- Terceira: Direct flights from Terceira to Pico, Faial, São Jorge Island, Flores Island, Graciosa and São Miguel Island;
- Faial: Direct flights from Faial to Flores, Corvo, Terceira and São Miguel;
- São Jorge: Direct flights from São Jorge to Terceira and São Miguel;
- Flores: Direct flights from Flores to Corvo, Terceira, Faial and São Miguel;
- Graciosa: Direct flights from Graciosa to Terceira;
- Corvo: Direct flights from Corvo to Flores and Faial.
To get to one of the smallest islands, you may be required to stop en route and have a very brief layover, but don’t worry, as sometimes it isn’t necessary that you leave the airplane!
What about luggage on these inter-island flights in the Azores?
You’re allowed to bring one checked bag up to 23 KG/50 LB.
What type of airplanes are used in inter-island flights in the Azores?
The air carrier uses small airplanes for these inter-island operations, which only carry between 37 to 80 passengers each. For this reason, spots fill up fast, so it is important that you do not delay when booking your inter-island flight tickets!
Azores Getaways offers travel deals that already include a visit to more than one island, so you won’t need to worry about that. Just choose your preferred Azores Islands combo and get ready for an unforgettable and absolutely authentic experience in the mid-Atlantic.
One important detail...
One important detail to be aware of is that flight times and availabilities vary, as inter-island flights in the Azores don’t follow the exact same flight schedule every day. This means that just because an inter-island flight to Terceira from São Miguel is available at 11am on a Monday does not mean that same flight option will be running at the exact same time on Wednesday. For this reason, it is important and always advised that you book your inter-island flight in advance, according to what aligns with your trip itinerary.
While you are thinking of your upcoming inter-island travel, please also keep in mind that depending on the day and the island you have chosen to visit, there isn't necessarily going to be a direct flight running everyday. Reasons for this could vary: The direct flight you are hoping for could be sold out, or it could simply not exist as a daily option. But don’t worry, you can still absolutely get to every island, it just might require you to make one stop in between en route to your final destination. If you want to see multiple islands on your trip, the easiest way is to fly between the island groups.
This is especially true if you don't feel like waiting, like some inter-island ferries require. In this case, considering taking a plane is the best solution. Keep in mind that, just like ferries, schedules vary, and operate according to the demands coinciding with the peak tourism season. For example, during the summer, there are more inter-island flights available in the Azores because there are more visitors demanding them. Even then, at the peak tourist season, it is important to keep in mind that there may not be inter-island flights offered that travel directly to each island every day. For this reason, it is important that you plan ahead accordingly. The good news is that Azores Getaways can take care of any of that tedious planning for you with any of its inclusive packages.
Even better news?
Azores Getaways helps save you time and money, and even offers travel packages with deals that will transport you to multiple islands easily and hassle-free. You can even discover all nine islands all in one trip to get the absolute most out of your Azores experience! Although the nine islands are culturally and geographically similar to one another, each island in the Azores has its own distinct personality and flair. To truly experience the authenticity, uniqueness, and striking natural beauty of these islands, make sure you visit more than one! In fact, we suggest going for it and letting us help you arrange a package where you can visit them all, then decide for yourself which is your favorite. We guarantee it will be hard to pick just one.
