Where are the Azores?
The Azores are in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of mainland Portugal. The nine islands form an autonomous region of Portugal and are part of the European Union.
By Roman Antonov · sources checked
Azores location facts
- Country
- Portugal, as an autonomous region
- Ocean
- North Atlantic
- Islands
- Nine islands in three geographical groups
- Time zone
- UTC−1 in winter; UTC+0 in summer
- Currency
- Euro (€)
Sources: Portuguese Parliament, Azores Geopark, European Commission and NAV Portugal; checked 12 October 2026.
Where are the Azores located?
The Azores lie in the North Atlantic, west of mainland Portugal. They sit between Europe and North America. The island chain spans about 600 km. It runs from Santa Maria to Corvo.
The islands lie around 37° to 40° north latitude. Their longitudes run roughly from 25° to 31° west. On a world map, look west from Portugal’s Atlantic coast. The archipelago lies well out in the ocean.
Sources: Azores Geopark: island geography; Turismo de Portugal: geography.
Are the Azores part of Portugal?
The Azores are an autonomous region of Portugal. They have their own regional government. Their legislative assembly is elected. These institutions work within the Portuguese Constitution. The Constitution includes the archipelago in Portuguese territory.
Portuguese is the official language. Use Portugal as the country when completing travel forms. A journey from Lisbon to the Azores stays within Portugal. The islands’ regional status does not create a separate country.
Sources: Portuguese Parliament: Constitution of the Portuguese Republic.
Are the Azores part of Europe?
The Azores are part of Europe politically, through Portugal. They also belong to the EU. The EU classes the islands as an outermost region. That means EU territory far from the European mainland.
The islands sit in the Atlantic Ocean. They also belong to the euro area. For your trip, this means the same currency as mainland Portugal: the euro.
Sources: European Commission: outermost regions; European Commission: use of the euro in overseas regions.
How many islands are in the Azores?
The Azores have nine islands. They fall into three geographical groups. All nine are volcanic. These groups are Western, Central and Eastern. Use the individual island links below to choose where to stay.
Travel between islands is by regional flight or boat. Check the route before choosing your overnight stops. I’d plan those connections first. Then I’d book accommodation on each island.
Sources: Azores Geopark: islands and groups; Visit Azores: travel between islands.
How far are the Azores from mainland Portugal?
Terceira, in the central Azores, lies about 1,500 km west of mainland Portugal. Distances vary across the archipelago. The island chain spans about 600 km. Your departure point and arrival island determine the exact distance.
Flights between the mainland and the Azores take about 2 hours. Check your chosen flight’s timetable before planning connections. Allow extra time for travel between islands if your arrival island differs from where you want to stay.
Sources: European Commission: Terceira’s distance from mainland Portugal; Azores Geopark: archipelago extent; Turismo de Portugal: flight time from the mainland; Visit Azores: travel between islands.
What time zone are the Azores in?
The Azores use UTC−1 in winter and UTC+0 in summer. Every island follows the same time. They stay 1 hour behind mainland Portugal throughout the year.
In 2026, summer time runs from 29 March to 25 October. Clocks move forward in March. They move back in October. Use Azores local time when arranging calls or checking your plans for the day.
Sources: NAV Portugal: local time in mainland Portugal and the Azores; Lisbon Astronomical Observatory: clock change dates.
Azores travel questions
How do you pronounce Azores?
In British English, say “uh ZORZ”: /əˈzɔːz/. Stress the second syllable. In American English, say “AY zorz”: /ˈeɪ.zɔːrz/. Stress the first syllable. Both versions end with the z sound in “zoo”.
What currency do the Azores use?
The Azores use the euro (€), Portugal’s currency. This applies to all nine islands. You can use the same euros on the mainland and in the Azores. Travelling between them requires no currency exchange.
Do I need a passport to go to the Azores?
British and US tourists need a valid passport to enter Portugal. It must have been issued less than 10 years before arrival. It must remain valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen area. EU citizens can use a valid passport or national identity card. Citizens of Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland can also use national identity cards. The Azores follow Portugal’s entry rules. Check visa requirements for your nationality before booking.
Do people speak English in the Azores?
Yes, English is spoken in the Azores, especially in tourism. Hotels and guided tours commonly use English. Portuguese is the official language. English is less common in smaller villages. I’d keep a translation app handy. Learn a few Portuguese greetings too.
Roman Antonov, editor
I checked the geography and legal status against official sources. I also checked the clock changes and entry rules on 12 October 2026.