This video was taken from the “Vigia das Baleias” at Ponta dos Rosais in São Jorge. On a clear day like this one, you can see all the 5 island of the Central Group of the Azores: Graciosa, Terceira, São Jorge, Pico and Faial (wondering which island is best to visit?).

The five islands of the central group of the Azores—Faial, Pico, São Jorge, Terceira, and Graciosa—are well connected by a comprehensive ferry network operated by Atlânticoline, making island-hopping a convenient and scenic option for travelers.

The Triangle Islands: Year-Round Connections

The three closest islands—Faial, Pico, and São Jorge—form what’s known as the “Triangle” and enjoy the most frequent ferry service. The Blue Line operates multiple times daily between Horta (Faial) and Madalena (Pico), with the journey taking just 30 minutes. This route is so convenient that many residents actually commute between the two islands for work.

The Green Line and Orange Line also connect these triangle islands throughout the year, with the Green Line weaving between them and offering spectacular views, particularly of São Jorge’s dramatic cliffs. Journey times range from 30 minutes to about 2.5 hours depending on your route and destination.

Connecting to Terceira and Graciosa

The two more distant islands of the central group, Terceira and Graciosa, are linked through seasonal ferry services. The Purple Line operates only on Tuesdays and Saturdays from June through September, connecting the triangle islands to Praia da Vitória in Terceira.

The White Line is the most comprehensive option, running twice weekly (typically Mondays and Fridays) from June to September and connecting all five central group islands: Faial, Pico, São Jorge, Graciosa, and Terceira. This makes it particularly popular with tourists seeking to explore the entire central archipelago, though journey times can range from 20 minutes to 5 hours depending on your specific route.

Practical Considerations

Ferry travel between these islands offers an affordable and scenic alternative to flying, with opportunities to spot whales and dolphins along the way. However, services operate in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean where currents and waves can occasionally be rough, which may lead to delays or cancellations, particularly outside summer months. The triangle islands enjoy the most reliable service due to their proximity, while connections to Terceira and Graciosa are more limited to the summer season.

When the weather is nice, the sunsets on the southwest coast of Faial are nothing short of spectacular!

The Azores are a great surf destination, with several surf spots well known to the surfers community, often likened to Hawaii, with its nine volcanic islands feature pristine beach breaks, world-class reef breaks, and dreamy, long point breaks. Praia do Norte in Faial is one of them.

By Paolo Ghibaudo @ GTTA

Picture taken with drone this summer on pico Island, Azores (discover more about Pico Mountain, the highest peak in Portugal)

A picture taken on our first trip to the Azores, in 2012 (see our Angra do Heroismo travel guide). This hill captured my attention as it looks like it has big eyebrows and/or it is wearing a mask 🙂