The Azores Region Outpaces National Pace in Tourism Development
The picturesque Azores archipelago in Portugal experienced a significant surge in tourist activity in May 2025, recording an impressive 3.1% increase in overnight stays compared to the same period last year, totalling over 444,800 stays in tourist accommodations[1].
This growth aligns with the broader strong performance of Portugal’s tourism sector, which saw a 4% increase in overnight stays nationally in 2024[2][4]. The Azores' appeal as a premium adventure and sustainable tourism destination has undoubtedly played a crucial role in this success, earning awards such as *Europe’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination* and *Best Adventure Destination in the World*, enhancing its attractiveness to international tourists[3].
Although specific source countries for the Azores were not detailed in the search results, it is likely that major European markets and North American visitors are significant contributors, given the Azores’ unique natural and adventure tourism attractions and its ranking among the top European places for Americans to live, invest, and work[3].
The Azores archipelago comprises several islands, each offering distinct attractions: - São Miguel, the most developed island and home to the regional capital, Ponta Delgada, likely hosts the largest share of tourist stays. - Pico Island, famous for its volcanic landscape and Portugal’s highest mountain, attracts hikers and wine lovers. - Corvo, the smallest and northernmost island, appeals to visitors seeking tranquility and natural beauty[5].
While exact overnight stay figures by island were not provided, the diversity of attractions across the islands supports a broad distribution of tourism, with São Miguel probably leading in volume.
The United States of America was the largest source market in May, with 52.4 thousand overnight stays, a 11.9% annual increase. Interestingly, only two islands, Santa Maria (-7.7%) and Corvo (-0.7%), recorded a reduction in the number of overnight stays in hotels and local accommodation. In contrast, Israel, Poland, and Canada showed the highest year-on-year growth in overnight stays. Graciosa was the island that saw the greatest increase in the number of overnight stays this month (28.1%).
Domestic tourism in the Azores saw a slight dip of 5.8% in May, while hotels accounted for 53% of the total overnight stays in May. Vacation rentals accounted for 42.3% of the total overnight stays. Spain is the third-largest source market, with 29.8 thousand overnight stays, a 1.2% increase.
Among the islands, São Miguel accounted for 70.9% of overnight stays in hotels and local accommodation in May. Terceira saw an increase of 1.6%, while Pico and Faial showed a slight fluctuation of 0.1%.
In the first five months of the year, the Azores exceeded one million overnight stays in tourist accommodation, an increase of 7.3% compared to the same period last year. With its diverse attractions and growing reputation as a sustainable and adventure tourism destination, the Azores continue to captivate both domestic and international tourists.
The inspiring growth in Portugal's tourism sector, driven by the Azores' acclaimed status as a sustainable and adventure tourism destination, has generated notable news. With an estimated 444,800 overnight stays in May 2025, the Azores archipelago, particularly its tourist-favorite island, São Miguel, draws travelers seeking unique lifestyle experiences and adventure tourism opportunities.
