The Best Sustainable Stays in the Azores Islands

Rising from the Atlantic like a lost world, the Azores are a sanctuary of dramatic landscapes, volcanic craters, thermal springs, and ocean views that stretch to infinity. Long recognized for their environmental stewardship, these islands are now home to a growing network of sustainable accommodations — from off-grid cabins to eco-certified hotels and farm-based guesthouses rooted in island traditions.

Whether you're hiking through the Laurisilva forest, soaking in geothermal pools, or waking to the call of seabirds in a coastal eco-lodge, these stays invite you to connect with nature on its own terms. Sustainability here isn’t just a trend — it’s embedded in everyday life.

 💡 Looking for more green getaways across Portugal? Soon you’ll be able to explore our complete guide to the 100 Best Eco Hotels and Sustainable Stays in Portugal — including retreats in Alentejo, Madeira, the Douro Valley, Lisbon, and more.

📍 Horta, Faial Island (Azores) | 💶 From 75€ | Website | Google Maps

With sweeping views of Pico Mountain and the Atlantic just outside your window, Hotel do Canal blends maritime heritage with forward-thinking sustainability. This boutique 4-star hotel — located along Horta’s main street and a short stroll from the marina — is part of the Bensaude Hotels Group, the first in the Azores to achieve Travelife Gold Certification across all properties.

Sustainability here is no afterthought. Hotel do Canal prioritizes eco-conscious operations while also supporting the local economy and cultural heritage of Faial Island. From energy-saving practices to social responsibility initiatives, their commitment to sustainable tourism has earned them international recognition — and makes them a standout in the region.

The hotel’s nautical-inspired design pays homage to Horta’s historic role as a transatlantic port. Inside, expect modern, low-impact amenities like energy-efficient lighting, locally sourced fare at the Clipper Restaurant, and spa facilities that promote wellness with a lighter footprint.

Rooms are clean-lined and cozy, with wood furnishings, tea and coffee stations, and many offering bay or Pico views. Guests are welcomed with a bottle of mineral water and VIP touches, making it a perfect base for both leisure travelers and slow-travel seekers exploring Faial’s volcanic trails, natural pools, or ferry-hopping to Pico and São Jorge.

After a day of island adventures, relax in the wellness centre featuring a Turkish steam bath, sauna, hot tub, and massage services. The hotel also includes a fitness center, game room, and communal lounge with a veranda — ideal for journaling your Atlantic-facing memories.

 
Facilities: Spa & Wellness · Restaurant & Bar · Free Parking · Tea/Coffee in All Rooms · Fitness Centre · Sauna & Steam Bath · Game Room

 🏡 103 rooms | Pet-friendly | Family friendly
 🕒 Check-in: 15:00 | 🕛 Check-out: 12:00
 📍 Largo Dr. Manuel de Arriaga, 9900-026 Horta, Portugal
 📞 +351 292 202 120 | ✉️ hoteldocanal@bensaude.pt

 📍 Santo Amaro, Pico Island (Azores) | 💶 From 200€ | Website | Google Maps

Perched on a cliff on the quiet north coast of Pico Island, Lava Homes is a thoughtfully designed eco-village where volcanic stone and cryptomeria wood meet expansive Atlantic views. The result is a place that feels at once rooted in local tradition and elevated by contemporary sustainability.

Built to preserve the land’s natural slope and flora, this intimate resort of 14 houses blends almost invisibly into the landscape — a feat achieved using local materials, double-glazed windows, and passive design elements for thermal comfort. Even the gardens feature endemic plant species and collect rainwater through restored cisterns for irrigation.

Inside, the homes are bright and airy, with fireplaces, full kitchens, and panoramic sea-facing terraces. Heating is provided by clean-burning pellet stoves, and electricity is supported by photovoltaic panels, minimizing the environmental footprint year-round.

At the heart of the community is Magma Restaurant, serving Azorean ingredients sourced almost entirely from local producers — think fresh fish, honey, vegetables, cheese, and jams. There’s also a craft shop, a heated saltwater pool, and a panoramic multipurpose room where yoga classes are offered several times a week.

Lava Homes is ideal for families, couples, or remote workers seeking tranquility and connection to the land. Whether hiking the trails of the Voltas Path, gazing at São Jorge Island from your private deck, or warming up by the stove after a day’s exploration, this is Pico at its most poetic — and most sustainable.

Facilities: Heated Pool · Restaurant & Bar · Yoga Studio · Craft Shop · Private Terraces · Sea & Mountain Views · Free WiFi · Parking · Laundry Services · Hiking, Cycling & Snorkelling Nearby

 🏡 14 accommodation units | Family friendly
 🕒 Check-in: 16:00 | 🕛 Check-out: 11:00
 📍 Travessa do Outeiro das Eiras 2A, 9940-185 Terra Alta, Portugal
 📞 +351 292 241 200 | ✉️ contact@lavahomes.com

 📍 Furnas, São Miguel Island (Azores) | 💶 From 250€ | Website | Google Maps

Tucked between lush volcanic slopes and the tranquil Furnas Lake, Furnas Lake Forest Living is a minimalist design retreat where cedar-clad villas nestle quietly into a rehabilitated forest. This isn’t just a place to stay — it’s a 25-year agroforestry project in motion, with native trees, organic gardens, and sustainable architecture that’s won praise as one of Portugal’s most compelling contemporary designs.

What once was pastureland is now a thriving forest sanctuary filled with aromatic herbs, edible flowers, goats, chickens, butterflies, and bees. Every corner — from the vegetable garden that supplies the restaurant to the handcrafted honey served at breakfast — reflects a deep respect for the land and its rhythms.

The ten Scandinavian-inspired villas feature warm cedar wood, south-facing windows, fireplaces, and fully equipped kitchens. A stone farmhouse with a private garden offers an alternative for those seeking extra space. All units include eco-friendly toiletries, high-speed Wi-Fi, and Smart TVs, though nature is often the main attraction.

Guests can enjoy forest walks, outdoor yoga, or simply unplug by the saltwater pool. Bikes and horses are available for local exploration, and the on-site restaurant delivers refined Azorean cuisine in tune with the seasons.

Whether you’re soaking in the geothermal waters of Poça da Dona Beija, picnicking by the lake, or reconnecting with a slower pace of life, Furnas Lake Forest Living offers the luxury of simplicity — a forest reborn into a new way of living.

Facilities: Saltwater Outdoor Pool · Restaurant & Bar · Forest Garden · Organic Produce · Fireplace · Horseback Riding & Bike Rentals · Free Parking · WiFi · Room Service

 🏡 13 rooms with kitchen | Family friendly
 🕒 Check-in: 15:00 | 🕛 Check-out: 11:00
 📍 Estrada Regional do Sul, Lagoa das, 9675-090 Furnas, Portugal
 📞 +351 296 584 107 | ✉️ reservas@furnaslake.com

 📍 São Roque, São Miguel Island (Azores) | 💶 From 400€ | Website | Google Maps

Just 3 km from the heart of Ponta Delgada, Herdade do Ananás offers a rare blend of farmstead authenticity and sophisticated comfort. Surrounded by historic pineapple greenhouses, fragrant orchards, and expansive gardens, this boutique hotel invites guests into a slower rhythm of life — one rooted in sustainability, legacy, and Azorean generosity.

Originally a century-old family estate, the hotel’s interiors feature reused and upcycled furniture from traditional homes and restaurants, preserving the soul of the island. Sunlight streams through floor-to-ceiling windows, while eco-conscious choices — from the absence of curtains to refillable bath amenities — shape every detail of the stay. LED lighting, rainwater-fed irrigation systems, and naturally fertilized gardens help make the property 100% irrigation self-sufficient.

The rooms — elegant yet rustic — offer Super King beds, rain showers, and views of the surrounding orchards. Breakfast is a celebration of regional flavors, with housemade jams, fruit from the gardens, and artisan breads.

But it’s the pineapple experience that sets this retreat apart. As the only producer of pineapple wine in Europe, Herdade do Ananás offers guided tours of its historic greenhouses and exclusive tastings of its golden-hued, organic and vegan fermented drink — a true gift of the land and time.

Guests can unwind in the indoor pool, gather around the fire circle, or explore the grounds by complimentary bicycle. Dinners at the RÚSTICO restaurant showcase local flavors, served in a relaxed atmosphere that reflects the farm’s values: no waste, no rush — just authenticity and Azorean soul.

Facilities: Indoor Pool · Restaurant · Fire Circle · Pineapple Tours & Tastings · Garden Walks · Bicycles Included · Airport Shuttle · WiFi · Room Service

 🏡 8 rooms | Family friendly
 🕒 Check-in: 14:00 | 🕛 Check-out: 11:00
 📍 Canada dos Prestes de Cima, 21 São Roque, 9500-450 São Roque, Portugal
 📞 +351 919 293 000 | ✉️ herdadedoananas@gmail.com

 📍 Livramento, São Miguel Island (Azores) | 💶 From 250€ | Website | Google Maps

In a restored 19th-century citrus estate overlooking the Atlantic, Solar Branco Eco Estate offers a rare intersection of luxury, sustainability, and Azorean culture. Just five minutes from Ponta Delgada, this adults-only boutique hotel is redefining what eco-conscious travel means in the Azores — from solar-powered suites and zero food waste policies to its impactful marine conservation work.

The estate is a living example of regenerative hospitality. 80% of energy is sourced from solar panels, and all transportation is 100% electric. Single-use plastics are banned, edible food is repurposed through on-site composting and free-range chickens, and every stay contributes directly to ocean conservation through a 5€ per night donation to the Ocean Azores Foundation, co-founded by the hotel’s owner.

Set across citrus groves and pollinator-rich wildflower fields, the property features just eight elegant suites and cottages, each blending timeless heritage with modern design. Expect dreamy beds, soft textiles, sea views, and details like claw-foot bathtubs, locally made ceramics, and vintage Azorean touches.

Breakfast is a showcase of island flavor, with fruits, eggs, and produce sourced directly from the estate’s gardens or São Miguel’s nearby farmers’ markets. For a truly unique experience, guests can enjoy a farm tour with owner Ali or book an omakase-style Azorean sushi dinner at Senhor Raposa’s Secret Drinking Den, a speakeasy experience run by Chef Joana — renowned for using sustainable Atlantic fish and hyper-local ingredients.

Whether lounging on the sun terrace, discovering the estate’s hedgehog rescue program, or learning about their bee preservation work, a stay at Solar Branco is more than a holiday — it’s a commitment to responsible, beautiful living in the heart of the Azores.

Facilities: Free WiFi · Free Parking · Farm-to-Table Breakfast · Wildlife Ponds · Gin Tasting · Sushi Speakeasy

 🏡 8 luxury suites & cottages | Adults only (16+)
 🕒 Check-in: 15:00 | 🕛 Check-out: 11:00
 📍 Solar Branco Eco Estate, 9500-604 Ponta Delgada, Portugal
 📞 +351 919 077 260 | ✉️ bookings@solarbranco.com

 📍 Ribeira Grande, São Miguel Island (Azores) | 💶 From 400€ | Website | Google Maps

Tucked between volcanic mountains and the Atlantic’s deep blue, Santa Bárbara Eco-Beach Resort was the first ecological beach resort in the Azores — and remains one of its most visionary. This bold yet harmonious retreat brings together contemporary architecture, Azorean traditions, and a strong commitment to sustainability, right on the iconic black-sand beach of Santa Bárbara.

The resort’s design mirrors the natural contours of the land, using local materials like cryptomeria wood, cork, and bamboo. Everything — from thermal insulation to energy-efficient windows and LED lighting — is carefully curated to minimize environmental impact. Rainwater is harvested for irrigation, food waste is composted or shared with employees, and beach clean-ups are regularly organized with staff and local communities. A key-card system reduces unnecessary energy use in each villa, while on-site organic farming supplies the restaurant with fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruits.

Guests choose from elegant studios and villas, many with panoramic terraces, hammocks, or private jacuzzis. Interiors are sleek and calming, with wood-paneled ceilings and coastal tones that reflect the surrounding nature. The on-site restaurant, led by Chef Vítor Sobral, honors Azorean flavors with creative, seasonal dishes and an excellent selection of local wines and signature cocktails.

Whether enjoying morning yoga by the sea, a wellness ritual inspired by native plants, or simply soaking in the Atlantic views from the infinity pool, every moment here feels rooted in the landscape. The resort’s “Experience Service” personalizes your stay with activities like hiking, whale watching, surfing, or therapeutic relaxation — all designed to reconnect guests with nature and themselves.

Facilities: Beach Access · Outdoor Pool · Restaurant & Beach Bar · Wellness Treatments · Organic Garden · Airport Shuttle · Free Parking 

 🏡 30 villas & studios | Pet-friendly | Family friendly
 🕒 Check-in: 15:00 | 🕛 Check-out: 12:00
 📍 Estrada Regional nº1, 1º Morro de Baixo, 9600-219 Ribeira Grande, Portugal
 📞 +351 296 470 360 | ✉️ resort@santabarbaraazores.com

 📍 Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island (Azores) | 💶 From 150€ | Website | Google Maps

Perfectly positioned along the waterfront of Ponta Delgada’s marina, Hotel Marina Atlântico invites guests to embrace the maritime spirit of São Miguel in a stylish, ocean-facing retreat. Drawing inspiration from the Azores’ cod fishing heritage and seafaring traditions, the hotel’s ship-like architecture and nautical décor set the tone for a stay that balances comfort, modernity, and sustainability.

This upscale hotel is part of the Bensaude Hotels Collection, a pioneering group in the Azores that achieved Travelife GOLD Certification for sustainability across all its properties. At Hotel Marina Atlântico, this means a commitment to reducing environmental impact, supporting the local economy, and integrating eco-conscious practices throughout daily operations — from energy-efficient infrastructure to responsible sourcing and waste management.

The 184 contemporary rooms and suites blend soft maritime aesthetics with natural light and calming views of the mountains or harbor. Guests can enjoy relaxing moments in the indoor pool, sauna, steam room, or indulge in a therapeutic massage at the on-site wellness center. The Escuna Restaurant offers a refined take on traditional Portuguese cuisine, while the Palhabote Bar is perfect for a casual drink overlooking the Atlantic.

Whether you're starting a whale-watching adventure or attending a conference, the hotel offers a versatile base with its blend of sustainability, business-ready amenities, and relaxing oceanfront ambiance.

Facilities: Indoor Pool · Spa & Wellness Center · Restaurant & Bar · Fitness Room · Event Spaces · Private Parking

 🏡 184 rooms | Family friendly
 🕒 Check-in: 15:00 | 🕛 Check-out: 12:00
 📍 Av. João Bosco Mota Amaral n.º1, 767, 9500-767 Ponta Delgada, Portugal
 📞 +351 296 307 900 | ✉️ hma@bhc.pt

 📍 Furnas, São Miguel Island (Azores) | 💶 From 200€ | Website | Google Maps

Nestled in the lush Furnas Valley and seamlessly blending Art Deco elegance with ecological commitment, Terra Nostra Garden Hotel offers a timeless escape into São Miguel’s volcanic soul. Set beside the iconic 18th-century Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, this historic hotel immerses guests in a world of thermal springs, exotic flora, and sustainable luxury.

Dating back to 1935, the hotel is part of the Bensaude Hotels Collection, a pioneer in sustainable hospitality in the Azores. Certified with Travelife GOLD, the hotel implements eco-conscious practices such as waste reduction, energy-efficient systems, and local sourcing, all while honoring the region’s unique biodiversity. Guests benefit from free access to the famous thermal pool and gardens — a true highlight of any visit.

Inside, the 86 rooms and suites are designed with calming neutral tones and thoughtful Art Deco influences, offering garden or valley views. The in-house Terra Nostra Restaurant is known for its elevated Azorean cuisine, including the signature Furnas Cozido, a slow-cooked geothermal meal that reflects the island’s sustainable culinary heritage. A luxurious wellness area with thermal pools, a gym, and spa services complements the hotel's green ethos.

Ideal for nature lovers, wellness seekers, or anyone in search of a rejuvenating retreat, Terra Nostra Garden Hotel blends architectural charm with the healing power of nature in the most enchanting way.

Facilities: Outdoor & Indoor Thermal Pools · Spa & Wellness Center · Fitness Room · Fine Dining Restaurant · Free Parking

 🏡 86 rooms | Pet-friendly | Family friendly
 🕒 Check-in: 15:00 | Check-out: 11:00
 📍 Rua Padre José Jacinto Botelho 5, 9675-061 Furnas, Portugal
 📞 +351 296 549 090 | ✉️ terra.nostra@bensaude.pt

 📍 Biscoitos, Terceira Island (Azores) | 💶 From 150€ | Website | Google Maps

Tucked away in a forest clearing on the wild northern coast of Terceira, Caparica Azores Ecolodge is a serene sanctuary for travelers seeking deep immersion in nature, comfort, and Azorean authenticity. With just six sustainable lodges for couples and a rustic house for groups, this low-impact retreat celebrates community, art, and the environment in equal measure.

Constructed using natural and locally sourced materials, Caparica is a model for low-carbon lodging in the Azores. From organic gardening and composting systems to chemical-free cleaning and refillable amenities, every detail reflects an ethos of mindful living. The property also integrates artworks by contemporary Azorean artists, adding a cultural dimension to your stay.

Guests can unwind by the striking red-hued natural pool, explore walking trails, or join birdwatching, yoga retreats, or wine tastings. The ecolodge’s connection to the surrounding land is ever-present—whether it’s in the seasonal produce served, the community ties it supports, or the peaceful atmosphere it fosters. Far from tourist crowds, yet close to stunning black sand beaches and volcanic coastline, Caparica is a perfect choice for slow travelers.

Facilities: Outdoor Natural Pool · Organic Garden · Art Gallery Spaces · Breakfast & Brunch · Airport Shuttle

 🏡 6 eco-lodges and 1 stone house | Family friendly
 🕒 Check-in: 14:00 | 🕛 Check-out: 12:00
 📍 Ilha Terceira, Canada da Fonte 68, 9760-051 Biscoitos, Portugal
 📞 +351 295 989 100 | ✉️ caparicaazoresecolodge@gmail.com

 📍 Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira Island (Azores) | 💶 From 100€ | Website | Google Maps

Nestled between the slopes of Monte Brasil and the open waters of Fanal Bay, Terceira Mar Hotel offers a resort-style stay with breathtaking sea views, tropical gardens, and a spectacular saltwater infinity pool that seems to flow into the Atlantic. Its location just outside UNESCO-listed Angra do Heroísmo makes it ideal for both cultural explorers and those craving downtime in the Azorean sun.

Certified with Travelife GOLD for its commitment to sustainable tourism, Terceira Mar Hotel incorporates environmentally conscious practices across its operations—from energy and water conservation to local sourcing and responsible waste management. It is one of eight Bensaude Hotels awarded the certification, a pioneering achievement in the Azores.

The 139 rooms all feature ocean-facing balconies, while wellness seekers can unwind in the hotel’s indoor spa, fitness center, or Turkish bath. Guests rave about the breakfast made with regional products and the oceanfront Monte Brasil Restaurant, where Azorean recipes are celebrated with pride. Whether you're here for leisure or as a family, this hotel strikes the right balance between comfort, sustainability, and location.

Facilities: Outdoor Infinity Pool · Spa & Wellness Centre · Indoor Pool · Sea-View Restaurant · Free Parking

 🏡 139 rooms | Family friendly
 🕒 Check-in: 15:00 | 🕛 Check-out: 12:00
 📍 Portões de São Pedro, nº 1, 9700-097 Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal
 📞 +351 295 402 280 | ✉️ tmh@bhc.pt

Azores Experiences

The Azores are one of Europe’s most breathtaking natural destinations — and we’re preparing to bring you curated activities focused on hiking, sea, culture, and conservation.

 Coming soon: sustainable experiences in São Miguel, Pico, and beyond.