Portuguese islands you should visit in summer

Sao Miguel, or the Green Island, is the biggest island in the Azores and home to the only cruise ship terminal and one main airport in the archipelago. A temperate climate, hillsides, lush forests, and mountains combine to form breathtaking views wherever you go in Sao Miguel. If you're here for sightseeing, your journey is likely to start at Ponta Delgada, the island's capital city. There are enough shopping areas, gardens to relax, and restaurants to dine in at Ponta Delgada. Beaches at Sao Paolo, including Ribeira Quant and Praia do Populo, will mesmerise you with beautiful dark volcanic sands. Add Praia de Santa Barbara and Praia do Lombo Gordo for paragliding, canoeing, and whale watching for extra beach fun. Other points of interest are Salto do Farinha in Nordeste, the main lighthouse of Sao Miguel. Then Ribeira Grande will enchant you with its suggestive architecture.

With mild temperatures year-round, Madeira makes one of the best Portuguese islands for nature lovers. Some of the hiking trails are maintenance paths alongside waterways. In the northern valleys, dense forests fledged with ancient trees provide shelter to migratory birds you can watch as you trek. Take your road trips to the well-paved coastal roads for spectacular views on a rented car. But make sure the vehicle has enough torque to tackle the steep routes. Big game fishing, sailing, paragliding, and kayaking are everyday activities in the waters of Madeira Island. Scuba diving, horse riding, and snorkelling are excellent in the clear waters where sea creatures abound. If you bring your kids to the archipelago, make sure they see Santa Cruz, an ancient village northeast of Funchal. Take them to a large aqua park in Santa Cruz offering kiddies pools, multiple slides, and flumes. There are activities for adults in the park based on the Portuguese Islands' history, tradition, culture, and science.

Tavira is among the best Portuguese islands in the Atlantic along the Algarve coast. You can get here by water taxis or ferries that regularly serve the area. Tavira Island is an integral part of Ria Formosa Natural Park. It is mainly associated with the white sand beach (Ilha de Tavira), backed with dunes and probably the best views in Algarve. Ria Formosa is home to thousands of birds, with the pretty pink flamingos dominating in the lagoons. For a quieter seaside experience, head to the central region at Praia da Terra Estreita or Praia do Barril to the west, which is famed for an old tuna factory and an anchor cemetery. At Ilha de Tavira, your kids will enjoy making sandcastles or playing in the soft white sand. Plus, the waters are calm and clean, hence suitable for tiny legs.