What is the largest island in the Azores?

The largest island in the Azores is São Miguel Island.

São Miguel covers roughly 745–760 square kilometres, making it the biggest of the Portuguese archipelago’s nine principal islands. It is also the most populous, with Ponta Delgada serving as the Azores’ largest city and an important regional centre.

Known as “the Green Island,” São Miguel is volcanic and famous for crater lakes, hot springs, and lush landscapes. Notable sites include Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, and the Furnas geothermal area. Its highest point is Pico da Vara, at 1,105 metres.

The island was settled by Portuguese colonists in the 15th century. A 1522 earthquake and landslides devastated Vila Franca do Campo, helping Ponta Delgada become the island’s administrative and commercial capital. A common mix-up is confusing São Miguel with Pico: Pico has the Azores’ highest mountain, but São Miguel is the largest island.