Comparison · Azores vs Reykjavík · Portugal / Iceland
Azores vs Reykjavík
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Lacobrigo, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Azores for Crater lakes, Whale watching, lower day-to-day costs and free sights; choose Reykjavík for Northern lights, Midnight sun and a short break. Azores is generally less expensive, and the two are about 2,947 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 2,947 km
- Less expensive
- Azores
- Best time for Azores
- May–September
- Best time for Reykjavík
- June–September
Side by side
| Azores | Reykjavík | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Portugal | Iceland |
| Known for | Crater lakes, Whale watching and Hot springs | Northern lights, Midnight sun and Hallgrímskirkja |
| Best time to visit | May–September | June–September |
| Ideal stay | 8 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $130–$230 | $220–$400 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Very expensive |
| Warmest month | August, 26°C (79°F) | July, 14°C (57°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 17°C (63°F) | January, 3°C (37°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 9 | 6 |
| Day trips in our guide | 5 | 5 |
| Beaches | Praia de Santa Bárbara | Nauthólsvík geothermal beach |
| Airports | PDL, TER, HOR, PIX, FLW | KEF, RKV |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Azores for…
Crater lakes, Whale watching, lower day-to-day costs and free sights. The Azores are nine volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic, about 1,400 km west of Lisbon, belonging to Portugal as an autonomous region. Most visitors start on São Miguel, the largest island, with the crater lakes of Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo…
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Choose Reykjavík for…
Northern lights, Midnight sun and a short break. Reykjavík is the world's northernmost capital and home to about a third of Iceland's population, but its centre is small enough to walk across in 20 minutes, from Hallgrímskirkja church down Skólavörðustígur and Laugavegur to the Old Harbour and Harpa…
Top sights compared
| # | Azores | Reykjavík |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sete Cidades and the Vista do Rei viewpoint | Hallgrímskirkja |
| 2 | Lagoa do Fogo | Harpa Concert Hall |
| 3 | Furnas fumaroles and lake | Sun Voyager |
| 4 | Terra Nostra Garden | National Museum of Iceland |
| 5 | Poça da Dona Beija | Perlan |
Food compared
| Azores | Reykjavík |
|---|---|
| Cozido das Furnas | Icelandic lamb soup |
| São Jorge cheese | Fish stew |
| Bolo lêvedo | Icelandic hot dog |
| Limpets | Skyr |
Which is cheaper?
Azores is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $130–$230 per person there, against $220–$400 in Reykjavík (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Azores on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 2,947 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 14 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Azores or Reykjavík cheaper?
Azores is usually less expensive: about $130–$230 a day mid-range against $220–$400 (estimates).
+Is Azores or Reykjavík better for a first trip?
Pick Azores for Crater lakes, Whale watching, lower day-to-day costs and free sights, or Reykjavík for Northern lights, Midnight sun and a short break.
+How far is Azores from Reykjavík?
About 2,947 km in a straight line.