Your Guide to the Azores
When you first look through the airplane window and down at the Azores, you’ll be left speechless. From this very first glimpse, you’ll understand why many call this Portuguese archipelago the “Hawaii of Europe” and the “Islands of Colors.”
Set in the middle of the Atlantic, halfway between the USA and continental Portugal, the nine major Azores islands – São Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, Faial, Flores, and Corvo – are impossible not to adore.
Expect green fields spotted with free-roaming local cattle (locally referred to as “happy cows”), and lagoons set on the mouths of extinct volcanoes. Thermal pools offer the chance for a hot dip, the warmth coming from deep within the earth, while ultra-fresh ingredients make for a uniquely savory local cuisine.
A trip to the Azores is a must-do vacation, one you’ll never forget. If you’ve never been before, read on – then get planning.
What is the Best Time to Go to the Azores?
The Azores are a year-round destination; your key considerations will be what you want to do and your budget. The summer brings many visitors from the mainland, who arrive to soak up the scenery or visit relatives, making this the busiest and more expensive season.
The scene is more relaxed and cheaper in the shoulder seasons, while winter can offer challenging weather. Remember that the islands are set in the middle of the ocean and are more exposed to the winter storms that form in the Atlantic – which often affects flights and your plans!
Whenever you visit, prepare to face all four seasons in one day. You can wake up with sunshine and warm weather, only to hike up a mountain and encounter plunging temperatures, lashing rain, and minimal visibility. Therefore, always pack a waterproof layer and have it in your backpack at all times.
In the summer, temperatures range from about 68–79°F (20–26°C), in the shoulder seasons from about 60–71°F (15.5–22°C), and during winter from about 53–64°F (12–18°C). Keep in mind that at different spots on these remote islands, temperatures can vary widely.
Is it Easy to Get to the Azores?
São Miguel is the largest island in the Azores and functions as a hub to reach the other eight. The Ponta Delgada airport receives international flights from the United States and Canada, as well as from various European countries. Transatlantic flights also serve Terceira. If you can’t find a nonstop flight, the easiest way to get to the Azores is from Lisbon or Porto on Portugal’s mainland.
From São Miguel, you can get internal flights with the local airline SATA to every island in the Azores. You can also opt for SATA’s Azores Air Pass, which allows travelers to visit up to three islands at a special rate.
Another way to explore is by ferry: Atlanticoline serves Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, Faial, Flores, and Corvo. Be advised that your plane or boat legs may change, as the departure schedule can be disrupted by air and ocean conditions. Consequently, being flexible with your itinerary is advisable, especially in wintertime.
How do You Get Around the Azores?
Renting a car is the best way to explore these beautiful islands. With so much to see and do, having the freedom to travel at your own pace and visit more off-the-beaten-track locations is essential to making the most of your trip. Moreover, renting a car allows you to easily navigate the larger islands, such as São Miguel (287 sq miles), Pico (172 sq miles), or Terceira (154 sq miles).
You can even take your rented car on the ferry between some of the islands, especially the Pico–Faial–São Jorge triangle. Public buses are available on all islands except Corvo.
Once you reach your desired destination, get out and explore on foot – the views in these islands never disappoint. Walk the dirt paths, immerse yourself in nature, and be amazed by the sounds of the birds and running waterfalls, as well as the smell of flowers and wet vegetation.
How Much Time Do I Need to Visit the Azores?
It all depends on what you want to do. São Miguel is a great option for first-time visitors, offering a wide range of activities, landscapes, and excellent restaurant and accommodation options. Five days is usually sufficient to get a good taste of what the island has to offer.
However, if you want to truly experience the richness of this archipelago, consider setting aside two to three weeks to hop between islands and discover what distinguishes each one – ultimately revealing why the Azores are among the most exceptional destinations in Europe.
Top Things to Do in the Azores
Discover Volcanoes
You’ll know you’re atop a cluster of volcanoes when you see the dark-gray stone used in the ancient buildings and the black sand on the beaches. In São Miguel, you can even feel the volcanic activity on your skin: the water at iron-rich thermal springs is warmed by heat from the island’s inner depths.
The same heat cooks the traditional cozido dos Açores (Azorean stew) in the Furnas area, where chefs place vegetables and meat in the earth for up to seven hours, resulting in a meal that’s steaming hot and packed with flavor. Terceira and São Jorge boast natural pools carved in stone by the rough Atlantic, simultaneously heated by the volcanic rock.
Hike through Stunning Landscapes
If you wish to immerse yourself in nature, the islands offer numerous hiking trails leading you deep into their wild heart, revealing lagoons formed inside extinct volcanoes or spectacular waterfalls. For outdoor enthusiasts, the hike to Mt Pico is a must. As the highest point in Portugal, it provides a challenging climb, but the unforgettable views are worth the effort.
Enjoy Whale Watching and Local Delights
Exploring the great outdoors is far from the only activity in the Azores. On São Miguel, join a whale-watching cruise or visit the local vineyards. Don’t miss the tea at the Gorreana Tea Factory, the oldest tea plantation in Europe, where free tours showcase vintage machinery and allow you to enjoy a cup at the end of the visit.
What to Pack When Visiting the Azores
Given the variable weather and outdoor adventure possibilities in the Azores, it’s wise to bring a light rain jacket, breathable fleece layers, and waterproof trekking boots. A sturdy backpack will help you carry all the essentials while you explore this magical archipelago.
Stay Connected with Nature
Exploring the various volcanic craters and lagoons hidden in the islands should always be approached with care. Respect the local landscape; stick to marked trails to protect delicate vegetation and ensure your safety. While many lagoons offer breathtaking views, the majority are unsuitable for swimming, so always heed the safety signs.
Lastly, weather conditions can change rapidly, especially at higher elevations. Check the forecast before embarking on long hikes to avoid precarious situations.
Average Daily Costs in the Azores
The Azores cater to all types of travelers, with options ranging from five-star hotels to cozy homestays. Here’s a look at average daily costs:
- Four-star hotel room for two: from €150
- Dormitory room in a hostel: from €45
- Self-catering apartment: from €100
- Car rental: from €35 per day for a small car
- Furnas stew for two: €30
- Coffee: €1
- Beer: €1.50
- Entrance to hot springs: €8
Exploring the Azores will undoubtedly immerse you in stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Plan carefully to ensure a memorable adventure in this breathtaking archipelago.
