Travel Guide to the Azores Islands
If the answer to the following questions is yes, then the Azores are the destination for you:
Nature lovers? Dramatic landscapes? Hiking? Active vacation and action? Whale watching? Swimming with dolphins in the wild? Diving? Hot springs? Lava tubes and fields?
Looking for a destination that is not crowded? Without traffic jams, heavy tourist crowds, quiet and peaceful? A safe place without worries, with no venomous animals (no snakes, scorpions, venomous insects, or predators)? Abundant with unique and diverse vegetation
With lovely people? Tourist-friendly, where English is easy and convenient to get by with, simple to navigate on an independent trip, with wonderful food, excellent beers and wine, and everything very cheap?
Thought about traveling to New Zealand but it's too far, too expensive, and you can't travel during the Israeli winter?
"The New Zealand of Europe" is the name I gave them after an extensive trip to this wonderful destination.
♦ Car rental from the reliable and convenient Booking site: Booking.com
General
The Azores belong to Portugal (declared an autonomous region of Portugal in 1976) and are located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean about 1,400 km west of Lisbon (about a two-and-a-half-hour flight).
There are 9 islands in the Azores archipelago. These are volcanic islands with dramatic landscapes of high and steep mountains, volcanic craters, some of which have turned into beautiful lakes, many indented and steep beaches, waterfalls and streams, and volcanic and thermal phenomena such as hot springs and bubbling, smoking mud pools.
Most of the islands are covered with rich vegetation, a huge variety of colorful flowers, giant ferns, numerous trees and forests, and extensive pasturelands where countless cows graze. The number of cows on each of the islands is twice the number of residents! The only traffic jams on these islands are caused by cows leisurely crossing the road. In total, the population of all the islands combined is about 250,000.
The islands differ from each other in size, topography, attractions, and even some of the food.
The smallest island is Corvo, with an area of only 17 sq. km, and the largest is São Miguel with an area of 760 sq. km.
Because the islands are located in a strategic position halfway from Europe to the USA and served as an important stopover and provisioning place for the many ships passing through the area, they have an interesting history of conquests and pirates, and to this day, one of the islands has a US Air Force base. Settlement in the islands began as early as the 15th century.
Most of the residents are Roman Catholics and still preserve their traditional celebrations of patron saints, holidays, and various festivities such as the traditional "Carnival" and even bullfights in the streets.
Getting There:
There are, of course, no direct flights from Israel to the Azores. Most flights to the islands are mainly from Lisbon and Porto. There are flights by two Portuguese airlines: TAP - the national carrier, and the local Azores airline: Azores Airlines, as well as low-cost flights by Ryanair. The prices of these flights are very cheap, especially if booked well in advance.
There are also a few flights from other destinations in Europe, such as Berlin, Düsseldorf in Germany, and seasonal flights from Amsterdam, London, Brussels, Madrid, and other destinations that change annually and mostly operate in the summer.
From the USA, there are regular, direct flights from Boston.
Most flights are to São Miguel Island and Terceira Island.
From Lisbon and Porto, there are also flights to other, smaller islands in the Azores such as Pico and Faial.
It is possible and recommended to combine a trip to Porto, Lisbon, and their surroundings with a trip to two or three islands in the Azores.
Booking airport/hotel transfers in the Azores from Viator:
♦ Terceira Airport transfer to hotel or vice versa - Airport Transfer Terceira Island
♦ Private transfer from Ponta Delgada to the airport:
Private Transfer from Ponta Delgada to Azores (PDL) Airport
Transportation and Getting Around the Azores Islands and Between Them:
All islands have good and well-maintained road systems; it is easy, convenient, and inexpensive to rent a car and drive (they drive on the right side, of course, just like us). There is no congestion, no traffic jams, no complicated interchanges...
An excellent, reliable, and recommended site for comparing car rental prices: the Booking Booking.com site
Of course, every island also has taxis, shuttle services, regular public transport, and successful daily guided tours.
The main way to travel between the islands is by flight. The flights are short (20-45 minutes), cheap, and the airports are small, cute, and centrally located, without much bureaucracy. Therefore, unlike domestic flights within the USA or between major European cities, a lot of time is not wasted on moving between islands. The only airline flying between the islands is the local airline SATA.
Between some islands, there is a regular ferry service, operating mainly in the summer. Only between neighboring islands such as Faial and Pico is there a regular and cheap ferry service all year round (the crossing takes about 30-40 minutes). Between other neighboring islands such as Flores and Corvo, the ferry service depends on the weather, as the sea can be rough and ferries get canceled.
Weather
The average temperature in the islands in summer ranges between 19 and 24 degrees Celsius, in spring 14-18, in autumn 15-21, and in winter 11-16 degrees. Summer has the lowest precipitation and warmest air temperature, making it the most recommended season to visit, although spring and autumn are also very successful times to travel.
The moderating influence of the ocean keeps the weather mild all year round with minor changes. Sea temperatures range from 16 degrees in winter to 23 degrees in summer. However, on each island, the topographical structure influences the local weather at different points across the islands. It can certainly be sunny and pleasant near the coast in one place while simultaneously rainy and foggy in a more mountainous area on the same island. The weather can also be fickle and change within the same day, so you should prepare accordingly with suitable clothing.
It is never too hot there, making it a wonderful destination to travel to in the summer to escape the heat and humidity in Israel and the high heatwaves that can develop in any European country, including the northernmost ones.
The most successful month to travel to the islands for those who want to travel outside the peak tourist season (which, unlike most tourist destinations in Europe, is never too crowded anyway) is September, when air and water temperatures are still high, the weather is most pleasant, and there are far fewer travelers.
Food:
The Azores are known for their excellent and fresh fish, clams, and seafood dishes (how could they not be? They are surrounded by the sea on all sides) as well as quality meat (remember: two cows for every resident...). The cows on the islands are "free-range cows," not living in crowded barns but peacefully grazing in the meadows. They are even milked outside, in the endless green fields. This is also why the islands are known for their high-quality dairy products, especially the unique and wonderful cheeses.
On the islands with rich and fertile volcanic soil, mild weather, and abundant water, wonderful local fruits and vegetables are also grown. I recommend trying their bananas; they are smaller than what we are used to, but much sweeter. Even pineapples are grown on the islands in greenhouses—a unique method in the world.
Tea, coffee, and even local wine and quality liqueurs are produced on the islands.
Each island has its traditional dish, with cooking methods characteristic of that island, usually unique slow-cooking methods.
♦ Accommodation and Tours:
Each of the islands has plenty of accommodation options: ranging from hotels of all levels and sizes to vacation apartments, rural B&Bs (zimmerim), and even hostels. The service is efficient, very pleasant, and courteous. Prices are attractive compared to most Western countries.
You can tour the islands independently with a rental car and/or take guided tours. I traveled both independently and took several guided tours. In the other articles here on the site about the Azores Islands: São Miguel, Terceira, Faial, Flores and Pico you can read in detail about the recommended trips on the various islands. Later in the article here you can find recommended tours on each island from Viator.
For those interested in recommendations for tour guides on the various islands and/or planning a trip to the Azores Islands, these can be obtained for a fee from Sigalit Bar, the owner of the site.
Accommodation recommendations on the various islands:
♦ Recommended accommodations in São Miguel :
In the city of Ponta Delgada Ponta Delgada – the largest city on the island, where the airport is located
A 5-star hotel with 123 modern rooms overlooking the sea and the marina. The hotel offers a gym, outdoor pool, restaurant, casino, and kids' club. Internet, parking, and breakfast are included in the room price.
♦ Azoris Royal Garden – Leisure & Conference Hotel
A 4-star hotel with a restaurant, café bar, outdoor pool, heated indoor pool, and spa.
Located about a 15-minute walk from the city center and a 10-minute drive from the airport. Private parking, free internet, and breakfast.
A modern 4-star hotel in a wonderful location right next to the marina, close to the yacht harbor from which various boat tours depart, in a central location in the city. Parking and internet are free, and the price includes breakfast. The hotel has an indoor pool, gym, spa, and restaurant.
A quality aparthotel offering apartments of various sizes, from studio apartments for couples to spacious apartments for 8 people. Each apartment has an equipped kitchen and balcony. Located on the seafront next to the harbor in a very central location. Free internet. Parking for a modest additional fee.
A quality boutique hotel in the city suburbs. The hotel has well-equipped double rooms and family rooms. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, garden, sun terrace, and a restaurant bar. Free internet and parking.
Another popular town to stay in is Furnas, known for its healing hot springs:
♦ Furnas Boutique Hotel - Thermal & Spa
A 4-star boutique hotel known for its healing hot springs. It features swimming pools (outdoor and indoor), a hammam, a gym, and a spa and wellness center. The hotel features an innovative space called "Lobby Market," a multi-purpose room combining reception, a bar, a lounge or work area (or both), a grocery shop where you can buy local produce, and a restaurant named À Terra. Free parking and internet. The hotel was renovated in 2015.
A 4-star hotel located in a tree-lined valley, offering elegantly designed rooms. The hotel is situated next to the Terra Nostra Botanical Park and includes an indoor pool and an outdoor pool. The hotel features a restaurant, gym, and spa. Free internet and parking.
♦ World's Nests Furnas Village House
A holiday home with a double room and a room for 4. The house has a balcony and a spacious yard.
The house features exposed stone walls and wooden beams, and offers a well-equipped kitchen including a wood oven where guests can cook the famous Furnas stew. Free parking, internet, and bicycles.
♦ Recommended tours from Viator in São Miguel Island:
♦ Book recommended jeep tours in São Miguel Island from Viator:
The tours are also suitable for cruise passengers and include port pickup:
♦ Guided walking tour to Fogo Lake -
Lagoa
do Fogo Walking Tour with Lunch from Ponta Delgada
Tour duration
is about 6 hours.
♦ Whale and dolphin watching cruise departing from the marina near the cruise port:
Half-Day
Whale
and Dolphin Watching Tour in Ponta Delgada
The cruise departs from Marina Pêro de Teive and lasts about 3 hours.
Full-day jeep tour to the Sete Cidades lakes area and Fogo Lake including lunch:
♦ Jeep Tour Full Day Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo with lunch and drinks included
♦ Guided walking tour to Fogo Lake: Tour duration is about 6 hours
Lagoa do Fogo Walking Tour with Lunch from Ponta Delgada
♦ Recommended accommodation in Flores:
♦ Aldeia da Cuada – Highly recommended!
This is a village of ancient basalt houses abandoned decades ago by its residents, and an industrious entrepreneur purchased the entire village—about twenty houses—renovated them while preserving their exterior appearance, and turned the place into vacation homes for rent to tourists. The houses are equipped with a full kitchen, dining area, and bedrooms. The place offers houses for couples, families, and even larger groups, with the option of breakfast and dinner. Free parking and free Wi-Fi in the lobby. The place is quiet and pastoral in the heart of a valley surrounded by mountains full of waterfalls and on the other side with a view of cliffs and the sea. Located in the west of the island, about a 20-minute drive from the airport.
1, 2, and 3-bedroom vacation apartments. Each apartment has a living room, equipped kitchen, and balcony. Located in the town of Fajã Grande in the west of the island, about half a kilometer from the town center where restaurants, beaches, and a supermarket are located. Free parking. Free internet in public areas.
♦ Sítio da Assumada - Eco Turismo
Vacation apartments with one or two bedrooms intended for 2-3 guests each. Each apartment has an equipped kitchen and private balcony. Located in the town of Lajes das Flores in the west of the island, a 3-minute drive from the beach. Free internet and free parking.
♦ Recommended accommodation in Terceira
In the largest city on the island, Angra do Heroísmo Angra do Heroísmo , which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site
A 4-star hotel overlooking Paimal Bay. The hotel features an infinity pool and extensive, palm-filled gardens. Each room has a balcony overlooking the sea. The hotel has a gym, spa, and hammam. The price includes breakfast, parking, and internet.
A 4-star hotel in the west of the city. The hotel, adjacent to the beach, has a terrace with a swimming pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel has a quality restaurant and bar. The price includes internet, parking, and a good breakfast. Every room has a balcony. Sea-view rooms with a wonderful view are especially recommended.
Located in the town of Porto Judeu in the south-west of the island. Cute cottages with a kitchen and yard. Shared outdoor pool for all cottages. Free bicycles, internet, and parking.
♦ Recommended tours from Viator in Terceira Island:
♦
Guided day tour in Terceira Island:
Private Terceira Island Full Day
Tour
Includes hotel pickup and drop-off. Lasts 8 hours. Includes lunch.
♦ Private jeep tour (3 hours) -
BUGGY TOUR - West / Center of the island
(off-road)
Includes hotel pickup and drop-off. You can choose a route from several offered routes.
♦ Hiking day tour (treks) in Terceira Island -
HIKING
XL (Full Day Private Tour)
Guided private hiking tour in Terceira Island. Includes hotel pickup and drop-off.
♦ Recommended accommodation in Pico
It is recommended to stay in the town of Madalena, from where ferries depart to the neighboring island of Faial
A 4-star hotel surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on 3 sides and overlooking Faial Island. Every room has a balcony surrounding the sea or Mount Pico. The hotel has an outdoor pool (seasonal), restaurant, and bar. Internet, parking, and breakfast are included in the price.
A resort with 10 vacation apartments with a bedroom and living room, all overlooking the ocean. Intended for up to 4 guests. Each apartment has a modern equipped kitchen. Premium apartments feature a jacuzzi in each. Located a 5-minute walk from Madalena city center and about 50 meters from the sea. The resort was built on land that used to be part of Pico's historic vineyards. The place features gardens with trees and some of the remaining vineyards. Near the apartments are natural swimming pools (free to the general public). Free parking and internet. The price includes breakfast served to the room.
Six quality double vacation rooms and a two-bedroom villa for 4 guests overlooking the ocean. Located in a bay called Pocinho Bay overlooking Faial Island, a 10-minute drive from the town of Madalena in the area of Pico's historic vineyards declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. The resort features an outdoor pool. Free internet and parking.
♦ Recommended tours from Viator in Pico Island:
Whale watching cruise from the best place for such a cruise in the Azores (and perhaps the world) for most months of the year:
♦ Booking
whale and dolphin watching cruise from the town of Lajes do Pico from
Viator:
Whale
and Dolphin Watching in Pico Island - Half Day
♦
Guided day tour from Faial to neighboring Pico Island -
Full-Day Pico Island Tour from
Horta
Includes pickup and transfer from the hotel in Horta. Lasts 8 hours.
♦ Recommended accommodation in Faial
It is recommended to stay in "Horta", the largest and most vibrant city on the island, where the ferry dock to Pico Island is located
A 4-star hotel in an excellent location in the city center. Overlooking Mount Pico on the neighboring island and the marina. The hotel features a swimming pool, tennis court, gym, and quality restaurant. The price includes internet, parking, and breakfast.
A recently renovated 4-star hotel. Located in the heart of Horta's old town. Every room has a balcony. The hotel features gardens and an outdoor swimming pool. The hotel has a bar and restaurant. Breakfast is included in the price. Free internet and parking.
A quality 4-star boutique hotel located in a 16th-century castle. Overlooking Horta Bay and Pico Island. The hotel has been declared a National Monument. The hotel features a luxury restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, gardens, and a view terrace. Breakfast, internet, and parking are included in the price.
Vacation apartments for 2-4 guests located on the seafront near Horta's ferry dock. All apartments have an equipped kitchen. Free internet and parking.
♦ Recommended tours from Viator in Faial Island:
♦
Half-day guided tour in Faial Island -
Half-Day Faial Island Tour from Horta
Includes pickup from the hotel in Horta. Lasts 4 hours.
♦
Full-day guided tour departing from Faial to neighboring Pico Island -
Full-Day Pico Island Tour from
Horta
Includes pickup and transfer from the hotel in Horta. Lasts 8 hours.
Short videos on attractions in São Miguel, Flores, Terceira, Faial, and Pico: