10 Things You Should Know Before Your Trip to the Azores

Are you thinking about traveling to the Azores and experiencing all its magical and natural beauty? Before you travel, there are some things you should know. Follow these travel tips to ensure a safe and worry-free stay in one of the most remote and beautiful places in Europe.

Considered one of Europe’s best-kept secrets due to its wonderful landscapes, delicious food, and numerous activities, the Azores are a destination worth exploring.

OPPORTUNITIES: Check out the Travel Packages for the Azores currently on offer.

With the liberalization of airspace and the Azores’ rankings in various international destination lists, it has become a popular destination.

Below is a compilation of various points you should consider before traveling to the Azores.

#01 – This is not a party destination

Despite the various events, local festivals, and parties held in the Azores, this is not a party destination. In other words, if you are looking for the craziness of destinations like Ibiza or the Algarve with lots of bars and nightlife, this is not your destination.

At its core, this is a tranquil destination, and the locals take pride in that.

In addition to the landscapes, places, and enjoying the friendliness of the Azoreans, you will certainly find various leisure spots at night (though not the main attraction of this destination). Here, you can also chat and learn more about the Azores and its people. They love to talk, meet new people, and, of course, socialize.

See also: Summer Festivals in the Azores

#02 – The weather is unpredictable

Unlike other holiday destinations where sunny and warm weather is a given, the Azores are not like that. Located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the weather and climate in the Azores are quite unstable.

It’s possible to experience all four seasons in one day. There are times when it’s sunny in one area, but raining just a few kilometers away. This adds to the adventure and allows for different sensations in a single day or over several days.

A useful tool during your stay is Spot Azores. This website lets you see the real-time weather on all 9 islands and in various locations. Try it out. It’s a must-have app/website during your stay.

#03 – There are signs of volcanic activity

The Azores are considered by many to be the European Hawaii, and this is related to the volcanic activity present in the archipelago.

There are various manifestations you can observe during your stay:

• The black and dark sand of the beaches;
• The fumaroles in Furnas (São Miguel) – the hot steam that comes from the ground, where the famous Cozido das Furnas is also cooked;
• Capelinhos Volcano (Faial) and Algar do Carvão (Terceira) – which you can visit and explore;
• And, of course, the hot thermal waters.

#04 – Bathing in hot thermal waters is a must

Photo: pocadonabeija.com

If you love hot water, you’ll enjoy the fantastic sensation of a bath in the hot thermal waters found in the Azores, particularly on the island of São Miguel.

You can enjoy a large pool of hot water at Parque Terra Nostra or in smaller pools at Poça da Dona Beija. Another interesting spot is Ponta da Ferraria, where the hot waters are found right in the sea.

It’s recommended to enjoy these baths on days that are not too hot, preferably with cloudy skies. If it’s raining, the experience can be just as fantastic, with a contrast of hot and cold.

#05 – Ideal for trying new outdoor activities

In the Azores, you can enjoy unique activities in an equally unique environment. For some activities, it is recommended to book in advance to avoid disappointments. Check out GetYourGuide for guaranteed and certified quality experiences.

Here’s a summary of various activities you can do on the 9 islands of the Azores:

• Hiking and Walking Trails
  If you love hiking and adventures on foot, you will love the various trails available. You can check the Trail Azores website for more details on the trails. Suggestion: Climb Pico Mountain (the highest point in Portugal).
• Canyoning
  An outdoor adventure surrounded by fantastic landscapes.
• Whale and Dolphin Watching
  Take a boat trip and see whales and dolphins. In some experiences, you can even swim with the dolphins.
• Diving
  The Azores are one of the most sought-after destinations for diving. Discover and see hundreds of fish species and the magic of the Azorean sea.
• Horse Riding
  A horse ride while observing the surrounding landscape is an interesting and very relaxing experience.
• Surfing
  Excellent waves await you for an adventure.
• Sailing
  There are various sailing experiences you can enjoy.
• Jeep Tours / Motorcycle or Biking
  A different and fun way to discover unique landscapes and places.

See all activities

#06 – There is an abundance of lagoons

If there were a ranking of reasons to visit and explore the Azores, this would probably take the top spot. There is an abundance of fantastic and magical lagoons to discover. Some are easier to access than others, but all are worth the effort.

Some highlights:

• Lagoa das Sete Cidades – São Miguel (take the opportunity to visit the Miradouro da Grota do Inferno for a panoramic view)
• Lagoa do Fogo – São Miguel
• Lagoa das Furnas – São Miguel
• Caldeira Rasa – Flores
• Caldeira Funda – Flores
• Lagoa dos Patos – Flores
• Lagoa Comprida – Flores
• Caldeirão – Corvo

#07 – The food (especially meat and fish) is delicious

Food in the Azores is of high quality, and some regional dishes make for a unique experience. You should try the fresh cheese with Pimenta da Terra and the fantastic Azorean limpets. The Cozido das Furnas, cooked underground, is also a must-try during your stay in São Miguel.

Meat dishes are fantastic; the typical Bife à Regional should be on your list of dishes to try. Don’t forget the Alcatra from Terceira.

Regarding desserts and sweets, highlights include: Queijadas da Vila, Queijadas da Graciosa, Bolos Lêvedos, and Ananás dos Açores (unique and delicious), among other delicacies and specialties.

Be adventurous and try everything new to you; you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

#08 – The nature here is simply magical

Landscapes and more landscapes. Fantastic viewpoints. Beautiful greenery. In three small phrases, you can summarize the magic of the Azores’ nature. On any of the islands, you can enjoy unique moments of relaxation thanks to their beautiful landscapes.

In the Azores, you can truly say you are in direct contact with Mother Nature. Preserve the places you visit and keep them clean, as this is one of the main characteristics for the good maintenance, image, and preservation of the Azores’ nature.

#09 – Traveling between islands

Although most tourists travel to the islands with direct connections to mainland Portugal, traveling between islands is not always cheap. You can do it by plane or by boat.

The first option is available through inter-island flights with Sata Air Azores. There are inter-island routes you can take depending on your selected destination; learn more at this link.

For boat travel, it is handled by Atlanticoline. If you choose to visit Pico Island, for example, you can take a quick boat trip between Pico > Faial or Pico > São Jorge, providing a good opportunity to explore three islands during your stay. If you choose to visit Flores Island, you can quickly take a boat trip from Flores to Corvo.

See also: How to Travel Between the Azores Islands

#10 – Your family budget will not be heavily affected

When choosing a holiday destination, the family budget is very important. Not all destinations are as cheap as we might like. In the case of the Azores, you can rest a little easier. Compared to various destinations in Europe, the Azores are much more affordable.

Here are some examples of prices you might find in the Azores:

How to find flights to the Azores and Travel Packages

Regarding flights to the Azores and Travel Packages (including accommodation or car rental, for example), we recommend you check out the tour operator Azores Getaways. Here, you will find the best and lowest prices on the market for the Azores destination (and others).

The offer of travel packages is diverse, so you can see the most popular ones in this list.

Check out the Azores’ Hospitality Offerings

In the form below, you can search and compare various accommodation prices in the Azores. Select the dates and click “Search”.


Booking.com

Article produced based on GeekyExplorer – Things to know before traveling to the Azores