Rural Tourism in the Azores: What It Is, Benefits, and Açorian Houses

The Rural Tourism in the Azores is increasingly sought after by those who love a stay in direct contact with nature. The Azores offer the ideal conditions for a unique experience and stay.

Combining the natural beauty of the nine islands of the Azores archipelago with accommodation in rural spaces is simply something unique. For lovers of this type of lodging and tourism, this is undoubtedly their next destination to visit and explore.

Ordem natural … (Encosta da Graciosa)
Fotografia de Manuela Juliano

What is Rural Tourism?

Rural Tourism or Tourism in Rural Spaces is a way to revive the practices and cultural (and even gastronomic) traditions of rural areas, thus benefiting from accommodation in closer contact with the traditions, customs, values, and cuisine of the region or locality.

This also helps maintain the history and local traditions – being fundamental for the preservation and recovery of architectural, historical, and landscape heritage.

Moinho
Fotografia de Kathy Rita

Rural Tourism also adheres to various quality and comfort criteria and requirements, according to each region.

This may also fit into eco-tourism or agro-tourism.

Benefits and Advantages

Miradouro da Serra da Ribeirinha
Fotografia de Filipe Bem

There are numerous advantages and benefits regarding Rural Tourism; we highlight a few:

Peace and Tranquility

Staying in a rural area away from the city chaos allows you to achieve greater tranquility and peace during your stay. An excellent choice for a stress-free and purely relaxing stay.

Contact with Nature

Many rural spaces are set in completely pure environments, prioritizing direct contact with nature. This can occur in various ways, with the landscape being one of the main factors. Waterfalls, forests, fields, and sea views are also unique characteristics of this type of tourism.

Nascer no Lombo Gordo
Fotografia de Milton Vieira

Fresh Air

Given the distance from cities, urban, and industrial areas with heavy traffic and pollution, the air in Rural Tourism is purer.

Proximity and Family Welcoming

Tourism in Rural Spaces also promotes the development and recovery of some less populated or busy areas. The closeness to the locals becomes more familial, creating a welcoming bond.

Restoration of Iconic and Historical Properties

The recovery and restoration of various iconic and historic properties in the area. Many rural tourism accommodations have been in families for decades, and restoring them and giving the opportunity to open doors to new guests and share their history is something unique.

Apreciando a natureza – Ribeira dos Caldeirões
Fotografia de ByAçores

Rural Tourism in the Azores

The Rural Tourism in the Azores is increasingly sought after, with the Azores archipelago consisting of nine fantastic islands where Mother Nature provides incredible moments and unique sensations. The perfect match (See also: Getting Married in the Azores).

A Caldeira da Graciosa
Fotografia de João Leandro

Only in the summer of 2018 was there a 15% growth in rural space tourism in the Azores (source).

Rural Tourism Houses in the Azores

As mentioned in this article, the Rural Tourism Houses in the Azores are the perfect combination of local customs, traditions, landscapes, and other unique beauty factors that you can only find in the Azores.

You can find Rural Tourism Houses on all the islands of the archipelago. Explore the listing of Rural Accommodation in the Azores >

Moinho
Fotografia de Kathy Rita

Casas Açorianas – Azores Rural Tourism Association

The project Casas Açorianas, an Association of Rural Tourism in the Azores, was created to – through its members – primarily defend the specific interests and ensure the genuineness of rural tourism in the archipelago.

By uniting various rural tourism projects into a single association, it enables work towards the preservation and promotion of this type of tourism in what is considered a paradise in the Atlantic Ocean.

This is achieved through public relations and representation of this tourist product, as well as its social, economic, and environmental involvement.

Annually, seminars, congresses, and other similar events are held where ideas, studies, and other topics related to Rural Tourism in the Azores are shared.

This project also gathers on its website all the Rural Accommodations of its members, including an online reservation center.

In partnership with byAçores, you can also view on our site the various Açorian Houses / Rural Accommodation of this Association – which are properly identified with their logo.

You can learn more about the Açorian Houses at this link.

If you are looking to escape the routine and make the most of direct contact with nature during your stay in the Azores, rural tourism is a great option to enjoy the Azores!