Traveling to the Azores with Children

The Azores are a great destination for traveling with children, emphasizing direct contact with nature in a unique and genuine way. Traveling as a family, especially with children, is not always an easy task, as all the logistics and organization require extra care.

In this article, we will analyze and describe the various advantages of traveling with children to the Azores, as well as provide you with some tips for a peaceful vacation in this paradise in the Atlantic Ocean.

(C) Aimee Bracken with her son at the Miradouro da Boca do Inferno, São Miguel Island / Full article at How I Wander

Precautions Before Traveling with Children

As with any travel destination with children, there are some precautions and recommendations you should follow to ensure that everything goes well before, during, and after the trip.

Favorite Stuffed Animal, Doll, or Toy

For many children, their stuffed animal, doll, or favorite toy becomes their best friend, so be sure to bring along your child’s companion(s) to keep them calm throughout the journey and stay.

Extra and Appropriate Clothing

We know that children love to get dirty; it’s part of being a child and often part of the fun at that age. For this reason, consider bringing some extra clothing for any mishaps.

In the case of the Azores, the weather is typically mild and humid throughout the year, meaning you won’t feel as cold as in mainland Portugal, for example. However, it’s always recommended to have a warmer jacket, as in some places and points of interest, given their location and altitude, it can get a bit chilly.

During the summer, warm clothes can certainly be left behind; the humidity combined with average temperatures ranging from 19ºC to 24ºC makes this destination a true heat paradise. Still, in some places, cooler weather conditions can be felt.

In your daily itinerary, it’s recommended to always have extra clothing in the car. This is an area suited for many swims, both in the fantastic beaches and in thermal waters. Swim shorts and bathing suits are essential to keep in the car.

Medication, Creams, and Repellents

It’s advisable to bring along regular medication for headaches, fever, or stomach issues, so you can act quickly in case of a “quick emergency.”

Ointments for cuts or scars, such as Betadine or Halibut, are always essential, as a run or a miscalculated jump often results in a fall, and it’s best to disinfect and apply cream to ease your child’s pain.

Although the Azores are not a destination with many mosquitoes, children with more sensitive skin may get bitten by these pests. A repellent or anti-mosquito bracelet can be a good solution.

These preventive medications, which are not taken daily, can be purchased at a pharmacy on the destination island, avoiding taking up space in your luggage.

Comfortable and Spare Footwear

Similar to clothing, it is recommended to bring comfortable footwear and preferably a spare pair. Exploring nature often means getting your shoes wet, even if they are suitable for hiking, walking trails, or simply visiting a viewpoint. It’s advisable to have spare shoes for these situations.

What Children Can Learn and Discover in the Azores

Just like at any destination, and thanks to the history of these places, we can impart knowledge about our ancestors through a trip and show our children interesting things that will certainly be part of their general culture.

The Volcanic Origin

Algar do Carvão – Terceira, Azores

One of the most interesting points will certainly be the volcanic origin of the Azores Islands. Showing up close how the volcanoes, which your children have probably heard about, can give rise to an island. In this case, nine islands filled with volcanic factors and elements that will spark curiosity.

The Black Sand

One of the things that captures children’s attention, and not just theirs, is the black color of the sand in the Azores. This color is due to its volcanic origin. Children may initially find the sand strange or think it’s dirty, but it’s not. They can enjoy and feel it freely. Compared to the yellow sand found throughout mainland Portugal, this sand is coarser.

Visiting the Volcanology Interpretation Centers

Volcano Interpretation Center – Capelinhos – Faial

The various Volcanology Interpretation Centers present in the Azores allow both you and your children to learn, in a dynamic and intuitive way, about the origin of the Azores Archipelago and discover more about some of its main landmarks.

Complete list of all Interpretation Centers in the Azores >

Direct Contact with Nature

Poça Simão Dias – São Jorge Island, Azores

It’s not always easy to be in contact with nature, especially when living in urban centers and big cities. In the Azores, your children have the privilege of direct contact with vast green pastures, experiencing fantastic lagoons, viewpoints, plants, fauna, flora, and more.

Thermal Hot Springs

Explaining to children that there are “bathtubs” of hot water outdoors can be a fun adventure and at the same time an excellent moment for pure relaxation. Children love hot water and will surely enjoy the thermal waters as well.

List of thermal spas in the Azores >

Whale and Dolphin Watching in Pico

A unique experience that delights young and old alike. Observing whales and dolphins in the Azores in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean is certainly an excellent family activity. Due to the high demand for this activity, we recommend booking your tickets here.

Museums

Whaling Industry Museum – Pico, Azores

There’s a lot of history to observe in the various museums of the Azores. It’s certainly an activity for both kids and adults.

Most Popular Activities and Experiences with Children

Experiences and Tips from Parents Who Have Visited the Azores with Children

Nothing beats the opinions and experiences of those who have already traveled to the Azores with children to provide you with some tips and suggestions for a dream vacation.

We have gathered some testimonials from various reference blogs, which we list below:

• Alma de Viajante: 5-Day Itinerary in São Jorge with Children
• Pumpkin: What to Visit on Pico Island with Children
• Onde Andam os Duarte: 5 Things Not to Miss with Kids in São Miguel
• Viagens a 4: 3 Days in São Miguel with Children
• Quilómetros Que Contam: 9 Recommendations for Visiting the Azores with Children
• How i Wander: The Azores with Children (English)