Viver nos Açores - Vantagens de morar no arquipélago açoriano

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Many questions arise when the topic is Living in the Azores. For Azoreans, it is – obviously – something perfectly normal, but for those who do not live on an island, it often becomes a complex topic.

In reality, everything works the same way as anywhere else, with the only limitation being surrounded by the sea (which is also a great advantage, depending on perspective and preference).

“I felt suffocated, unable to leave the island whenever I wanted.” This is one of the expressions we had the opportunity to hear when we approached some residents in mainland Portugal about the possibility of living in the Azores.

It is understandable that those who have never lived on an island might feel this way. It will indeed be something new and strange to their daily routine and what they are used to.

We decided to gather the advantages of living in the archipelago. We hope this will also help clear up any doubts you may have about this topic and assist you in understanding it better.

If you are looking to move and embark on a new life, with quality, tranquility, and above all, lots of nature around you, the Azores are the ideal place. With tourism evolving year after year, it will also be a great opportunity to invest in your dream project or put your business idea into practice.

Did you know that more than 100 companies were created from January to October 2017?

Advantages of Living in the Azores

9 islands and several municipalities/locations

You can choose one of the nine islands of the Azores Archipelago. Each one has its unique beauty and charm. The islands of São Miguel and Terceira are the most developed, but this does not exclude the option of choosing one of the others.

On all the islands, you will find everything you need for your daily life and, above all, to live peacefully. Not everyone likes the hustle and bustle of a city, so you have several municipalities and locations at your disposal, allowing you to be closer to or further from the city.

Ponta do Topo
Fotografia de António Faria

The sea is always present

Have you ever imagined waking up every day and having the privilege of seeing the sea in front of you? In the Azores and any of its islands, this is possible, making this place magical and calm. If you love the sea, this is a huge advantage.

The sunset at the end of the day is always something phenomenal. Not to mention, of course, the various activities you can enjoy like going to the beach, surfing, bodyboarding, among others.

Pôr do sol em Anjos
Fotografia de Ana Lopes

Pure nature

Mother Nature will always be present, with vast green fields, flowers, and free-roaming animals making the Azores a unique habitat. Not to forget the fantastic lagoons and places you can explore and visit whenever you feel like it.

You will be in constant contact with nature.

A ilha do Corvo vista da ilha das Flores
Fotografia de Carla Dias

Time

Some say that living in the Azores gives you more time. In fact, moving or visiting the Azores involves a one-hour time difference compared to mainland Portugal and Madeira. But beyond that, the small distances you have to travel daily (whether for work or leisure) make it seem like you have more time.

This time can be spent enjoying the company of family and friends or even on your hobbies.

Passeio de Caiaque, Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo
Fotografia de Pedro Piteira

Say goodbye to stress

Those who have chosen to leave everything behind and move to the Azores know well what it means to say goodbye to stress. With a calmer lifestyle, the daily hustle and bustle is certainly not as intense – and incomparable – to living in a city like Lisbon or Porto.

One of the great advantages is the rare occurrence of chaotic traffic – except during rush hours. But even then, it is nothing compared to the major cities mentioned above. The population is smaller, but this is still an advantage.

Desfrutando da Natureza – Sete Cidades
Fotografia de Bruno Sousa

There is a bit of everything

Don’t be mistaken in thinking that you will lack something in the Azores. In reality, given the growth in tourism and the development over the years, you will find everything you need.

From clothing stores (local, traditional, or shopping centers), various mini and supermarkets, bakeries, pastry shops, barbershops, stores, clinics, schools, university, and more.

If you need something not available in the region or from a specific store not present there, thanks to technology and the evolution of the internet, you can easily shop online and have the products delivered to your home.

Did you know that in Flores and Corvo Islands, more than 80% of people order products online?

Ponta Delgada vista da torre Sineira da Câmara Municipal
Fotografia de Helena Botelho

Entrepreneurship

If you have a business idea or want to make your dream come true, this archipelago could be the ideal place. Entrepreneurship and new ideas are always welcome, both for locals and tourists.

Over the past 10 years, the entrepreneurship sector has grown significantly on all the islands, with various projects emerging such as Local Accommodation and Rural Accommodation. Companies dedicated to tourism activities, new shops, bars, cafes, nightclubs, and many other projects.

There is still room for the development of new ideas in the Azores, which could be your opportunity. Invest in the Azores

Traveling to other islands or places

Before the liberalization of airspace, some trips were quite expensive. Nowadays, there are various affordable travel options that you can purchase and travel within or outside the archipelago at any time.

If you are a resident, you also have the advantage of being reimbursed through the Social Mobility Subsidy program.

Avião
Fotografia de Fábio Sousa

Cost of living

The cost of living in the Azores compared to mainland Portugal, for example, is significantly lower. The VAT is slightly lower (18% vs. 23% on the mainland). Some products are even cheaper, while others, being imported, may be slightly more expensive.

Regarding fuel, for example, the price of gasoline and diesel is the same at any gas station. Whether it’s Galp, Repsol, BP, etc., unlike the mainland where each station has its own price, sometimes with differences of several cents.

You won’t have to pay any tolls or SCUTS when driving. Given the size of the islands, the wear and maintenance of a vehicle will be lower. Additionally, vehicle inspections are every 2 years instead of annually as on the mainland.

These examples and other factors can make the cost of living significantly lower.

Regata
Fotografia de Rui Simas

Lifestyle

All the points above boil down to one thing: Lifestyle. This is the main factor that leads many people to choose the Azores to live and change their life routine. There are many testimonials out there, and all of them mention the unique lifestyle provided in this small paradise in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

Living in the Azores – Advantages of Living in this Archipelago

Advantages of Living in the Azores