Rural Tourism in the Azores: Traditional country houses

O 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 to enjoy a unique experience and stay.

Combining the natural beauty of the nine islands of the Azores archipelago with accommodation in a rural setting is something truly unique. For lovers of this type of accommodation and tourism, this is without a doubt your next destination to visit and explore.

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

What is Rural Tourism?

Rural Tourism, or Tourism in a Rural Setting, is a way to relive the practices, cultural (and even gastronomic) traditions of rural areas, allowing you to enjoy a stay in closer contact with the traditions, customs, values and gastronomy of the region or local area.

It is also responsible for maintaining local history and traditions – being essential for the preservation and restoration of architectural, historical and landscape heritage.

Moinho
Fotografia de Kathy Rita

Rural Tourism also follows various criteria and requirements for quality and comfort, which vary by region.

It can also fall under the categories of eco-tourism or agro-tourism.

Benefits and Advantages

Miradouro da Serra da Ribeirinha
Fotografia de Filipe Bem

There are numerous advantages and benefits when it comes to Rural Tourism; here are just a few:

Peace and Tranquillity

Staying in the countryside, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, allows you to find greater peace and tranquillity during your stay. An excellent choice for a stress-free stay of pure relaxation.

Contact with nature

Many rural properties are set in pristine environments, offering direct contact with nature. This can happen in several ways, with the landscape being one of the main factors. Waterfalls, forests, fields, and sea views are also unique features 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 car traffic, gas emissions, and other pollutants, the air you breathe in the countryside is much purer.

A close-knit, family welcome

Tourism in a Rural Setting also promotes the development and revitalisation of less populated areas. The connection with the local people becomes more personal, creating a warm, family-like welcome.

Restoration of emblematic and historic properties

This involves the recovery and restoration of various emblematic properties with a rich history. Many rural tourism accommodations have been in the same family for decades, and restoring them to open their doors to new guests and share their story is a truly unique experience.

Apreciando a natureza – Ribeira dos Caldeirões
Fotografia de ByAçores

Rural Tourism in the Azores

Rural Tourism in the Azores is increasingly popular, as the Azores Archipelago is made up of nine fantastic islands where Mother Nature provides incredible moments and unique sensations. It’s a perfect match (See also: Getting Married in the Azores).

A Caldeira da Graciosa
Fotografia de João Leandro

In the summer of 2018 alone, there was a 15% growth in rural tourism in the Azores (source)

Rural Tourism Houses in the Azores

As we’ve already mentioned in this article, Rural Tourism Houses in the Azores are the perfect way to experience the customs, traditions, landscapes, and other uniquely beautiful aspects that you will only find in the Azores.

You can find Rural Tourism Houses on every island of the Archipelago. Explore the list of Rural Accommodations in the Azores >

Moinho
Fotografia de Kathy Rita

Casas Açorianas – Azores Rural Tourism Association

The Casas Açorianas project, an Association for Rural Tourism in the Azores, was established with a primary goal: to champion the unique interests of its members and safeguard the authentic spirit of rural tourism across the archipelago.

Uniting the diverse rural tourism projects under one Association allows it to work towards preserving and promoting this unique travel style in what is considered a paradise in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean.

This is achieved through public relations, representation of this tourism product, and its social, economic, and environmental engagement.

Seminars, conferences, and other similar events are held annually, providing a forum to share ideas, studies, and more, all related to Rural Tourism in the Azores.

Casas Açorianas - Rural Tourism - Azores

The project also features all of its members’ Rural Accommodations on its website, complete with a central online booking system.

Through a partnership with byAçores, you can also browse the various Casas Açorianas / Rural Accommodations from this Association on our site – they are clearly identified by their logo.

You can learn more about Casas Açorianas by following this link.

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

Rural tourism in the Azores: what it is, benefits and Azorean Houses

What is Rural Tourism?