Visiting the Açores and discovering its fantastic nine islands is something you should keep in mind for your travel plans. If you are a resident of mainland Portugal or Madeira, it becomes a trip within the country. Discovering the Açores also means experiencing other cultures, gastronomy, customs, and, of course, appreciating landscapes, places, and monuments.
As a destination synonymous with magical nature, forget the hustle and bustle of big cities and prepare for an adventure of peace. In fact, some people travel to the Açores as a refuge to enjoy moments of pure relaxation.
Book Now the Best Activities in the Azores
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There are 9 islands for you to explore in various ways. Your satisfaction and fulfillment are guaranteed on all of them. See below for some tips and notes you need to know to plan your trip to paradise, as well as some of the most sought-after activities that will make your trip unforgettable.
In addition to the information below, given the current situation we are living in, see the complete guide for a safe trip to the Açores, with all the information about procedures before and after your trip, with special emphasis on the mandatory COVID-19 testing.
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Booking a Trip
Before booking your trip, we recommend planning your journey so that your stay is at least 4 to 5 days. Regardless of the island or islands you choose to visit, you won’t want to be under stress from not having enough time to appreciate and explore all its nooks and charms.
For research on trips / travel packages to the Açores, consult the page Trips to the Açores.
Accommodation
In the Açores, you will find a diversity of Accommodations where you can stay during your visit. Starting with the fantastic hotels and guesthouses available, as well as hostels, local accommodations, and rural options.
There is a choice for every taste, so we recommend searching in the box below to find the best opportunities at the best price.
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Rent a car
To explore and get around during your stay, a car will be essential. There are several car rental companies / rent-a-car available, with some located right at the airport upon your arrival. However, we recommend booking your car in advance to ensure availability when you arrive.
Jorge Caetano
See also: Rent a Car Açores (Complete guide to renting a car in the Azores)
Excursions and activities
If you prefer not to rent a car, or wish to complement your independent travel with guided or group tours, there are also other options such as tour companies dedicated to providing guided island tours. If you want to plan your trip in advance and enjoy convenience upon arrival, you can book excursions and tours online. See below for the GetYourGuide tours we recommend, which are certified for quality.
What to do in the Azores – Activities and Experiences
Visiting the Azores
Now that you have gathered the three main points for planning your trip to the Açores, let’s go into more detail on some other aspects you should consider.
Best time of year to visit the Azores
As with any trip or destination – apart from winter and snow destinations – most tourists seek good weather. In the Açores, there isn’t one ideal time to visit any of its 9 islands. Although, of course, summer is the peak season and the most chosen time to travel to this destination.
But if you travel at another time of the year, you will certainly have a fantastic stay as well. The temperature in the Açores is quite humid. In addition to this factor, you might encounter several “seasons” in the same day. For example, it might be raining in one location while a few kilometers away, the sun is shining.
This can be a factor that will help in planning your trip; you don’t have to opt only for summer to visit the Açores.
See also: What to pack for the Azores
Weather
To stay up-to-date with the weather and see what conditions are like in various locations and islands, we recommend the SpotAzores website. In addition to the information described, you can also view live webcam images in real-time. It will become your best friend during your stay.
Time Difference
When traveling to the Açores – as they say in slang – you gain an hour. The time difference compared to mainland Portugal and Madeira is one hour less.
Dining
The cuisine of the Açores is quite rich. You will find delicious dishes with typical regional flavors. Enjoy the wide range of restaurants available.
There are some dishes that are a must-try, such as the Cozido das Furnas. Don’t forget the fantastic Açores Limpets either.
Camera
Visiting the Açores is synonymous with taking thousands of photographs. Believe us, you’ll need to consider your camera’s storage, as there are countless reasons why you’ll want to capture and remember these moments later.
Make the most of the fantastic landscapes, monuments, and spots for taking pictures. See photographs of the Açores.
Lagoa do Congro
Fotografia de Nuno
If you enjoy a good walk and hiking trails where you can soak in the surrounding nature, this is an activity for you in the Açores. To help you with this, there’s the Trilhos dos Açores website, where you’ll find all the available information, maps, and details about the routes.
Seeing whales and dolphins is one of the many activities that can make your stay in the Açores truly memorable. A trip across the Atlantic Ocean to witness enormous whales will be an unforgettable sensation and experience. Not to mention the beloved dolphins. With some activities, you can even dive and swim alongside them.
Activities & Leisure
In addition to the activities mentioned above, you also have at your disposal:
Points of Interest and Places to Visit
See and read some of the articles we’ve already shared on byAçores:
Now that we’ve listed some of the most important points for planning your trip to the Açores, all that’s left is for you to discover the Açores. If you have additional tips or questions about your trip, join the Amantes dos Açores group on Facebook. We are already a family with thousands of members sharing tips, experiences, and answering questions about the Açores destination.
Visit the Açores, visit us!
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