Azores Travel Guide (Islands of the Atlantic Ocean/Islands/Other destinations)

Introduction to Azores

Located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores archipelago is a Portuguese territory comprising nine volcanic islands. Discover a world of natural wonders, rich cultural heritage, and exciting outdoor activities in this hidden gem of a destination. The archipelago is a haven for adrenaline junkies, nature lovers, and those seeking a tranquil escape from the stresses of everyday life.

List of Places to Visit in Azores

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

History enthusiasts will find plenty to do in Azores, with plenty of museums and historical sites to explore. A must-visit is the Angra do Heroismo Museum, which showcases the island’s cultural heritage through a diverse range of exhibits. The Graciosa Museum, located in the charming town of Santa Cruz, is also worth visiting for its fascinating collection of artifacts and traditional crafts.

Natural Attractions of Azores: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Azores is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with a wide range of hiking and biking trails to explore. Hike to the crater of Sete Cidades, a stunning twin lake with an emerald green and a calm blue lagoon that resemble giant eyes. At Pico Island, Climb the highest mountain in Portugal at 2351 meters. Bike around São Miguel island, the largest island of the archipelago that offers cliffside views, crystal clear lakes, and dense pine forests throughout the trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Azores

Azores offers some of the most stunning and diverse hiking and biking trails in the world. The Azores Trail Run will be the most challenging adventure with 111-kilometer race throughout the Azores islands. The Rota da Caldeira, located in Faial Island, offers incredible vistas of the archipelago’s volcanic landscape. Meanwhile, in São Miguel Island, there’s the breathtaking hike to Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake), a stunning crater lake in the center of the island.

Best Things to Do in Azores: Activities and Tours

Azores is a destination that offers a wide range of activities, from whale watching to diving in crystal clear waters filled with colorful marine life. Visit Furnas Valley and experience the thermal spas, the smell of sulfur, and the mouth-watering cozido. Go on a wine tour and indulge in the unique taste of wine made with Azorean grapes. Take a boat trip to nearby islets, explore hidden caves, and swim in the clear waters of the Atlantic, booking your tours with AzoresAdventureIslands.

Week-Long Itinerary for Azores

Discover the perfect itinerary for a week-long adventure in Azores with a combination of cultural highlights and outdoor activities.

Day of the Week	Activities
Monday	Arrive in the Azores
Tuesday	Sete Cidades Crater & Horseback Riding
Wednesday	Whale Watching & Pico Island Vineyards
Thursday	Jeep Off-Road to Furnas, Multifaceted Azores in a Day
Friday	Visit the Best Beaches in São Miguel Island
Saturday	Island Adventure: Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park
Sunday	Visit to the Nordeste Municipality

Food and Drink Scene of Azores

Azores offers a unique dining experience with cuisine and ingredients that are exclusive to the archipelago. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages.

Must-Try Dishes

One dish you can’t miss is Cozido das Furnas, a slow-cooked stew made of meat, vegetables, and legumes cooked using the heat from the volcanic earth of Furnas. The Azorean Seafood Stew is another Azorean dish you need to sample.

Local Beverages

Taste the unique Azorean wine made with Isabella and Terrantez grape varieties or Convent wine made with traditional Portuguese grape varieties. In addition to wine, Azores is famous for its dairy products, particularly the delicious local cheese. You should also taste the Faial gin, a gin that is produced with different scents that will make your gin tonic totally different.

Where to Stay in Azores: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Azores offers a range of accommodations to suit different traveler’s budgets and needs. For luxury lovers, Furnas Boutique Spa Hotel offers an intimate setting with a wellness spa, outdoor pool, and lush gardens. A romantic island getaway can be arranged in Furnas Lake Spa Hotel. For the best view of the ocean, choose Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort in São Miguel Island.

What to Buy in Azores: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Take home a piece of Azores with handcrafted ceramics, unique wickerwork accessories, and typical Azorean sweets such as Queijadas, Pasteis de bacalhau, or Bolo lêvedo, fluffy sweet bread that is perfect for breakfast or a snack. In addition, Azorean tea, fresh artisanal honey, and regional liqueurs all make great souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Azores

Azores is a destination with distinct cultural traditions and customs that reflect the island’s history and heritage. The islanders are very close to their family and celebrate many traditional festivals and customs all year round, such as Holy Ghost. The production of Tapestry is also widespread in Azores, and you can visit Museu da Fábrica da Arte in São Miguel to view the traditional tapestry creations.

Best Time to Visit Azores

The best time to visit Azores is during the months between June and September as the weather is warm and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities, beach relaxation, and sightseeing. January until March is the busiest travel period for whale watching.

Do’s and Don’ts of Azores

Do:

Respect the local customs and traditions.
Be friendly with locals and learn a few Portuguese words as they appreciate it.
Bring your layered and waterproof clothing as weather is quite unpredictable.

Don’t:

Litter across the islands; Azores is a natural beauty, and we should all protect it at all costs.
Sit around and not try outdoor activities. You will be surprised by the vast range of activities that you can do here.
Enter the sea without checking the current; the Atlantic can be rough at times.

Safety and Health

Safety in Azores

Azores is known for its safe and welcoming community with a low crime rate. However, travelers should take general safety precautions like securing their valuables, not leaving their belongings unattended in public areas, and staying in well-lit areas at night.

Health in Azores

Azores offers excellent healthcare facilities with advanced medical technology and medication. However, medical travel insurance is always recommended as covering any unexpected incidents is wise.

Getting to Azores: Transportation Options and Logistics

Azores can be reached via air and sea. The quickest and most convenient way is by air, and Azores have three convenient airports.

Airports Near Azores

João Paulo II Airport (PDL) in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island.
Horta Airport (HOR) in Faial Island.
Santa Maria Airport (SMA) in Santa Maria Island.

Bus Stations Near Azores

As the public transportation system is quite limited across the islands, the most convenient way is to hire a car rental, which many agencies operate across the islands.

Other Options

Azores is an archipelago surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, and some global cruise ships offer Azores as one of the stops.

How to Get Around in Azores

Hiring a car rental is the most convenient and flexible option for exploring the islands at your leisure. The local bus services are reliable, but these can be limited in remote areas. Taxis are also widely available, but can be expensive for long journeys.

Where to Go Next from Azores: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Azores is an excellent base for exploring other nearby destinations, such as mainland Portugal, the Madeira Islands, and the Canary Islands. The other flight connections are to Boston, Oakland, and Toronto if you want to combine your trip to the beautiful region of North America.

Conclusion

Azores is a destination that will leave you spellbound, with its stunning natural scenery, vibrant cultural traditions, and exciting outdoor activities. With this comprehensive travel guide, you are equipped with all the information you need to plan your ultimate Azores adventure. Pack your bags and start exploring this unique piece of paradise.

Azores Image Gallery

The Pico mountain as seen from São Jorge