Azores

An Adventure of a lifetime

AZORES - DESCRIPTION

Naturally rich in its history, beauty and culture, the Portuguese islands, Açores, are a hidden gem in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. These 9 Volcanic islands, each one unique and different, are a small territory 1,600 km away from mainland Portugal (Europe) and 2,454 km from Canada (North America). From Santa Maria, the first island to be found, to Corvo, the smallest of the archipelago, theres a 600 km stretch. Although its location is far from mainland, around 2h to Lisbon by plane, they are in a very strategic place as its between America, Europe and Africa, becoming a point of connection within them.

With a Maritime Temperate Climate, the temperature is very linear all year round which is very pleasant due to the mild atmosphere. The colorful scenario in these islands are a clear result of this weather influence, that makes every season a good one to visit yes! No off-season in the Azores. If you are lucky enough, you can experience the 4 seasons in one day, which will enhance your holidays. This is the main reason for the massive and virgin vegetation that can be found in hidden spots throughout these mystical islands.

With a lot of protected landscapes areas and parks, the Azorean fauna and flora are well preserved and are worth a visit. Great destination for adventurers, but also unforgettable experiences seekers, with different options of holidays: canyoning, scuba diving, horse riding, sailing, whale watching, swimming with dolphins or manta rays. If none of these seem appealing, the relaxing spots are also frequent which will allow to disconnect and just enjoy being isolated from the big city set-up.

How to Get & Move around the Islands

Usually, the connection to the Azores is via Lisbon or Porto, two of the most important cities of Portugal mainland. Since there is a rising interest in travelling to these volcanic islands, the international connections are expanding every year. The Azores are closer not only to the Europe mainland, but also to America and Canada, with direct flights from main capitals. Although some of these flights are seasonal, there are daily connections from Lisbon and Porto to São Miguel and Terceira Island, which easily connects to the other islands. Either with Sata Internacional, TAP or Ryanair, these international companies are an extremely important tool to link the Azores to the world.

Once you get here the connection between the islands is very smoothly done by airplane, where there are regular flights with Sata Azores Airlines.

Its possible to travel between the triangle islands (Pico, Faial and São Jorge) and Flores and Corvo by ferry. This is a great option for the island-hopping lovers.

Driving around / Rent a Car

It will be a great way to explore these islands as it allows you to stop and wonder the nature for as long as you want. With an almost none-existing traffic, the distances between places are quite small, which helps you go around the island very easily. The rent a car services are available in 8 islands exception of Corvo so be ready to explore and drive around the archipelago. In São Miguel Island you can book a hybrid car as a much eco-friendly choice. It has a lighter environmental impact and you wont have to worry about the refuel.

Guided Tours

Want to know more about these mysterious islands? Book with us a tour with certificated guides and enjoy the relaxation of an excursion. Discover the best spots of Azores while soaking in all the knowledge guides have to offer.

Bus & Taxi

The bus services run in the Azores, but its most use is by locals. If looking for a taxi, keep in mind that they may not accept credit card.

WHEN TO GO

With a Maritime Temperate Climate, the weather in the Azores is mild all year round which makes it constant in terms of temperature during the 4 seasons. Its the perfect destination for those who cant travel during summer, but still want a summer like vacations. Although the best time is always depending on each ones type of holidays, below is how the weather is like by seasons:

Summer - Slightly higher temperatures than usual (around 26°C), this is a great time for sea activities as whale watching, coasteering or sailing. For those whose ideal vacations are spending the day outside, activities such as rural experiences, climbing Pico mountain, hiking or canyoning is a great option.

Spring - With lots of flowered streets, this time of the year is filled with sunny days and a warmer weather. The rain is a bit more frequent, but its enjoyable as its part of the mystic place you are travelling to where everything is fueled by nature. Good season if visiting to see whales, as its the best time to see migrating species.

Autumn - The summer like temperatures last until late November, making this time of the year perfect for trekking as its less busy and you can just contemplate the Azorean landscapes being almost completely alone. Its also the best time for birdwatching as the migrating species are travelling to the azores. Perfect timing for the natural thermal outdoor baths that are 45 º, for relaxing and enjoying being in the nature.

Winter - The Azores are a great spot for those who want to escape very low temperatures and bad winters. The regular temperature feel is 12º, so it never reaches negative temperatures. Consequence? The nature continues to blossom, and you can still do outdoor activities and enjoy being outside. Hiking is great option if feeling like being more active. If going for a more calming day, the thermal waters are always a good option as they are perfect for the winter breeze.

WHAT TO BRING

  • Bikini/bathing suit (darker colors for the thermal baths as they are rich in minerals which will stain light clothes)
  • Backpack for hiking trails
  • Hiking shoes / sneakers
  • Jacket (when going in the high hills it may be windy and a bit chilly)
  • Travel camera
  • Comfortable clothes
  • Basic holiday first aid kit
  • European Health Insurance Card (European citizens travelling to a Member State of the European Union) may be helpful and beneficial if there is a medical treatment necessary during the trip.
  • Seasickness pills or wristbands (for whale watching activities or when travelling by boat to other islands)
  • Adaptor if travelling for outside Europe. Its used the two round-pin plugs (220v) in the Azores.
  • Reusable water bottle (Tap water is safe to drink)
  • Power bank

MUST KNOW BEFORE YOUR TRIP

First time in the Azores? Here are some tips and what you must know before going:

  • Portuguese is the native language, but most people speak English
  • Member of Eurozone, so EURO currency
  • European citizenship or valid passport
  • Local time zone is -1 GMT (-1h than Lisbon)
  • Cards accepted : Mastercard, Visa, Maestro (please check with your bank the taxes)
  • Hotel and restaurants include a service charge in bills, but tips are appreciated
  • Plugs : two round-pin plugs (220v)
  • Tap water is safe to drink in all islands
  • Domestic flights in Q200 and Q400 Bombardier airplanes (no seats booked)
  • Each island is different and has its own kind of beauty (all 9 of them)
  • Smallest island, Corvo, has about 400 habitants
  • Must try local food
  • Pico island has the highest mountain of Portugal where a lot of professional hikers go to
  • Whale watching is a very highly requested activity where nature is in charge
  • Be ready for outdoor activities
  • Magical black sand beaches and natural pools every corner
  • No special vaccine needed
  • Capelinhos is the last volcano that erupted in 1957 in Faial island
  • Blossom of nature all 4 seasons
  • Practice less is more thinking, be ready to disconnect
  • ATMs are easy to find in city center
  • More than 50 trails in the Azores
  • Dont miss the chance to try the underground cooked meal
  • Safe place, day and night

QUICK PORTUGUESE

For someone who likes to learn and be with the locals when travelling, here are some basic words in Portuguese to help on a regular trip:

Hello Olá Good morning Bom dia Good afternoon Boa tarde Good evening Boa noite Thank you Obrigada Thank you so much Muito Obrigada I would like to go to Gostaria de ir Goodbye Adeus See you soon Até já Please Por favor / Se faz favor You are welcome De nada I am sorry Desculpe Excuse me Com licença Sir / Madam Senhor / Senhora Yes / No Sim / Não Today Hoje Tomorrow Amanhã How much is it? Quanto custa? How are you? Como está? / Tudo bem? Breakfast Pequeno-almoço Lunch Almoço Diner Jantar Left / Right Esquerda / Direita Bathroom Casa de banho Street Rua / Estrada

DIFFERENT TYPES OF COFFEE


Regular dark coffee: Expresso

Mug fully filled with coffee: Café Cheio(Full)

A big mug with two measures of coffee: Café Duplo (Double)

Decaf coffee: Descafeinado

Regular coffee with a small portion of milk: Pingado

Milk with a small portion of coffee: Garoto

Mug full with a portion of milk and one of coffee: Galão

Mug full with more milk than coffee: Meia de Leite

Coffee with a small portion of milk and milk foam: Cappuccino