Travel To The Azores: What Americans Need To Know

The Azores, a Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, is a popular destination for Americans. The region offers incredible landscapes, fishing villages, lush green pastures, and beautiful shores to explore. With its remote location, natural beauty, and biodiversity, the Azores have something for everyone.

Americans can easily travel to the Azores as it is only a 5-hour flight from the US with daily direct flights from New York and Boston to Ponta Delgada. The main airport in the Azores, João Paulo II Airport, is located in Ponta Delgada and offers direct flights from North America and Europe.

The Azores are made up of nine islands, each with its own unique landscape and charm. The islands include Corvo, Faial, Flores, Graciosa, Pico, Santa Maria, São Jorge, São Miguel, and Terceira. São Miguel and Terceira are the most popular islands to visit due to their direct flight connections from the US.

The Azores have something for everyone, from whale watching and hot springs to volcanoes and tea plantations. So, if you're an American looking for an island paradise, the Azores is a great choice!

Direct flights from the US to the Azores

The best time to visit the Azores is from June to October, with the peak season being August. The low season is from October to April, and the quietest months are from January to March.

The Azores are a group of nine islands in the Atlantic Ocean, about 1,000 miles off the coast of Portugal. The islands are Corvo, Faial, Flores, Graciosa, Pico, Santa Maria, São Jorge, São Miguel, and Terceira.

São Miguel and Terceira are the most popular islands to visit due to their direct flight connections from the US. São Miguel offers attractions such as whale watching, hot springs, volcanoes, and tea plantations. Terceira is known for its history, culture, hiking, and beaches.

The Azores as a stopover destination

The Azores, a Portugal-administered archipelago, is a great stopover destination for those travelling between mainland Portugal and the United States. The Azores are made up of nine islands, each with its own unique landscape and charm. The regional airline SATA offers a great stopover programme, as well as an inter-island pass for those looking to explore more than one island.

The main airport in the Azores is João Paulo II Airport in Ponta Delgada, which offers direct flights from North America. From Boston, you can fly directly to Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, or Terceira. The shortest flight from Boston takes just under five hours. One-way tickets start from $320. From New York, you can also fly directly to Ponta Delgada, with one-way tickets starting from $324.49.

If you're looking for a stopover destination with stunning natural landscapes, the Azores is a great option. The islands offer everything from towering mountains to volcanic beaches. The most popular island to visit is São Miguel, which is known for its wild nature. Here, you can find the famous hike up Sete Cidades, a viewpoint overlooking a double crater filled with water, as well as the highest peak on the island, Pico da Vara.

In addition to its natural beauty, the Azores also offer cultural attractions. Ponta Delgada, the small, compact capital, is a colonial Baroque city with whitewashed palaces, cafes, and squares. The main church, Igreja Matriz de Sao Sebastião, is known for its gilded altars and stained glass windows.

So, if you're looking for a stopover destination that offers both natural and cultural experiences, the Azores is a great choice. With its convenient location between the United States and Europe, as well as its increasing popularity and accessibility, it's a great option for those looking to explore a new destination.

The Azores' natural beauty

The Azores, an archipelago of nine volcanic islands off the western coast of Portugal, is known for its natural beauty. The islands have been described as "Europe meets Hawaii", with some likening their volcanic landscapes to those of Iceland. However, the Azores are truly unique, with untouched landscapes that have been relatively off the radar for tourists, preserving their natural beauty and authenticity. The locals respect the nature of these islands and prioritise sustainability and preservation. The Azores is officially the first archipelago to be recognised as one of the "Most Sustainable Tourism Destinations in the World" by EarthCheck.

The islands offer a mix of rugged volcanic terrain, lush green mountains, and pristine coastlines. Here are some of the most notable natural attractions in the Azores:

• Sete Cidades in São Miguel Island: This site comprises 11 lakes, with the most famous being Lagoa das Sete Cidades, known for its dual-coloured waters, ranging from emerald green to turquoise blue.
• Lagoa do Fogo in São Miguel Island: A crater lake nestled within Pico da Barrosa, offering crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounded by mountains and lush vegetation.
• Furnas in São Miguel Island: A valley filled with bubbling caldeiras and hot springs, where visitors can relax in thermal baths and enjoy the surrounding nature.
• Vila Franca do Campo Islet in São Miguel Island: A nature reserve located off the coast, featuring a saltwater inlet created by a volcanic crater, ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
• Tea Plantations in São Miguel Island: The Azores is home to Europe's only two commercial tea plantations, producing local tea for almost 200 years.
• São Lourenço Bay in Santa Maria Island: Referred to as the "Algarve of the Azores", this bay boasts calm, crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and sweeping vineyards.
• Barreiro da Faneca in Santa Maria Island: Known as the "Red Desert of the Azores", this area features reddish clay formed by lava flows and volcanic ashes, creating a unique and rare landscape.
• Pico Mountain in Pico Island: Towering at 2,351 meters, Mount Pico is the tallest mountain in Portugal and can be seen from various neighbouring islands.
• The Vineyards of Criação Velha in Pico Island: Pico Island has a long history of wine cultivation, with vines growing from mineral-rich lava soil. The small plots of land, protected by volcanic stone walls, are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Fajãs of São Jorge Island: São Jorge Island is known for its "fajãs", permanent debris fields constructed from landslides or lava flows. These unique landscapes offer breathtaking views and are accessible via foot trails or ATVs.
• Serra do Cume in Terceira Island: A spectacular flat plain resulting from a volcanic eruption, featuring vibrant green pastureland divided by basalt rock walls. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
• Algar do Carvão in Terceira Island: One of the few volcanoes in the world that you can enter and explore, Algar do Carvão is an ancient lava tube and volcanic chimney over 3,000 years old.
• Monte Brasil in Terceira Island: A collapsed volcanic cone that attaches to the historic city of Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climbing to the top offers a panoramic view of the city and the island.
• Capelinhos Volcano in Faial Island: The site of the Azores' most recent volcanic eruption in the 1950s, Capelinhos Volcano formed a new land mass and buried a nearby lighthouse. It features an underground Visitors Centre showcasing volcanic activity.
• Porto Pim Bay in Faial Island: A desirable bathing area with a beach, calm waters, and the imposing volcanic cone of Monte da Guia. It holds historical significance as the settlement site of Faial's first inhabitants.
• Caldeira of Faial Island: A nature reserve and a 400-meter-deep crater resulting from a volcanic eruption. It is home to rare endemic flora and offers hiking trails for exploration.
• Windmills of Graciosa Island: Graciosa Island is known for its Flemish-influenced windmills, some of which have been converted into unique accommodations for visitors.
• Furna do Enxofre in Graciosa Island: A lava cave with a perfectly vaulted ceiling, accessed through a 200-metre tunnel and a staircase leading deep into the Earth. The play of light inside creates a captivating visual spectacle.
• Poço das Alagoinhas in Flores Island: A cliffside featuring an incredible 20 waterfalls cascading down into a lush vegetation-filled valley.
• Poço do Bacalhau in Flores Island: A powerful waterfall rushing down from a height of 90 meters, with a small lagoon at its base where brave swimmers dare to take a dip.
• The Seven Lakes of Flores Island: Flores Island is known for its seven stunning lagoons, including Lagoa Negra, Lagoa Comprida, Lagoa Rasa, and Lagoa Funda, each offering picturesque views.
• Rocha dos Bordões in Flores Island: A 570,000-year-old geological monument with vertical columns that reach up to 20 meters in height. The site is surrounded by hydrangeas that bloom in warm seasons, filling the landscape with vibrant colours.
• Alagoa Bay in Flores Island: The coastal formations and cliffs of Alagoa Bay are ideal for scuba diving, canyoning, and boat tours. The bay is home to several islets, including Ilhéu do Garajau and Ilhéu do Pão de Açúcar.
• Caldeirão in Corvo Island: Located on the smallest and most remote island of Corvo, Caldeirão is a breathtaking crater resulting from the island's single volcano of origin. It boasts a vast circumference and depth, accessible via hiking trails or a viewpoint above.

The Azores truly is a nature lover's paradise, offering a diverse range of natural wonders to explore and discover.

The Azores' climate

The Azores, officially the Autonomous Region of the Azores, are an archipelago of nine volcanic islands in the Macaronesia region of the North Atlantic Ocean. The climate of the Azores is very mild for its northerly location, influenced by its distance from the continents and the passing Gulf Stream. The marine influence keeps temperatures mild year-round. Daytime temperatures usually fluctuate between 14°C (57°F) and 25°C (77°F) depending on the season. Temperatures above 30°C (86°F) or below 7°C (45°F) are rare. However, due to the high humidity (70%-80%), it can feel hotter in summer and colder in winter.

The best time to visit the Azores is late spring to early autumn (June to October), although the warmth often continues into November. The low season (October to April) is perfect for hiking in cooler temperatures. The climate is mostly governed by the sea temperature, which takes time to warm up and cool down, so the sea remains warm through September.

The weather in the Azores can change quickly, and locals say that the islands experience four seasons in one day. The islands are prone to quickly shifting weather patterns, which is why the archipelago's landscapes are so lush and green. The average rainfall on the island of Santa Maria is below 800 millimetres (30 inches) per year, while on the island of São Miguel, it is above 900 mm (35 inches), and on the island of Terceira, it reaches or exceeds 1,000 mm (40 inches) per year.

The Azores are not a sunshine-baked destination with golden sandy beaches. Instead, they offer lush green landscapes and a host of walking trails through nature, revealing breathtaking views of rugged coastlines, volcanic crater lakes, and waterfalls. The mixture of sun and humidity provides a year-round opportunity to explore nature, with flowers in bloom and cows grazing in the fields.

Spring in the Azores (March to June) is marked by blooming flowers and ideal temperatures for hiking. By late May and early June, people start flocking to the beaches and natural swimming pools as the ocean becomes pleasantly warm.

Summer in the Azores (June to September) is the perfect time for outdoor activities and going to the beach. However, it is also the busiest season, with higher prices and more tourists.

Autumn in the Azores (September to December) is ideal for those seeking quieter holidays. The temperatures are still warm and pleasant, and the hydrangeas are in full bloom.

Winter in the Azores (December to March) is the off-season, with deeply discounted airfares. The temperatures are a bit cooler, but the islands remain incredibly beautiful, and there are far fewer people and crowds.

Overall, the Azores offer a mild and humid subtropical climate with mild air and ocean temperatures all year long. The eastern group of islands (São Miguel and Santa Maria) has a Mediterranean climate, while the central and western groups (especially Flores and Corvo) have a more humid and rainy subtropical climate due to the effects of the Gulf Stream.

The Azores' culture

The Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal, is an archipelago of nine volcanic islands in the Macaronesia region of the North Atlantic Ocean. The islands' unique culture and heritage are steeped in a rich history and a myriad of traditions.

Religion

Religion remains at the heart of the Azores' island culture, with festivals and celebrations dominating the calendar. The Azorean people are deeply religious, and their ardour for their faith is reflected in the celebrations they organise throughout the year.

One of the largest celebrations is the Santo Cristo Festivities on the Island of São Miguel, which takes place each year on the fifth Sunday after Easter in Ponta Delgada. The main event involves a procession through the city streets, where people of faith follow a statue of Jesus Christ.

The Azoreans also proudly celebrate their style of cuisine, music, and politics.

Artisan Crafts

Artisan crafts like pottery, ceramics, and mosaics are integral facets of Azorean culture and history. The beautiful blue mosaic tiles and intricate pottery pieces adorn many buildings across the islands.

Agriculture and Economy

Agriculture is one of the main industries in the Azores, with farming still being one of the region's primary economic activities. The islands are known as the land of "happy cows," which graze freely in green fields facing the Atlantic Ocean. The Azores cows are responsible for producing 50% of the country's cheese!

The islands have also served as a waypoint for refuelling aircraft flying between Europe and North America in the 20th century and, to some extent, in the 21st century.

Architecture

The architecture of the Azores is fascinating, featuring little chapels dedicated to the Holy Spirit and UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Pico and Angra do Heroísmo.

Music and Dance

Music and dance are essential parts of Azorean culture, with folk songs and dances being passed down through generations. One popular dance is the Chamarrita, believed to be popular on all the islands, especially Faial and Pico. It is a lively dance performed in a circle, with a caller singing out directions to the dancers.

Emigration

Since the 17th century, many Azoreans have emigrated, mainly to Brazil, the United States, Canada, and Uruguay. The primary destination for Azorean emigrants is Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.

Frequently asked questions