{"id":51479,"date":"2023-12-07T01:06:41","date_gmt":"2023-12-06T23:06:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/check-in-out.com\/the-azores-the-complete-travel-guide\/"},"modified":"2026-10-21T10:46:58","modified_gmt":"2026-10-21T07:46:58","slug":"azores","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/check-in-out.com\/en\/azores\/","title":{"rendered":"The Azores: The Complete Travel Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Nobody knows what paradise looks like, but if it exists, it probably looks a lot like the Azores in the Atlantic Ocean, an autonomous region of Portugal<\/a>. There are 9 islands of volcanic origin (don’t worry, the volcanoes are dormant) lying west of Portugal, about 1,500 km (930 miles) of ocean away from Lisbon.<\/p>\n\n

\"Volcanic<\/figure>\n\n

The Azores: Background<\/h2>\n\n

The islands’ name comes from the word A\u00e7ores, from a\u00e7or, a goshawk (a bird of prey); in Portuguese it’s pronounced roughly “a-SO-resh”. When the Portuguese first arrived in the 15th century (the Age of Discovery), there were lots of birds of prey there, so the islands were named after them.<\/p>\n\n

Discovering the Islands<\/h4>\n\n

The islands were discovered by a Portuguese captain who was part of the fleet of Henry the Navigator (an important figure in Portuguese history), who led Portugal’s drive to discover new sea routes and new lands.<\/p>\n\n

Wartime Trivia<\/strong>: During World War II the islands were very important to the Allies as a stopover for refueling and organizing operations in the Atlantic. They were also a base for the battle for control of the sea against German submarines.<\/p>\n\n

Life on the Islands<\/h4>\n\n

The islanders make a living from farming bananas, tobacco, tea, pineapples and grapes, as well as from Portuguese and international tourism. The islands get their electricity from local power plants.<\/p>\n\n

Why Visit the Azores?<\/h2>\n\n

Because it’s an island, because it’s green and, above all, because the scenery and mountains are spectacular, with lovely hiking trails, lakes, waterfalls, caves and lots of hot springs. Add friendly, pleasant locals, cheap food and plenty of peace and quiet, and you’ve got paradise.<\/p>\n\n

Food for Thought When Planning!<\/h3>\n\n

The islands are a natural gem, and a visit here is about natural wonders rather than city sights. The choice of restaurants and non-nature activities is relatively small, so the trip suits travelers and families who understand that options are limited in that respect and who are ready for walking, touring and an intense encounter with nature.<\/p>\n\n

Where Do You Start, and Should You Visit All the Islands?<\/h2>\n\n

The islands are scattered in three groups, and you can visit all of them. Most visits start on the largest island, S\u00e3o Miguel, and continue from there to the other islands. One thing that affects your trip is the ferries between the islands, since flights reach only some of them. On some islands the ferry runs only seasonally, so you won’t always be able to reach every island.<\/p>\n\n

Local Tip<\/strong>: In our opinion there’s no need to visit all the islands. Pick 2\u20133 and you’ll experience a wide range of nature and of what makes each island different.<\/p>\n\n

Getting to the Azores<\/h2>\n\n

By flights from Portugal (Porto<\/a> and Lisbon<\/a>) and from other European countries (depending on the season). There are also flights from the northeastern United States. Besides the Portuguese national airline and the islands’ own airline, the islands are served mainly by low-cost airlines like Ryanair and others.<\/p>\n\n

The largest island handles most of the flights, but flights also reach the smaller islands (Terceira, Pico, Faial). You can get between islands on local flights, but mainly by ferry (about an hour’s sailing on average).<\/p>\n\n

Weather in the Azores, or When to Go<\/h2>\n\n

The islands lie at roughly the same latitude as Lisbon, so the weather is similar. Peak season is summer, which is relatively pleasant (up to 24\u00b0C \/ 75\u00b0F on average) but humid. The islands are also largely subtropical, so the weather varies from island to island, is unstable and can change quickly (even within a day), with rain, fog and wind.<\/p>\n\n

What to Wear:<\/strong> Bring long clothes, and especially a raincoat and suitable (waterproof) shoes.<\/p>\n\n

When to Visit:<\/strong> Autumn is outside the summer peak season but is still considered a comfortable time to visit in terms of weather, crowds (there aren’t any) and prices.<\/p>\n\n

Getting Around the Azores<\/h2>\n\n

All the islands have a good road network, so it’s easy to rent a car and get everywhere on your own. Alternatively, you can hire a driver on the island to take you to various destinations and attractions.<\/p>\n\n

Where to Stay in the Azores<\/h2>\n\n

Every island offers accommodation at different levels and prices. There are new hotels alongside guesthouses in converted old farms and the like. The islands’ varied beauty makes choosing the best places to stay in the Azores a challenge.<\/p>\n\n

Recommended Hotels on S\u00e3o Miguel<\/h4>\n\n

S\u00e3o Miguel is the largest island in the Azores and a popular destination, so there’s plenty of accommodation.<\/p>\n\n

Sul Villas & Spa \u2013 Azores <\/strong>Located in Lagoa, it offers free Wi-Fi throughout, a sun terrace with a pool, a bar and a garden, a 24-hour front desk, concierge services and free private parking, and if you want to explore the area you can also rent bikes. Click here for prices and bookings<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n

Octant Ponta Delgada <\/strong>This lively, cosmopolitan hotel offers 123 rooms with amazing sea views and an outdoor pool in Ponta Delgada. All rooms are modern and equipped with air conditioning, soundproofing, a minibar and a flat-screen cable TV. The private bathrooms have a bath or shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries. Click here for prices and bookings<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n

Terra Nostra Garden Hotel<\/strong> Set in a tree-lined valley, it offers elegantly designed rooms. Your stay includes access to an indoor pool and an outdoor pool. All rooms are decorated in neutral tones with wooden furniture. Click here for prices and bookings<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n

Recommended Hotels on Terceira <\/h4>\n\n

Beautiful Angra do Hero\u00edsmo is the historic capital, a charming city on Terceira, full of colorful caf\u00e9s, bars and boutiques. Terceira is also one of the best places if you love festivals: between May and October, several towns on the island hold touradas \u00e0 corda (bull-running on a rope), when bulls are let loose in the streets to join the party.<\/p>\n\n

ALLuar Lodge<\/strong>: Accommodation with lovely sea views. The property has a pool area and a garden overlooking the sea.Click here for prices and bookings<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n

Palacio Santa Catarina Hotel<\/strong>: This 4-star hotel in Angra do Hero\u00edsmo, 700 meters from Silveira beach, offers an outdoor pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge. Click here for prices and bookings.<\/a><\/p>\n\n

Atlantida Mar Hotel<\/strong>: A contemporary hotel offering designer rooms with panoramic views. It has direct access to the Atlantic promenade and an outdoor pool. Click here for prices and bookings<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n

Recommended Hotels on Pico<\/h4>\n\n

The Azores are also known for their wildlife, especially the whales that grace the waters around the islands several times a year during their migrations. Almost every town or village with a marina offers whale-watching tours. Pico is a great choice if that’s one of the things you’re most looking forward to in the Azores.<\/p>\n\n

Miradouro da Papalva Guesthouse \u2013 Pico \u2013 Azores<\/strong>: Offers barbecue facilities and a garden. All units have a seating area, a TV, a private bathroom with free toiletries and a bath, a microwave, a toaster, a fridge and a coffee machine. Click here for prices and bookings<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n

A rural guesthouse (TER \u2013 TA) in Pontas Negras. The property offers a terrace, free private parking and free Wi-Fi. The pool has a pool bar and sea views. Click here for prices and bookings<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n

What to Eat<\/h2>\n\n

Unlike in a city, the food options on the islands are more limited. Fish and seafood are the main products, and there are of course burgers and steaks with familiar sides like rice, fries, eggs and so on. And of course there’s plenty of fruit, as you’d expect on an island, which is definitely worth taking advantage of.<\/p>\n\n

The local dish is cozido (Cozido das Furnas), a hearty meat and vegetable stew cooked underground using the heat of the volcanic hot springs.<\/p>\n\n

Top Attractions in the Azores<\/h2>\n\n

Each island offers a similar yet different nature experience. There are many beaches (the water is fairly cold), forest hiking trails (with difficulty levels for everyone), tea and tobacco plantations and other farms to visit, hot springs, caves and quite a few boat trips.<\/p>\n\n

Dolphin and whale watching cruises \u2013 see these amazing mammals in their natural habitat. Suitable if you don’t mind the waves; boat trips leave from most of the islands.<\/p>\n\n

S\u00e3o Miguel<\/h4>\n\n

S\u00e3o Miguel is the largest and most populated island in the Azores, nicknamed “the Green Island”. It’s a well-known holiday destination and draws many tourists.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n