Portugal is home to the interesting island archipelago known as the Azores Islands. The Azores Islands on map, which are in the Atlantic and are less than five hours’ flight time from the U.S. East Coast and two hours’ flight time from Lisbon, are a good starting point for Americans who dislike long journeys.
The tropical weather that you encounter on the Azores could surprise you. On the island of San Miguel, there are tea plantations as well as small, very flavored pineapples. There are flowers everywhere, especially in the spring.
The environment and even the food of the islands bear clear signs of their volcanic heritage. Steaming hot springs abound, and the famous caldeiras of Furnas, a village located between Villa Franca and Nordeste on the map, are where the distinctive Azorean meal Cozido, a stew, is prepared.
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Getting to the Azores Islands
Azores Airlines offers service to all nine of the Azores Islands. On the largest island of the Azores, So Miguel or San Miguel, the important municipality of Ponta Delgada is where international planes land. Azores Airlines operates flights to the Azores from Boston, Oakland, Toronto, Montreal, Porto, Lisbon, Frankfurt, and Las Palmas during the peak travel period. You may take direct flights from Lisbon to Horta, Terceira, Santa Maria, as well as Ponta Delgada if you’re traveling to the Azores.
Check Azores Airlines for the most recent information during the off-season as these departures are subject to regular modification.
Getting Around the Azores Islands
There are flights between the islands during the busy season. Ferry services can be sporadic, and several boats only operate during certain parts of the summer.
It is advisable to book your flights at the same time if you plan to fly from the United States to two islands. In other words, those who are on a budget will prefer a ticket that includes stops in both Boston and Ponta Delgada before continuing on to Terceira.
About Lodging
There are several hotels in major cities like Ponta Delgada, where you will probably arrive in the Azores, but exploring the island’s rural areas is the main lure. The Rural Tourism program offers a wide range of alternatives. If traveling in the countryside appeals to you, consider looking for accommodations at Rural Tourism in Portugal.
When to Go
The islands of the Azores are the best places to travel during the off- or shoulder-seasons due to their consistent, subtropical temperature. Additionally, it’s perfect for people who want to have a summer vacation but don’t like the harsh heat. For the blooms, go in the spring.
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Who Should Go to the Azores?
This is a good place for active tourists interested in island culture and activities. Trekking, boating and kayaking, golfing, paragliding, and diving are among activities. These are tropical islands with distinctly European traits.
At night, you can have a classic supper with great (and occasionally local) wines after swimming and boating during the day. In the Azores, you won’t be dropped off in a posh resort that’s fenced off from a less affluent populace.
What’s Not in the Azores That You Might Expect
You might be surprised to learn that in the Azores, attractions other than beaches can be found. We’re not talking about Hawaii here, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t sandy stretches that draw swimmers.
The water is warmed by the Gulf Stream, and there are plenty of opportunities to swim in “natural swimming pools” created by the collapse of small volcanic craters, so swimmers (and divers) may have a great time in the Azores.
Island Hop to Madeira
If you enjoy visiting tropical islands, consider taking a Gulf Stream Island Hopping flight from Funchal on Madeira Island to Ponta Delgada in the Azores. Only slightly more than two hours pass during the flight.
Getting Around within an Island in the Azores
Public transportation is aimed at Azoreans going to work and many of the public transport timetables are probably inconvenient for most tourists to the Azores. Hiring a taxi for a half-day tour is reasonably inexpensive, and gets you exactly where you want to go.
Rental cars are available and are good to have on larger islands such as San Miguel.
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