Azores Leisure

Naturally, with so much water and coastline, most of the sports and leisure activities in the Azores are focused on water sports and bathing. Sailing and windsurfing are very popular, as is fishing, while whale and dolphin watching are other favourite pastimes. Other sports are also available, such as golf on São Miguel and Terceira and even bullfighting on Terceira and Graciosa.

Bullfighting

Bullfighting in the Azores and mainland Portugal is less violent than the Spanish version - where the animals are killed - although blades are still placed in the bulls’ backs to a point and the sport may appear somewhat barbaric to many visitors. If you are interested in seeing bullfighting, the islands of Terceira and Graciosa have arenas and regular shows.

Golf

There are three quality golf courses in the Azores, with two of the best on São Miguel and the other on the central island of Terceira. They are all 18-hole, par 72 courses and are fairly uncongested even in July and August.

Water sports

The Azores’ fantastic coastline harbours many excellent beaches, where water sports are popular. Surfing, windsurfing, swimming, snorkelling, diving, yachting, rowing and sailing are all very popular and can be practised on most islands. There is also some great fishing to be had around the islands, particularly between the islands of Faial, Pico and São Jorge, in the southwest of the chain. The fish here can be huge and boats are well equipped to fish in deep waters.

Whale/dolphin watching

Pico, Faial, São Miguel and Santa Maria offer whale spotting with several companies that have charter operations, with the best areas being around Pico and Faial. In addition, São Miguel is great for dolphin watching and seeing these marvellous creatures in their natural habitat.