Travel to Azores

Travel to the Azores

Situated 1,000 miles to the west of the Portuguese coast, the Azores is a chain of islands lying amid the deep waters of the vast Atlantic Ocean. Such is their position, relative to the equator; they remain quite warm throughout the year and are a popular escape for many visitors during the cooler spring and autumn seasons of Northern Europe. The main attractions of the islandsare the sandy beaches; pristine, fish-filled waters and stark volcanic landscapes.

Transportation to the Azores

There is only one real way to access the islands, owing to their remoteness, and that is by plane. Ponta Delgada Joao Paulo II Airport, on the popular island of So Miguel, is the main gateway, while international airports can also be found on two of the other islands; domestic airports on all islands make them quickly accessible from one another. Flights arrive from Europe, the US and Canada, and buses and taxis provide access to the main city of Ponta Delgada.

What to see

Most people come to the Azores for the sun and the beaches, although a growing number are here for the hiking. There aremany trails whichtraverse the huge volcanic peaks and their associated crater lakes. Most islands offer these attractions but, depending on their remoteness, they may be quieter and more serene than others.

So Miguel is the main draw to the Azores and is known for its great beaches, fantastic landscape and Azorean charm. One of the main attractions on So Miguel is the town of Furnas and the nearby geothermal hotspot. All sorts of leisure activities can be enjoyed on the island, including water sports and trekking, while numerous cafs, restaurants and resort hotels provide the entertainment.

Daytrips

If you plan on staying on any one of the islands, the neighbouring island is only ever a short flight away. Ferries also operate between some of the islands, and approaching these from the water gives visitors another perspective.

Take a daytrip over to the island of Faial and visit the most recent live volcano and its bustling town of Horta or Graciosa, with its thermal baths and Sulphur Cavern. Alternatively, visit the second largest island of Picos, which offers idyllic hiking and fantastic sunrises. In addition, Santa Maria Island offers greenery and an escape from it all, and Terceira, the Lilac Isle, offers the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angra do Herosmo and many festivals.

Activities and leisure

The Azores are all about leisure and activities, with hundreds of miles of fantastic hiking and trekking trails on offer over mountain ranges, volcanoes and beautiful coastline. Plenty of water sports activities are also available on most of the islands including: swimming, surfing, windsurfing, sailing, snorkelling and diving. Whale and dolphin-spotting is also a favourite pastime, as is bullfighting on the island of Terceira and golf on So Miguel.

Safety issues

The main safety issues to be aware of when visiting the Azores are to take it steady when driving the often dangerous mountain and coastal roads and to have plenty of provisions on your person when hiking some of the longer trails. Water sports also place tourists at greater risk of having an accident.Therefore we recommend you take out comprehensive travel insurance for yourself and your family when visiting the Azores.